Michigan football had looked awful in Week 1 with a controversial win over Western Michigan — a team it should have beaten decisively, not on a contested second Hail Mary — but followed that up with what had looked like one of the best in the country over Oklahoma in Week 2. It improved upon a half of lethargic play against UTEP in Week 3 by blowing out the Miners in the second half, finally looking the part it was expected to look under new head coach Kyle Whittingham.

But is this a team at 3-0 that is something of a conundrum. After Oklahoma struggled against New Mexico, there are questions about how good they are, and thus how good of a win that was for the Wolverines. However, with Iowa coming to town in Week 4, we’ll start to know more in short order.

On Monday morning, ESPN revealed its latest power rankings and Michigan football remained at No. 20 overall, one spot behind the Hawkeyes.

20. Michigan Wolverines

Previous ranking: 20

The Wolverines got through an eventful nonconference slate at 3-0 and showed true offensive firepower for the first time this season Saturday in the final three quarters against UTEP. Michigan piled up 52 points, scored on six consecutive possessions and received 223 passing yards and two touchdowns from quarterback Bryce Underwood, who didn’t attempt a pass in the final 10-plus minutes against Oklahoma. The Wolverines were still prone to sloppiness early, committing two turnovers, but held massive edges in first downs (27-9) and yards (431-150). They will try to build on a more balanced offensive effort as Big Ten play opens next week against Iowa. — Rittenberg

The bad news is that with Oklahoma no longer being in the power rankings, there are five games against teams thought more highly of than the Sooners. Ohio State is No. 6, Indiana is No. 7, Penn State is No. 12, Oregon is No. 18, and, as noted, Iowa is No. 19. The good news is that wins against any combination of those teams will certainly raise the Wolverines’ stock. But, it also appears that the most difficult teams all lie ahead, and not necessarily behind.

This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: ESPN reveals where Michigan stands after 3-0 start to season

Reporting by Isaiah Hole, Wolverines Wire / Wolverines Wire

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect