1. Oregon (9-0, 6-0 Big Ten): In dominant 38-17 win at Michigan, the Ducks outgained the Wolverines 470-270 and converted 10 of 15 third-down situations. Only a three-game collapse would keep them out of the College Football Playoff.
2. Ohio State (7-1, 4-1): Physical Buckeyes dig out of 10-0 hole to beat Penn State 20-13 in Happy Valley. Final two games against Indiana and Michigan will determine their conference and playoff fate.
3. Indiana (9-0, 6-0): The Hoosiers trailed in a game for the first time this season, down 10-0 at Michigan State. Then QB Kurtis Rourke led IU to 47 unanswered points and a 9-0 start for the first time in program history.
4. Penn State (7-1, 4-1): With the loss to Ohio State, Nittany Lions coach James Franklin fell to 1-12 against AP top 10 teams since his arrival in State College. That Nov. 23 trip to Minnesota could loom large for Penn State’s playoff hopes.
5. Iowa (6-3, 4-2): What in the name of Brian Ferentz is going on here? The Hawkeyes hammer Wisconsin 42-10, giving them games of 40 or more points in three of their past four contests.
6. Gophers (6-3, 4-2): Coach P.J. Fleck’s team owned the key moments in a 25-17 win at No. 24 Illinois, and QB Max Brosmer directed another comeback. Now comes the Athan Kaliakmanis revenge game at Rutgers.
7. Illinois (6-3, 3-3): QB Nate Altmyer lost two key fumbles vs. Gophers. One led to a Minnesota field goal. The other ended the game with the Illini at the Gophers 16-yard line.
