The Dawgs were off on a bye week in Week 3, but that doesn't mean their conference counterparts weren't in action, spicing things up on the Big Ten leaderboard. Teams are beginning to cement their identities, so let's take a look at how things shape up going into Week 4.
1. Ohio State Buckeyes (3-0)
Last week's ranking: No. 1
Last week's game: W, 37-9 vs Ohio
The Buckeyes got out to a bit of a slow start against their in-state rivals, but figured things out on their way to another dominant victory. The No.1 team in the entire country continues to look better each week, and will be on a bye week in Week 4 before traveling to Seattle to take on the Huskies.
2. Oregon Ducks (3-0)
Last week's ranking: No. 2
Last week's game: W, 34-14 vs Northwestern
Like in years past, it's looking like teams will have to play a perfect game if they want to beat the Ducks. Oregon has so much speed, athleticism, IQ, and depth at every position, and are ramping up to potentially topple Ohio State at the top of the Big Ten power rankings. I was particularly impressed with Oregon's defense against Northwestern, and Dante Moore looks like a Heisman candidate at quarterback.
3. Penn State Nittany Lions (3-0)
Last week's ranking: No. 3
Last week's game: W, 52-6 vs Villanova
Penn State continues to look like a championship contender, even if it's less sexy than Ohio State and Oregon. The Nittany Lions' balanced pass-run attack on offense will be difficult to stop all season, and its defense has only given up 17 total points in three games. They're on a bye this week, but will have a White Out home game against Oregon afterwards that will be huge in determining the Big Ten landscape going forward.
4. Illinois Fighting Illini (3-0)
Last week's ranking: No. 4
Last week's game: W, 38-0 vs Western Michigan
Luke Altmyer is looking like one of the best quarterbacks in the country, and the experience this team has as a whole is already paying off. With all the talk about the Oregon's, Ohio State's, and Penn State's of the world, Illinois is sliding under the radar as a top-10 team in the entire nation. The Illini have a big matchup on the road against No. 19 Indiana next.
5. USC Trojans (3-0)
Last week's ranking: No. 5
Last week's game: W, 33-17 vs Purdue
USC finally gets ranked in the AP poll after showing it has one of the best offenses in the country for weeks now. Albeit they're only at No. 25, but the Trojans are well on their way to climb the rankings if they can win against Michigan State, Illinois, Michigan, and Notre Dame in their next four games. I think they can.
6. Washington Huskies (2-0)
Last week's ranking: No. 6
Last week's game: BYE
Washington continues to be overlooked by the national media, as it is one of 10 undefeated teams who haven't received a single vote in the AP Top 25. Looking at the other programs in that group, the Huskies are far and away the best team with the highest ceiling. But I guess it's somewhat fair considering they've only played two games against poor competition. That could all change this week - as Washington goes on the road for the Apple Cup on national TV.