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Big Ten Power Rankings, Week 3: The book is out on Ohio State

By David Rouben

COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 09: Head coach Lincoln Riley of the Oklahoma Sooners shakes hands with head coach Urban Meyer of the Ohio State Buckeyes after the Sooners defeated the Buckeyes 31-16 at Ohio Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 09: Head coach Lincoln Riley of the Oklahoma Sooners shakes hands with head coach Urban Meyer of the Ohio State Buckeyes after the Sooners defeated the Buckeyes 31-16 at Ohio Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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AMES, IA – SEPTEMBER 9: Running back Akrum Wadley #25 of the Iowa Hawkeyes jumps over defensive back Evrett Edwards #4, and linebacker Willie Harvey #7 of the Iowa State Cyclones to score a touchdown in the second half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa Hawkeyes won 44-41 over the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA – SEPTEMBER 9: Running back Akrum Wadley #25 of the Iowa Hawkeyes jumps over defensive back Evrett Edwards #4, and linebacker Willie Harvey #7 of the Iowa State Cyclones to score a touchdown in the second half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa Hawkeyes won 44-41 over the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /
6

Iowa Hawkeyes (2-0)

Last week: 1-0 record
Last rank: 6th

After Iowa, led by Josey Jewell, put on a defensive clinic against Josh Allen and Wyoming, they found themselves in a shootout over an opponent they’ve dominated in recent years. This year’s edition of the Cy-Hawk Trophy was a lot closer than expected, which was a treat for neutral fans. But after trailing 31-21 in the fourth, Iowa deserves a lot of credit for pulling out the win in overtime.

Nathan Stanley didn’t do enough against Wyoming to prove he could effectively replace C.J. Beathard. But against Iowa State, he was clinical. 27-of-41 for 333 yards and five touchdowns, while leading a comeback, can only be a good thing for his confidence going forward.

But the biggest difference-maker was Akrum Wadley. He led all rushers with 118 yards on the ground, and finished with 190 yards of total offense to go along with two scores. His best play of the game was his 46-yard game-tying touchdown with a minute left that resembled Beast Mode:

With this game, Iowa proved they can win all types of games. By the time they play Penn State in Week 4, they could be a live dog.

5

Maryland Terrapins (2-0)

Last week: 1-0 record
Last rank: 5th

Even though Maryland was expected to throttle Towson, there was a lot to like about their performance. Kasim Hill filled in admirably for the injured Tyrrell Pigrome, Ty Johnson ran for a staggering 124 yards with two scores on five carries, while D.J. Moore added three touchdowns of his own. Maryland has no shortage of weapons, and while it was easy for them to let up after their win over Texas, they took care of business.

Considering the quality of opposition, D.J. Durkin probably should’ve given Hill more opportunities to sling it. Even if he threw an interception or two, they would’ve felt confident in limiting the damage from it. Now that he’s in it for the long haul, he’s got to prove that he’s capable of leading this Maryland offense.

Thankfully, Hill will get one more tune-up against UCF. He’ll need all the confidence he can get before the schedule shifts to conference play.

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