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Big Ten Power Rankings: Penn State makes a statement

By Alec Whitaker

Penn State Nittany Lions running back Nicholas Singleton (10) runs the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Penn State Nittany Lions at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022.
Penn State Nittany Lions running back Nicholas Singleton (10) runs the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Penn State Nittany Lions at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. /
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Sep 17, 2022; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle Dvon Ellies (91) celebrates after a victory over the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2022; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle Dvon Ellies (91) celebrates after a victory over the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports /

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4. Penn State (3-0, 1-0) Last week: 5

Penn State made a statement on Saturday by going down to Auburn and winning 41-12. The Nittany Lions just outclassed Auburn in every possible way on the field. Nick Singleton has emerged as a star, as he had 124 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just ten carries. The defense also performed well, forcing four turnovers and six sacks. It was a complete game from a team that looks primed for a bounce back year. Penn State already has two road wins over Power Five opponents, that’s an impressive start. Central Michigan is up next for the Nittany Lions, expect them to light up the scoreboard again before preparing for Big Ten play.

3. Minnesota (3-0, 0-0) Last week: 4

Minnesota crushed Colorado 49-7 on Saturday to improve to 3-0. The Golden Gophers have outscored their opponents 149-17 so far this season. Mohamed Ibrahim continues his hot start, rushing for 202 yards and two scores on Saturday. He is quietly becoming a Heisman hopeful. The defense has been the real strength of this Minnesota team. Giving up just 17 points in three games is unheard of, regardless of who the opponent is. Minnesota has an interesting matchup with Michigan State this upcoming week, one that will tell us a lot about both teams. Should be a fun game as Minnesota opened as a 1.5-point favorite.

2. Michigan (3-0, 0-0) Last week: 2

Michigan has been criticized for how bad its nonconference schedule was, but they looked great again on Saturday, beating UCONN 59-0. The main thing to take away from this game is that J.J. McCarthy is QB1 for the Wolverines and he’s looked great so far. This is still a run-first team though as Blake Corum had five touchdowns on just 12 carries. Michigan finished its out of conference slate by outscoring opponents 166-17, pure dominance. They’ll face a bit of a test this weekend against Maryland, but it shouldn’t be anything they can’t handle. This team is really good on both sides of the ball.

1. Ohio State (3-0, 0-0) Last week: 1

There isn’t much to say after Ohio State wrecked Toledo 77-21 on Saturday. The Buckeyes are good on offense, I think everyone knew that already. C.J. Stroud went 22-27 for 367 yards and five touchdowns, one of the best games of his career. Ohio State was in control from the jump and ended up with 763 yards of total offense. This team looks ready for Big Ten play, and they will have a challenge against Wisconsin this upcoming Saturday. This is a game the Buckeyes should win rather easily, but it will be a good test for that revamped defense.

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