Big Ten Power Rankings for Week 7: Michigan, OSU Rise

Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Asher Fahey (left) and defensive back Jack Koerner (right) tackle Penn State Nittany Lions running back Noah Cain (21) during the third quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Asher Fahey (left) and defensive back Jack Koerner (right) tackle Penn State Nittany Lions running back Noah Cain (21) during the third quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
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Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Jalen Nailor (Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports)

Michigan State used a dominant second half to down Rutgers 31-13 on Saturday.

The Spartans are a legitimate threat in the Big Ten East, and honestly have looked like the most complete team at times, in the conference.

Yet, they’re here at No. 5. This ranking is more a reflection on the conference than the Spartans, it just is so deep.

Payton Thorne was awesome again, going 16-27 for 340 yards and three touchdowns, with one interception. Running back Kenneth Walker got his Heisman campaign back on track with a 232-yard day that included a touchdown. Wide receiver Josh Nailor completed the trifecta with five catches for 221 yards and three scores.

Freshman defensive tackle Simeon Barrow had two sacks for the Spartans in the game, as the defense pitched a shutout in the second half of this game.

Michigan State will head to Indiana this week.