Big Ten West Power Ranking: Iowa Hawkeyes Falling Quickly

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Mandatory Credit: Matthew O /

No. 3 – Minnesota Gophers 3-1 (0-1)

Last Week: 4

Are the Minnesota Gophers for real? Probably not, but they’re not a bad football team, either.

If for no other reason than by default, Minnesota deserves to be ranked third this week. They beat the teams people expected them to and nearly escaped Happy Valley with a win. The Gophers couldn’t protect a 10-point halftime lead and allowed Penn State to drive 53 yards in 52 seconds on eight plays to force overtime, but Minnesota didn’t fold like some people expected.

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Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks each topped 100 yards on the ground. Brooks missed the first couple of weeks, however Minnesota has their dynamic duo in the backfield back and have proven it’s one of the best in the Big Ten. They combined to rush for 204 yards on 37 carries — an astounding 5.5 yards per carry.

Through the air, Mitch Leidner threw just his second interception on the year and completed 60 percent of his passes. Brian Smith and Drew Wolitarsky each came down with seven receptions, as well.

Not to mention Minnesota is allowing a mere 26 points per game this season and held a good offense to 29 points. That was only the second time this season that Penn State failed to score 30 points in a game. Sure, Trace McSorley threw for 335 yards, although they held Saquon Barkley to 3.2 yards per carry.

In the end, Barkley burned them for a 25-yard touchdown run in overtime and ruined the Gophers perfect season. That being said, there’s a real chance that Minnesota starts the season 8-1.

Iowa will be another solid test for a team people are still questioning, though. The Hawkeyes might be favorites, but winning in Minneapolis against a team who is trying to prove something is never easy.

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