Week 3 of the final Big Ten season before large-scale conference realignment and the elimination of divisions was much like the first two: the top contenders taking care of business while the rest of the conference looked pedestrian at best.

The top five teams after three weeks are clear to me. After that, it’s anybody’s guess how the rest of the conference shakes out. Most of the West is struggling to win football games, while we know what the bottom of the East usually looks like.

Related: Handing out game balls from Wisconsin’s win over Georgia Southern

Wisconsin did improve to 2-1 this week, though did so while struggling for three quarters with Georgia Southern. I don’t know what to make of the performance, aside from the team clearly experiencing growing pains on both sides of the football.

After three weeks of action, here are your updated Big Ten Power Rankings:

Northwestern (1-2)

Sep 3, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Ben Bryant (2) throws the ball as Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive lineman Kenny Fletcher (12) defends during the second half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Week 3 Result: 38-14 loss to Duke

Previous Rank: 14 (no change)

Northwestern got blown out at Duke on Saturday. Not much else needs to be said (except that Duke is actually pretty good this season).

The Wildcats’ best hope at in-conference wins comes when it faces Nebraska on October 21. Aside from that, the outlook for the Wildcats is quite bleak.

Sep 2, 2023; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Brendan Sorsby (15) scrambles during the second half of the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Indiana University Memorial Stadium. Ohio State won 23-3. Credit: Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch-USA TODAY NETWORK

Week 3 Result: 21-14 loss to…