Big Ten Football Power Rankings, Week 4: Michigan gaining steam
After stumbling out of the gates to start the season, the Purdue Boilermakers picked up their first win of the season in Week 4. And this win couldn’t have came at a better time. Purdue took down AP ranked Boston College who, at the time, was ranked in the AP top 25. Quarterback David Blough solidified head coach Jeff Brohm’s decision of making him the starter by completing 75 percent of his passes and throwing for almost 300 yards and three touchdowns.
The Boilermakers hit the road for the first time this season, as they take on a struggling Nebraska team who is still searching for their first win. Just like Nebraska, this game plays a huge role on how Purdue’s season will finish. Getting the win puts them just one game off of what was expected of them at this point in the season. But a loss will more than likely end any hope for a bowl game.
The Northwestern Wildcats’ bye week couldn’t have come at a better time. After opening the 2018 season with a conference road win against Purdue, the Wildcats have lost two straight and have some labeling them as overrated. A team that was once thought to have the potential to knock off Wisconsin, is now i a hole that keeps getting deeper as the season goes along.
And their Week 5 matchup doesn’t look to be the one that gets their season stirred in the right direction. A home game is great but not when it’s against a Michigan team that is getting hotter as the weeks go on. Keeping it close is what the Wildcats should strive for, as a blowout loss could strike a final blow in the Wildcats confidence, and bowl chances.
The Minnesota Golden Gophers looked to be somewhat impressive this year, starting off 3-0. But after losing by 29 points to Maryland in Week 4, it’s time for a reality check for Minnesota and their fans. The Golden Gophers are good but aren’t ready to contend for the Big Ten West title. PJ Fleck still has a lot of work to do but with a bowl game more than likely this year, he’ll have plenty of more chances to get Minnesota to the top.
The Golden Gophers are on bye this week but take on Iowa and Ohio State right after. Dropping both games is expected but an upset win over Iowa could shine light on what’s to come for Minnesota in the years to come. Minnesota could finish 9-3 or 8-4 this year, but could see their season end like last year and finish below .500, just depends on which Golden Gopher team shows up