Big Ten power rankings week 3: Penn State catapults to the top spot

Ohio State tumbles to No. 4 this week after being silenced at home by the Oklahoma Sooners.  In one of the second week’s marquee games, Ohio State had a chance to cement their position as one of the nation’s elite teams.  They lost that opportunity as well as their hold on our top spot in the rankings.

JT Barrett and JK Dobbins once again paced the Buckeyes on the ground, but it was Barrett’s inability to make quick, decisive throws that cost Ohio State.  Barrett barely threw for 50 percent (19 of 35) and had no passing touchdowns.  With Barrett’s inability to move the Buckeyes through the air, it was their ground attack that had to mount offensive pressure against the Sooners.  For Buckeyes faithful unfortunately, Ohio State could not sustain a consistent ground attack.  Eventually Baker Mayfield got locked in and nothing could slow the Sooners offense.

While the loss certainly stings for the Buckeyes, there is no time for sulking.  A run-heavy Army squad invades the Horseshoe this weekend.  Also,  Ohio State is the only Big Ten team currently sporting a 1-0 Big Ten conference record.  With headlining matchups against Nebraska, Penn State, Iowa, Michigan State, and Michigan still left on their schedule, Ohio State can yet still find themselves angling for a shot at the College Football Playoff this year.