Week 4 B1G Power Rankings: A new Top 5 after wild weekend in the B1G

Talk about an entertaining weekend in the B1G.

Six of the 10 B1G games played on Saturday were decided by a single possession, with the conference going 3-3 in those contests. Northwestern, Nebraska and Ohio State were on the right side of lopsided victories and Purdue and Indiana were on the wrong side.

Those results led to a few shakeups in the latest Saturday Tradition power rankings. The most movement came near the bottom of the conference, but there was some reconstructing inside the top five, as well.

Here’s a look at our B1G power rankings as we head into Week 4:

14. Rutgers 1-1 (OFF)

Last week: No. 14

Rutgers is still sitting on that 30-0 loss to Iowa from the previous Saturday. The Scarlet Knights get the chance to move from the last spot next week. Oh, and since Boston College was obliterated by Kansas last week, that game now feels like a must-win for Chris Ash.

Next up: vs. Boston College

13. Purdue 1-2 (L, 34-13 vs. TCU)

Last week: No. 11

Yuck, Purdue. I know Elijah Sindelar was out and star linebacker Markus Bailey is gone, but to get outrushed 346 to 23 is inexcusable. It’s going to be pretty difficult to win games in the B1G unless the Boilermakers figure out a way to run the football of offense, and stop the run on defense.

Next up: OFF

12. Indiana 2-1 (L, 51-10 vs. Ohio State)

Last week: No. 8

Speaking of teams that were bad at the line of scrimmage on Saturday, Indiana didn’t look too good trying to stop Ohio State’s ground game — or create one of its own. Michael Penix Jr. was out, which clearly hindered the offense’s play-calling. Still, this was a good, old-fashioned beatdown Indiana suffered at the hands of the Buckeyes. Forget about it and move on to UConn.

Next up: vs. UConn

11. Illinois 2-1 (L, 34-31 vs. Eastern Michigan)

Last week: No. 10

This was a bad loss for Illinois, especially since it wanted to get to 3-0 in non-conference play, which would’ve meant three B1G wins gets to bowl eligibility. But, if there is one positive, it’s that the Illini fought back from a two-touchdown deficit to tie the game. That wouldn’t have happened in previous years. Clean up the sloppy play, and this should be a competitive team. If not, well, things will look like they did Saturday.

Next up: vs. Nebraska

10. Northwestern 1-1 (W, 30-14 vs. UNLV)

Last week: No. 13

Isn’t this just kind of who Northwestern is right now? UNLV is easily a team Northwestern should beat by three touchdowns, but the Wildcats allowed them to hang around until the fourth quarter. Even though UNLV played this game close, it never really felt like Northwestern was in much trouble. The Wildcats won the turnover battle and ran the football really well, averaging 5.5 yards per carry. A much better showing than that Week 1 loss to Stanford.

Next up: vs. #18 Michigan State

9. Maryland 2-1 (L, 20-17 at Temple)

Last week: No. 6

Oh, Maryland, I was ready to believe you were about to take the B1G by storm. I guess I got a little ahead of myself. In all seriousness, This was the first times the Terrapins’ offense was uncomfortable and was challenged by a good defense. The response wasn’t great, but it still stuck in the game despite an overwhelming number of mistakes. It’ll be interesting to see how this team responds with an off week coming up and a marquee showdown just around the corner.

Next up: OFF

8. Nebraska 2-1 (W, 44-8 vs. Northern Illinois)

Last week: No. 12

Now that was the Nebraska I wanted to see. For the first time in three games, the Huskers were dominant on both sides of the football against a team it should’ve manhandled. The result was a lopsided win for Scott Frost and company, something they’ve should’ve earned each of the first three weeks. Special teams is still a problem, but Nebraska had just one turnover and one penalty in the game. That helps.

Next up: at Illinois

7. Minnesota 3-0 (W, 35-32 vs. Georgia Southern)

Last week: No. 9

Can we officially start calling Minnesota the “Cardiac Gophers” yet? Minnesota hasn’t played great football in any of its first three games, but has found a way to get three tallies in the win column. And, at the end of the day, that’s really all that matters. We’re about to find out a lot more about the Gophers in the next few weeks, now that non-conference play is over and its B1G opponents from here on out. Offensive line play is still a big concern but Minnesota has been able to overcome it so far.

Next up: OFF

6. Michigan State 2-1 (L, 10-7 vs. Arizona State)

Last week: No. 5

So I guess that reshuffling Mark Dantonio did in the offseason didn’t change everything. Michigan State’s offense was terrible once again, unable to finish drives throughout the game. Granted, Arizona State’s defense has allowed only seven points in each of its first three games, but for the Spartans to be a contender in the B1G, they’ve got to figure out how to move the football. Otherwise, one of the best defenses we’ve ever seen may get wasted two years in a row.

Next up: at Northwestern

5. Michigan 2-0 (OFF)

Last week: No. 7

Michigan basically moves up by default. It’ll have a huge opportunity to move up significantly next week, when it travels to Madison to take on the Badgers.

Next up: at #14 Wisconsin

4. Penn State 3-0 (W, 17-10 vs. Pitt)

Last week: No. 3

I’m not going to lie, I wasn’t overly impressed with Penn State this week. I think Pat Narduzzi may have lost this game more than Penn State won it. But, hey, the Nittany Lions got the “W.” This was the final matchup in a four-game rivalry series and it was the 100th overall meeting. There was a lot at stake in this one, making this a tougher challenge for PSU. Those slow first half starts are still pretty bothersome, though.

Next up: OFF

3. Iowa 3-0 (W, 18-17 at Iowa State)

Last week: No. 4 

Maybe I’m putting lipstick on the pig here, but all things considered, this was a really impressive win for Iowa. I know the Hawkeyes needed four field goals an a special teams gaff to beat Iowa State, but there were multiple weather delays, it was a road game and the Cyclones had two weeks to prepare for this one. Yet the Hawkeyes got the job done. Prettiest victory? Hell no. But sometimes you have to grit a game out here and there.

Next up: OFF

2. Wisconsin 2-0 (OFF)

Last week: No. 1

Our third team that was idle this weekend. We’re looking forward to seeing the Badgers welcome the Wolverines to town next Saturday.

Next up: No. 10 Michigan

1. Ohio State 3-0 (W, 51-10 at Indiana)

Last week: No. 2

Was there anything the Buckeyes couldn’t do in Bloomington? Now that we’ve seen it against Cincinnati and Indiana, I think it’s safe to say that, right now, Ohio State is the best team in the B1G on both sides of the football right now. They have all the weapons offensively, and defensively they’re fast, hard-hitting and intelligent. You saw all of that on display in a blowout victory over Indiana.

Next up: vs. Miami (OH)