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

STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 09: The Penn State Nittany Lion is seen before the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Beaver Stadium on September 9, 2017 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 09: The Penn State Nittany Lion is seen before the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Beaver Stadium on September 9, 2017 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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ANN ARBOR, MI – SEPTEMBER 9: Ty Isaac
ANN ARBOR, MI – SEPTEMBER 9: Ty Isaac /

Michigan stays at No.3 this week in our standings.  The Wolverines were able to stave off former Ohio State defensive coordinator and current Cincinnati head coach Luke Fickell’s bid for an upset.

Wilton Speight, Michigan’s redshirt junior quarterback, found his footing last week after a tepid opening week against the Florida Gators.  The Richmond, Virginia product completed 17-of-29 passes for 220 yards and two touchdowns.  However, running back Ty Isaac stole the show.  The Joliet, Illinois native carried the ball 20 times on route to 133 rushing yards.

On the defensive side of the ball the Wolverines have been the class of the league after two games.  They rank as the Big Ten’s top defensive team in terms of total defense.  After two games, they have yet to allow 100 total rushing yards or an average of 200 yards of total offense to opposing teams.

This week Michigan welcomes Air Force and its triple option-style of offense to the Big House.  This should be a good barometer for the Wolverine’s stout rush defense.  The Falcons lead the Mountain West conference in rushing, averaging 473 yards per game.

Big Ten play kicks off for Michigan the following week as they travel to Purdue.