Big Ten Power Rankings After Week 1

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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After one week of play, let’s take a look at the conference power rankings.

Every Big Ten team was in action last week, and some had more success than others. It’s a long season, but check out VBR’s first edition of the power rankings.

Ohio State Buckeyes

(1-0)The Buckeyes top the rankings this week with their complete dismantling of Bowling Green, 77-10. J.T. Barrett had seven total TDs and the team put up over 770 yards. This might be an inexperienced team, but Ohio State will still be a force this year. They will be tested in two weeks at Oklahoma. 2

Michigan Wolverines

(1-0)Michigan also delivered a lopsided victory on Saturday, dominating Hawaii from start to finish with a 63-3 win. It was a good first start for new quarterback Wilton Speight. The Wolverines probably won’t be tested much in the next two weeks during their non-conference schedule. 3

Iowa Hawkeyes

(1-0)Iowa started off their season with a 45-21 victory over Miami of Ohio. They jumped out to a 21-0 lead and then settled into cruise control. They’ll get a bigger test this upcoming weekend against their in-state rival Iowa State.4

Wisconsin Badgers

(1-0)No school in the conference had a bigger victory this past weekend than the Badgers. They shocked No. 5 LSU at Lambeau Field. It’s still very early, so it’s hard to say how good either team is but it was an impressive start for Wisconsin. They take on the Akron Zips next. 5

Michigan State Spartans

(1-0)The Spartans were not impressive in their victory over FCS foe Furman, but a win’s a win. The penalty situation Friday night was ghastly, as the Spartans were flagged 10 times for 120 yards. They’ll have two weeks to clean those up before traveling to South Bend to take on Notre Dame. 6

Minnesota Golden Gophers

(1-0)Minnesota had a tough test against Oregon State, but they prevailed in the end 30-23. It could have ended in disaster when the Gophers failed a two point conversion leading by 7 in the fourth quarter, but their defense held strong. 7

Nebraska Cornhuskers

(1-0)The Cornhuskers overpowered Fresno State, particularly in the run game, on their way to a 43-10 victory. A contest versus Oregon in two weeks will be their first big test. The real take away from this game though, was Nebraska’s tribute to late punter Sam Foltz. 8

Penn State Nittany Lions

(1-0)The Nittany Lions took care of business against Kent State Saturday with a 33-13 win. It wasn’t always pretty, but it didn’t have to be against the Golden Flashes. The new offense showed signs of its potential. The true test will come this Saturday against in-state rival Pitt. 9

Indiana Hoosiers

(1-0)The Hoosiers were down 13-12 to Florida International going into the final quarter, but scored 22 unanswered points to seal a 34-13 victory. The biggest surprise was the play of Indiana’s defense with two pick-sixes and a safety. Yes, it was FIU, but that’s impressive regardless. 10

Northwestern Wildcats

(0-1)The Wildcats were upset at home by MAC foe Western Michigan, 22-21. It wasn’t a good way to start the year for Pat Fitzgerald’s squad. The controversial finish aside, Northwestern must improve, especially on offense. 11

Illinois Fighting Illini

(1-0)The Lovie Smith era in Champaign got off to a good start with a 52-3 victory over FCS Murray State. The Illini should enjoy this one, as North Carolina comes to town this week. 12

Maryland Terrapins

(1-0)Yes it was against Howard, but Maryland scored 52 points. Impressive debut for new head coach D.J. Durkin. Another positive was that the Terps had no turnovers. They’ll look to continue the momentum against Florida International next week.13

Purdue Boilermakers

(1-0)The Boilermakers should rejoice in their 45-24 victory over Eastern Kentucky. Cincinnati travels to West Lafayette this week, providing a tougher test for the Boilermakers.14

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

(0-1)Rutgers traveled out west to take on the Washington Huskies and fell flat, 48-13. No shame losing to a top 15 team on the road. New head coach Chris Ash should get his first victory versus Howard this week.