Big Ten Football Power Rankings: Week 4 edition

Another week, another home game against an unranked opponent for the Michigan Wolverines. It might seem odd to keep the Wolverines put at No. 3 in the power rankings even though they’re No. 4 in the AP Poll, but until they beat a team of note, they’ll remain in this spot. Michigan had major trouble with Colorado early in the game, falling behind 21-7 but the Buff’s starting quarterback, Sefo Liufau, went down with an injury in the third quarter and didn’t return. That was the true difference in the game as Michigan won 45-28.

This week: vs. Penn State

Coming off a bye week, the Spartans faced their toughest competition of the season to date, traveling to South Bend to take on No. 18 Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish were tough early on, but the Spartans went on a 36-0 run thanks to blitz packages on defense, solid play in the pass game and an elite rushing attack. If Michigan State can play like that instead of the team that showed up in the late-third and fourth quarters to give up 21 straight points, they will be pretty solid this year.

This week: vs. No. 11 Wisconsin

Ohio State is going to remain No. 1 on the list until someone proves it otherwise. The Buckeyes opened the year with a couple of easy wins against Bowling Green and Tulsa but Week 3 was the true test for Urban Meyer’s squad. Ohio State went into Norman and defeated No. 14 Oklahoma by double-digits. J.T. Barrett’s Heisman campaign continued with four touchdown passes and 77 yards on the ground while Detroit-native Mike Weber is stepping up nicely in the run game to replace Ezekiel Elliott. This team has officially reloaded instead of rebuilt.

This week: Bye week