We learned some things from NCAA week 2. How does that affect the Big Ten Power Rankings?
Big Ten Power Rankings 2024 – 9/4
1. Ohio State
(2-0) – Won 56-0 vs Western Michigan
Western Michigan at least had a pulse against Wisconsin in week 1. Ohio State stepped on the Broncos necks and didn’t stop as the Buckeye offense put out nearly 700 yards on offense. No surprises here.
3. USC (+1)
(2-0) – Won 48-0 vs Utah State
The USC defense came to play this week and if they can be even serviceable on defense with Lincoln Riley’s engine on offense, look out. I think the jury is still out on USC’s defense though, but our ears are definitely perked up.
2. Penn State (-1)
(2-0) – Won 34-27 vs Bowling Green
The MAC has been on a roller coaster as a conference during the first two weeks. Western Michigan and Akron got beat down by Big Ten foes while Northern Illinois took down Notre Dame and Bowling Green nearly topped Penn State on the road. Make no mistake, this game was not Bowling Green getting garbage time points at the end; the Falcons just couldn’t hang on in the second half. Perhaps Penn State needed the adversity though or perhaps they’re just Penn State and going for 3rd place.
5. Oregon (+1)
(2-0) – Won 37-34 vs Boise State
Two games in and Oregon has two close victories. It’s not exactly awe-inspiring football from the Ducks but winning the games at least helps. Playing in the Civil War this week may spell another close game before conference play begins.
4. Michigan (-1)
(1-1) – Lost 31-12 vs #3 Texas
I think it’s fair to say that Michigan snapped back to reality this week as their head coach, quarterback, and several other major contributors from last season are gone. Michigan may have to claw its way into contention for a playoff spot. At least the Wolverines will be able to take out their frustrations on poor Arkansas State this week. Ope, there goes gravity.
7. Nebraska (+1)
(2-0) – Won 28-10 vs Colorado
Is Nebraska back? Is Colorado a sham? A little of both seem to be true. Matt Rhule is doing Matt Rhule things and building the Cornhusker program back, but Colorado seems to just be a shell outside of Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. Nebraska will get to beat up Northern Iowa before an actually intriguing matchup at Illinois.
8. Washington (+1)
(2-0) – Won 30-9 vs Eastern Michigan
We still don’t know much about Washington after they won against an overmatched MAC team. On one hand, we are in a world where a 21-point just doesn’t seem convincing enough, but on the other, beating a MAC team is not a given week in and week out. We might get a really good Apple Cup this week.
14. Illinois (+6)
(2-0) – Won 23-17 vs #19 Kansas
Illinois gets the win of the week in the Big Ten, taking down suddenly good Kansas at home. The Illini offense didn’t really do much, scoring only one touchdown and racking up less than 300 yards. The defense, however, continually forced Kansas into mistakes including 3 interceptions and a lost fumble. Another test awaits as Illinois will need to head to Lincoln this week and play in front of Husker nation.
6. Iowa (-3)
(1-1) – Lost 20-19 vs Illinois State
Well, the offense can’t play against Illinois State every week. When playing against a team with an actual defense, Cade McNamara reverted back to the norm, throwing for less than 100 yards, less than 50% completion rate, 2 picks, and no touchdowns. Woof. Luckily, Kaleb Johnson looks really good. Soon, teams are going to start stacking the box and daring Iowa to throw. On the other side, the defense collapsed in the second half, including ISU’s game-winning drive. But that makes sense considering the position it was put in by the offense punting 5 straight drives on 22 plays and 23 total yards. Again, woof.
10. Rutgers (-)
(2-0) – Won 49-17 vs Akron
Rutgers took care of business again and Kyle Monangai looks like a special running back. Like every season, we have to temper our expectations of Rutgers until conference play starts, but the Scarlet Knights are off to a good start. Playing at Virginia Tech this week may dispel the confidence.
17. Michigan State (+6)
(2-0) (1-0) – Won 27-24 at Maryland
Michigan State, despite leading the Big Ten conference at the moment, has not looked great in two games. Aidan Chiles has 5 interceptions on the year and seems willing to just chuck the ball up to anyone that’ll catch it, even if their on the other team. Sparty needs to be rewarded for winning a conference game on the road. Also, we did see the Nick Marsh arrival party and that rager may keep going when MSU takes on Prairie View this week.
12. Indiana (-)
(2-0) – Won 77-3 vs Western Illinois
Yes, Indiana put a program record 77 points up in front of seemingly just as many fans. This came against a Western Illinois team that has not won a single game since 2021 and has 4 wins in the past 5+ seasons. While encouraging, this win really doesn’t move the needle for the Hoosiers.
9. Maryland (-4)
(1-1) (0-1) – Lost 27-24 vs Michigan State
Welp, it’s apparently a steep jump between UConn and Michigan State. Maryland just seemed to miss out on opportunities as Aiden Chiles threw 3 interceptions, leading to 10 MD points. A missed field goal by the Terps also proved costly. Maryland has to go to Virginia this week in an old school ACC battle.
11. Wisconsin (-3)
(2-0) – Won 27-13 vs South Dakota
A week after beating Western Michigan by 14 at home, Wisconsin beat South Dakota by 14 at home. Again, the Badgers did what they needed to in order to win but again, it looked like bland mush. Hosting Alabama this week looks like it will go very poorly.
18. Minnesota (+3)
(1-1) – Won 48-0 vs Rhode Island
Did Minnesota actually deserve to be at the bottom? No, but you’ve gotta commit to the bit sometimes. A home route against an FCS team might have gotten the Gophers back in rhythm, but we’ll see how they do against the mid-tier of their non-conference opponents, Nevada.
13. Northwestern (-3)
(1-1) – Lost 26-20 (2OT) vs Duke
This game was just painful to watch. NW’s drives went as follows in the second half: Missed FG, Fumble, Punt, Made FG, Punt, Punt, End of Regulation. The game was 13-13 at the end of regulation and Northwestern’s offense just disappeared in the second half, despite being gifted several opportunities like an interception, blocked punt, and missed field goal for Duke. The Wildcats just couldn’t get it done in the second OT and lost the battle of the gothic schools. At least NW should score this week as they get Eastern Illinois on their makeshift home turf.
15. Purdue (-2)
(1-0) – Off Week
Purdue didn’t play but they learned a few things for better or worse: Notre Dame does not look as tough as we thought, and they will be playing in Ross Ade with their backs against the wall. Unfortunately, teams below Purdue didn’t stay at the bottom, so the Boilermakers drop.
16. UCLA (-2)
(1-0) – Off Week
UCLA came home from Hawaii and had two weeks to prep for their first ever Big Ten conference game against Indiana. They may want to prepare for completely different play style from their first game. Like Purdue, the Bruins didn’t play but dropped because MSU and Minny jumped up.