Big Ten Football Power Rankings, Week 4: Michigan gaining steam
The Indiana Hoosiers suffered their first loss of the 2018 season this past Saturday, losing 35-21 to Michigan State. After finding themselves down by 21 late in the third quarter, the Hoosiers fought back to get within a touchdown of the Spartans. But a 75-yard Spartan run extended the lead and ended Indiana’s comeback. The Hoosiers have played well this year and 3-1 at this point can be seen as exceeding expectations.
The Hoosiers play Rutgers in Week 5, in a game that should see the Hoosiers’ offense roll and their defense dominates. Following their game against Rutgers, they take on Ohio State, Iowa and Penn State in three straight weeks. This could put the Hoosiers at .500, but with their remaining schedule, the Hoosiers could see a seven-win season, their first since 2007.
The Maryland Terrapins jumped up in our rankings after handling business on Saturday, beating Minnesota 42-13. The Terrapins entered their Week 4 game following an embarrassing loss to Temple, that now seems like a fluke compared to how the rest of their season has played out. The Terrapins rushing attack led the way, rushing for over 300 yards totaling four touchdowns. Their passing game had an odd stat, as six players caught one pass, but only one of those six had more than one catch.
Maryland is one of several Big Ten teams with a bye week this Saturday. But after their bye week, they take on Michigan in Ann Arbor. The Terrapins should fall in that one but should become bowl eligible in two of the three games afterwards. Despite everything that took place during the offseason, this Maryland football team has stuck together and are having a solid season so far. Playing for one and playing together, the Terrapins have surprised many.
The Iowa Hawkeyes were part of a handful of teams that were undefeated entering Week 4, but suffered their first lost by the time Saturday’s game were over. The Hawkeyes played well against Wisconsin and had their chances to knock off the Badgers. But a late touchdown by the Badgers followed by an interception, sealed the Hawkeyes fate.
It’s going to be tough for the Hawkeyes to win the Big Ten West, needing Wisconsin to lose two conference games, but the chances are still there. But before they get ahead of themselves, the Hawkeyes must knock out the easy ones, with games against Minnesota, Indiana and Maryland. And with a road versus Penn State as their toughest game remaining, a 10-win season for Iowa seem likely. The Hawkeyes may have suffered their first loss, but their chances for a Big Ten title are still alive.