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Noel’s Big Ten Power Rankings
It’s been an interesting few weeks for a few Big Ten teams as conference play is starting to get going. We have a new number one on top of the power rankings and we have a few teams who have made big jumps and drops on the list.
Where do the teams stand after week 4?
1. Ohio State (4-0)
Last Week’s Spot: #2
The Buckeyes’ offense could’ve told Wisconsin what plays they were running and it still wouldn’t have made a difference. Ohio State put up 539 yards against Wisconsin and had a 21-point lead by the end of the first quarter. Yeah, the Buckeyes belong at number one.
Next Up: Rutgers
2. Michigan (4-0)
Last Week’s Spot: #1
Michigan running back Blake Corum has something to say to anybody debating who is the best running back in the Big Ten right now. The junior back had 243 yards on 30 carries against Maryland. The Wolverine defense finally looked human against the Terrapins.
Next Up: @ Iowa
3. Minnesota (4-0)
Last Week’s Spot: #3
Enter Mo Ibrahim in the Heisman conversation. He extends his streak of 100-plus rushing yards to 13 games and breaks Minnesota’s all-time rushing touchdown record with his 41st touchdown. What happened when Minnesota finally played someone? They dominated their fourth straight game.
Next Up: Purdue.
4. Penn State (4-0)
Last Week’s Spot: #4
After dominating Auburn on the road last week, the Nittany Lions only led Central Michigan 21-14 at halftime in Happy Valley. The Penn State offense racks up 403 yards, but the defense allows 363 to the Chippewas. Either way, Penn State stays undefeated.
Next up: Northwestern
5. Maryland (3-1)
Last Week’s Spot: #5
The Terrapins stay at number five on my list because they played well against Michigan in Ann Arbor. Whether or not you believe in moral victories, Maryland played well enough to hang around the fourth-ranked Wolverines. Unfortunately, Taulia Tagovailoa didn’t finish the game due to minor knee and rib injuries.
Next Up: Michigan State
6. Iowa (3-1)
Last Week’s Spot: #10
After a convincing win in Piscataway, the Hawkeyes moved up four spots. The Iowa offense finally looked something like an offense. The defense continued to create turnovers, score, and dominate. A huge game next week at Kinnick when the Wolverines come into town.
Next Up: Michigan.
7. Illinois (3-1)
Last Week’s Spot: #11
The Illini are off to their best start since 2015. Chase Brown became the first Illinois running back to rush for 100-plus yards in five straight games. Next week, Bret Bielema returns to his old stomping grounds as Illinois heads up to Wisconsin for an important game for both teams.
Next Up: @ Wisconsin.
8. Indiana (3-1)
Last Week’s Spot: #9
I did a double take when I saw that Connor Bazelak threw the ball 66 times. He completed 46% of his passes and finished with a QBR of 42.5. The Hoosiers turn the ball over three times against Cincinnati as Indiana suffers their first loss of the season. They now head to Nebraska as underdogs, which should be an interesting game.
Next Up: @ Nebraska
9. Wisconsin (2-2)
Last Week’s Spot: #6
Nothing went right for the Badgers, as they were down 21-0 before you could finish your Brandy Old Fashioned. Wisconsin was without their starting left tackle, Jack Nelson, who missed the game due to illness. The bad news continued for the Badgers as tight end Clay Cundiff had to be carted off due to an apparent leg injury.
Next Up: Illinois
10. Rutgers (3-1)
Last Week’s Spot: #8
Looking to have their best start since 2012, the Scarlet Knights turned the ball over three times against the stout Iowa defense and suffered their first loss of the season. Evan Simon got the start at quarterback, who is currently the only healthy quarterback on scholarship. Rutgers fans hope quarterback Noah Vedral is back next week against Ohio State.
Next Up: @ Ohio State
11. Michigan State (2-2)
Last Week’s Spot: #7
The Spartan defense gave up 500 yards for the second week in a row as Michigan State got rolled by Minnesota. It is hard to see another win in the near future as the next four games are against Maryland, Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
Next Up: @ Maryland
12. Purdue (2-2)
Last Week’s Spot: #12
The Boilermakers turned to quarterback Austin Burton as Aidan O’Connell was out with an undisclosed injury. While Burton did a good enough job to keep the Purdue offense from stalling, it was the defense that struggled against Florida Atlantic by giving up over 400 yards. Purdue hangs on and beats the Owls, 28-26.
Next Up: @ Minnesota
13. Northwestern (1-3)
Last Week’s Spot: #13
Good news: Northwestern is undefeated in international play. Bad News: They haven’t won a game on US soil yet, as the Wildcats lost to Miami of Ohio in Evanston. Could Fitzgerald be on the hot seat?
Next Up: @ Penn State
14. Nebraska (1-3)
Last Week: #14
Good news: Nebraska didn’t lose this past weekend. Bad News: They didn’t win either. After four weeks, the Huskers remain 14th in the power rankings.
Next Up: Indiana