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#1 Ohio State (4-0, 1-0)

The Buckeyes have been on cruise control since Oklahoma.  Indiana and Wisconsin should help offer a bit more challenge to hone Ohio State for the meat of the Big Ten schedule coming up.  The Buckeyes look to be a level above the rest of the conference.

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#2 Nebraska (5-0, 2-0)

The Huskers are playing their best football in the 4th quarter, something they've emphasized after losing a number of games last season in the final minutes.  If Nebraska keeps improving they could surprise.

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#3 Michigan (5-0, 2-0)

Like last season the Wolverine defense appears to be the strength of this team.  Michigan's offense continued to struggle against a good Wisconsin defense.  They still need to prove they can play with the big boys.

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#4 Wisconsin (4-1, 1-1)

The Badgers ran out of gas against Michigan after playing three ranked opponents in five games.  This is still a very good Badger team.  Three tough games await against OSU, @Iowa, and Nebraska after a much needed bye week.

 

#5 Maryland (4-0, 1-0)

Maryland continues to make progress.  A road trip to Penn State next week should give us a better idea of just how much progress this team has made.  The meat of the division schedule looms in a couple more weeks.

 

#6 Indiana (3-1, 1-0)

A road game at Ohio State next Saturday should tell us whether the win over the Spartans was a fluke, or if the Hoosiers really do finally have a defense to match an always formidable offense.

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#7 Michigan State (2-2, 0-2)

If the Spartans can work out some issues they could easily be the Top 10 team we thought they were.  The good news for Michigan State fans is that the Spartan ills are self inflicted and correctable.

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#8 Minnesota (3-1, 0-1)

The Gophers appeared to be poised at the start of the season to contend for a division title.  A win over the visiting Iowa Hawkeyes on Saturday is a must if Minnesota is to keep their title hopes alive.

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#9 Iowa (3-2, 1-1)

Losses to graduation and injuries have taken their toll.  The Hawks will need to regroup quickly with Iowa traveling to division foes Minnesota and Purdue, followed by a division showdown at home against Wisconsin.

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#10 Penn State (3-2, 1-1)

The Nittany Lions may have saved Dennis Franklin's job with a big win over the Gophers last Saturday.  A win over interstate rival and undefeated Maryland this weekend could go a long way in solidifying Franklin's job for another year.

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                                                                                                                                              October 4, 2016