Hoosier Huddle's Big Ten Power Rankings: Week Four
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Written by Evan McShane
It was a largely uneventful week in the Big Ten as far as upsets go. Ohio State had their game against Maryland cancelled, but all the ranked teams won their games. Seats are getting hot at Michigan and maybe even Penn State as those teams continue to reel.
1. Ohio State (3-0, Game Cancelled)
Last Week: 1
Ohio State’s game against Maryland was cancelled due to Covid precautions within the Terrapin program. The Buckeyes face their toughest challenge yet as the Hoosiers travel to Columbus next week.
Next Week vs. Indiana (Noon ET)
2. Indiana (4-0, Defeated Michigan State 24-0)
Last Week: 2
The Hoosiers are having their best season since the 1960’s, and this week was their most dominant performance yet. Indiana outgained the Spartans 433 yards to 191 and their stellar defense forced four turnovers, including three interceptions. The score could have been much more lopsided, but Indiana’s previously perfect red zone offense stumbled on several occasions. Quarterback Mike Penix Jr. completed 25-of-38 passes for 320 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. 284 of Penix’s passing yards came in the first half, and 200 of them went to Ty Fryfogle, who had a career day. The Hoosiers face off against Ohio State next week in a battle for the top spot in the Big Ten East.
Next Week @ Ohio State (Noon ET)
3. Northwestern (4-0, Defeated Purdue 27-20)
Last Week: 3
After a dismal 2019 season, Northwestern has completely turned it around. Quarterback Peyton Ramsey has given the Wildcats exactly what they need, and while their offense hasn’t been spectacular, they are making enough plays to put them over the top. Northwestern held Purdue to just two rushing yards while Ramsey threw for over 200 yards and three touchdowns. A late rally from the Boilers was not enough and NW held on to win by a touchdown. The Wildcats now sit alone atop the Big Ten West with their most important game awaiting next week at home against Wisconsin.
Next Week vs. Wisconsin (3:30pm ET)
4. Wisconsin (2-0, Defeated Michigan 49-11)
Last Week: 4
Wisconsin played their first game since opening week and they looked like they haven’t missed a beat. The Badgers destroyed Michigan in all facets of the game on Saturday night. Wisconsin took a 28-0 lead into halftime and gave the Wolverines one of their worst home-losses in Big House history. The Badgers more than doubled up Michigan in yards, 468 to 219, including 341 rushing yards. Wisconsin faces the undefeated Northwestern Wildcats next week in what could determine the Big Ten West.
Next Week @ Northwestern (3:30pm ET)
5. Iowa (2-2, Defeated Minnesota 35-7)
Last Week: 8
Iowa is back at .500 after an 0-2 start and their defense is leading the way. The Hawkeyes have surrendered just two touchdowns over their last two games and have won both by a combined score of 84-14. Iowa ran the ball for 235 yards and had four rushing touchdowns as Iowa cruised to victory. After holding a 14-0 lead through three quarters, Iowa plastered 21 fourth quarter points on the Gophers to seal the deal. Iowa has a chance to string together some wins as they’ll face three straight teams with losing records before finishing the year against Wisconsin.
Next Week @ Penn State (3:30pm ET)
6. Maryland (2-1, Game Cancelled)
Last Week: 6
Maryland is dealing with Covid precautions and their game against the Buckeyes was cancelled.
Next Week vs. Michigan State (TBD)
7. Purdue (2-1, Lost to Northwestern 27-20)
Last Week: 5
Purdue could not get anything going on offense as they fell to the Northwestern Wildcats 27-20. The Boilermakers managed just two rushing yards and their late rally wasn’t enough to tie the game. Star wideout Rondale Moore has not played yet this season and although the Boilers have improved from last season, it’s clear they are missing Moore in a big way. Purdue can get back on track next Friday against the struggling Minnesota Gophers.
Next Week @ Minnesota (Friday 7:30pm ET)
8. Nebraska (1-2, Defeated Penn State 30-23)
Last Week: 13
The bottom half of the Big Ten has been ugly, and that’s probably being too kind. Nebraska handled Penn State on Saturday at home for their first win of the season. The Cornhuskers took a 27-6 lead into halftime and did just enough to hold off the Nittany Lions second half surge. Despite giving up over 500 yards of offense, Nebraska’s defense had a sack and fumble return for a touchdown that ultimately proved to be the difference. The Huskers are on the cusp of .500 as they face Illinois at home next week.
Next Week vs. Illinois (Noon ET)
9. Illinois (1-3, Defeated Rutgers 23-20)
Last Week:14
It’s hard to believe that Illinois first win of the season coming against Rutgers would be enough to have them at #9 in the power rankings, but that just goes to show the state of things in the Big Ten so far this season. Nevertheless, Illinois got it done. They trailed almost the whole game, falling into a 10-0 hole in the first quarter and trailing 13-7 at halftime. The second half was a different story as the Fighting Illini outscored the Scarlet Knights 16-7. With 338 rushing yards and a last second field goal, Big Orange is in the win column. Next week Illinois will face a Nebraska team who will also be coming off their first win of the season.
Next Week @ Nebraska (Noon ET)
10. Minnesota (1-3, Lost to Iowa 35-7)
Last Week: 7
The Gophers 2020 season has been a nightmare compared to last year. Their most recent performance at home against Iowa left much to be desired. Minnesota surrendered over 300 rushing yards to the Hawkeyes and only managed to score seven points themselves. Save for a blowout win against Illinois last week, the Gophers haven’t been able to find any consistency on offense. After a stellar 2019, quarterback Tanner Morgan is averaging just 192 yards-per-game. The Gopher defense has surrendered 43 points-per-game in their three losses. Minnesota hopes to get back in the win column next Friday at home against Purdue
Next Week vs. Purdue (Friday 7:30pm ET)
11. Michigan State (1-3, Lost to Indiana 24-0)
Last Week: 9
Michigan State has scored just seven points in their last two games after an inspiring win on the road against Michigan just a couple of weeks ago. The Spartans accumulated less than 200 yards of total offense, turned the ball over four times, and couldn’t score a point against the Hoosier defense. A quarterback change from Rocky Lombardi to Payton Thorne did not make much of a difference and the Spartans left Saturday’s game searching for answers. A trip to Maryland awaits next week.
Next Week @ Maryland (TBD)
12. Michigan (1-3, Lost to Wisconsin 49-11)
Last Week: 10
Michigan is officially spiraling out of control. Their 2020 season started off with an impressive win over Minnesota, but the Wolverines have now stumbled in three straight games. The most recent defeat at home against Wisconsin was flat out embarrassing. Michigan fell behind 28-0 at halftime and barely showed a pulse. Is Jim Harbaugh on the hotseat? The Wolverines have a chance to get back in the win column in New Jersey next week against Rutgers.
Next Week @ Rutgers (7:30pm ET)
13. Rutgers (1-3, Lost to Illinois 23-20)
Last Week: 11
Rutgers is now on a three-game losing streak after picking up their first conference win since 2017 in week one. The Scarlet Knights gave up over 300 rushing yards to the Fighting Illini and despite leading for much of the first half, couldn’t hang on to win. A last second field goal proved to be the difference as Rutgers couldn’t make enough plays to overcome three interceptions. Next week the Scarlet Knights face off against Michigan, who is also on a three-game losing streak.
Next Week vs. Michigan (7:30pm ET)
14. Penn State (0-4, Lost to Nebraska 30-23)
Last Week: 12
The only Big Ten team without a win through the first month of the season. Not many expected the Nittany Lions to completely implode, but that’s exactly what they’ve done. Penn State fell into a deep hole in Lincoln, trailing 27-6 at halftime. Swapping out QB Sean Clifford for Will Levis helped, as Levis threw for over 200 yards and Penn State outscoured Nebraska 17-3 over the final two quarters, but it wasn’t enough. Penn State is now 0-4 for the first time since 2001 and will face Iowa next week at home.
Next Week vs. Iowa (3:30pm ET)