Big Ten Power Rankings: Has Ohio State done enough to be No.1?
By Mark Rogers
Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
The Elite
3. Ohio State (4-0)
Yes, the No. 1 team in the AP Poll is No. 3 team in the Big Ten. Follow along.
The Buckeyes did not crush Western Michigan. Ohio State did cruise to a relatively easy win over the Broncos 38-12. Established starter (for now) Cardale Jones looked more comfortable and proved more productive with 288 yards passing and 2 TD. Ezekiel Elliott ripped off 124 yards. The Buckeyes offense showed some life.
Ohio State’s defense ranks with the top units in the country. There are no weaknesses on that side of the ball.
For all the talk about Ohio State’s sloppy play, the Buckeyes only real struggle was the 20-13 win over a decent Northern Illinois squad. And the defense played lights out in that effort. Ohio State’s best win is still the one at Virginia Tech and the Hokies just lost to an East Carolina team that entered that game 1-2.
Yes, the Buckeyes should rise in the power rankings. Beat somebody first or at least let someone else lose. For now, it’s No. 3 Ohio State.
Next: Michigan State