Big Ten Football: Power Rankings – Week One

2. Nebraska (3)

Last Week: W 55-7 over Florida Atlantic

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Nebraska gained a big ten record 784 yards versus the Owls. That is not a misprint.

All-Big Ten running back Ameer Abdullah ran for a career-high 232 yards as the Big Red churned out 498 yards on the ground.

Tommy Armstrong, Jr. did his part, too. Many Husker fans loved watching Armstrong chuck the ball down field for huge chunks of yardage.

One of the most important signs of progression for Armstrong came from his incompletion numbers. He constantly threw the ball away when there was no one open, not trying to force the issue.

Wide receiver Kenny Bell put on a show, contributing 116 yards and Nebraska may have found their No. 2 receiver in Jordan Westerkamp (125 yards and a score).

Let’s not forget about the big men up front. A team doesn’t set conference records without a great day of blocking and protection.

While the offense gets all the love, the defense was dominant as well after a rough first series. The first string unit gave up less than 130 yards.

No one player stood out on that side of the ball, which is generally a good thing. Last season’s elite Michigan State defense was loaded. As a result, it was difficult to find individual standout statistics with so many playmakers on the field.

After six straight four-loss seasons, many Husker fans are waiting to “buy in” until Nebraska  proves itself versus quality competition.

It’s tough to blame them, but even doubters can’t deny this team looked like big-time winners last Saturday.

This Week: McNeese State (Sept 6 – 11 A.M. on ESPNU)

My Prediction: Nebraska 62-3