For all the Big Ten bashing going on, there are a couple feel-good stories playing out at Minnesota and Northwestern.
The Gophers and Wildcats are teams that typically fade from the conference spotlight in October. Right now, both are celebrating 4-0 starts.
Ohio State also has won four straight, but that's no surprise.
Minnesota already has won one more game than it did all of last season, and Northwestern owns 3 of the Big Ten's six wins over BCS-conference opponents.
Minnesota would be 5-0 for the first time since 2004 if it can beat Iowa on the road Saturday. Northwestern opens Big Ten play at home against Indiana.