Big Ten Power Rankings: Week 4

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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During the fourth week of the college football season, we saw some saw closely-contested games in the Big Ten.

Ohio State had a bye week before their matchup against Rutgers on Oct. 1. We saw the likes of Michigan State and Indiana go down while Iowa got all they could handle from the Scarlet Knights.

There may not have been any major upsets, but quite a few favorites went down.

Let’s get a clearer picture of the Big Ten with our weekly power rankings.

Ohio State Buckeyes

3-0

Last week: 3-0Last rank: 1st

The Buckeyes didn’t play this past weekend, so there’s no reason to bump them out of the top spot in the Big Ten. After blowing out a ranked Oklahoma team, Ohio State gets a few easy ones with Rutgers and Indiana next on the schedule.2

Wisconsin Badgers

4-0

Last week: 3-0Last rank: 4th

The matchup of the weekend pitted Michigan State against Wisconsin. Many assumed that the Spartans would have no problem, but the Badgers were dominant throughout. Quarterback Alex Hornibrook was extremely efficient and wasn’t phased by any of the pressure. The Badgers may have their next signal caller.3

Michigan Wolverines

4-0

Last week: 3-0Last rank: 3rd

After a minor scare against Colorado, Michigan didn’t miss a beat as they pummeled Penn State. Wilton Speight and the offense looked impressive. The Wolverines had four running backs with at least 56 rushing yards and racked up a 6.7 yards-per-carry average. This is a team on a mission and they’ll face Wisconsin this weekend.4

Michigan State Spartans

2-1

Last week: 2-0Last rank: 2nd

It was a day to forget for Michigan State. They were absolutely throttled by a very talented Wisconsin team. However, it’s a pretty favorable slate until dates with Maryland and Michigan to end October. This is a team that has the talent to rebound.5

Nebraska Cornhuskers

4-0

Last week: 3-0Last rank: 5th

Tommy Armstrong got it done both on the ground and through the air against Northwestern. He rushed for a career-high 132 yards in a 24-13 win. The Cornhuskers are rolling right now and clearly the top competition for Wisconsin in the West.6

Iowa Hawkeyes

3-1

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 6th

Regardless of how ugly it was, Iowa needed a win in the worst way and they got it against Rutgers. It’s an easy stretch over the next months for the Hawyes with Northwestern, Minnesota, and Purdue up next.7

Maryland Terrapins

3-0

Last week: 3-0Last rank: 7th

Maryland had a bye this past week, so no movement in the rankings. D.J. Durkin and his team have Purdue at home on Saturday to begin Big Ten play. Will we see Perry Hills or Tyrrell Pigrome under center? It remains to be seen.8

Minnesota Golden Gophers

3-0

Last week: 2-0Last rank: 9th

While the three wins haven’t exactly been against powerhouse opponents, Minnesota is still 3-0 and that’s a good deal. Mitch Leidner was efficient and the running game was great with Shannon Brooks and Rodney Smith carrying the load. A win in Happy Valley this weekend could prove that the Gophers are for real.9

Penn State Nittany Lions

2-2

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 8th

After a bounce-back win against Temple, Penn State was dominated by Michigan. The Wolverines used the ground game to control the game and the Nittany Lions looked completely outclassed. Minnesota could be another upset looming.10

Purdue Boilermakers

2-1

Last week: 1-1Last rank: 13th

A comeback win against Nevada may not seem like much. David Blough threw six interceptions in five quarters (entire Cincinnati game plus first quarter against Nevada), but rebounded to lead Purdue to a 24-14 win. Blough proved that he can handle any type of adversity. Maryland awaits.11

Indiana Hoosiers

2-1

Last week: 2-0Last rank: 10th

Indiana had their first real test against Wake Forest this past weekend. However, the Demon Deacons harassed Richard Lagow for five interceptions. It’s hard to say what Indiana is at this point.12

Northwestern Wildcats

1-3

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 12th

I’m giving Northwestern a slight nod over Rutgers because there’s talent in Evanston. The Wildcats held their own against a Nebraska team that could challenge for Big Ten West Division title. The defense needs to be better and they need to continue to give Justin Jackson the ball.13

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

2-2

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 11th

Rutgers gave Iowa all they could handle. The Hawkeyes needed a late touchdown run from Akrum Wadley to seal the 14-7 win. It just doesn’t seem like the Scarlet Knights have enough playmakers to get the job done.14

Illinois Fighting Illini

1-2

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 14th

Illinois had a bye this week. Their last game was a 34-10 loss against Western Michigan. Nebraska is up next and it could be an ugly one.Next: David Blough can handle adversity