Big Ten Football: Power Rankings – Week Four

6. Rutgers (3-1, 0-1)

Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Last Week: Beat Navy 31-24

Rutgers continues its hot start to the season, but this win may have come at a big cost.

The Scarlet Knights lost their biggest playmaker for the season in running back Paul James due to a leg injury.

Justin Goodwin stepped in and played well as his replacement versus Navy (104 yards), and Desmon Peoples has already impressed in relief, but Rutgers won’t be the same without the injury-prone James

Rutgers did a good job holding Navy’s previously nation-leading rushing attack to just 171 yards, but the Middies were able to stay in the game due to their passing attack.

Without James, Rutgers had best prepare for more close games after closing non-conference play this week.

This Week: Tulane (Sept 27th- 11 a.m. on ESPNews)

My Prediction: Rutgers 35-17