Big Ten Football Power Poll--Week Three

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.comm With out any further delay, I bring you the Preseason Version, of the Big Ten Power Poll.

Big Ten East

1. Ohio State (Previously #1)

The Buckeyes sure made this a bit more interesting then I was expecting.  You could make an argument for MSU to jump the Buckeyes....but they didn't exactly set the world on fire last week either. Western Michigan at home should not be a tough task for the Buckeyes.

2. Michigan State (Previously #2)

The Spartans didn't blow the world away in beating Air Force...but by a lot less then many would expect.  So they remain in the #2 hole and may not get a chance to move up until their big tilt against OSU.  This week's visit by Central Michigan should be a yawner.

3. Michigan (Previously #3)

Michigan seems to be finding their legs under Jim Harbaugh as they cruised to a three TD win over UNLV.  They will have a much stiffer task this week against a BYU team that has already beaten Nebraska this season.

4. Penn State (Previously #4)

Penn State has the  best Big Ten record....for at least another two weeks.  Rutgers....is not good and in turmoil, but the Lions did what they needed to do.  San Diego State comes to Happy Valley this week...another probable win.

5. Indiana (Previous #5)

3-0 Indiana?  Is Antoine Randal-EL back in Bloomington?  Nope, but running back Jordan Howard is one of the best backs in the Big Ten.  However...lets see what he can do against a bit tougher opponents than Southern Illinois, Florida International, and Western Kentucky..  This week the Hoosiers to go Wake Forest....technically a Power 5 team I guess....

6. Maryland (Previously #7)

The Terps rejoined the winning ways this week...but still look like a troubled team.  Going to West Virginia this week most likely will not turn out well.

7. Rutgers (previous #6)

Ew.  Rutgers.....you are in a world of hurt.

Big Ten West

1. Wisconsin (Previously #1)

Wisconsin beat up on Troy.  Woo?  Maybe Hawaii will put up a fi....hahahahahahahahahaha

2. Northwestern (Previously #4)

Well...looks like we actually have to take Northwestern seriously.  Didn't see that coming.  Watch them drop one ot Ball State this weekend now...

3.Iowa (Previously #2)

I have to admit, that was a hell of a kick to win against Pitt on Saturday.  The fact that it took that to win is slightly less exciting...but decent teams find a way to win.  Notice I didn't say good teams....yet. North Texas shouldn't change that at all.

4. Minnesota (Previously #3)

Honestly I wanted to move them all the way down to 5.  But Nebraska is more of a dumpster fire then the Gophers offense at the moment, and this defense might come kick my ass if I did drop them further.  Lets hope Ohio actually is thege t right game we hoped Kent State would be?

5. Nebraska (Previously #5)

Huskers....man, you worked your way back so nicely..and then choked it away.  It could e a long season in Lincoln if they don't get some things figured out.  Southern Mississippi may help get things figured out.

6. Illinois (previously #6)

Welcome back to reality Illini.  North Carolina put a whooping on you.  Guess playing real teams isn't quite the same as Kent  State (aww crap). Middle Tennessee should make you feel good again in Champaign.

7. Purdue (previously #7)

That's more what we expected from you Purdue.  Austin Appleby we hardly knew ye.  Bowling Green comes to down trying to make it two Big Ten teams they knock off on the season....watch out.

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. Ohio State (Previously #1)

2. Michigan State (#2)

3. Wisconsin (#3)

4. Northwestern (#6)

5. Iowa (#4)

6. Minnesota (#4)

7. Nebraska (#7)

8. Michigan (#9)

9. Penn State (#10)

10. Illinois (#8)

11. Indiana (#12)

12. Maryland (#14)

13. Purdue (#11)

14.Rutgers (#13)

Northwestern jumps up near the top, while Iowa stays relatively steady.  The Gophers will need to show more this week or else they could slip even further.  Michigan could be a big riser or dropper depending on how they do against BYU Saturday.  One more week....then things start to get really fun when the Big Ten season begins!

Arguments?  Likes?  Dislikes?  Think I am an idiot?  Tell me in the comments