I know this is fairly late to be starting these and they'll change tomorrow, but wanted to put up once while had a chance and maybe can put up new ones next week (this year has just been a lot busier).

1. Ohio State: The Buckeyes have looked like one of the two best teams in the country.
2. Minnesota: The Golden Gophers have to be here after the Penn State win, but I'll admit I don't think it will last. They would likely be underdogs if they played Penn State again and will likely be vs. both Iowa and Wisconsin. That said, they have earned their spot here.
3. Penn State: Have beat Iowa and Michigan. Maybe not quite as good as playoff ranking pegged them initially, but a strong team.
4. Wisconsin: Not entirely sure what to make of this team right now. They blew out Michigan and deserve a ton of credit for that. I am less sure that would happen now, but have to give them credit for it and think the Badgers still very decent chance of getting to Indianapolis.
5. Michigan: Team had a difficult schedule and is better than given credit for often. They aren't the top of conference team we thought they might be going in, but also good enough to compete with anyone if they are playing well.
6. Iowa: Losses have been close and against good teams. Could well beat Minnesota tomorrow.
7. Illinois: Highest the Illini have been this late in long time. Wisconsin game felt like a fluke and then they go and beat Michigan State too.
8. Michigan State: Indiana has the better record, but a lot of that is simply schedule and that's just enough for me to keep the Spartans higher. Very disappointing year for Michigan State though.
9. Indiana: Bowl eligible in October. Beat Penn State tomorrow and this turns into extremely memorable season.
10. Purdue: Not a great follow up to last year, but have won last 2.
11. Nebraska: The turn around everyone expected didn't appear. Really need to see some evidence of it next year or we have a problem.
12. Maryland: Back and forth between them and Northwestern and put Maryland here largely because of Syracuse win. Not a great win, but something that stands out vs. Northwestern's record.
13. Northwestern: No luck at all this year (opposite of last year). Worst year in long, long time. Next year things should balance out better and be more middle of pack.
14. Rutgers: Just all around bad.

Great post.

I really like this Indiana team this year. They are solid on both sides of the ball. Unfortunately they lost their starting QB, but fortunately had a backup with experience.