Saturday Blitz
Fansided

Big Ten Football Power Rankings: Michigan, MSU making noise

By Dante Pryor

Sep 18, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Payton Thorne (10) hands the ball to running back Kenneth Walker III (9) during the first half against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Payton Thorne (10) hands the ball to running back Kenneth Walker III (9) during the first half against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
September 25, 2021; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Christopher Hinton (15) and defensive end Taylor Upshaw (91) fire up the crowd in the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
September 25, 2021; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Christopher Hinton (15) and defensive end Taylor Upshaw (91) fire up the crowd in the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Michigan Wolverines (4-0, 1-0)

The Michigan Wolverines have made it plain the way they want to play football. Two runningbacks, Hasan Haskins and Blake Corum, have over sixty carries in four games this season. Starting quarterback Cade McNamara is averaging about 13 pass attempts per game.

This strategy might not be full-on intellectual brutality, but they want to play power football. This week is a pivotal game against Wisconsin. Not that the Badgers are playing well, but Wisconsin has man-handled the Wolverines the last two seasons.

4. Maryland Terrapins (4-0, 1-0)

Keeping with the subject of pivotal games, Maryland hosts Iowa this weekend in a battle of Big Ten undefeated teams. The Terrapins have played well, save their lackluster performance against Illinois.

If Maryland wants to be counted amongst the Big Ten’s best, this is a game they need to find a way to win. It is strength on strength with Iowa’s secondary against Maryland’s wide receivers. This contest could shape up to be the game of the week in the Big Ten.

3. Penn State Nittany Lions (4-0, 1-0)

The best thing that could have happened to Penn State was they played Villanova before their game against Indiana. Despite their struggles this season, the Hoosiers are still formidable, and the Nittany Lions could have had a bit of a hangover after their emotional win against Auburn.

That space between games is vital for the Nittany Lions as the game against the Hoosiers is very much a revenge game after last season’s affair ended. Look for Sean Clifford to continue his brilliant play and Penn State’s defense to shine against IU.

Home/Big Ten