Where do things stand after Week Three?
Noel Thompson gives us his Big Ten Power Rankings.
Follow Noel on Twitter: @N0elthompson
1. Michigan
Last Week: #1
It wasn’t pretty for J.J. McCarthy; he tossed a career-high three interceptions against Bowling Green. Blake Corum saves the day with two touchdowns. Jim Harbaugh returns next week for the Wolverines.
2. Penn State
Last Week: #2
The Nittany Lions defense forces five turnovers as Penn State leaves Champaigne with a victory over the struggling Illini.
3. Ohio State
Last Week: #3
The Buckeyes score 35 points alone in the second quarter against Western Kentucky. Kyle McCord tosses three touchdowns for 318 yards.
4. Iowa
Last Week: #4
Iowa entered halftime with a 14-10 lead over Western Michigan. That would be the only point the Hawkeyes defense would give up, as the offense would score 27 points in the second half.
5. Maryland
Last Week: #6
Maryland routes Virginia 42–14. That makes it 11 straight non-conference victories for the Terrapins.
6. Rutgers
Last Week: #9
Remember the name Kyle Monangai. He has emerged as one of leading backs in the Big Ten. He has rushed for 351 yards in three games.
7. Wisconsin
Last Week: #8
The Badgers defense forces six turnovers as the Badgers overcome a slow start to beat Georgia Southern 35-14.
8. Minnesota
Last Week: #5
Good news: The Gophers have found their running game thanks to freshman stud Darius Taylor. Who ran for 138 yards against North Carolina. Bad news: It was Athan Kaliakmani’s worst game as a Gopher.
9. Michigan State
Last Week: #7
Not much went right for Michigan State as they faced Washington and Hesiman hopeful Michael Penix Jr. The Spartan defense gave up more than 700 yards to the Huskies.
10. Indiana
Last Week: #12
Indiana was down 21-0 after the first half but outscored Louisville 14-0 in the second half. Hoosiers fall to 1-2
11. Nebraska
Last Week: #13
Quarterback controversy in Lincoln? With Jeff Sims out due to injury, Heinrich Haarberg throws for 158 yards and scores two touchdowns. He also had 98 yards rushing with one touchdown. The highlight is that he didn’t turn the ball over.
12: Illinois
Last Week: #11
You are not going to win many games when you turn the ball over five times. Especially when you face the No. 7-ranked team at Penn State. Illinois takes on Florida Atlantic next week.
13: Purdue
Last Week: #10
The Boilermakers defense gives up 271 rushing yards as the offense only musters 80 yards on the ground. Purdue faces Wisconsin next week, whom they haven’t beaten in over a decade.
14. Northwestern
Last Week: #14
The Wildcats faced a red-hot Duke team as Northwestern fell to 1-2 on the season with the loss. The Northwestern defense gives up 487 total yards.