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

2. No. 10 Penn State Nittany Lions (2-0)

The Nittany Lions play the game of the week against unbeaten No. 22 Auburn, who is also unbeaten.

Penn State has been impressive, especially defensively. The Nittany Lions’ defense put the clamps on the Wisconsin offense (including the running game) and shut down last season’s MAC champion, Ball State.

The questions about Penn State are the same, and they surround Sean Clifford. This is year three, with Clifford as the starter. Does he have another level, or have we seen the best of him?

Parker Washington has emerged as a complementary piece next to Jahan Dotson.

Their game against No. 22 Auburn this weekend. It will be interesting to see how the Nittany Lions do against their toughest game of the season thus far.

1. No. 5 Iowa Hawkeyes (2-0)

There is no way the Iowa Hawkeyes stay atop the Big Ten power rankings. For the sake of beginning an analysis from the negative, the Hawkeyes’ defense might be the most underrated unit in college football. However, the offense leaves lots to be desired.

Spencer Petras threw for 106 yards in the Cy-Hawk Trophy game against Iowa State. The Hawkeyes have three defensive touchdowns this season. They cannot continue winning without being able to manage a game on a down-to-down basis offensively.

Iowa has an interesting game against Kent State this weekend. The Golden Flashes have some good athletes and play fast. It is a good test since Iowa begins Big Ten play against Maryland.