Another weekend of Big Ten football is, finally, in the books. Iowa had to play through multiple weather delays to finally put the finishing touches on its victory over Nevada before 3:00 am ET. It was quite a long day for the entire Big Ten with a handful of teams taking hard losses in non-conference play; Nebraska to Oklahoma, Michigan State at Washington, Purdue at Syracuse, and Northwestern at home against Southern Illinois.
Of course, there were some positives to share around the Big Ten. Penn State’s win at Auburn was impressive, even if the Tigers are in a rebuilding state of mind. Ohio State and Michigan did what was expected of them, and Indiana and Maryland each came up with tight victories against their visitors.
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With everything in the books for Week 3, here is a look at my updated Big Ten power rankings as we begin to reflect on Week 3 and look ahead to Week 4.
last game: Lost to Oklahoma, 49-14
last week: 14
Nebraska couldn’t hold on to a lead against Oklahoma and gave up 49 points in the final 57 minutes. Bowl hopes are quickly evaporating in Lincoln even after a coaching change.
Next game: vs. Indiana (Week 5)
last game: Lost to Southern Illinois, 31-24
last week: 12
The only thing preventing Northwestern from the bottom spot here is a head-to-head win over Nebraska, but the Wildcats are without a win this season on American soil.
Next game: vs Miami Ohio
last game: Beat Nevada (and the weather), 27-0
last week: 13
If Iowa scores points after midnight, do they even count?
Iowa scoring touchdowns at 2:20 am ET. Dang it, I love this stupid sport.
— Kevin McGuire (@KevinOnCFB) September 18, 2022
Next game: at Rutgers
last game: Lost at Syracuse, 32-29
last week: 7
Purdue had one of the roughest losses on the road at Syracuse thanks to a flurry of untimely penalties. Things have gotten off to a rocky start for the Boilermakers, but they could be a team to still watch closely in the Big Ten West if they regain some momentum.
Next game: vs Florida Atlantic
last game: Won vs Virginia, 24-3
last week: 10
Illinois had the week off while the rest of the conference was in action. They should be looking at a 3-1 record after Week 4 though.
Next game: vs Chattanooga (Thursday)
last game: Won at Temple, 16-14
last week: 8th
They don’t have to be pretty as long as you go home with a win. That was the case for Rutgers, who left Philly with a win despite not scoring an offensive touchdown against the Owls.
Next game: vs. Iowa
last game: Won vs Western Kentucky, 33-30 (OT)
last week: 9
The Hoosiers are 3-0 after coming out on top in overtime against Western Kentucky. The Hoosiers may be about to hit their wall, but they already have a Big Ten win in their pocket too.
Next game: at Cincinnati
last game: Beat New Mexico State, 66-7
last week: 11
After a tough defensive battle last week, Wisconsin’s offense took care of business against woeful New Mexico State. It’s a nice confidence boost but a mighty challenge awaits the Badgers next week.
Next game: at Ohio State
last game: Lost at Washington, 39-28
last week: 3
Michigan State takes a tumble this week after failing to show up at Washington this weekend. The Spartans started too slowly against former Hoosiers quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and the Huskies, who may be better than some thought before the start of the season.
Next game: at vs Minnesota
last game: Won vs. SMU, 34-27
last week: 6
Maryland needed a fourth-quarter comeback to top the Mustangs, but Maryland is now 3-0 and feeling pretty optimistic going into next week. Next week will be a stiff challenge for the Terps.
Next game: at Michigan
last game: Won vs. Colorado, 49-7
last week: 5
Minnesota continues to pound the opposition. Mohamed Ibrahim continues to shine after another 202 yards and three touchdowns in the latest win. Minnesota outscored their first three opponents 149-17.
Next game: at Michigan State
last game: Won at Auburn, 41-12
last week: 4
Penn State traveled down south and took over Jordan-Hare Stadium. Penn State’s dominant win over the Tigers was fueled by the youth movement with Nick Singleton and linebacker Abdul Carter having active and productive afternoons.
Next game: vs Central Michigan
last game: Won vs Toledo, 77-21
last week: 2
The Buckeyes went off at home in their matchup with Toledo, and they reminded anyone watching just how dangerous they still are. CJ Stroud padded the stat sheet with five touchdown passes and 367 yards in the blowout home win.
Next game: vs Wisconsin
last game: Won vs UConn, 59-0
last week: 1
It is safe to say Michigan did nothing to deserve being moved out of the top spot in this week’s power rankings, even with the performance put on by Ohio State. Michigan has benefitted from a soft schedule to start the season but has done what should be expected in these situations. Michigan outscored their first three opponents 166-17. Will they keep things rolling like this in Big Ten play? We’re about to find out.
Next game: vs Maryland
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