Saturday Blitz
Fansided

Big Ten Football Power Rankings, Week 3: Has Iowa claimed the top spot?

By Dante Pryor

Sep 11, 2021; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Jack Plumb (79) and punter Tory Taylor (9) celebrate with the Cy-Hawk trophy after defeating the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium. The Hawkeyes won 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2021; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Jack Plumb (79) and punter Tory Taylor (9) celebrate with the Cy-Hawk trophy after defeating the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium. The Hawkeyes won 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
Sep 11, 2021; Syracuse, New York, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Isaih Pacheco (1) is tackled by Syracuse Orange defensive back Jason Simmons (14) in the fourth quarter at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2021; Syracuse, New York, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Isaih Pacheco (1) is tackled by Syracuse Orange defensive back Jason Simmons (14) in the fourth quarter at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /

11. Indiana Hoosiers (1-1)

After an embarrassing loss against Iowa to open the season, Indiana had a scrimmage against Idaho. The Hoosiers need to figure out if they can play with expectations. The offense looked good against an inferior opponent but bad against Iowa.

The defense was solid against Iowa, giving up just two offensive touchdowns. However, if the Hoosiers want to have another successful season, they need to put some points on the board. They’ll have their chance against Cincinnati.

10. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (2-0)

Break out the Scarlet Knights. This is the first glimpse of hope in Piscataway for a while. After demolishing the Temple Owls 61-14 in their season opener, the Scarlet Knights traveled to Syracuse and won an ugly 17-7 defensive struggle.

The defense has been solid, giving up just 24 points in two games. The offense has a long way to go, but their defense could keep the Scarlet Knights in a few games while the other side of the ball looks to improve.

9. Minnesota Golden Gophers (1-1)

What looked to be a solid season for the Gophers took a major blow when running back Mohammed Ibrahim was injured against Ohio State. Coupled with Chris Autman-Bell’s week-to-week status, it will not be easy for the Gophers’ offense.

However, they have a veteran offensive line, and the defense should be solid, despite what happened against Ohio State. The question for the Gophers is whether or not they can find a way to replace Ibrahim’s production and Autman-Bell’s availability.

Home/Big Ten