Big Ten Football: Power Rankings – Week Four

2. Nebraska (4-0)

Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

Last Week: Beat Miami (FL) 41-31

As the top remaining unbeaten in the conference, Nebraska faced plenty questions about their quality of opponents. Not so much now!

Nebraska beat a feisty Miami squad 41-31 in Lincoln this past weekend.

Ameer Abduallah led the Huskers with a second game featuring 200-plus rushing yards of his own this season, firmly planting his name into the Heisman conversation.

The Huskers found the Hurricanes’ weakness and exploited it like a (conference?) champ. Nebraska ran the ball 53 times while only attacking through the air 13 times. Nebraska’s smashmouth attack was refreshing to some fans, but the Huskers have shown their ability to pass the ball this season.

When the offensive line is opening up holes, this offense is one of the best in the nation.

Maybe even more encouraging was the Blackshirts’ performance. Nebraska’s defense has been solid thus far, but had struggled creating turnovers. They gained three (and a fourth that was called back), including a scoop and score in the third quarter that changed the complexion of the game.

Nebraska is clearly the team to beat in the Big Ten West, and has a chance to claim the top spot in the conference in two weeks at Michigan State. First, the Huskers have to beat Illinois at home in what appears to be one of the biggest mismatches of Big Ten season.

This Week: Illinois (Sept 27- 8 p.m. on BTN)

My Prediction: Nebraska 52-17