College Football: Big Ten Power Rankings

After four weeks of the College Football season, here are the power rankings in the Big Ten:

1. Ohio State

The Buckeyes had a BYE in Week 4, and will now open up conference play against Washington in what should be their toughest test since Texas. However, if Zevi Eckhaus and Washington State can have some success against the Huskies defense, Jeremiah Smith should have a field day.

2. Oregon

The Ducks blasted Oregon State in the annual Civil War game in Week 4. FINALLY, we get to see Oregon play some real competition as they host Penn State in Week 5. Is Dante Moore for real? Will the RB committee remain equal opportunity? Who’s the WR1? Tune in to find out!

3. Penn State

The Nittany Lions are coming off a BYE and have the opportunity to make a serious statement this week. They FINALLY play some elite competition as they travel to face Oregon. Is the revamped receiving core actually good? Can “Big Game James” Franklin turn his sarcastic nickname into an actual moniker? Tune in to find out!

4. Indiana

Look up “statement win” in the dictionary and you should see a picture of Indiana’s 63-10 dismantling of Illinois in Week 4. Fernando Mendoza continues to look like he may be an upgrade from Kurtis Rourke, and the defense looked improved from last season. Watch out for the Hoosiers.

5. USC

To a lesser extent than Penn State and Oregon, the USC Trojans haven’t exactly played a tough schedule to this point after walloping Michigan State in Week 4. This week, the Trojans travel to Illinois for a 9 AM body clock game with Illinois coming off of an embarrassing loss. This is the definition of a trap spot for Lincoln Riley and the Trojans.

6. Michigan

The Wolverines defeated Nebraska 30-27 in Week 4, and honestly, it should have been worse. If not for a Hail Mary before halftime and a garbage-time TD, Michigan could have won by more than 15 as they thoroughly dominated the Huskers on the line of scrimmage. Justice Haynes continues to reap the rewards of playing behind a great offensive line.

7. Illinois

Look up “unmitigated disaster” in the dictionary and you should see a picture of Illinois taking on Indiana last Saturday night. The Illini were piecing together a makeshift offensive line that simply could not protect Luke Altmyer, and nearly the entire starting secondary was injured or ejected by the end of the game.

8. Iowa

The Hawkeyes did something that I never thought possible on Friday night against Rutgers – they scored 38 points! Now, while that total may just be any other day in the Big 12, it’s a big deal for Iowa, which has been mired in offensive mediocrity for almost a decade, and now has a competent and fun QB in Mark Gronowski.

9. Washington

The Huskies used a flurry of 2nd-half TDs to bury Washington State in the Apple Cup game in Week 4, and will head into conference play unbeaten and untested. Jonah Coleman has been one of the most productive backs in the nation so far, but how will he fare against the Ohio State defense?

10. Maryland

This is about the point where there seems to be a major tier drop. But I also think we need to start taking Maryland seriously. The Terps are unbeaten and coming off of a 27-10 domination of Wisconsin.