Week 3 Big Ten Power Rankings

Week three of college football was an eventful one. Some of the top teams did not look as strong as they should have been. This will definitely affect this week’s Big Ten Power Rankings. For a look at last week’s rankings, click here. First, the rankings will be broken up by the Big Ten East and the Big Ten West. Then it will be an overall Big Ten Power Rankings in the end.

Big Ten Power Rankings East:

1: Michigan

Despite a rocky start to the game, the Michigan Wolverines are still on top in the Big East. They have not lost a game, and they were able to overcome those turnovers that occurred early in the game. Michigan has put up at least 30 points in all three of their games so far and looks like a top team. It still does not look like they will drop from first in the Big Ten Power Rankings yet.

2: Ohio State

The Ohio State Buckeyes had a strong performance against Western Kentucky. With the dominating performance, they jumped to second in the Big East this week. With the Penn State Nittany Lions struggling in their win, Ohio State was the better team. With a tougher opponent next week, it will be interesting to see how the positioning changes in next week’s Power Rankings.

3: Penn State

The Penn State Nittany Lions are still 3-0, but their game against Illinois wasn’t pretty. During their first road game, there were sloppy plays on both sides of the field. By the second half, the defense stepped up. There is still a lot for this team to clean up ahead of next weekend. Next up is the Penn State White Out, which could help boost them in next week’s Big Ten Power Rankings.

4: Rutgers

This was an iffy one to decide. Between the defense and the run game, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights remain fourth in the Big East Power Rankings. The passing game struggled against Virginia Tech, which will hurt them moving forward as they play more Big Ten teams. What helps is their strong defense, getting off the field quickly, and a strong run game. Running back Kyle Monangai also deserves to be highlighted after he scored three touchdowns against Virginia Tech.

5: Maryland

Maryland did almost make it to fourth in this week’s power rankings but remains in fifth for now based on their overall season so far. They are still 3-0 and had a big win this weekend. Based on next week’s schedule for these teams, there is definitely a chance that Maryland can jump to fourth if their offense keeps it up.

6: Indiana

The Indiana Hoosiers are coming off a loss this weekend, but they put up a fight. The Hoosiers lost 21-14 against Louisville. They kept the loss to a one-score game, putting them in sixth for this week’s Big East Power Ranking. They have an opponent next week that they should be able to beat, which means they should be able to maintain this position.

7: Michigan State

The Michigan State Spartans had a tough loss against Washington in week three. They were not expected to win, but it was a tough blowout for them. The program is looking as though it will face numerous struggles this season now that they are losing their head coach early in the season. It will be interesting to see how their year pans out.

Big Ten Power Rankings West:

1: Iowa

The Iowa Hawkeyes are still 3-0 and are ranked 24 in this week’s AP Top 25 Poll. Putting up 41 points over the weekend after years of offensive struggles demonstrates the improvements this program has been making. Next week, they face a big test against the Penn State Nittany Lions in their White Out. That is a tough environment to play in and could affect next week’s power ranking in the Big West.

2: Wisconsin

There were high hopes regarding the Wisconsin Badgers this season, but they are second on this week’s Big West Power Rankings. They did win over the weekend, putting up 35 points, but their one loss does put them below Iowa. The team is about to face Big Ten opponents, which gives everyone a chance to see just how strong this team is.

3: Minnesota

The Minnesota Gophers are 2-1 this season. Despite a loss against North Carolina, they do still stand at third in the Big West. Their two wins this season compared to the other teams in the West is a big factor in this. They have been a more sneaky team in the Big Ten; their one loss was against a ranked opponent. If they lose next week, this could definitely change, but they are a Big West team to watch.

4: Purdue

The Purdue Boilermakers have fallen to fourth in this week’s Big West Power Rankings. They are 1-2 this season, facing some rough losses. Even their one win of the season was a close one. Their quarterback has done well when it comes to turnovers, only throwing one interception, and could hit 1,000 passing yards by this weekend. The defense also has two interceptions this season, giving them some hope moving forward.

5: Illinois

Illinois football is another 1-2 team, but it was their performance against the Penn State Nittany Lions that put them in fifth for this week’s Big West Power Rankings. Illinois put up 13 points against a tough defense and forced a potential powerhouse of an offense to punt the ball. Despite their record, the Illini continue to fight to the end. They will be a team to continue to watch in the Big West.

6: Nebraska

The Nebraska Cornhuskers finally got a win this season. They are being placed in sixth this week, but watch for Northwestern to creep up on them if they do not beat Louisiana Tech this weekend. Nebraska has struggled already on offense this season, and last weekend’s game was a crucial win for the team.

7: Northwestern

In seventh are the Northwestern Wildcats. It hasn’t been an easy season for them, but they are 1-2. They’ll be facing their second in-conference opponent of the season next week. If they get the win, that will be a big boost for Northwestern, but it is looking like a tough road ahead for the Wildcats.

Big Ten Power Rankings Overall:

1: Michigan Wolverines (3-0)

Next Opponent: Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-0)

3: Ohio State Buckeyes (3-0)

Next Opponent: Notre Dame Fighting Irish (3-0)

3: Penn State Nittany Lions (3-0)

Next Opponent: Iowa Hawkeyes (3-0)

4: Iowa Hawkeyes (3-0)

Next Opponent: Penn State Nittany Lions (3-0)

5: Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-0)

Next Opponent: Michigan Wolverines (3-0)

6: Maryland Terrapins (3-0)

Next Opponent: Michigan State Spartans (2-1)

7: Wisconsin Badgers (2-1)

Next Opponent: Purdue Boilermakers (1-2)

8: Minnesota Golden Gophers (2-1)

Next Opponent: Northwestern Wildcats (1-2)

9: Purdue Boilermakers (1-2)

Next Opponent: Wisconsin Badgers (2-1)

10: Michigan State Spartans (2-1)

Next Opponent: Maryland Terrapins (3-0)

11: Illinois Fighting Illini (1-2)

Next Opponent: Florida Atlantic Owls (1-2)

12: Indiana Hoosiers (1-2)

Next Opponent: Akron Zips (1-2)

13: Nebraska Cornhuskers (1-2)

Next Opponent: Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (2-2)

14: Northwestern Wildcats (1-2)

Next Opponent: Minnesota Golden Gophers (2-1)