The Big Ten power rankings will be published weekly throughout the regular season using a mix of data-driven insight and unapologetic subjectivity. With 18 teams, nine conference games and wild variations in the quality of non-conference schedules, comparative analysis is an inherently flawed approach. Which is fine, because the Hotline hasn’t been wrong about anything in at least 90 minutes.

(Last week’s rankings are here.)

All times Pacific

1. Ohio State (11-0/8-0)

Result: beat Rutgers 42-9 Next up: at Michigan (9 a.m. on Fox) Comment: The opinion expressed here with Oregon last year holds for the Buckeyes today: Remove the emotion of the Michigan rivalry, and they are better off losing, not making the Big Ten title game and hosting a CFP game. The three-and-a-half week layoff for th

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