Big Ten Football: Week 3 Power Rankings

THE BOTTOM FEEDERS

14. Purdue (13)

Last Week: 30-14 loss to Notre Dame

The Boilermakers actually played Notre Dame pretty close, leading 14-10 late in the first half. That performance should inspire enough confidence to grab a win this weekend against an FCS opponent, and double 2013’s win total.

This Week: Southern Illinois (Sept. 20 – 11 a.m. on BTN)

My Prediction: Purdue 37-10

13. Northwestern (12)

Last Week: Idle

After dropping two winnable games to begin the season, the Wildcats need a win this weekend in a huge way. Northwestern only has Big Ten teams and Notre Dame left on the schedule after Saturday’s showdown with an FCS opponent.

This Week: Western Illinois (Sept. 20 – 11 a.m. on ESPN NEWS)

My Prediction: Northwestern 27-13

12.  Illinois (14)

Last Week: 44-19 loss to Washington

The Fighting Illini’s defense is far from solid, so when the offense hands over 14 points like they did against Washington, Illinois won’t have a chance.

This Week: Texas State (Sept. 20 – 3 p.m. on ESPNEWS)

My Prediction: Illinois 45-28

11. Indiana (10)

Last Week: 45-42 loss to Bowling Green

The loss to Bowling Green is the kind of defeat that typically keeps the Hoosiers from reaching a bowl game. Another 5-7 season, just short of expectations looks to be on the horizon.

Indiana has a good chance to increase their odds of going bowling and help the conference’s perception IF the Hoosiers can pull off an upset on the road versus a Top 25 SEC opponent this weekend.

This Week: @ Missouri (Sept 20th- 3:00 p.m. on SEC Network)

My Prediction: Missouri 49-35

10. Iowa (7)

Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Last Week: 20-17 loss to Iowa State

Mark it down, Sept. 13, 2014 was when the term “getting Ferentzed” was termed (or at least used this season).

After already showing poor in-game coaching by exercising bad clock management techniques, Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz royally blew the game by trying to ice Iowa State’s kicker.

As is custom in coaching circles, Ferentz called a timeout just as Iowa State was about to snap the ball and attempt a game winning kick. Though the timeout was called just in time, the Cyclones got the kick off and missed the field goal completely.

After Ferentz handed Iowa State a mulligan, the Cyclones’ kicker booted the ball threw the uprights, claiming the Cy-Hawk Trophy, and handing Iowa its first loss of the season. Well done, Kirk.

While it’s fun to poke fun at the coach, Iowa’s players have to take blame as well.

The Hawkeyes’ once highly-regarded offensive line still has yet to help produce much of a run game.

Through the first three games, Iowa does not have a player who’s produced 50 yards rushing in one of them.

This Week: at Pittsburgh (Sept. 20- 11 a.m. on ESPNU)

My Prediction: Pittsburgh 27-10