Big Ten Football: Power Rankings – Week Four

THE BOTTOM FEEDERS

14. Northwestern (1-2)

Last Week: Beat Western Illinois 24-7

Talk about a program trending in the wrong direction. Despite finally adding to their win column this season, the Wildcats were out gained 376-292 by the Leathernecks.

This Week: at Penn State (Sept 27th 11 a.m. on BTN)

My Prediction: Penn State 38-14

13. Purdue (2-2)

Last Week: Beat Southern Illinois 35-13

Heading into the conference season, the Boilermakers have already doubled last season’s win total. While it will be difficult, 1-2 wins in conference play would give head coach Darrell Hazell huge momentum heading into year three as Purdue’s head man.

This Week: Iowa (Sept 27th- 11 a.m. on BTN)

My Prediction: Iowa 21-17

12. Illinois (3-1)

Last Week: Beat Texas State 42-35

A three-win non-conference schedule is promising, but Illinois has had to string together a second half comeback in each of those wins. The Illini trailed Texas State 21-6  in the second quarter before the game was delayed by lightning. That kind of deficit will be difficult to overcome in conference play.

This Week: at Nebraska (Sept 27th 8 p.m. on BTN)

My Prediction: Nebraska 52-17

11. Michigan (2-2)

Last Week: Lost to Utah 26-10

Change in Ann Arbor is imminent. Brady Hoke is clearly fighting for his job and unless he can get his offense to start producing (Michigan’s defense is actually atop the total defense charts in the Big Ten), he’ll have a difficult time making it to the end of the season.

The Wolverines may make a quarterback change, replacing turnover prone Devin Gardner with Shane Morris. Thus far, the offense hasn’t looked much better with Morris in.

Either way, the turnovers have to be limited as Michigan is an embarrassing minus-10 in turnover margin through four games.

This Week: Minnesota (Sept 27th- 2:30 p.m. on ABC/ESPN2)

My Prediction: Michigan 16-13

10. Minnesota (3-1)

Last Week: Beat San Jose State 24-7

Mitch Liedner was considered Minnesota’s running quarterback last year as Phillip Nelson was more of a refined passer. Despite only getting marginally better, he’s clearly the guy lobbing pigskin in 2014.

Liedner missed the San Jose State game with some nagging injuries and without him, the Golden Gophers totaled seven passing yards on one completion.

Behind David Cobb (207 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns) and a strong running game, Minnesota was still able to get the win.

Its hard to imagine being so one dimensional will be effective in Big Ten play, but Goldy’s boys get a wounded Michigan team to try it out on first.

This Week: Michigan (Sept 27th- 2:30p.m. on ABC/ESPN2)

My Prediction: Michigan 16-13