Updated Big Ten Power Rankings after Week 4: Michigan, USC on the rise

Here are the updated Big Ten football power rankings after Week 4.

1. Ohio State 3-0

Idle. Ohio State is on the road on Oct. 4 against fellow unbeaten Washington Huskies. It’ll be the Buckeyes’ first road game of the season, so it’ll be interesting to see how quarterback Julian Sayin handles the environment.

Last Week: 1

2. Penn State 3-0

Idle. A huge game is on the horizon as #2 Penn State hosts #6 Oregon. We will find out which team is the real deal, and if head coach James Franklin can finally silence some critics.

Last Week: 2

3. Oregon 4-0

Another game, another blowout for #6 Oregon. They should be tested for the first time this year this weekend against #2 Penn State in the white out game.

Last Week: 3

4. Indiana 4-0

Indiana destroyed the Fighting Illini 63-10 in a top 25 matchup. The question: Is Indiana that good, or was the Illini overrated? Time will tell and rather quickly, but for now, I think it’s a little bit of both. The Hoosiers travel to Iowa next in a game that should see Indiana in the top 15 at least.

Last Week: 4

5. Michigan 3-1

Michigan moves up a spot. It wasn’t their best game, but they got the job done against an improved Nebraska team 30-27. Michigan has to get the passing game going at some point. Some of that falls on Bryce Underwood, and some of it is dropped passes. Michigan has a bye this week.

Last Week: 6

6. USC 4-0

USC moves up again after a late-night victory over Michigan State, 45-31. Will USC be able to keep this up all season? Outscoring opponents but giving up points? They have the Illini in a top 25 matchup.

Last Week: 8

7. Washington 3-0

Washington beat Washington State 59-24 in the Apple Cup game and moved up after several losses from teams previously ahead of them. The Huskies start Big Ten play this week against #1 Ohio State at home. Quarterback Demon Williams Jr. hasn’t thrown an interception this season. Will that be the case after the game?

Last Week: 10

8. Maryland 4-0

Maryland soundly beat Wisconsin 27-10. They were up 20-0 at the half. Quarterback Malik Washington accounted for three touchdowns to lead the Terrapins. Maryland is idle this week.

Last Week: 13

9. Iowa 3-1

The Hawkeyes used a 17-point fourth quarter to get past Rutgers 38-28 on Friday night. Before that, the game was tied at 21. Iowa will look to knock off #19 Indiana this Saturday.

Last Week: 12

10. Nebraska 3-1

Nebraska had some chances but ultimately couldn’t stop Michigan’s running game in a 30-27 loss. Nebraska is idle this week before facing Michigan State at home.

Last Week: 7

11. Michigan State 3-1

The Spartans couldn’t keep up with USC’s offense, losing 45-31. Quarterback Aidan Chiles had three passing touchdowns and ran for another for Michigan State. Michigan State is idle this week and then faces Nebraska.

Last Week: 11

12. Minnesota 2-1

Idle. Minnesota takes on Rutgers this week. Both teams are trying to avoid losing two in a row.

Last Week: 14

13. Rutgers 3-1

They went back and forth with Iowa but ran out of gas. Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis has thrown for 1,150 yards and seven touchdowns to just one interception. They travel this week to face Minnesota.

Last Week: 16

14. Wisconsin 2-2

Wisconsin looked lost against Maryland, and after a bye week, it doesn’t get any easier with a road trip to #21 Michigan.

Last Week: 8

15. Illinois 3-1

You cannot be ranked No. 9 and get beaten down 63-10. The Illini were outplayed, outcoached, and were ranked too high to begin with this season. They can fix it, but they have #25 USC at home next.

Last Week: 5

16. Purdue 2-2

Purdue lost to #24 Notre Dame 56-30 for the Irish’s first win of the season. One of the touchdowns came on a trick play. Running back Devin Mockobee threw a 14-yard pass to quarterback Ryan Browne. The Boilermakers are off this week before facing Illinois.