Week 3 Big Ten Power Rankings

[andrewhfine]

A somewhat uneventful Week #3, but here's my take on the Big Ten Power Rankings at this point in the season. Feel free to tell me where I'm wrong.

1. Wisconsin - The Badgers jump to the top spot based on a convincing win over BYU in Provo. Even with BYU struggling, the road win is still more impressive than what PSU has done so far.
2. Penn State - 3-0 and the Nittany Lions haven't really been challenged through three games. The win over Pitt looking a little less impressive after the way Oklahoma State dismantled the Panthers however.
3. Michigan - The Wolverines haven't looked great the last two weeks, but they are still 3-0 and have won every game by double digits.
4. Ohio State - OSU rebounded from their home loss to Oklahoma with an easy win over Army. The Buckeyes still have the most talent in the conference.
5. Maryland - The Terps win over Texas is looking more impressive after the Longhorns took USC to OT.
6. Minnesota - Minnesota hasn't beaten anyone of substance, but they've looked good in all three games.
7. Iowa - Like Minnesota, the Hawkeyes don't really have any impressive wins on the board. They are behind Minnesota solely because of their scare vs. Iowa State.
8. Purdue - Easily the most improved team in the Big Ten so far, the Boilermakers can show they are for real by beating Michigan this week.
9. Michigan State - Still not sure what to make of the Spartans given their opponents so far. We'll know a little more after they host Notre Dame on Saturday night.
10. Northwestern - The Wildcats looked much better in their win over Bowling Green a week after getting trounced by Duke. We'll see if Pat Fitzgerald can continue to right the ship.
11. Indiana - Off this week due to the hurricane canceling their game vs. FIU. We need more data on the Hoosiers.
12. Nebraska - A home loss to Northern Illinois has fans in Lincoln upset, and rightfully so. 1-2 is not how the Cornhuskers wanted to start the season.
13. Illinois - The Fighting Illini looked overmatched vs South Florida. They get a week off before hosting Nebraska.
14. Rutgers - A 65-0 win over Morgan State may be the highlight of the season for the Scarlet Knights. They travel to Lincoln to face what should be an angry Nebraska team.