The Big Ten enters week six with multiple playoff threats knocking on the door. As conferences like the ACC, Big 12, and PAC 12 look the weakest we’ve seen in years the SEC and Big 10 have flourished. Between the two conferences, 13 teams are in the top 25 including all of the top four teams. The SEC pedigree has shown the legitimacy of Georgia and Alabama with Heisman candidates across the board and great non-conference wins. Now the teams north of them look to be in the conversation for a playoff spot but where they stand remains to be seen.

5 Threats

Ohio State

Ohio State came in as clear favorites to win the Big Ten title. A different story was told from the first snap when their defense looked weaker than ever and the offense needed to adapt. As they came home to Columbus to face the Oregon Ducks where they got upset knocking them down in the rankings along with their championship hopes. While they haven’t lost since, the Big Ten ‘blue blood” seems to be in much more trouble than expected. However, recent success between first-year starters CJ Stroud and Treveyon Henderson has emerged as one of the best dynamic duos in the conference. The Buckeye’s defense maintains numerous question marks with sideline drama and the 84th ranking in total defense.

Penn State

Penn State didn’t come in as a highly touted Big Ten team but their record says otherwise. After recording a win against Auburn they were put on the map through the back of Sean Clifford who threw for above 200 yards in four of the five first games. In an effort to expand the offense, Clifford utilization in the run game, great arm and elite awareness provides an offensive spark Happy Valley hasn’t seen since McSorley. Ranking 33rd in total defense, there are some suspicions as they face off against Iowa next week to see who will be the highest-ranked big ten team.

Iowa

Iowa comes in playing typical Iowa football under the prostyle offense and run-heavy scheme the games haven’t been filled with excitement. While the offensive production has waivered they have found ways to create excitement and rattle off wins on the defensive side of the ball. Ranking at number two in turnovers gained, Iowa has managed to put opposing teams against the wall with twelve interceptions. Given the mix of coverages, Kirk Ferentz and his Hawkeyes have been able to execute offensively. They are yet to have a game decided by less than two scores and despite a slow offense have gotten at least 24 points in each game.

Michigan

As usual Michigan came in with high expectations after resigning Harbaugh despite an abysmal 2020 campaign. Now Harbaugh has regressed his offense from a modern-day RPO style to a run dominant under Heisman candidate Blake Corum. Corum has shined offensively rushing at the 13th most yards in the nation, and his counterpart Haskins adds another threat in short-yardage situations. However, the run-heavy attack has stunted the growth of Cade McNamara who only has 81 pass attempts in the first five games. The aggressive defensive front has hindered any running threat against the opposing teams and forced them to throw into the stifling man-coverage. While the defense hadn’t forced many turnovers they have made impressive stops and hold the 15th best defense in terms of total yards. While the talent is SEC caliber the offensive scheme seems to be the necessary progression to compete against top-tier defenses.

Michigan State

Michigan State came into the year expecting a rebuilding year following Tucker’s late arrival into a pandemic plagued season. However, with the additions of transfers and progression shown by players on both sides of the ball they have emerged as a top-tier threat in the big ten. The most notable addition is running back Kenneth Walker who leads the nation in rushing yards. Jaden Reed as a special teams threat in the Big Ten hasn’t seen since Jabrill Peppers. As Reed leads the nation in all-purpose yards the man behind center, Peyton Thorne has been efficient throwing 11 touchdowns and one interception. Unfortunately for the spartans, and much like the trend we have seen among all Big Ten teams the offense and defense are not in sync. The defense has held their own against Western Kentucky (the number one passing offense in the country) and Miami with six-year QB King. The spartans have still not managed an offensive passing attack effectively, giving up nearly 300 yards a game ranking at number 123 in the country. This leaves Michigan State vulnerable e to Ohio State and Penn State as they look to make a run at the Big Ten title for the first time since 2015.