The Big Ten has proved its critics, who said the conference would have a down year, wrong once again. Five teams are currently ranked in the top 25 with Purdue and Wisconsin both cracking the top 10 at fifth and 10th, respectively, in the AP poll.

Ohio State coach Jim Tressel knows exactly how tough the conference is, having lost at home to Wisconsin last week.

“Our league is big and strong,” Tressel said. “I think the Big Ten can hold its own against anyone.”

Coaches around the conference are also excited that the league has a couple of teams in the hunt for the national title. They are also pleased that there is a good chance to get two teams from the league into BCS bowl games as has been the case the past two seasons.

Michigan State’s John L. Smith is very satisfied with how the conference is shaping up so far.

“Anytime you have a team in the title chase it’s good for the league,” Smith said. “It helps all of us out.”

Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz isn’t surprised by the Big Ten’s success so far this year.

“The chances are always good to have two Big Ten teams in the BCS games,” Ferentz said. “It doesn’t surprise me at all that we have five teams ranked up there and I would expect all of them will still be there in November.”

Wolverine Freshmen Growing Up Fast: Michigan has defied all odds this year by having success despite starting a true freshman at quarterback and running back. Chad Henne and Michael Hart have enjoyed much success so far this season in helping Michigan to a 5-1 record.

“They are both very mature and very smart guys,” coach Lloyd Carr said.

Illinois coach Ron Turner knows his team will have its hands full with Michigan’s fantastic freshmen when the teams meet Saturday.

“It doesn’t matter that they’re freshmen because they are such great players,” Turner said. “They don’t play like freshmen at all.”

Herron Named Player of the Week: Northwestern running back Noah Herron scored the winning touchdown in overtime for the second straight week and claimed his first Big Ten offensive player of the week award. Herron gained 197 yards on only 29 carries and also scored three touchdowns to help Northwestern beat Indiana in double overtime.

Michigan safety Ernest Shazor was named defensive player of the week for his efforts in a win over Minnesota. Shazor had a career high 12 tackles including four for a loss. The Michigan defense held Minnesota’s high powered ground game to under 200 yards for the first time this season.

Ohio State kicker Mike Nugent won his third player of the week award when he was named Big Ten co-special team’s player of the week. Nugent made both of his field goal attempts including a career long 55-yarder in a loss to Wisconsin. Purdue kicker Ben Jones was also named co-special team’s player of the week. Jones kicked 46 and 50 yard field goals in Purdue’s 20-13 win over Penn State.