By Danny Payne
[email protected]

1) Iowa (11-0)
Dare I do it??? I mean, the Hawkeyes are the only undefeated team left, so I guess it’s almost a given? What a time to be alive.

2) Michigan State (10-1)
If Connor Cook isn’t healthy, Iowa’s chance at going to the playoff is too high for Iowa’s fan base to survive.

3) Ohio State (10-1) 
I have no problem with what Zeke Elliott said following the Sparty game. People complain about not getting honest answers, and then, when they do, they act as if the world is burning down.

4) Michigan (9-2) 
Hey, there’s still a chance at the Beathard-Rudock Thunderdome Showdown in Indy Dec. 5. If you don’t want to see that, you’re lying.

5) Northwestern (9-2)
Good for the ’Cats. Really don’t understand how they beat Wisconsin, but alas.

6) Wisconsin (8-3)
Oh, I know how. Joel Stave is a starting Division-1 quarterback.

7) Penn State (7-4)
And thus begins the Big Ten’s slip into irrelevancy, unless it actually ended after Michigan or after Northwestern. I’m not sure.

8) Nebraska (5-6)
Iowa fans are to Nebraska what Minnesota fans are to Iowa, and I just don’t understand why.

9) Indiana (5-6)
Just from an entertainment perspective, I’d really like to see Indiana get a competent defensive coordinator. Chaos would ensue.

10) Minnesota (5-6)
Gophs could be a Big Ten West contender next year. We said that this year, but I actually believe it next year. Maybe.

11) Illinois (5-6)
I head Illinois is lowering admissions standards for in-state students and increasing financial aid. As logical as that sounds, it wasn’t the case before. And yes, the state is even more messed-up than you think it is.

12) Rutgers (4-7)
Knock, knock.

13) Maryland (2-9)
Who’s there?

14) Purdue (2-9)
Be better.

Offensive Impact
Saquon Barkley, Penn State
Year: Freshman
Position: Running back

I looked at the Big Ten’s rushing leaders and was surprised to see Barkley at No. 4 overall. Penn State has that going for it, at least.

Defensive Impact
Carl Nassib, Penn State
Year: Senior
Position Defensive line

Nassib is leading the Big Ten in sacks and forced fumbles and has been a bring spot for a mediocre team. And for some reason, I chose two Penn State players.

Game to Watch
Ohio State at Michigan
When: 11 a.m. Saturday
Where: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Watch: ABC