The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

Around the Big Ten: Week 3 power rankings

Every week, the Pregame staff takes a look at what\’s going on in the conference, and puts together power rankings around the Big Ten. 
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The Daily Iowan; Photo by Ben Sm
Coaches Paul Chryst, Lovie Smith, Tom Allen, and James Franklin interview with Fox Sports Game Analyst, Joel Klatt, during the Big Ten Football Media Day Luncheon at McCormick Place Conference Center in Chicago on Tuesday, July 25, 2017. (Ben Smith/The Daily Iowan)

1) Penn State (2-0):
Last year at this time, I still had Penn State in the middle of the pack of the Big Ten. My oh my, how things change.

2) Michigan (2-0):
Michigan is just so, so good. There’s really nothing more to it.

3) Wisconsin (2-0):
I have to give some acknowledgment to my boys here. Big Wisco girl, in case you didn’t know.

4) Ohio State (1-1):
This is weird. I feel somewhat uncomfortable putting Ohio State this low, but let’s be honest: Penn State, Michigan, and Wisconsin deserve to be sitting above the Buckeyes right now.

5) Iowa (2-0):
The Iowa State game showed a lot of promise for and resilience in the Hawkeyes. I’m going to have them up here until we see how they perform against Penn State.

6) Maryland (2-0):
How did this happen? When did we get here?

7) Minnesota (2-0):
Not related to Minnesota, but I really wish something more exciting would happen in the Big Ten so I could mention that.

8) Michigan State (2-0):
The Spartans were 2-0 at this point last year, too. Just saying.

9) Nebraska (1-1):
I think someone needs to tell Nebraska the point of football is to score points, not give them up.

10) Northwestern (1-1):
Was Northwestern supposed to be good this season or something? I’m just not seeing it.

11) Illinois (2-0):
Illinois is 2-0. Only one win away from tying what it did last season.

12) Indiana (1-1):
Remember how exciting the game between Indiana and Ohio State was until the Buckeyes scored 36 points in the second half?

13) Purdue (1-1:
Maybe Purdue will beat Illinois this season. Same with Rutgers. Three wins isn’t horrible — it is Purdue, you know.

14) Rutgers (0-2):
The only game I see Rutgers winning this season is the upcoming one against Morgan State. I’m including the games the Scarlet Knights will play against Illinois, Purdue, and Indiana.

 

Offensive impact:

Name: Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin

Position: Running Back

Year: Freshman

Who knows if Taylor’s performance will be sustainable throughout the season, but the true freshman’s performance last week was enough to get him Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week. The tailback put up 233 yards and 3 touchdowns on 26 carries. Color me impressed.

 

Defensive impact:

Name: Tyree Kinnel, Michigan

Position: Safety

Year: Junior

Like Taylor, Kinnel earned Big Ten honors this week, too – Defensive Player of the Week. Through two weeks, Kinnel has more tackles than he had all last season. Last week, he also intercepted a pass and brought it back for 6, the first of his career.

 

Game to watch:

No. 10 Wisconsin VS. BYU

When: 2:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, Utah

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