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

5. No. 25 Michigan Wolverines (2-0)

We’ve been here before with the Wolverines. They’ve started their season 2-0, and with wide receiver Ronnie Bell injured during the Western Michigan game, the Wolverines have gone to some intellectual brutality these first two games.

Jim Harbaugh and Michigan have gone all-in on the running game with 99 rushes in two games this season. The question for the Wolverines is: “Is it sustainable?”

After Northern Illinois and Rutgers, we’ll see who they are against arch-nemesis Wisconsin.

4. Michigan State Spartans (2-0)

The Spartans are off to a solid start as they have eyes on the postseason. The Spartans followed their second consecutive victory against Northwestern with an easy win against Youngstown State. First-year starting quarterback Payton Thorne has been solid so far, throwing no interceptions.

The run game has been stellar thus far, with Kenneth Walker III and Jordan Simmons forming a potent one-two punch in the backfield.

Michigan State now to Coral Gables to take on the Hurricanes in the south Florida heat. That will tell us a lot about both teams.

3. No. 9 Ohio State Buckeyes (1-1)

The Buckeyes are reeling after a 35-28 home loss to the Oregon Ducks. It is fair to say that the Ducks are the best, most complete team Ohio State will face this season.

There is nothing like a loss to galvanize a team with high expectations.

The Buckeyes get Tulsa and Akron before they begin conference play. The Big Ten is on notice; the Buckeyes will be ornery.