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Big Ten Power Rankings: Week 14

By David Rouben

Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Brutus Buckeye crowd surfs as fans surge onto the field following the win over the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Brutus Buckeye crowd surfs as fans surge onto the field following the win over the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 25, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes tight end George Kittle (46) celebrates after a touchdown catch during the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes tight end George Kittle (46) celebrates after a touchdown catch during the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

While Hawkeyes fans are no doubt thrilled over how their team has played over the last three weeks, they can’t help but wonder where this team was against North Dakota State, Northwestern, Wisconsin and Penn State. Iowa seems to have found a rhythm over this three-game winning streak, which includes wins over Michigan and Nebraska.

But while their offense was stagnant against the Wolverines, they absolutely came to life against the Cornhuskers. They kept going off for big plays, including a 75-yard and 77-yard touchdown in the first quarter alone. And while CJ Beathard finished with just 144 passing yards, their offense as a whole totaled 408 yards.

Ever since the Hawkeyes were blown out by Penn State, they have responded tremendously. Nobody knew from watching that game that they would go on to beat the Wolverines the very next week. Subsequently, nobody expected Iowa to look this good against a team that was still in the hunt for the Big Ten Championship Game.

Iowa has a stingy defense, while their offense can kick into high gear at any moment. And as they have proven over these last three weeks, they can compete with just about anybody. Despite this season-ending run, this is still a disappointing year coming off the heels of a 12-0 campaign. But Iowa has built up enough confidence to carry through to next season that they should feel comfortable against the best the Big Ten has to offer.

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