Hoosier Huddle's Big Ten Power Rankings: Week Four
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Written by Evan McShane (@veryreasonable)
Week four of the 2019 season saw some shocking things in the Big Ten. Michigan got blown off the field by Wisconsin, Ohio State scored 76-straight points against Miami (OH) and Illinois put a scare into Nebraska in a shootout.
1. Ohio State (4-0, 1-0)
Last Week’s Ranking: 1
Defeated Miami of Ohio 76-5
The Buckeyes continued their remarkable run, this time scoring an impressive 76 points. Justin Fields threw for 223 yards and four touchdowns. Ohio State is unquestionable the best team in the conference. Next week, the Buckeyes travel to Lincoln where they’ll face off against an unpredictable Nebraska team.
Next Week: Ohio State @ Nebraska (7:30 on ABC)
2. Wisconsin (3-0, 1-0)
Last Week’s Ranking: 2
Defeated Michigan 35-14
Wisconsin left no doubt that they’re the second-best team in the conference after demolishing Michigan at home on Saturday. The Badgers led 28-0 at halftime and never looked back. Running back Jonathan Taylor continued his Heisman campaign, rushing for 203 yards and two touchdowns. Wisconsin appears to be the team to beat in the Big Ten West, with Iowa not far behind.
Next Week: Northwestern @ Wisconsin (Noon on ABC)
3. Iowa (3-0, 1-0)
Last Week’s Ranking: 3
OFF
Iowa had a bye week. They will host Middle Tennessee next Saturday before beginning a stretch of eight straight Big Ten games.
Next Week: Middle Tennessee @ Iowa (Noon on ESPN2)
4. Penn State (3-0, 0-0)
Last Week’s Ranking: 4
OFF
Penn State was off this week. The Nittany Lions play their first true road game next week against Maryland.
Next Week: Penn State @ Maryland (8pm on FS1 – Friday)
5. Michigan State (3-1, 1-0)
Last Week’s Ranking: 9
Defeated Northwestern 31-10
The Spartans dominated Northwestern in Evanston over the weekend. Michigan State’s suffocating defense was in control of the game from start to finish. A defense that’s proving to be one of the best in the country. The Spartans offense managed to score 31 points after struggling in a loss at home to ASU last week. QB Brian Lewerke threw for 228 yards and three touchdowns. MSU held NW to an impressive 126 yards passing and 139 yards rushing.
Next Week: Indiana @ Michigan State (3:30pm on BTN)
6. Nebraska (3-1, 1-0)
Last Week’s Ranking: 6
Defeated Illinois 42-38
Nebraska escaped Illinois with a victory after falling behind 21-7 and 35-21 at different points throughout the game. The Cornhusker defense gave up over 200 yards rushing, including a 66-yard TD run to open the game for Illinois. They ultimately played well enough to hang on, giving up just one field goal over the final twenty minutes o the game. Nebraska will need to sharpen up their defense and limit their mistakes next week when Ohio State comes to town.
Next Week: Ohio State @ Nebraska (7:30 on ABC)
7. Minnesota (3-0, 0-0)
Last Week’s Ranking: 7
OFF
The Gophers had a bye week. Undefeated in non-conference, they will play their first conference game at Purdue next week.
Next Week: Minnesota @ Purdue (3:30pm on ESPN2)
8. Michigan (2-1, 0-1)
Last Week’s Ranking: 5
Lost to Wisconsin 35-14
Another opportunity for Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines against a ranked opponent on a big stage, another blowout. Michigan embarrassed themselves on Saturday, plain and simple. The Wolverines trailed by four touchdowns at halftime and failed to make the game competitive. After a narrow victory over Army and now a lopsided loss at Wisconsin, where will Michigan’s season go from here? Michigan isn’t short on talent, but they have looked out of sorts to start the season. The Wolverines have a prime opportunity to get back on track at home against a struggling Rutgers team next week.
Next Week: Next Week: Rutgers @ Michigan (Noon on BTN)
9. Northwestern (1-2, 0-1)
Last Week’s Ranking: 13
Lost to Michigan State 31-10
Northwestern dropped their first conference game at home against Michigan State. The Wildcats were simply overwhelmed by the Spartans defense all day. Northwestern couldn’t get anything going on the ground or through the air. Michigan State was able to dominate the line of scrimmage and pace their way to a 31-10 victory. Northwestern will have a tall task traveling to Madison next weekend to face Wisconsin. The Wildcats need to shore up their offense if they want to save their season.
Next Week: Northwestern @ Wisconsin (Noon on ABC)
10. Maryland (2-1, 0-0)
Last Week’s Ranking: 10
OFF
Maryland had a open week before hosting nearby foe, Penn State on Friday night.
Next Week: Penn State @ Maryland (8pm on FS1 – Friday)
11. Indiana (3-1, 0-1)
Last Week’s Ranking: 11
Defeated UConn 38-3
Indiana blew the doors off of UConn this weekend behind a strong performance from quarterback Peyton Ramsey and running back Stevie Scott. The defense had a stellar performance as well with Cam Jones making an athletic pick six to help secure the victory. Check out our game recaps and offensive and defensive breakdowns at Hoosier Huddle! The Hoosiers travel to East Lansing next weekend to face Michigan State.
Next Week: Indiana @ Michigan State (3:30pm on BTN)
12. Purdue (1-2, 0-0)
Last Week’s Ranking: 12
OFF
The Boilermakers finished non-conference play 1-2 and will begin their Big Ten slate by hosting Minnesota on Saturday.
Next Week: Minnesota @ Purdue (3:30pm on ESPN2)
13. Illinois (2-1, 0-0)
Last Week’s Ranking: 13
Lost to Nebraska 42-38
Illinois lost a heartbreaker at home against Nebraska. The Fighting Illini leapt out to a surprising 21-7 lead. With two minutes remaining in the third quarter, Illinois led 35-21; but their defense couldn’t sustain. Nebraska would score three more rushing touchdowns to win the game 42-38. Illinois managed just 78 passing yards on the day while they surrendered 327 to Nebraska. The one bright spot was the Illini’s rushing attack, gaining 221 yards on the ground. Illinois will be able to rest next week before beginning their eight-game Big Ten stretch.
Next Week: OFF
14. Rutgers (1-2, 0-1)
Last Week’s Ranking: 14
Lost to Boston College 30-16
EMBED https://twitter.com/NFL_Memes/status/1175451395992051712
That about sums up Rutgers’ game against Boston College on Saturday. Rutgers tied things up with a 74-yard TD pass from Sitkowski to Blackshear. The Scarlet Knights would hang with BC midway thru the third quarter. Rutgers couldn’t hang on as Boston College running back AJ Dillon punched in two touchdowns in the second half and the Scarlet Knights offense could only muster a field goal. Things don’t get any easier for Rutgers as they travel to the Big House to play Michigan next week.
Next Week: Rutgers @ Michigan