Big Ten power rankings: Gophers rise again after blowout win at Michigan State

Minnesota keeps moving up, and Iowa is back on the rise, too after a strong showing at Rutgers.

September 27, 2022 at 4:42PM
Penn State defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton (33) celebrated a sack against Central Michigan on Saturday. (Barry Reeger, Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

1. Ohio State (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten)

Buckeyes settled things quickly vs. Wisconsin, scoring TDs on their first four possessions.

2. Michigan (4-0, 1-0)

Wolverines were tested by Maryland, and RB Blake Corum (243 yards) made sure they passed.

3. Gophers (4-0, 2-0)

Through the first three quarters of its four games, Minnesota has outscored opponents 156-3.

4. Penn State (4-0, 1-0)

Four forced turnovers led Nittany Lions to 33-14 win over Central Michigan.

5. Maryland (3-1, 0-1)

Terps played Michigan tough, falling 34-27, but turnovers were their undoing.

6. Iowa (3-1, 1-0)

That 27-10 win at Rutgers included two defensive TDs for Hawkeyes.

7. Wisconsin (2-2, 0-1)

Badgers took their lumps at OSU, but schedule eases up with Illinois, Northwestern and Michigan State next.

8. Indiana (3-1, 1-0)

Hoosiers gave up 14 points in final minute of first half in 45-24 loss at Cincinnati.

9. Purdue (2-2, 0-1)

Boilermakers escaped with backup QB vs. Florida Atlantic. Will Aidan O'Connell play at Minnesota?

10. Michigan State (2-2, 0-1)

Sparty gave up scoring drives of 77, 75, 90 and 76 yards to Gophers. At home.

11. Illinois (3-1, 0-1)

Fighting Illini blanked Chattanooga 31-0. Visit to Wisconsin will test their mettle.

12. Rutgers (3-1, 0-1)

Turnovers vs. Iowa doom Scarlet Knights to 20th consecutive Big Ten home loss.

13. Northwestern (1-3, 1-0)

Wildcats lose to Miami (Ohio), now must travel to Penn State.

14. Nebraska (1-3, 0-1)

Week off to regroup. Can Big Red win at Indiana?

about the writer

Randy Johnson

College football reporter

Randy Johnson covers University of Minnesota football and college football for the Star Tribune, along with Gophers hockey and the Wild.

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