Iowa Hawkeyes climb Big Ten power rankings after dominant 55-0 shutout
The Iowa Hawkeyes are rolling. After a 55-0 blowout win over Northern Iowa on Saturday, the team remains undefeated at 3-0 and holds steady at No. 8 in the latest Big Ten power rankings. But the real story isn't just the win, it's how the Hawkeyes are winning.
Iowa rushed for 422 yards and had three players eclipse the 100-yard mark, while quarterback Hank Brown completed all 12 of his pass attempts. The Hawkeyes have now shown they can beat opponents on the ground and through the air, a versatility that could make them dangerous as conference play heats up.
Hawkeyes finding their identity on offense
For years, Iowa has been known for its punishing defense and conservative offense. That formula is changing. The Hawkeyes have now won with a massive rushing attack and with Brown's arm, giving offensive coordinator Tim Lester more options than past Iowa teams have enjoyed.
The 422 rushing yards were a statement. Three different running backs topped 100 yards, a feat that shows depth and physicality in the trenches. Brown's perfect day through the air adds another dimension that opposing defenses will have to respect.
Big test awaits in Ann Arbor
The Hawkeyes face their toughest challenge of the season next week when they travel to Michigan to take on the No. 5 Wolverines. Michigan is also 3-0 after a 52-17 win over UTEP, but the Wolverines looked sluggish in the first half before pulling away.
Iowa's physical running game will test a Michigan defense that has been solid but hasn't faced a ground attack like the Hawkeyes'. The matchup in Ann Arbor will tell us a lot about whether Iowa is a legitimate Big Ten contender or just a team that beats up on lesser opponents.
Big Ten power rankings after Week 3
Here is the full breakdown of the Big Ten power rankings following Week 3 action:
18. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (0-3)
Rutgers played its best game of the season in a 42-35 loss to USC. Dylan Lonergan made it competitive, and Antwan Raymond averaged nearly six yards per carry. But turnovers remain a problem, and the defense has nothing to write home about.
17. Michigan State Spartans (2-1)
The final score of 27-10 against Notre Dame flattered the Spartans. Michigan State couldn't run the ball, Alessio Milivojevic threw two interceptions, and the defense couldn't get off the field. Conference play will be brutal for this group.
16. Purdue Boilermakers (1-2)
Purdue lost 52-38 at UCLA, but the offense looks real. Ryan Browne threw for nearly 500 yards, and the Boilermakers were in a track meet all game. The defense is a major concern, but Barry Odom's teams typically improve in year two.
15. Minnesota Golden Gophers (2-1)
Minnesota bounced back with a 41-7 win over Akron, running the ball well. But Drake Lindsey's inconsistent play caps the ceiling for this offense. The Gophers head to Washington next week.
14. Maryland Terrapins (2-1)
Maryland's defense got gashed in a 35-26 loss to Virginia Tech. Malik Washington threw for 359 yards and three touchdowns, but it wasn't enough. The Terps finally lost in September.
13. Northwestern Wildcats (2-0)
Chip Kelly is working magic in Evanston. Aidan Chiles looks like a solid quarterback, and the Wildcats forced four turnovers in a 41-7 win over Colorado. The real test comes next week at Indiana.
12. Wisconsin Badgers (2-1)
Colton Joseph threw for 362 yards in a 54-10 win over Eastern Michigan. Luke Fickell is coaching for his job, and the Badgers have been more competitive than expected. A trip to Penn State looms.
11. Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-0)
Nebraska improved to 3-0 with a 34-7 win over North Dakota. Anthony Colandrea was efficient, and Jamal Rule rushed for 119 yards and two touchdowns. The Cornhuskers are an interesting team entering conference play.
10. UCLA Bruins (3-0)
UCLA beat Purdue 52-38, but the defense was exposed. Nico Iamaleava had his best game as a Bruin, and Wayne Knight rushed for 170 yards. The offensive line is a concern in pass protection, and Iamaleava took too many hits.
9. Illinois Fighting Illini (2-1)
Illinois bounced back from a frustrating loss to Duke with a 48-10 win over Southern Illinois. Katin Houser was efficient, and the rushing attack was strong.
8. Iowa Hawkeyes (3-0)
Iowa is clicking at the right time. The Hawkeyes rushed for 422 yards and had three players top 100 yards in a 55-0 shutout. Hank Brown was perfect through the air. A statement win at Michigan would vault this team up the rankings.
7. Washington Huskies (3-0)
Demond Williams threw four touchdowns in a 48-16 win over Eastern Washington. But the lack of depth at running back is concerning with Minnesota, USC, and Iowa on deck.
6. Oregon Ducks (2-1)
An 84-0 blowout over Portland State was exactly what Oregon needed after an embarrassing loss to Oklahoma State. But beating an FCS school doesn't mean the Ducks are back in title contention. We'll learn everything next week against USC.
5. Michigan Wolverines (3-0)
Michigan took too long to pull away from UTEP in a 52-17 win. Bryce Underwood was efficient, but the running game averaged just 4.4 yards per carry. The defense is solid. Iowa comes to Ann Arbor next week.
4. USC Trojans (3-0)
USC survived a scare at Rutgers, winning 42-35. The defense looked like an old Lincoln Riley unit, getting ripped through the secondary in the second half. Jayden Maiava connected with nine different receivers. Oregon will have a blueprint to attack this defense.
3. Penn State Nittany Lions (3-0)
Penn State is balanced on offense, rushing for 300 yards and five scores in a 55-13 win over Buffalo. The lack of a pass rush is a concern, but the Nittany Lions are checking all the boxes.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes (2-1)
Jeremiah Smith set the Ohio State receiving record in a 59-3 win over Kent State. The Buckeyes settled down after blowing a late lead last week. The defense isn't creating as many negative plays as expected, but Ohio State is in good shape.
1. Indiana Hoosiers (3-0)
The defending national champions have back-to-back shutouts after a 38-0 win over Western Kentucky. Indiana started slow but looked like themselves once the momentum shifted. The Hoosiers remain the team to beat in the Big Ten.
What does this mean for Iowa?
Iowa's schedule gets significantly tougher from here. After Michigan, the Hawkeyes face Wisconsin, Washington, and USC in what could define their season. The running game is elite, and Brown's efficiency gives Iowa a passing threat it hasn't had in years.
If the Hawkeyes can win in Ann Arbor, they'll prove they belong in the conversation with the Big Ten's best. If not, they'll still have plenty of chances to make a statement before the season is over.
One thing is certain: Iowa is no longer just a defensive-minded team that hopes to win ugly. This offense can score, and that makes the Hawkeyes a dangerous opponent for anyone.