Big Ten Football Week 3 Power Rankings

14) Illinois Fighting Illini

The Illini had a win over Nebraska that got some people excited, but it’s all been downhill since then.

13) Nebraska Cornhuskers

Look, I know that Nebraska lost to the Illini a few weeks ago, but Illinois has been horrendous since then. In contrast, Nebraska has beaten below-average competition, but Illinois has been so bad that I think if they played now, the Cornhuskers would win.

12) Northwestern Wildcats

Michigan State blew out the Wildcats in week one, and a win against Indiana State does not erase that memory.

11) Purdue Boilermakers

Yes, they are 2-0, but those wins come against UCONN and Oregon State, so let’s not make a big deal about the Boilers just yet.

10) Minnesota Golden Gophers

The Gophers hung tough for three quarters before losing to Ohio State, and they beat Miami(OH), but it was close, and that is troubling if you play in the Big Ten.

9) Indiana Hoosiers

The Hoosiers had high expectations coming into the season, and those expectations were promptly smacked right in the mouth by the Iowa Hawkeyes. With that being said, the Hoosiers still have a lot of talent, and I think they will right the ship.

8) Maryland Terrapins

The Terps are 2-0, but the competition has been lacking, and with that being said, I think a wait and see is in full effect as of right now.

7) Michigan State Spartans

The Spartans took apart Northwestern in week one and beat Youngstown State this past weekend. Next, they will travel to Miami to battle the Hurricanes and not be surprised if they win.

6) Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Rutgers has a very underrated win at Syracuse, and while it’s too early to tell if they are really a contender, don’t sleep on the Scarlet Knights.

5) Wisconsin Badgers

The Badgers, as expected, beat up Eastern Michigan, but multiple offensive issues exist for the badgers, and until they get cleaned up, I don’t see them getting higher than this.

4) Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State may still be the most talented team in the Big Ten, but the defensive issues are getting hard to ignore.

3) Michigan Wolverines

Michigan was impressive in a 31-10 blowout of the Washington Huskies. The Wolverines are playing physical, smash-mouth football and might be a serious contender.

2) Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State is 2-0, and it’s an impressive 2-0 as they beat Wisconsin on the road and a solid Ball State at home on Saturday.

1) Iowa Hawkeyes

Iowa has blown out Indiana and then went on the road to beat the highly-rated Iowa State Cyclones.