Big Ten Power Rankings
The first release of the Big Ten Power rankings has a lot of familiar teams at the top. With six conference teams still undefeated with (2-0) records, it’s the reigning national champions Ohio State Buckeyes, and the Michigan State Spartans, leading the conference race. As viable title contenders entering the 2015 season, the perceived conference strength depends on their productive seasons. However, these Big Ten East powers are not the only teams worthy of mention.
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Currently, the Nebraska Cornhuskers are ranked No.5 in the Big Ten power rankings, and they were a “Hail Mary” away from being an undefeated team, facing the Miami Hurricanes. Instead, the Huskers are in a must-win situation three weeks into the season. As every Nebraska fan knows, the Huskers are headed into their first road game of the season. Therefore, Mike Riley and company will be headed into new terrain. Riley’s first home game with Nebraska will forever be etched in memory, so it’s not out of the realm, the Huskers will play in another heart pounding affair.
A win over the Hurricanes, doesn’t automatically raise Nebraska in the Big Ten Conference rankings, but a loss could drop the Huskers to a lower rung on the ladder. A defeat would also knock the Huskers out of the national championship picture.
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In the same fashion as Nebraska, the Wisconsin Badgers and Minnesota Gophers each have an early loss this season. However, they bounced back with wins in week 2. Losing to a pair of top three teams in the season opener might be a blessing. Along with an improved Northwestern team, the Big Ten East may become one of the strongest divisions in the country. Illinois, and Iowa also come into Week 3 with an unblemished record.
The Big Ten has a couple of surprise teams on both sides of the spectrum, early in the season. Illinois came into the first game, a week after firing their coach Tim Beckman. Instead of folding, Billy Cubit is leading the team to new heights. Northwestern’s victory over Stanford is one of the best wins in the entire country. On the flip side, Penn State’s loss to Temple to open the season was disheartening. The Nittany Lions gave up 10 sacks in the opener.
Michigan State beat Oregon
1. Ohio State Buckeyes (2-0)
2. Michigan State Spartans (2-0)
3. Wisconsin Badgers (1-1)
4. Minnesota Gophers (1-1)
5. Nebraska Cornhuskers (1-1)
6. Northwestern Wildcats (2-0)
7. Illinois Fighting Illini (2-0)
8. Michigan Wolverines (1-1)
9. Iowa Hawkeyes (2-0)
10. Indiana Hoosiers (2-0)
11. Penn State Nittany Lions (1-1)
12. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (1-1)
13. Maryland Terrapins (1-1)
14. Purdue Boiler Makers (1-1)