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As a member of the "working media" we get requests to help out other "media" in their articles and pursuits. Then sometimes we get to steal their ideas and content for our own gain. Thus, we bring you the Big Ten Power Poll!
I am a voting member in two power polls this season on other websites. If you want to compare my votes to other "writers" from around the Big Ten, I'm sure they would love a click as well. Check out the Rutgers Blog www.SalSoothsayer and another blog covering the whole conference, www.talking10.com.
Here is the poll after week 3:
Big Ten East
1. Michigan State
The Spartans got a bye, but noone is even close to them yet.
2. Ohio State
The Buckeyes beat Kent State 66-0. Normally that would move you to the top, but not yet.
3. Penn State
The Nittany Lions didn't look great in taking care of Rutgers in the Scarlet Knight's first Big Ten Game, but they got it done. More then a lot of teams can say.
4. Michigan
The Wolverines looked better in beating Miami, OH at home this week, but another test awaits in Utah this weekend.
5.Rutgers
The Scarlet Knights were impressive defensively in their first Big Ten Game in narrowly losing to Penn State. That offense though...woof. its a tough job to make the Gopher offense look threatening, but these guys might do it.
6.Maryland
It was a bad weekend for the Big Ten against the Bog Twelve. Maryland fell behind early, came back, but blew it in the end against West Virginia. You need to win that game to stay afloat here Terps.
7. Indiana
Sigh. Don't lose to MAC teams. I thought we were better then that now Indiana.
Big Ten West
1. Wisconsin
No dropping on a bye. Nebraska thought about taking this from you, but not yet. Beat Bowling Green handily to keep the spot though.
2. Nebraska
It was a nice win for the Huskers in Fresno. They moved back into this spot, and if they can beat Miami handily at home may challenge the Badgers for the top spot.
3. Iowa
This is really 3A and 3B. Its tough to tell what team is better between Iowa and Minnesota right now. Frankly I probably should have kept Minnesota above the Hawkeyes, but I was feeling a bit pessimistic when I filled out my ballot.
4. Minnesota
See above. If the offense even looked a little competent the Gophers would be 3rd, but....yeah. Make me not feel iffy when I fill this out next Sunday please.
5.Northwestern
The bye saved you this week Wildcats. Won't be easy to stay here.
6.Illinois
That was not good. The fact that you thought you won the 2nd half Tim Beckman takes you perilously close to Brewster Country. Watch yourself.
7.Purdue
You did better than Michigan against the Golden Domers. Unfortunately that's not saying much.
Overall
In case you are a pre-divisions purist, and want to see how teams stack up overall, here is my overall Top 14:
1. Michigan State NC
2. Ohio State NC
3. Wisconsin NC
4. Penn State NC
5. Nebraska +1
6. Michigan +2
7. Rutgers +3
8. Iowa -1
9. Minnesota -4
10. Maryland -1
11. Northwestern +3
12. Illinois -1
13. Indiana -1
14. Purdue -1
So this is looking a lot more like the preseason poll. Except for Rutgers rising in the East. Guess the cream might be rising to the top. This week should tell us a bit more as well.
Arguments? Likes? Dislikes? Think I am an idiot? Tell me in the comments!