Hoosier Huddle's 2020 Big Ten Power Rankings: Week 2
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Written by Evan McShane
Week two brought some more surprises in the Big Ten. Michigan State shocked Michigan, Maryland pulled out a win over Minnesota and Wisconsin’s title run is in doubt.
1. Ohio State (2-0, Defeated Penn State 38-25)
Last Week: 1
The Buckeyes took care of business in Happy Valley, defeating the Nittany Lions comfortably 38-25. Quarterback Justin Fields continued his red-hot start, completing 28-of-34 passes for 318 yards and four touchdowns. Coming off a heartbreaking loss last week, Penn State couldn’t overcome the Buckeye’s explosiveness. Ohio State looks unbeatable. A trend that will continue next week unless Rutgers can pull off a miracle.
Next Week vs. Rutgers (7:30pm ET)
2. Wisconsin (1-0, Game Postponed)
Last Week: 2
After a slew of positive Covid-19 tests, the Badgers were forced to postpone their game. It is unclear whether or not next weeks showdown against Purdue will occur.
Next Week vs. Purdue (3:30pm ET)
3. Indiana (2-0, Defeated Rutgers 37-21)
Last Week: 4
The Indiana Hoosiers are rolling. After a slow start in New Jersey, IU jumped all over the Scarlet Knights on their way to a 37-21 victory. Indiana is off to one of their best starts in school history. Being 2-0 with a top-ten win isn’t commonplace in Bloomington, but Tom Allen hopes to change that. Another opportunity against a ranked opponent arrives next week.
Next Week vs. Michigan (Noon ET)
4. Purdue (2-0, Defeated Illinois 31-24)
Last Week: 7
The Boilermakers are off to a solid start with two narrow victories over Big Ten West foes. The offense is clicking on all cylinders with wide receiver David Bell leading the way. If Purdue ever gets Rondale Moore back on the field, their offense could become unstoppable. For now, next week’s game is up in the air against Wisconsin.
Next Week @ Wisconsin (3:30pm ET)
5. Northwestern (2-0, Defeated Iowa 21-20)
Last Week: 8
Northwestern is now 2-0 under the helm of former quarterback Peyton Ramsey. The Wildcats defense has been stellar, surrendering just 23 total points and only two touchdowns through the first two weeks of the season. Northwestern will face a rested Nebraska team at home next week where they hope to stay undefeated.
Next Week vs. Nebraska (Noon ET)
6. Michigan State (1-1, Defeated Michigan 27-24)
Last Week: 12
Michigan State again upset their in-state rival on the road. The Spartans were substantial underdogs having come off a home-loss to Rutgers last week. Quarterback Rocky Lombardi made enough plays to win, including a key touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter. The Spartan defense returned to for, holding Michigan to 24 points, less than half the amount the Wolverines scored last week. Next week, Michigan State will play Iowa on the road.
Next Week @ Iowa (Noon ET)
7. Michigan (1-1, Lost to Michigan State 27-24)
Last Week: 3
A total beatdown of Minnesota last week had some pondering whether this could be the year Harbaugh and the Wolverines can put it all together. When rival Michigan State came to Ann Arbor, all that went out the window. Michigan took a 14-10 lead into halftime but couldn’t score enough points to keep Sparty away. The defense gave up a late touchdown drive and Michigan couldn’t overcome the 10-point hole. Next week, the Wolverines travel to Bloomington to play a confident Indiana squad.
Next Week @ Indiana (Noon ET)
8. Maryland (1-1, Defeated Minnesota 45-44)
Last Week: 14
Maryland got their storybook upset win late Friday night when Minnesota missed an extra point in overtime to give the Terrapins the win. Quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa had a monster game with over 450 yards of total offense and five total touchdowns. Maryland overcame a 17-point fourth quarter deficit, the first team in college football this season to pull off such a feat. The Terrapins face another stiff challenge against Penn State on the road next week, but for now they’ll enjoy this upset.
Next Week @ Penn State (3:30pm ET)
9. Rutgers (1-1, Lost to Indiana 37-21)
Last Week: 9
After picking up their first conference win since 2017 last week, Rutgers couldn’t ride that momentum against the Hoosiers. Indiana came into town and put up 37 points on the Scarlet Knights. Rutgers schedule doesn’t get any easy, as they travel to Columbus next week to take on the Buckeyes.
Next Week @ Ohio State (7:30pm ET)
10. Penn State (0-2, Lost to Ohio State 38-25)
Last Week: 5
The Nittany Lions were no match for rival Ohio State. A late rally couldn’t bring it close enough and Penn State fell 38-25. James Franklin and his team now have as many losses as they did all of last season. Penn State hopes to get in the win column next week when Maryland comes to town.
Next Week vs. Maryland (3:30pm ET)
11. Minnesota (0-2, Lost to Maryland 45-44)
Last Week: 6
Minnesota missed an extra point in overtime to hand Maryland a huge upset victory. The Gophers have now matched their loss total from last season after just two weeks. PJ Fleck and company hope to get back on track when they travel to Illinois next week.
Next Week @ Illinois (3:30pm ET)
12. Nebraska (0-1, Game Postponed)
Last Week: 11
Nebraska stays winless with their game against Wisconsin cancelled. The Cornhuskers travel to play Northwestern next week.
Next Week @ Northwestern (Noon ET)
13. Iowa (0-2, Lost to Northwestern 21-20)
Last Week: 10
Iowa lost another close one, this time by one point to Northwestern. The Hawkeyes haven’t necessarily been bad to start the year, but they haven’t made enough plays to win either game. Now just one of five Big Ten teams without a win, Iowa hopes to regroup when Michigan State comes to town next week.
Next Week vs. Michigan State (Noon ET)
14. Illinois (0-2, Lost to Purdue 31-24)
Last Week:13
The Fighting Illini are back at the bottom of the standings. Lovie Smith and his team has been unable to recapture the magic from last year’s bowl-bound season. Illinois fell behind at home to Purdue 31-10 and a late rally wasn’t enough. Minnesota presents another opportunity to get win #1 when they travel to Champaign next week.
Next Week vs. Minnesota (3:30pm ET)