Big Ten power rankings week 3: Penn State catapults to the top spot
By Corey Hunter
Iowa may have had the biggest scare of all the Big Ten teams that won this past weekend. It took a solid fourth-quarter comeback and OT to beat in-state rival Iowa State.
Sophomore quarterback Nathan Stanley is quietly showing that he can be the leader for head coach Kirk Ferentz’s offense. Against the Cyclones Stanley threw for 333 yards on 27-of-41 passing and five touchdown passes. His tremendous effort was supported by senior running back Akrum Wadley who added 118 yards on 28 carries including one touchdown.
Iowa’s normally stout defense was severely tested by the Cyclones fast-paced offensive attack. The Hawkeyes usually do not have two weak defensive efforts in a row which does not bode well for this week’s opponent – North Texas Mean Green.
The Conference USA squad currently leads the conference in total offense, amassing over 580 yards of offense per game. Iowa’s deficiencies against Iowa State will quickly manifest themselves against North Texas if they aren’t careful.
Next week Iowa opens Big Ten play when they play host to Penn State in a night contest.