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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 /
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Sep 10, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Kobe McCrary (22) rushes for a touchdown against Indiana State Sycamores defensive back Lonnell Brown Jr. (25) during the second half at TCF Bank Stadium. Minnesota Golden Gophers won 58-28. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Kobe McCrary (22) rushes for a touchdown against Indiana State Sycamores defensive back Lonnell Brown Jr. (25) during the second half at TCF Bank Stadium. Minnesota Golden Gophers won 58-28. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Minnesota

The Golden Gophers win this spot over Penn State in the Big Ten power rankings basically because they still haven’t lost a game this year. Still, a close win over Oregon State and a wion over Indiana State doesn’t prove much.

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One reason Minnesota does get the nod over the Nittany Lions is because they have a quarterback who is supposed to be among the best in the conference. Mitch Leidner didn’t look the part in the season opener.

Yes, it was against an FCS school, but Leidner looked much more like the quarterback people thought he would be in his second game. He completed 20 of 30 passes for 295 yards and four touchdowns. While he didn’t need to show his mobility, he did show that he’s not Bernie Kosar in the pocket, running for nine yards.

It was the Minnesota rushing attack that should help the Golden Gophers against the rest of the Big Ten. Kobe McCrary, who had just two carries for 4 yards against Oregon State had 17 carries for 176 yards and two TDs against Indiana State.

If Minnesota has found it’s starting running back the rest of the way, their offensive attack becomes quite a bit more potent. The Gophers are another team that doesn’t quite get to start conference play. They’ll get to pad their record one more time, against Colorado State.

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