Big Ten Power Rankings Week 3: Ohio State reclaims top spot
Week 3 in the Big Ten wasn’t as strong as the first two. With a lot of conference teams earning early season losses, everyone is hoping to bounce back as they start conference play in Week 4.
This season, the Big Ten has proved to be the powerhouse of the NCAA. With three teams sitting in the top 10 for the last three weeks, this conference looks to finish with great odds to win the college football playoffs.
More from Big Ten
- Michigan State vs. Maryland: Location, time, prediction, and more
- Wisconsin vs. Purdue: How to watch, odds, injuries, weather, and history
- College Football Playoff: Projected top 4 after Week 3
- Biggest winners and losers from College Football Week 3
- Ohio State football: 3 takeaways from win over Western Kentucky
Even the bottom of the pack still has the opportunity to have a breakout season. Teams like Penn State and Rutgers may not have finished with a blowout win just yet, but with only one loss one both of their records, they have the ability to turn 2016 into a big season.
This week, the conference power rankings presented by Saturday Blitz saw major changes. With teams like Nebraska and Michigan State wining significant games, and teams like Iowa falling to the hands of an upset, the Big Ten doesn’t have the usual rankings we’re used to.
As the season progresses, these teams all look to shake up the rankings and prove they’re the best in the Big Ten.
14. Northwestern
Week 3 result – 24-13 win over Duke
Northwestern may not have been one of the losers from the Big Ten in Week 3, but that doesn’t solidify a ranking change for the 1-2 Wildcats.
Yes, Duke is an impressive win for a team who started their season with losses to Western Michigan and Illinois State. That doesn’t cancel out those losses, though. Northwestern still looks like one of the worst FBS teams this season.
Week 3 showed good signs for the Wildcats moving forward. Their 320 passing yards are a good indication that Clayton Thorson may not be the turnover machine he’s shown earlier this year. The rest of this offense still needs work, but their Week 3 play was a promising sign.
Don’t expect Northwestern to start conference play any better than it started the regular season.