Chaos in the Big Ten? Indiana, USC, Nebraska, Oregon, and Penn State are battling the Ohio State Buckeyes for the Top spot. 

The Big Ten has been an eventful conference up to this point in the season, with surprise teams like Rutgers and Indiana starting 5-0 and playing their best football, while slated contenders Michigan, Penn State, Oregon, and USC have all shown key problems within their programs. 

First, we must talk about the shocking points within the conference. Indiana and Rutgers have baffled the nation so far with their 5-0 starts. The Hoosiers, led by former James Madison Head Coach Curt Cignetti and Ohio University transfer quarterback Kurtis Rourke, have looked spectacular this season. With wins at UCLA and home against Maryland, Cignetti has changed the culture in Bloomington.

Rutgers’ defense has helped carry them to many victories so far only allowing 16 points per game. The Scarlet Knights have notched big wins on the road against Virginia Tech and at home against Washington. Both the Scarlet Knights and Hoosiers have clear paths to finish the season with three or fewer losses and an opportunity to sneak into the College Football Playoff.

I mentioned earlier that Penn State, Michigan, Oregon, and USC have all shown major weaknesses when it comes to their programs so far this season. Penn State went to the final seconds against Bowling Green at home, allowing Harold Fannin Jr to go over 100 yards receiving and a touchdown. It looks like the Nittany Lions have established a very effective rushing attack that will draw the country away from their inconsistent quarterback play under Drew Allar. Penn State still has a road matchup against USC and host Ohio State at home in early November, so there are opportunities to boost their standing amongst the committee and AP voters. 

Michigan has looked like one of the easiest teams to beat but has managed to escape nearly every game by single digits to this point, besides at home against Texas where Davis Warren looked like a High School Freshman playing in a Top 5 matchup. The Wolverines do not have anyone much better on their roster as Alex Orji has looked just as bad as Warren so far. Kalel Mullings has taken over as the lead back, overtaking NCAA 25 cover athlete Donovan Edwards, and has dominated opposing teams. As of right now, Michigan has four remaining Top-25 matchups including a date with the Buckeyes in Columbus at the end of November. 

Oregon and USC have both had their shaky moments. Oregon having to come to the final minutes with FCS Idaho and Boise State does not help their resume one bit- but as of late, the Ducks have looked dominant against UCLA and Oregon State on the road as they host the Buckeyes in one week. USC on the other hand looked like a Top 5 team after week two with a big win against LSU and then a dominant performance against Utah State. But when they traveled to the Big House, Michigan was able to come out with a big victory. The Trojans have three big games remaining, at home against Rutgers, Penn State, and Notre Dame where they could still find their way into the College Football Playoff if they can win out. 

Of course, we have to talk about Ohio State. Ryan Day and company have had an outstanding year so far. Jeremiah Smith is looking like a Heisman candidate as a true freshman, and the Buckeye defense has only allowed 27 points this season, which averages out to 7 a game nearly. Granted, Ohio State has not been tested this season against a high-quality opponent, but this Saturday will showcase how great this offense is against an Iowa defense that is also on a high tier. The defense will also be able to show how much they have developed against a Heisman Trophy contender in running back and Cincinnati native Kaleb Johnson. 

The Big Ten is looking like it will come down to the final few weeks of the regular season, which has not been able to be said in recent years.