Big Ten Power Rankings: OSU's the best team in the country

Big Ten power rankings, Week 3: Ohio State rolls, Iowa loses to FCS team

Sep 17, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Noah Brown (80) catches a touchdown pass against Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Michiah Quick (16) during the second quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

2 of 8

Sep 10, 2016; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Janarion Grant (1) is pushed out of bounds after gaining yardage against Howard Bison defensive back Julian Blair (11) during second half at High Points Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

Minnesota was off this week, but despite inactivity, they drop two spots in the rankings. That’s because they had four players suspended in Week 2 for what Tracy Claeys referred to as “busting the team rules.” But police are currently investigating them in a sexual conduct case. That’s inexcusable.

Rutgers’ win over New Mexico was essentially a carbon copy of last weeks’ win against Howard. They trailed 21-0, then scored 31 unanswered points en route to a win because Janarion Grant was doing Janarion Grant things.

Instead of returning kicks for 84 yards, Grant got in on the passing game, as his touchdown pass to Andre Patton cut New Mexico’s lead to 21-14. But don’t worry, because he did get another punt return touchdown, this time for 69 yards.

A win is a win, but this isn’t Groundhog Day, and Rutgers can’t keep playing like this. Or if they do, they’ll have to start giving out cardiac medication to their fans. While it may work against mid-major programs like New Mexico or Howard, it won’t work against Iowa, who happen to be their Week 4 opponent.

After two dominant wins to start the season, Maryland needed double overtime to beat a team that went 0-12 last year. UCF managed to improve on that record one week into 2016, but this was still a lot closer than it should’ve been.

While Maryland will most likely take the win, their future is ominous after Perry Hills suffered an injury in the second overtime. Luckily, freshman Tyrrell Pigrome was able to come in and score the game-winning touchdown from 24 yards on his only snap.

Maryland’s offense in regulation was sluggish. Despite forcing four turnovers, they couldn’t capitalize on the opportunities, and two missed field goals was the reason why they went to overtime. But they looked much more efficient in the extra frame, which makes Hills’ injury even harder to cope with. Part of that falls on the offensive line, who allowed their quarterback to get sacked five times.

Thankfully, they have a bye week to make adjustments and get better before taking on Purdue.

Home/College Football