Big Ten football power rankings | All or nothing for Ohio State

WEST LAFAYETTE - All signs point to the Big Ten finally starting its 2020 football season this weekend. 

It will be different, like everything else in 2020. But the nine-game, conference-only schedule will be a sprint to the finish with no margin for error if games are canceled due to COVID-19. Stadiums will sit mostly empty, nearly eliminating home-field advantages. 

But at least we'll have football in Big Ten country. 

1. Ohio State

The skinny: The Buckeyes are the team to beat, probably by a mile. They have all the ingredients to finish unbeaten and earn a bid to the College Football Playoff. Anything less will be a disappointment. 

Up next: Saturday vs. Nebraska, noon (FOX)

2. Penn State

The skinny: A showdown with the Buckeyes comes in the second week will indicate where the Nittany Lions stand. Most of the offensive firepower returns and that might be the only way to knock off Ohio State. The opener at Indiana isn't a layup. 

Up next: Saturday at Indiana, 3:30 p.m. (Fox Sports 1)

3. Minnesota

The skinny: Time to believe in the Gophers and coach P.J. Fleck. It's hard for some to admit but Fleck's program is going to be a legitimate threat in the Big Ten West for a long time. Get ready for Friday's with Fleck on your TV. 

Up next: Saturday vs. Michigan, 7:30 p.m. (ABC)

4. Wisconsin

The skinny: Losing starting quarterback Jack Coan (foot injury) changes the early outlook in the West but the Badgers will go with highly regarded Graham Mertz to start the season. Wisconsin will still feature a strong running game and remains a major player in the division. 

Up next: Friday vs. Illinois, 8 p.m. (BTN)

5. Michigan

The skinny: Some of the Wolverines' talent elected to opt-out of the 2020 season, leaving a void on the roster. Joe Milton is the new quarterback but he has young receivers and four new starters on the offensive line. Michigan's defensive line remains strong but will need to carry the team early in the season. 

Up next: Saturday at Minnesota, 7:30 p.m. (ABC)

6. Iowa

The skinny: Might be a little high to start the season for the Hawkeyes, but a lot of pieces are in place to possibly win the West. Strong running game. A talented group of receivers. The defense will be solid. Can new quarterback Spencer Petras make the necessary plays? The schedule features back-to-back road games against Minnesota and Penn State. 

Up next: Saturday at Purdue, 3:30 p.m. (BTN)

7. Indiana

The skinny: With quarterback Michael Penix and receiver Whop Philyor leading the offense, the Hoosiers should find the end zone enough to be competitive and challenge for an upper-division finish in the East. Indiana is ahead of Michigan State, Maryland and Rutgers this season but can it knock off one - or more - of the big boys in the division? 

Up next: Saturday vs. Penn State, 3:30 p.m. (Fox Sports 1)

8. Purdue

The skinny: Wholesale coaching changes were made on the defensive side, including bringing in veteran coordinator Bob Diaco, who will be responsible for limiting big plays. Rondale Moore and David Bell are two of the best receivers in the country and the offense goes through the duo. But other questions remain, including improving the running game and can the offensive line give the yet-to-be-named starting quarterback time to find Moore and Bell?  

Up next: Saturday vs. Iowa, 3:30 p.m. (BTN)

9. Northwestern

The skinny: The Wildcats were anemic on offense last season but the production will improve since it can't get worse. Quarterback Peyton Ramsey, a graduate transfer from Indiana, joins the program and new offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian brings a fresh look. 

Up next: Saturday vs. Maryland, 7:30 p.m. (BTN)

10. Nebraska

The skinny: The Huskers were vocal in their desire to play football this season, criticizing the Big Ten along the way. At Ohio State along with Wisconsin and Penn State at home in the first four weeks. If things don't go well early, can the Huskers climb out of a huge hole? 

Up next: Saturday at Ohio State, noon (FOX)

BIG TEN: 2020 Schedule

11. Illinois

The skinny: Plenty of upperclassmen decorate the roster, quarterback Brandon Peters brings back experience, veterans on the offensive line and the defense has enough pieces. Still, finishing .500 would be an accomplishment with Ohio State as one of the crossover games. 

Up next: Friday at Wisconsin, 8 p.m. (BTN) 

12. Maryland

The skinny: Will the addition of quarterback Taulia Tagavailoa, a transfer from Alabama, be enough to lift the Terrapins out of the East Division's bottom third? Probably not. Maryland will be more exciting to watch but will continue to struggle against the league's elite programs. 

Up next: Saturday at Northwestern, 7:30 p.m. (BTN)

13. Michigan State

The skinny: Mark Dantonio's departure in February didn't do the program any favors regarding the timing and Mel Tucker was hired when the pandemic was starting. The Spartans won't be down for long but this is going to be a struggle on the offensive side and a difficult season to watch. 

 Up next: Saturday vs. Rutgers, noon (BTN)

14. Rutgers

The skinny: Greg Schiano will make the Scarlet Knights respectable at some point but this is a long climb out of the basement. One victory and a handful of competitive games would excite the fan base. 

Up next: Saturday at Michigan State, noon (BTN)

Mike Carmin covers Purdue sports for the Journal & Courier. Email mcarmin@gannett.com and follow on Twitter @carmin_jc