Week 3 Big Ten Power Rankings Thread

I don't like this being favored to win the West thing. I'd rather have the Gophers hiding in the weeds at this point.
That would be nice. However, that would require one or two of the other teams to be playing well. Wisconsin could end up being really good and Iowa could end up being good because of their defense, but their losses last week elevates the Gophs to being the conversation.
 

If the B1G keeps two divisions, then Purdue should move east. Their guaranteed game with Indiana has been messing up scheduling since 2014’s East West alignment.
Agreed. That will also balance the divisions and give the B1G a good chance at having a title game with USC vs Michigan or Ohio St. That would be the "paper" scenario for the conference.
 

That would be nice. However, that would require one or two of the other teams to be playing well. Wisconsin could end up being really good and Iowa could end up being good because of their defense, but their losses last week elevates the Gophs to being the conversation.
I haven’t looked but I would bet Wisconsin is still the odds favorite to win the west in Vegas
 


Are we sure Wisconsin is that bad? Close loss to a 3-0 power 5 team? Guess will find out more after Ohio St.
They’re good and will only get better. As long as they can run the ball, it makes passing easier.
 


They’re good and will only get better. As long as they can run the ball, it makes passing easier.
They look good. Mertz looks to be improved, their OL is behind their normal standard and defense probably isn't as dominant.

Final week decides West
 

They look good. Mertz looks to be improved, their OL is behind their normal standard and defense probably isn't as dominant.

Final week decides West
I think there will be multiple losses hanging on west teams by then. Gophers May have a couple. Wisconsin almost assuredly will.
 

They’re good and will only get better. As long as they can run the ball, it makes passing easier.
They haven’t run the ball for 275 in a game for 7 games in a row now.
Couldn’t tell you the last time that happened
 

I’m thinking if we get through the next three games undefeated there is a 90% chance the final game of the season will be only for the Axe!

And that’s enough.
 




Post Dispatch chimes in:

4. Minnesota

Last week: 5

This week: at Michigan State

What to know: Does Minnesota's potent run game hit a wall? The Golden Gophers’ previous two FBS opponents rank 121st (New Mexico State) and 131st and last (Colorado) in rush defense. Sparty ranks 26th.


Go Gophers!!
 

Inside NU chimes in:

4. Minnesota (3-0, 0-0 B1G)

Last Ranking: 5

Last Result: 49-7 win vs. Colorado

Next: at Michigan State

Through three games, the Gophers have scored 149 points and have let up 17. Their offense looks like the real deal, led by Mo Ibrahim. P.J. Fleck has a physical unit that is fit for the Big Ten.

As of right now, the Gophers should be the favorite in the Big Ten West. They look like the most complete team offensively and defensively. But, they have a real test this week in East Lansing against Michigan State.


Go Gophers!!
 

Maize & Brew chimes in:

3. Minnesota Golden Gophers (Last week’s rank: 4)

The shining star of the Big Ten West continues to shine after their hefty win over Colorado. The Buffaloes are quite bad, as the Gophers outgained them 500-226. The Gophers rushed for 334 yards and four touchdowns and still have one of the most complete defensive showings from a Big Ten team this season. Minnesota has every chance to prove itself at Spartan Stadium on Saturday.

Up next: Michigan State


Go Gophers!!
 



Noel chimes in:

3. Minnesota

Last week: #3

Running back Mo Ibrahim ties Gopher great Darrell Thompson with 40 career touchdowns. No doubt he would’ve broken the record on Saturday if the Gophers weren’t up 35-0 at halftime.

Next Up: @ Michigan State


Go Gophers!!
 

Black Shoe Diaries chimes in:

4. Minnesota​

SOMEbody is going to have to win the West, and right now it’s looking like Minnesota may be it. The only undefeated team in the West pasted Colorado 49-7. Colorado is not good, but other teams around the country are being unduly rewarded for playing crap schedules - why not the Gophers?

Next up, away at Michigan State.


Go Gophers!!
 

On the Banks chimes in:

5. Minnesota (3-0)​

Previously: 4

Week 3: W, 49-7 vs. Colorado

Minnesota completed a less-than-impressive schedule prior to its battle with Michigan State, which looks like a winnable game. The Gophers have not been tested just yet but look strong on both sides of the ball. The experience on offense will win some games for Minnesota this season. It will be interesting to see who will be upset by the Gophers this season.

Week 4: 9/24 at Michigan State


Go Gophers!!
 

Post Dispatch chimes in:

4. Minnesota

Last week: 5

This week: at Michigan State

What to know: Does Minnesota's potent run game hit a wall? The Golden Gophers’ previous two FBS opponents rank 121st (New Mexico State) and 131st and last (Colorado) in rush defense. Sparty ranks 26th.


Go Gophers!!
Keep in mind a big reason NMST and Colorado have such miserable numbers stopping the run is that they both played Minnesota.
 

Keep in mind a big reason NMST and Colorado have such miserable numbers stopping the run is that they both played Minnesota.
NMST also had to deal with Wisconsin so yeah, their run defense numbers will not be pretty. Michigan State's #26 ranking against the run is also deceiving because they played two bad teams and Washington is a pass first squad.
 




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