Big Ten Football: Power Rankings – Week Four

9. Iowa (3-1)

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Last Week: Beat Pittsburgh 24-20

Kirk Ferentz was in good spirits after the Hawkeyes’ dramatic win over the previously-undefeated Pittsburgh Panthers on Saturday. However, he knew he had a fresh quarterback controversy to return home to.

C.J. Beathard came off the bench to replace an injured Jake Rudock, and Iowa’s offense immediately saw success. Beathard hit Damond Powell for a 62-yard gain to jump start an Iowa comeback. Powel’s one-handed catch was the longest play from scrimmage for the Hawkeyes this year.

Beathard wasn’t a world-beater while replacing Rudock, but the offense played much smoother under the long-haired replacement.

Bruising running back Mark Weisman also got things going, becoming the first Hawkeye to rush for over 50 yards in a game this season. He  finished with 88 yards and 2 touchdowns, including the go ahead score with about six minutes to go in the game.

The win over Pittsburgh is impressive, but it appears Iowa once again will play to its competition this season, somewhat negating it’s favorable conference schedule in what may be a heated Big Ten West race.

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

My Prediction: Iowa 21-17