The Big Ten power rankings will be published weekly throughout the regular season using a mix of data-driven insight and unapologetic subjectivity. With 18 teams, nine conference games and wild variations in the quality of non-conference schedules, comparative analysis is an inherently flawed approach. Which is fine, because the Hotline hasn’t been wrong about anything in at least 90 minutes.

(Last week’s rankings are here.)

From social media to legacy media and all shouting points in between, USC’s hotly anticipated trip to Oregon this week has been billed as a College Football Playoff elimination game.

The Hotline isn’t convinced the situation is as clean and clear as it might appear.

For the Ducks, this old-school Pac-12 showdown certainly carries a win-or-go-home feel. Given their

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