Penn State Nittany Lions

Big Ten Power Rankings After Week 2

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

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Week 2 is in the books for the Big Ten.  Let’s take a look at the rankings.

All teams except Michigan State were in action this week and most games were blowouts.  The top half of the league remains in tact, but there is some movement in the bottom half of the rankings.

Ohio State Buckeyes

(2-0)

Last week: 1-0 recordLast rank: 1st

The Buckeyes remain number 1 this week in the rankings after routing Tulsa 48-3.  They had to overcome a sluggish start, but the defense had four interceptions with two of those being pick sixes.  Ohio State travels to Oklahoma next in their first big test.  2

Michigan Wolverines

(2-0)

Last week: 1-0 recordLast rank: 2nd

Another week and another blowout for the Wolverines.  Quarterback Wilton Speight tossed four touchdown passes against Central Florida and continues to look great.  Up next is a game against Colorado. 3

Iowa Hawkeyes

(2-0)

Last week: 1-0 recordLast rank: 3rd

Iowa made quick work of rival Iowa State, on their way to a 42-3 victory.  Looking ahead, it might be late October until Iowa is actually tested when Wisconsin rolls into Iowa City. 4

Wisconsin Badgers

(2-0)

Last week: 1-0 recordLast rank: 4th

No let down for the Badgers this week as they throttled Akron 54-10.  After another tune-up game versus Georgia State, Wisconsin opens up Big Ten play in East Lansing against the Spartans. 5

Michigan State Spartans

(1-0)

Last week: 1-0 recordLast rank: 5th

The Spartans were idle this week and that’s a good thing.  After their lackluster opening game against Furman, they needed the two weeks to get ready for their trip to Notre Dame this week. 6

Minnesota Golden Gophers

(2-0)

Last week: 1-0 recordLast rank: 6th

Minnesota put up 58 points over FCS Indiana State and while doing that, they also put up nearly 600 total yards of offense.  Although it wasn’t a quality opponent, it was still impressive.  They take on Colorado State next.  7

Nebraska Cornhuskers

(2-0)

Last week: 1-0 recordLast rank: 7th

The Cornhuskers only had a one score lead going into the fourth quarter versus Wyoming, but scored 28 points in the final frame to win 52-17.  Their first test of the season comes next week versus Oregon.  8

Indiana Hoosiers

(2-0)

Last week: 1-0 recordLast rank: 9th

 The Hoosiers beat Ball State 30-20, but once again the surprise was their defense.  They have caused at least 3 turnovers in each game thus far.  Plus the offense seems to be rolling now.  Wake Forest awaits next week. 9

Penn State Nittany Lions

(1-1)

Last week: 1-0 recordLast rank: 8th

The Nittany Lions fell short by 3 points against Pitt on Saturday in a game they were down 28-7 at one point.  The defense needs to improve, but the offense is an improvement over last year.  Next week is a revenge game versus Temple.  10

Maryland Terrapins

(2-0)

Last week: 1-0 recordLast rank: 12th

Maryland played on Friday night against Florida International and impressed with a 41-14 victory.  While their schedule has been light so far, the Terps are looking good.  They can continue the good times against Central Florida this week. 11

Illinois Fighting Illini

(1-1)

Last week: 1-0 recordLast rank: 11th

The Illini hung tough for a little while against North Carolina, before ultimately falling 48-23.  It’s not going to get easier with Western Michigan followed by Nebraska. 12

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

(1-1)

Last week: 0-1 recordLast rank: 14th

Rutgers moved up two spots, but mainly because of the two teams behind them.  The Scarlet Knights were down to Howard 14-0 and were tied 14-14 at halftime before running away with it in the second half.  They host New Mexico next week.  13

Purdue Boilermakers

(1-1)

Last week: 1-0 recordLast rank: 13th

The Boilermakers lost to Cincinnati 38-20 in a game where Boilermaker quarterback David Blough threw five interceptions and the Bearcats racked up over 500 yards total offense.  Ouch!  Purdue has two weeks to regroup before taking on Nevada   14

Northwestern Wildcats

(0-2)

Last week: 0-1 recordLast rank: 10th

What is going on Evanston?  The Wildcats followed up a loss to MAC foe Western Michigan with a 9-7 loss to FCS Illinois State.  Duke is up next in what is probably be a must-win game.  

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