Badger of Honor
Fansided

Wisconsin Football drops in latest Big Ten power rankings

By Tanner Nestle

MADISON, WI - SEPTEMBER 15: Squally Canada #22 of the BYU Cougars dives into the end zone for a two-yard touchdown in the third quarter of the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. BYU won 24-21. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - SEPTEMBER 15: Squally Canada #22 of the BYU Cougars dives into the end zone for a two-yard touchdown in the third quarter of the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. BYU won 24-21. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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ANN ARBOR, MI – SEPTEMBER 15: Zach Gentry #83 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates a second half first down catch while playing the Southern Methodist Mustangs on September 15, 2018 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 45-20. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Michigan is who I was debating on keeping at the fourth spot in this ranking, but the tie-breaker to me was simple. Michigan won its game (against an FBS opponent) and Wisconsin didn’t.

Michigan has been facing some of its own adversities this year. Losing week one against Notre Dame wasn’t the worst thing in the world, but the loss was an ugly one. Michigan just didn’t look well at all. It has since played Western Michigan and SMU and put together strong showings and has built confidence.

This week the Wolverines will host Nebraska in what should be a pretty comfortable win for the home team. I would be shocked if Nebraska made this game competitive. If anything, it would be Michigan’s own doing that would allow this to happen. I’m giving Michigan credit here for being superiorly talented, being at home, and being on a roll. Meanwhile, Nebraska is still winless. And those losses are crushing.

Michigan’s next few opponents are at Northwestern, home against Maryland, and home against Wisconsin. The Wolverines should cruise to victories in the next three games until Wisconsin goes to the Big House. The shape these two teams will be in at that time is anybody’s guess. I would hope they’re both playing well so this game is able to live up to all the preseason hype.