BIG TEN POWER RANKINGS: WEEK 2

Hey, week two of the college football season is in the books, and we’ve learned some things. I think.

Ohio State going down big showed some weaknesses for the Big Ten’s top-ranked team, and Michigan had some struggles against Cincinnati, but Penn State, Wisconsin Iowa, Maryland and dare I say Purdue are showing some flashes of promise to do some things as the season goes on.

So, without further ado: something that will make people angry.

1. Penn State (2-0)

The Nittany Lions looked just decent against Pitt, but had enough competence on offense and excellence on defense to put away the Panthers. Trace McSorley and Saquon Barkley looked human against Pitt, but Mike Gesicki is a monster. Two weeks until the Hawks take on Penn State at home. Let’s hope we some improvement between now and then.

2. Michigan

The fightin’ Harbaughs had their struggles against Cincinnati, but the Michigan defense was good enough to bail out a shaky Wilton Speight. Purdue-Michigan in two weeks is going to be ELECTRIC.

3. Wisconsin

Badgers gonna Badge. Three hundred and fifty-seven rushing yards in one game had shades of Rose Bowl Wisconsin. Something tells me this team can play among the best in the B1G.

4. Ohio State

Ohio State made losing look bad against Oklahoma. The Sooners could be the real deal, and the Buckeyes showed they are definitely not that. JT Barrett seems to have regressed over the last eight years in Columbus, but I still trust in Urban Meyer to right the ship down the stretch.

5. Iowa

HOW ‘BOUT THEM HAWKEYES?

6. Maryland

Wow wow wow these Terps are looking goooooood. Freshman QB Kasim Hill had a nice showing against a not very good at all Towson team, and Maryland put up 367 rushing yards. That’ll do donkey, that’ll do.

7. Purdue

This might be too high for the Boilers, but I don’t care. They were fun as hell to watch against Ohio on Friday night, and there are playmakers on both sides of the ball in Laffy. David Blough could be the real deal. Is it time to be scared of Purdue football?

8. Michigan State

Michigan State may not be the doormat it was last year, but the Spartans still have a long way to go before they look anything like the Mark Dantonio teams of the past several years. Quarterback could be a liability, but LJ Scott still provides stability in the backfield.

9. Indiana

This is a little lower than what Indiana probably deserves, but I didn’t really watch any of its game against Virginia, and I have no intentions to do so. The Hoosier defense actually did the heavy lifting

10. Nebraska

Sure, Nebraska held Oregon to zero points in the second half... but it still allowed 42 in the first half. The Huskers did claw back to make this a game, but I’m not so sure the Blackshirts are going to be doing their offense any favors. Also, Tanner Lee threw 4 interceptions. Not great!

11. Minnesota

Congrats, Minnesota. You squeaked by Buffalo and pounded on the worst team in the PAC-12. The Gophers did lay 48 on Oregon State while completing only 7 passes, which is pretty impressive.

12. Northwestern

I am SHOCKED that Northwestern is not living up to the preseason hype it garnered earlier this year.

13. Illinois

I’m not going to waste my time writing about Illinois, and you shouldn’t waste your time reading about them, either.

14. Rutgers

Rutgers lost a game where it was favored by 5 points. The bigger issue would be why Rutgers was favored in the first place, but yeah whatever go Eastern Michigan. The Scarlet Knights have Morgan State next week, and I’m not so sure they should be favored in that one, either.