Hoosier Huddle's 2021 Big Ten Power Rankings After Week Two

Written by Evan McShane

After week two there is a new team atop the Hoosier Huddle power rankings. It was another impressive win for the Hawkeyes who jump over Ohio State after the Buckeyes lose to Oregon as a two-touchdown favorite. There were shakeups down at the bottom of the rankings as well.

1.     Iowa (2-0, 1-0) – Defeated Iowa State 27-17

Two weeks into the 2021 season and Iowa already has two ranked wins. On Saturday, the Hawkeyes waltzed into their in-state rival’s stadium and dominated Iowa State in all three phases. After trailing 3-0 after one quarter, Iowa went on a 27-7 scoring run. All of a sudden, the Iowa Hawkeyes are the hottest team in the Big Ten right now and the 5th ranked team in the country.

2.     Ohio State (1-1, 1-0) – Lost to Oregon 35-28

For once, the Buckeyes looked mortal. The Oregon offense came into the Horseshoe and lit up Ohio State from the opening kick. After a scoreless first quarter, Oregon put up two touchdowns in each of the next two frames, taking a 28-14 lead into the fourth quarter. A late Buckeye rally wasn’t enough. OSU suffered their first home loss since 2017.

3.     Penn State (2-0, 1-0) – Defeated Ball State 44-13

Penn State is on a revenge tour after a disastrous 2020 season. The Nittany Lions dominated the overmatched Ball State Cardinals on Saturday. Penn State will host Auburn next week in what should be an intriguing top-25 showdown.

4.     Michigan (2-0, 0-0) – Defeated Washington 31-10

The Wolverines looked like a complete team on Saturday against Washington. Michigan’s defense appears as stout as usual and their running game powered them to a blowout win. This is a pivotal season for head coach Jim Harbaugh, and so far his team is off to a good start.

5.     Michigan State (2-0, 1-0) – Defeated Youngstown State 42-14

Michigan State has started the season off with two convincing wins. Head coach Mel Tucker enters his second season with two straight wins after an up and down debut. Michigan State heads south next week to play Miami.

6.     Maryland (2-0, 0-0) – Defeated Howard 62-0

Maryland dominated Howard at home as they expected to. The Terps put up double digit points in all four quarters. Maryland will travel to play Illinois on the road next Friday for their first conference game.

7.     Rutgers (2-0, 0-0) – Defeated Syracuse 17-7

Rutgers faced an early road test against Syracuse on Saturday and passed with flying colors. The Scarlet Knights defense shut down the Orange, holding them to just seven points on the day. Rutgers will host Delaware next week as they look to start the season 3-0, a rare feat in Piscataway lately.

8.     Purdue (2-0, 0-0) – Defeated UConn 49-0

Purdue dominated an inferior UConn team on Saturday. The Boilermakers picked up two much-needed wins to start the year. Purdue’s first test in 2021 comes next week when they head to South Bend, IN next week to play Notre Dame.

9.     Minnesota (1-1, 0-1) – Defeated Miami of Ohio 31-26

The Gophers avenged their week one home loss with a win over Miami of Ohio. Minnesota led the entire game, but it was still close. Nevertheless, the Gophers squeaked out the win. Next week Minnesota travels to Boulder, CO for a rivalry game against Colorado.  

10.  Wisconsin (1-1, 0-1) – Defeated Eastern Michigan 34-7

Wisconsin got in the win column on Saturday against Eastern Michigan. After their opening year with a home loss, the Badgers are back at .500. Wisconsin has the week off before hosting Notre Dame on September 25th.

11.  Indiana (1-1, 0-1) – Defeated Idaho 56-14

Indiana had to get their confidence back after their week one meltdown against Iowa. The Hoosiers put up 56 points against an overmatched Idaho team thanks to multiple special teams touchdowns and a strong effort on offense and defense.

12.  Nebraska (2-1, 0-1) – Defeated Fordham 52-7

After a week one let down against Illinois, the Cornhuskers have ripped off two wins over inferior opponents. Nebraska needed the confidence boost because next week Scott Frost’s crew heads to Norman, Oklahoma to face the Sooners. 

13.  Northwestern (1-1, 0-1) – Defeated Indiana State 24-6

Northwestern needed a “get right” game and that’s what they got when Indiana State came to town. The Wildcats took care of business at home to get in the win column. Northwestern travels to North Carolina next week to face off against Duke.

14.  Illinois (1-2, 1-0) – Lost to Virginia 42-14

After a feel-good win to open the season, Illinois has lost two back breakers. The Fighting Illini lost a buy-in game to UTSA last week and followed that up with a beat down at the hands of UVA. Bret Bielema’s first season in Champagne is going to be a challenge.