Husker Corner
Fansided

Big Ten Power Rankings Heading Into Week 4

By Oliver Vandervoort

Sep 17, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) runs the ball past Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (31) in the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) runs the ball past Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (31) in the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 15
Next
Sep 3, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Lovie Smith prior to the game against the Murray State Racers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Lovie Smith prior to the game against the Murray State Racers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports /

13. Illinois (1-2, 0-0)

After the first week of the season, Illinois looked like Lovie Smith might have actually worked some magic. Then the team played a couple of FBS opponents and then suddenly the Illini made itself appear as though they belonged right near the bottom of the Big Ten power rankings.

After Beating Murray State 52-3 to open the season. Coming off the good feelings of that blowout victory, the Illini got hammered at home against North Carolina, 48-23.

Instead of bouncing back from that victory, Lovie Smith’s crew was hammered again, losing at home to Western Michigan. 34-10. The problem, so far for Illinois is they aren’t looking good either on offense, or defense.

Against North Carolina, the Illinois running game was quite good, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. The problem in that game was the fact that quarterback Wes Lunt completed 17 of 35 passes for just 127 yards.

Against Western Michigan Lunt had a better day, completing 29 of 42 passes for 312 yards. The Illinois leading rusher was Ke’Shawn Vaughn, who had just eight carries fro 22 yards. The team had a grand total of three yards against the Broncos.

Illinois has this week off and then will have to open conference play on October 1 against Nebraska.

Home/Big Ten News