Big Ten Week 1 Power Rankings: Illinois Makes Strong Opening Claim

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

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Opening weekend of college football is behind us, and the Big Ten was one of the lone conferences not to take a major blow over the weekend.

Within the Big Ten, the conference almost remained exactly how it started. Ohio State and Michigan both finished their opening week with impressive wins, while teams like Wisconsin proved they may belong in the top 25.

It may only be one week into the season, but there’s already moves in this conference, and the NCAA as a whole. After major upsets and blow outs, the top 25 won’t look nearly the same.

For the Big Ten, their power rankings will change almost weekly. With some teams proving a lot, and some proving nothing, the conference is still anyone’s game.

This week’s Big Ten Power Rankings:

Sep 3, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies linebacker Connor O

No. 14 Rutgers

Week 1 result – 48-13 loss to Washington

Rutgers opened up their 2016 season on the worst note possible, getting blown out by Washington. Yes, Washington is a top 20 school, and is looking to have one of their best years in the school history. But the end result still doesn’t look good on the Scarlet Knight’s resume.

Rutgers wasn’t a team heading into 2016 with high expectations. Their chances of winning the Big Ten were gone well before the season began. That doesn’t mean they couldn’t make games enjoyable, though.

Washington may have been a much better team, but Rutgers needed to show some light if they want any chance of making noise in this conference.

They’ll need to fix a lot before conference play begins if they have any hope this season.

Sep 3, 2016; Evanston, IL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Clayton Thorson (18) drops back to pass against the Western Michigan Broncos during the third quarter at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

No. 13 Northwestern

Week 1 result – 22-21 loss to Western Michigan

Northwestern should have started their 2016 campaign on a better note. An early season loss to Western Michigan does not look good for a team that was ranked at one point last year.

Devastating mistakes killed the Wildcat’s chances throughout the game. Turnovers will need to be the biggest concern moving forward if they want to bounce back from this early season loss.

This team had every opportunity to make a splash in the Big Ten this season, and really make a run in the top 25. Once again, they’ve shown that they can’t escape being a middle of the run team, and it will hurt them for the rest of the year.

This doesn’t mean Northwestern will stay at the bottom of the Big Ten all season. But with the talent in the Big Ten, they’re chances are a lot smaller now that they have an L on their resume.

Sep 1, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Richard Lagow (21) drops back to attempt a pass against the FIU Golden Panthers during the first half at FIU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

No. 12 Indiana

Week 1 result – 34-13 win over Florida International

Indiana looked good in their Week 1 opener against Florida International. After a shaky start through three quarters, the Hoosiers turned on the jets and took off in the fourth, scoring 22 unanswered points.

Indiana has a chance to be a decent team this season. Their running back, Devine Redding, ran for 135 yards and averaged 6.1 YPC. If Indiana can find a way to get into the end zone, they can use Redding to become one of the more dominant offenses in the Big Ten.

You could compare Indiana to teams like Penn State and Illinois, but the fact that the Hoosiers started the game so slow is why they fall to the bottom of the pile.

They’ll need to find a way to score more efficiently as the season moves on. With their defense being the strong suit, finding a scoring will on offense is the key to their 2016 success.

This is a team that has all the possibilities to surprise people this year. They’ll need to fix their issues before conference play starts if they want the dream to become a reality.

Sep 3, 2016; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers running back Markell Jones (8) runs with the ball against Eastern Kentucky Colonels defensive back Ben Bascom (29) during the 4th quarter at Ross Ade Stadium. Purdue defeats Eastern Kentucky 45-24. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

No. 11 Purdue

Week 1 result – 45-24 win over Eastern Kentucky

Purdue was really the only Big Ten team to stay neutral during Week 1. Their 45-24 victory over Eastern Kentucky isn’t anything to praise, but it certainly isn’t anything to doubt.

They may still be in the bottom half of the Big Ten, but they’re towards the upper side of the bottom half. They’ll need to earn some noticeable wins before they can really make moves in this conference.

Right now, Purdue isn’t much of a threat to the rest of the conference, but that may change as the season moves on. Between quarterback, David Blough, and running back, Markell Jones, the Boilermakers offense may just be one of the best in the Big Ten.

Again, nothing can be determined after a win to Eastern Kentucky. That being said, Purdue has the biggest chance to shake up the Big Ten this season.

Sep 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; (Caption Here)Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Drew Wolitarsky (82) catches a pass for a first down in the second half against the Oregon State Beavers 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

No. 10 Minnesota

Week 1 result – 30-23 win over Oregon State

Minnesota may have been the only Big Ten team to play an “actual” matchup this week, except for Wisconsin.

Their 30-23 win over the Beavers was impressive. For an opening weekend game, it was as competitive as they come, with Minnesota scoring 13 unanswered points to seal a victory.

The biggest takeaway from the game, Minnesota’s ground attack. The Golden Gophers’ two-back committee combined for 201 yards and four touchdowns in Week 1. Rodney Smith and Mitch Leidner are making an early season bid as the best duo in the conference. If they can continue their strong play as the year goes on Minnesota could claim a few extra W’s in 2016.

Right now, Minnesota is still a mystery. But they made a good claim for themselves by beating Oregon State in Week 1.

Sep 3, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Trace McSorley (9) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Kent State 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O

No. 9 Penn State

Week 1 result – 33-13 win over Kent State

Penn State had a great opportunity to open up 2016 with a blowout. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen like it should have, which is why they still find themselves in the bottom half of the Big Ten.

Don’t get it wrong, a 33-13 victory over Kent State is an impressive win. The way the game played out didn’t help the Nittany Lions. They started off to slow to truly have a significant win, and they need to work on their redzone offense, especially with Trace McSorley, in oder to have the success they want in 2016.

The win still keeps them near the middle of the conference, but they have a chance to prove themselves this season and they need to take advantage of it.

Early indications show that the Nittany Lions could have one of their better seasons in recent years. They’ll need to start each game the way they finished Week 1 in order to do so.

Sep 3, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Taylor Barton (3) intercepts a pass against the Murray State Racers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports

No. 8 Illinois

Week 1 result – 52-3 win over Murray State

What a victory over Murray State proves is nothing. What a 52-3 victory over Murray State proves is that Illinois is looking to have a big season.

Lovie Smith entered his college coaching career with a bang in Illinois. The Fighting Illini’s future looks bright with Smith running the show.

In Week 1, Illinois proved that they’re ready to break out in the NCAA and the Big Ten should be nervous. Not everyone in the conference had impressive wins, which leaves Illinois at the top of the eye catching list.

Murray State is not a good indicator as to whether or not the Fighting Illini will be a sleeper this season. But early indications point to success in 2016.

Sep 3, 2016; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Mike Riley watches during the game against the Fresno State Bulldogs in the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska won 43-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

No. 7 Nebraska

Week 1 result – 43-10 win over Fresno State

Nebraska opened up their 2016 season exactly how they were supposed to. A major win over Fresno State to ease their way back into live action, and get the rust off of the players.

Statistically, Nebraska didn’t really show anything noteworthy on the field. Their ground attack by committee looked strong, but they’ll need to grow more of a passing game if they want to have a successful year.

Tommy Armstrong is who the Cornhuskers want to lead this team moving forward. He’ll need to improve his 5/10 for 108 yards passing, though. This game would have been out of hand well before the fourth quarter if the air attack was capable of doing anything throughout the game.

Nebraska doesn’t look bad, but they certainly don’t look like a National Championship team. They have a lot of work to do before they can compete with the top of the Big Ten. The problem, is that they’re a team talented enough to succeed in the conference, so expectations are higher than most.

Sep 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers players celebrate defeating the LSU Tigers by doing the Lambeau Leap following the game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

No. 6 Wisconsin

Week 1 result – 16-14 win over LSU

Wisconsin stunned the college football world in Week 1 with their 16-14 win over the heavily favored LSU Tigers.

Almost noone saw this upset coming. When you force Brandon Harris to throw two interceptions, and keep Leanord Fourenette out of the end zone, people are going to notice. What Wisconsin did, was place their early season bid into the top 25. It would shock a lot of people if they don’t make the rankings this week.

As the season moves on, the Badgers have an opportunity to really make a name for themselves in 2016. With an impressive win this early in the year, they can build their resume into one of the best in college football.

This Week 1 victory has all the potential to lead the Wisconsin Badgers to the 2016 college football playoffs.

Sep 3, 2016; College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Terrapins wide receiver D.J. Moore (1) gains yards after a catch against the Howard Bisons at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

No. 5 Maryland

Week 1 result – 52-13 win over Howard

The biggest takeaway from Maryland’s opening game, was the fact that they ran away with the win before halftime. Of all the impressive wins in the Big Ten, Maryland was one of the only teams to claim victory early.

For a team who hasn’t fallen into the top 25 yet, they certainly will be. Maryland is one of the most underrated teams in college football this season, and they’ll prove that each week.

With their Week 1 win, they showed their strengths on both sides of the ball. What was the most impressive, though, was the fact that they allowed under 100 yards rushing. Even against Howard, allowing a team to rush for less than 100 yards, especially when your second-string was playing the entire second half, shows a solid unit on defense.

Look for Maryland to continue to claim significant victories this season and move up the Big Ten power rankings.

Sep 3, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Nathan Stanley (4) fakes a hand off during the fourth quarter against the Miami (Oh) Redhawks at Kinnick Stadium. The Hawkeyes won 45-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

No. 4 Iowa

Week 1 result – 45-21 win over Miami (OH)

Iowa has yet another shot at the college football playoffs, and they started the season bid strong with a big win over Miami (OH).

What stood out during this opening matchup, was Akrum Wadley. The back’s 12 rushes for 121 yards and 2 touchdowns is a statistic that will stand in the top tier of the Big Ten. Alongside him, LeShun Daniels Jr. continued the running success with 83 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Iowa will need to improve their defense this season. Especially coming off of the incredible year they had last season. But if they can, they should be in the exact spot they were heading into the final weeks of 2015.

They aren’t the Hawkeyes of last season, but they have the potential to be just as good and just as successful.

Sep 2, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive end Demetrius Cooper (98) gestures to the sideline during the second half against the Furman Paladins at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

No. 3 Michigan State

Week 1 result – 28-13 win over Furman

To say the least, Michigan State underperformed in Week 1. Winning by 15 points to Furman isn’t a big deal for a team in the lower half of the Big Ten. But for Michigan State it’s a concern.

The Spartans’ concern isn’t in the 13 points they allowed, but the fact that they only won by 15. Tyler O’Connor needs to be a bigger threat for this team moving forward. Only 190 is not going to be enough for a team with little ground game.

Michigan State will need to fix the problem on the ground, or become more of a passing unit if they want to repeat the success they had last year. LJ Scott has the ability to be a top back in 2016, but 20 rushes for 105 yards against Furman is not a strong debut.

The Spartans put themselves in the category of a questionable team after Week 1. We’ll need to wait and see how the progress after getting the rust off.

Sep 3, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Karan Higdon (22) rushes for a touchdown in the second half against the Hawaii Warriors at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 63-3. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

No. 2 Michigan

Week 1 result – 63-3 win over Hawai’i

Michigan took 2016 by storm months ago, and they haven’t looked back yet. Their 63-3 win to open the season is exactly what Jim Harbaugh wanted.

The team with the most publicity heading into the season couldn’t hold anything back, and they didn’t. They were only ranked 7th heading into opening weekend, but they’ll move up quiet a bit after this blowout.

It’s scary for the Big Ten to think that Michigan is this talented and has Jim Harbaugh as their couch. This team is dangerous. If they can stay healthy, out of trouble, and away from the media, they’ll be a top four team in no time.

Alabama clearly won Week 1. Michigan made a strong bid, though. They opened up the season strong, and they’ll continue to prove to the NCAA that they aren’t here to mess around.

Sep 3, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Curtis Samuel (4) celebrates with teammates after his touchdown in the second quarter against the Bowling Green Falcons at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 77-10. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

No. 1 Ohio State

Week 1 result – 77-10 win over Bowling Green

The Ohio State Buckeyes opened up their 2016 season with a bang, beating Bowling Green 77-10. Ok, it is Bowling Green, but it’s still an impressive win for the first live action of the season.

Behind quarterback, T.J. Barrett, the Buckeyes looked to be right back where they left off in 2015. A NCAA Playoff hopeful, Ohio State starts off their 2016 season with an easy game before conference play begins later this season.

Running back, Curtis Samuel, took his first step in becoming the next Ezekiell Elliott by finishing his first start with 84 yards and a touchdown.

The Ohio State offense broke the school record in total offense with 776 yards.

Ohio State moves on to face Tulsa in Week 2. But for right now, they lead the Big Ten after opening weekend.