Hoosier Huddle's Big Ten Power Rankings After Week 3
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Written by Evan McShane
Week three featured some great non-conference matchups as well as one conference tilt. Things are starting to round into form as we close out the first quarter of the 2021 season.
Big Ten Power Ranking – Week 3
1. Iowa (3-0, 1-0) – Defeated Kent State 30-7
The Hawkeyes took care of business at home against Kent State. Iowa’s defense continues to look like the best in the conference and has powered them to a #5 ranking in the nation. Iowa will host Colorado State next week at 3:30pm ET.
2. Penn State (3-0, 1-0) – Defeated Auburn 28-20
After a dismal 2020 season, the Nittany Lions appear to be back in 2021. Penn State controlled Auburn in front of a white-out crowd on Saturday night. The Tigers had plenty of opportunities, but Penn State held serve. PSU will round out their non-conference schedule next week when they host Villanova at noon ET.
3. Ohio State (2-1, 1-0) – Defeated Tulsa 41-20
The Buckeyes doubled up Tulsa thanks to two late touchdowns, but things got dicey at the Shoe on Saturday. With a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, Tulsa made it 27-20. The Golden Hurricane had the ball with a chance to tie but Ohio State’s defense was up to the task. The Buckeyes will play Akron at home next week at 7:30pm ET.
4. Michigan (3-0, 0-0) – Defeated Northern Illinois 63-10
The Wolverines’ running game is clicking on all cylinders to start the season. Michigan dominated NIU at the Big House on Saturday. UM will host undefeated Rutgers at 3:30pm ET next week.
5. Michigan State (3-0, 1-0) – Defeated Miami 38-17
Michigan State appears to have bounced back from an underwhelming 2020 season. The Spartans went on the road and out-muscled the Hurricanes in the heat on Saturday. MSU will host Nebraska at 7pm ET next week.
6. Maryland (3-0, 1-0) – Defeated Illinois 20-17
It wasn’t pretty, but Maryland got the job done in Champagne on Friday night. QB Taulia Tagovailoa threw for 350 yards and a TD in the victory. The Terps are 3-0 and have another warm-up game next week against Kent State before diving into the conference schedule.
7. Rutgers (3-0, 0-0) – Defeated Delaware 45-13
Rutgers is vastly improved, as evidenced by their undefeated non-conference record to start the season. The schedule was weak, but in years past, the Scarlet Knights wouldn’t have swept all three. Rutgers begins conference play with a tough test next week when they play Michigan at the Big House.
8. Minnesota (2-1, 0-1) – Defeated Colorado 30-0
The Gophers slaughtered the Colorado Buffaloes on the road on Saturday. Minnesota host Bowling Green next week as they hope to be 3-1 heading into conference play.
9. Wisconsin (1-1, 0-1) – Bye Week
Wisconsin has bounced back with two wins after their opening week home loss to Penn State. With a week to prepare, the Badgers have a chance to make a statement next week when they host 12th ranked Notre Dame at noon ET.
10. Purdue (2-1, 0-0) – Lost to Notre Dame 27-13
Purdue got blown out by their rival Notre Dame on Saturday. The Boilers hung in there for about a half, but couldn’t match the talent and physicality of the Irish. Purdue hopes they can get right next week at home against a struggling Illinois team.
11. Indiana (1-2, 0-1) – Lost to Cincinnati 38-24
In three of their last four games, the Hoosiers have had an opportunity to cement themselves as contenders in the college football world. All three times, IU fell flat on their face. There will be several more opportunities on the schedule to right the ship, but Indiana is behind the 8-ball after the first quarter of the season. The Hoosiers now face a must-win game next week when they head to Western Kentucky to play the Hilltoppers at 8pm ET.
12. Nebraska (2-2, 0-1) – Lost to Oklahoma 23-16
The Cornhuskers put up an admirable fight in Norman against the Sooners, but it wasn’t enough in the end. Nebraska is sitting at 2-2 with five of their last eight games against ranked opponents. Next week Nebraska will play Michigan State in East Lansing.
13. Northwestern (1-2, 0-1) – Lost to Duke 30-23
The Wildcats got smacked on Saturday, giving up 27 straight points to the Blue Devils to start the game. Northwestern fought back and pitched a second half shutout, but never made the game close. NW faces off against Ohio at home next week to finish their non-conference slate.
14. Illinois (1-3, 1-0) – Lost to Maryland 20-17
The Fighting Illini nearly pulled off the upset at home on Friday, but ultimately fell short. Bret Bielema’s first season as head coach in Champagne figures to be a long one. Illinois heads next door to West Lafayette to play Purdue next week.