Big Ten football power rankings, Week 4: Penn State a team to beat?

Brutal showing for Michigan State against Washington. Sparty dug themselves into a big hole where they could not climb out of, eventually falling to Washington 39-28.

Quarterback Payton Thorne played fairly well. But the Spartans had no running game to complement the passing game. Washington got out to a big 22-0 lead and led 29-8 at half time. Indiana transfer Michael Penix lit up the Spartan defense with nearly 400 yards through the air and four touchdowns.

Michigan State will be back home next week against Minnesota. A challenge for sure and a must watch game in Week 4.

For the third week in a row, the Gophers steamrolled their opponent. This week it was a 49-7 victory over overmatched Colorado.

Mo Ibrahim topped 200 yards and added three scores. Tanner Morgan also contributed three touchdown passes and was mostly efficient outside of an interception. The Buffaloes could not get anything going until at the very end in garbage time.

Minnesota appears to be the best team in the Big Ten West but have not been challenged in their non conference schedule. They will be tested this week on the road against a Michigan State team who will be looking to get back in the win column.

Penn State went into SEC country and took home a 29-point victory over Auburn. The Tigers may be a middle of the road or worse SEC team right now but this still was a surprising result.

The Nittany Lions have found a run game with their two freshmen running backs, Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen. The two rising stars combined for 176 yards and four touchdowns. Auburn had no answers for the duo. The Nittany Lion defense stymied a Tiger defense and held them to 12 points while causing four turnovers.

This was a big win for Penn State and they are looking to be a contender for the Big Ten East crown if they keep on this path. The Nittany Lions host Central Michigan next Saturday.