Big Ten Football Power Rankings: Michigan, MSU making noise

8. Purdue Boilermakers (3-1, 1-0)

The Boilermakers found a way to squeeze a 13-9 victory against Illinois for a first conference win of the season. It was the defense that was stout in this game. The defense has been better than expected this season.

Purdue has stayed healthy through the first four games of the season, something that has to continue through the rest of the season if the Boilermakers want to make the postseason. Purdue hosts Minnesota in a game they should win.

7. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-1, 0-1)

The Greg Schiano turnaround at Rutgers is beginning to show already. Expect the Scarlet Knights’ formula not to change much this season. They want to play tough defense and attempt to grind out points, turning games into rock fights if possible.

That was the game plan against Michigan, and it almost worked. Rutgers will have to employ the same strategy the next to weeks in hopes of upsetting either Michigan State or Ohio State in the next two weeks.

6. Ohio State Buckeyes (3-1, 1-0)

Speaking of the Buckeyes, Ohio State has taken their frustration out on both Tulsa and Akron in consecutive weeks. Though they had some early troubles with Tulsa, they got it together and dominated most of that game.

One thing is for sure; the offense is not the issue. The questions linger for the back end of the defense. The larger question is whether or not a team in the conference can take advantage of Ohio State’s vulnerability.