Big Ten Power Rankings: Michigan, Northwestern continue to impress
By Mark Rogers
Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
The latest heartbreak came at the hand of Illinois of all teams. Nebraska blew a 13-0 fourth quarter lead; allowing the Illini to mount 75 and 79 yard drives to win on a fourth down pass. Heartache wears a black shirt.
Tommy Armstrong doesn’t appear to be the source of hope after completing just 10 of 31 passes for 105 yards against a defense that was torn to shreds at North Carolina two weeks ago. This team desperately misses De’Mornay Pierson El. The sophomore playmaker cannot be counted on as a savior. He will provide a dynamic that Ameer Abdullah, Kenny Bell and Prince Anunwa took with them when they left campus. Pierson-El scares defenses. He made his first appearance of the season vs Illinois; catching one pass for six yards. His full implementation into the offense will be welcome.
Nebraska gets a visit from old nemesis Wisconsin this Saturday. Fortunately, Melvin Gordon is in San Diego.
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11
Nebraska Cornhuskers (2-3)
Last week: L 14-13 Illinois
Last rank: 7
Nebraska, your relatively difficult non-conference schedule can only prop you up for so long. While Miami’s loss at Cincinnati and BYU drubbing at Michigan mars a once impressive schedule, the Huskers are at fault for its own demise in the power rankings.
Three losses all suffered on the final play of the game mean the Huskers could be 5-0. My poll takes performance into account. Results, though, are most important. Mike Riley has changed the culture in Lincoln. He is not currently getting the results.
The latest heartbreak came at the hand of Illinois of all teams. Nebraska blew a 13-0 fourth quarter lead; allowing the Illini to mount 75 and 79 yard drives to win on a fourth down pass. Heartache wears a black shirt.
Tommy Armstrong doesn’t appear to be the source of hope after completing just 10 of 31 passes for 105 yards against a defense that was torn to shreds at North Carolina two weeks ago. This team desperately misses De’Mornay Pierson El. The sophomore playmaker cannot be counted on as a savior. He will provide a dynamic that Ameer Abdullah, Kenny Bell and Prince Anunwa took with them when they left campus. Pierson-El scares defenses. He made his first appearance of the season vs Illinois; catching one pass for six yards. His full implementation into the offense will be welcome.
Nebraska gets a visit from old nemesis Wisconsin this Saturday. Fortunately, Melvin Gordon is in San Diego.
Next: Penn State