Big Ten Power Rankings: Week 2
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Written By Evan McShane (@veryreasonable)
Week Two has been completed and there has been a little shake up in our power rankings after some upsets.
1. Ohio State (2-0, defeated Rutgers 52-3)
Ohio State has posted 1,300 yards of offense and 129 points through two games this season. Sophomore quarterback Dwayne Haskins is building himself a Heisman-worthy resume. Haskins has been remarkably efficient, completing 20-of-23 passes with four touchdowns in a 52-3 beatdown against Rutgers. The Buckeyes might have the best top-to-bottom roster in all of college football this season. Ohio State will remain alone at the top of the Big Ten power rankings until proven otherwise. A neutral site game against TCU next week will give the Buckeyes a chance to further cement their place as the best team in the conference.
Next week: Ohio State will play TCU at AT&T Stadium at 8PM ET
2. Wisconsin (2-0, defeated New Mexico 45-14)
The Badgers got off to a slow start at home against New Mexico. Wisconsin took a 10-7 lead into halftime, causing some to raise an eyebrow. However, Wisconsin quickly dismantled New Mexico in the second half en route to a 45-14 blowout victory. Badger quarterback Alex Hornibrook only threw 11 passes thanks to the dominance of running back Jonathan Taylor. Taylor, a potential Heisman candidate, ran for 253 yards on 33 carries with three touchdowns. The Badgers put up over 400 yards rushing as a team behind one of the best offensive lines in the country. A stout defense and unstoppable run game will make Wisconsin extremely tough to beat.
Next week: Wisconsin will host BYU at 3:30PM ET
3. Penn State (2-0, defeated Pitt 51-6)
Penn State avoided a catastrophe in week one against Appalachian State. This week, on the road against in-state rival Pitt, the Nittany Lions asserted their dominance. Pitt put up a good fight in the first half, trailing just 14-6 at intermission. However, Penn State poured on 37 points and pitched a shutout in the second half on their way to a 51-6 victory. Quarterback Trace McSorley completed less than 50% of his passes for just 145 yards, but Penn State didn’t need his heroics this week. The Nittany Lions played a complete game: PSU recorded three passing touchdowns, three rushing touchdowns, a punt return for a touchdown and a safety. A soft non-conference schedule has Penn State playing Kent State at home next week before they begin Big Ten play.
Next week: Penn State will host Kent State at noon ET
4. Michigan (1-1, defeated Western Michigan 49-3)
Michigan looked like their old selves against an inferior opponent. Following a close loss to a talented Notre Dame team last week, the Wolverines steamrolled Western Michigan 49-3. An efficient outing from quarterback Shea Patterson supplemented a dominant run game. Patterson threw three touchdowns and completed over 70% of his passes. Running back Karan Higdon ran for 156 yards on just 13 carries. Michigan lost the time of possession battle, but not before racking up over 300 rushing yards as a team. The Wolverines vaunted defense only surrendered 208 total yards to Western Michigan. If their defense continues to play at this level and Shea Patterson can manage games, Michigan will remain one of the conference’s best teams.
Next week: Michigan will host SMU at 3:30PM ET
5. Iowa (2-0, defeated Iowa State 13-3)
Iowa’s defense has only given up ten points through two games this season. The Hawkeyes followed up a dominant performance last week with another one – this time against in-state rival, Iowa State. Iowa held their opponent to 188 yards of offense and one field goal on Saturday. The concern with the Hawkeyes lies with their offense. Iowa was unable to score in the first half and they could not eclipse 300 yards of offense. Quarterback Nate Stanley was underwhelming, although he played a mistake-free game. If Stanley can improve his output, this year’s Iowa team will be very dangerous.
Next game: Iowa will host Northern Iowa at 7:30PM ET
6. Michigan State (1-1, lost at Arizona State 16-13)
For the second straight week, Michigan State looked extremely shaky. This time, they were unable to escape with a win. After nearly losing to Utah State at home, the Spartans got beat by Arizona State in the desert on a last second field goal. MSU controlled much of the game, taking a 13-3 lead into the fourth quarter. Quarterback Brian Lewerke threw for over three hundred yards, but the Spartan run game couldn’t get going. Arizona State threw for 380 yards as they stormed back to take over the game. Michigan State’s run defense was stellar, but their secondary struggled mightily. The Spartans have more than enough talent to be successful, but they haven’t looked the part yet this season.
Next game: Michigan State has a bye week
7. Maryland (2-0, defeated Bowling Green 45-14)
Despite off-field turmoil, Maryland has been impressive to start the season. One week after a big upset victory over Texas, Maryland destroyed Bowling Green. The Terps ran wild – two running backs eclipsed the 100-yard mark and Maryland accumulated 444 yards rushing as team. Maryland’s defense had a stellar outing as they held Bowling Green to just 158 total yards (only 15 rushing yards). With a dangerous running game and disciplined defense, Maryland has a chance to have a surprisingly successful season.
Next game: Maryland will host Temple at noon ET
8. Northwestern (1-0, lost to Duke 21-7)
Northwestern has played six straight quarters of awful football. After hanging 31 points in the first half against Purdue in week one, the Wildcats have only scored seven points since. Frankly, Northwestern was horrible last week at home against Duke. The Wildcats scored a quick touchdown before allowing Duke to hang 21 points on them in the second quarter. Quarterback Clayton Thorson has not impressed so far this season, although his health could be hindering his performance. Northwestern failed to score throughout the final 54 minutes of gameplay. The Wildcats will need a confidence boost next week or their season could go downhill fast.
Next week: Northwestern will host Akron at 7:30PM ET
9. Indiana (2-0, defeated Virginia 20-16)
Indiana battled through a monsoon to defeat Virginia. The Hoosiers now have two victories over teams who went bowling last season. IU’s offense was powered by a breakout performance from true freshman running back Stevie Scott, who ran for 204 yards on 31 carries including a 42-yard burst and a 40-yard touchdown run. The Hoosier defense was much improved from a week ago. Tom Allen was pleased as his defense finished the game and secured the victory by stopping Virginia on their final drive. With Ball State coming to town next week, the Hoosiers have a chance to start 3-0 before conference play begins. Indiana is inexperienced, but this team is playing with a lot of confidence right now.
Next week: Indiana will host Ball State noon ET
10. Minnesota (2-0, defeated Fresno State 21-14)
Minnesota narrowly escaped with a home victory against Fresno State. The Gophers jumped out to a 10-0 lead at half time, but Fresno State wouldn’t go away. Fresno took the lead halfway through the final quarter, but Minnesota rallied back to score a touchdown with three minutes left in the game. An interception in the end zone sealed the game for the Gophers. The victory was bittersweet because Minnesota learned after the game that star running back Rodney Smith will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury. PJ Fleck is rebuilding, but these Gophers are young and inexperienced.
Next week: Minnesota will host Miami of Ohio at 3:30PM ET
11. Nebraska (0-1, lost to Colorado 33-28)
Scott Frost’s head coaching debut was spoiled by the renewal of a historical rivalry. The Nebraska-Colorado battle lived up to the hype. It was a back in forth game in which Nebraska managed to outgain Colorado 565 yards to 395. Despite massive offensive production, three turnovers ended up haunting the Cornhuskers and allowed Colorado to seize control of the game. It’s safe to say things are looking up in Lincoln, NE. The gameday atmosphere was impressive and Scott Frost seems likely to be successful. However, Nebraska is currently in rebuild mode and wins will be hard to come by for the Cornhuskers this season.
Next week: Nebraska will host Troy at noon ET
12. Purdue (0-2, lost to Eastern Michigan 20-19)
Purdue found a way to lose the most winnable game on their 2018 schedule. Eastern Michigan came into West Lafayette with a 1-38 record against Big Ten teams. EMU’s record is now 2-38 as they crushed Purdue’s hopes of getting their first victory. The Boilermakers continually made mental mistakes and failed to capitalize on any opportunities they had to win the game. Despite running for 341 yards, Purdue’s offense completely fell apart almost every time they crossed midfield. Purdue’s defense struggled for a second straight week, giving up 347 passing yards. The Boilers allowed Eastern Michigan to end the game with a 15 play, 72-yard drive that took nearly five minutes and ended with a game-winning field goal.
Next game: Purdue will host Missouri at 7:30PM ET
13. Illinois (2-0, defeated Western Illinois 34-14)
For the second straight week, Illinois had to overcome an early deficit to defeat an inferior opponent. Western Illinois scored quickly on their first drive, causing some panic in Champagne. However, Illinois would pace themselves to a comfortable victory behind a strong rushing attack. The Fighting Illini posted 238 rushing yards while holding Western Illinois to just 66 rushing yards. Things won’t get any easier for Illinois as they face a tough USF team next week. Expectations for Lovie Smith’s Illini are very low this year. Starting 2-0 is a positive sign.
Next game: Illinois will host USF at 3:30PM ET
14. Rutgers (1-1, lost at Ohio State 52-3)
Rutgers was utterly dominated by Ohio State. There weren’t any positives to take away from the Scarlet Knights first conference game in Columbus, OH. Rutgers only managed to complete 11-of-30 passes for a measly 65 yards. Ohio State’s defense made Rutgers look like an FCS school. The Scarlet Knights only ran for 69 yards. They were lucky to avoid a shutout. Next week Rutgers will travel to Kansas where they’ll be presented with a good opportunity to build confidence against another struggling power five team.
Next week: Rutgers will play at Kansas at noon ET