BP Baseball's Big Ten Power Rankings (Week 6)

#1 Maryland (15-5, 0-0)

Previous Week Ranking: N/A.

Last Weekend: at Portland (L, 3-5 | W, 9-8 | W, 7-6)

Justification: The Terrapins have been the most consistent team in the Big Ten, taking wins every week. The pitching staff has been great all season, and they'll take that momentum into Opening Weekend.

Next Weekend: vs #11 Michigan State (6:30 PM | 2:00 PM | 1:00 PM)

#2 Indiana (10-9, 0-0)

Previous Week Ranking: N/A.

Last Weekend: vs Belmont (L, 3-9 | W, 15-10 | W, 15-7)

Justification: The Hoosiers have suffered a few setbacks on the national stage, but the bats have continued to impress. After taking on a great number of challenging opponents, they have a shot to make the first move.

Next Weekend: vs #10 Illinois (6:00 PM | 2:00 PM | 1:00 PM)

#3 Nebraska (13-5, 0-0)

Previous Week Ranking: N/A.

Last Weekend: vs Nicholls (W, 7-6 | W, 16-0 | W, 11-4)

Justification: The Cornhuskers have continually ranked among the top teams in the Big Ten. Their lack of non-conference talent gives them inconclusive projections for now.

Next Weekend: vs New Mexico State [10-10, C-USA] (7:05 PM | 3:05 PM | 2:05 PM)

#4 Iowa (9-9, 0-0)

Previous Week Ranking: N/A.

Last Weekend: vs Western Illinois (W, 11-1 F/8 | W, 17-7 F/8 | W, 19-9 F/8)

Justification: Hawkeyes' Friday starter Brody Brecht struck out 8 batters and walked 6 in a 4-inning effort to kick off the series. He and the Hawkeyes have been in a rut for a while, but they've sought out competition in the non-conference slate, and they're ready for the games that count.

Next Weekend: at #9 Purdue (4:00 PM | 1:00 PM | 1:00 PM)

#5 Ohio State (10-8, 0-0)

Previous Week Ranking: N/A.

Last Weekend: at West Virginia (L, 2-5 | W, 7-4 | W, 26-11)

Justification: The Buckeyes have been a surprise candidate so far after a challenging non-conference slate. They'll have one more weekend before conference play.

Next Weekend: vs Georgetown [13-6, Big East] (6:00 PM | 2:00 PM | 1:00 PM)

#6 Penn State (11-6, 0-0)

Previous Week Ranking: N/A.

Last Weekend: vs UMass Lowell (W, 3-2 | L, 9-11 | W, 21-14)

Justification: Under head coach Mike Gambino, the Nittany Lions have had a great fighting spirit this season. The pitching has had its recent concerns, but they have a great chance for a remedy against Michigan.

Next Weekend: vs #8 Michigan (5:30 PM | 2:00 PM | 1:00 PM)

#7 Rutgers (11-6, 0-0)

Previous Week Ranking: N/A.

Last Weekend: at Delaware (W, 15-10 | W, 27-13 | W, 14-3)

Justification: The Scarlet Knights have struggled against some bad teams, but they've stayed in the fight against good teams. Their offense was fired up this weekend, but they've yet to be challenged from Friday to Sunday so far.

Next Weekend: vs UConn [7-10, Big East] (4:00 PM | 2:00 PM | 1:00 PM)

#8 Michigan (7-13, 0-0)

Previous Week Ranking: N/A.

Last Weekend: vs San Diego (L, 6-8 | L, 7-16 | W, 3-2)

Justification: The Wolverines returned home this weekend, getting spoiled by a San Diego team that traveled halfway across the country to Ann Arbor. The record isn't a total representation, however, as they've tested themselves against a good number of ranked competition.

Next Weekend: at #6 Penn State (5:30 PM | 2:00 PM | 1:00 PM)

#9 Purdue (15-6, 0-0)

Previous Week Ranking: N/A.

Last Weekend: vs Samford (L, 1-5 | W, 6-1 | W, 13-12 F/10 | L, 10-11)

Justification: The Boilermakers keep on winning, but their 'signature win' has been against an 8-10 CSU Fullerton team. Being 0-1 against Power 5 teams so far this year, they'll have a great opportunity to change that this weekend.

Next Weekend: vs #4 Iowa (4:00 PM | 1:00 PM | 1:00 PM)

#10 Illinois (7-11, 0-0)

Previous Week Ranking: N/A.

Last Weekend: vs Southern Indiana (W, 2-1 | W, 6-5 | L, 3-8)

Justification: The Fighting Illini have had its share of struggles against ranked teams and Power 5 teams. They've even had some struggles at home, but their challenging non-conference schedule may help them in the future.

Next Weekend: at #2 Indiana (6:00 PM | 2:00 PM | 1:00 PM)

#11 Michigan State (7-10, 0-0)

Previous Week Ranking: N/A.

Last Weekend: vs Evansville (W, 11-3 | L, 3-5 F/11 | W, 6-5)

Justification: Regarded highly in the preseason, the Spartans have taken a sharp turn in the last 5 weeks. The next few weeks don't get any easier.

Next Weekend: at #1 Maryland (6:30 PM | 2:00 PM | 1:00 PM)

#12 Minnesota (8-9, 0-0)

Previous Week Ranking: N/A.

Last Weekend: at Elon (L, 1-2 F/10 | L, 5-6 | W, 9-7 F/10)

Justification: In Coach Anderson's final season with the Gophers, they've had their fair share of challenges. Road struggles against bad teams and a lack of home games will lead to a challenging Big Ten campaign.

Next Weekend: at San Francisco [13-7, WCC] (5:00 PM | 4:00 PM | 3:00 PM)

#13 Northwestern (7-9, 0-0)

Previous Week Ranking: N/A.

Last Weekend: at UTSA (L, 2-12 | W, 10-4 | L, 0-2)

Justification: Year 1 of the Ben Greenspan era has had its fair share of ups and downs for the Wildcats. A challenging non-conference schedule comes to a close against a sneaky McNeese team.

Next Weekend: at McNeese [8-8, Southland] (7:00 PM | 3:00 PM | 1:00 PM)