With one week finally in the books, here are my Big Ten power rankings heading into Week 2. Comments and disagreements appreciated.
- Ohio State - No surprise here as the Buckeyes handled Nebraska with ease. And Justin Fields looks more dangerous than last year. This week's trip to Happy Valley doesn't look nearly as challenging as it did a week ago.
- Wisconsin - No Jack Coan? No problem. Graham Mertz had a hell of a debut. I guess we'll see if he gets to play again in the next 3 weeks. They can probably get past Nebraska and Purdue without him, but Michigan looms.
- Michigan - The Wolverines started with a sputter vs Minnesota but dominated after that. This week's rivalry game with MSU shouldn't be much of a rivalry at all.
- Indiana - Nothing is more on brand for 2020 than Indiana starting the year with a win over a Top 10 opponent. PSU looks pedestrian and the Hoosiers are downright frisky. The Michigan game in 2 weeks should be exciting.
- Northwestern - I don't know if Northwestern is any good or if Maryland is that bad, but a 40 point conference win is still a 40 point conference win. We should get a better read on the Wildcats this week against Iowa.
- Purdue - A late touchdown gave the Boilermakers a suprising victory over Iowa; especially without Jeff Brohm on the sidelines. They will have a good shot at 2-0 after they travel to Illinois this week.
- Rutgers - Ending a 21 game Big Ten losing streak is a big deal. But let's be honest, MSU isn't that good. The Scarlet Knights likely come back to earth this week against Indiana.
- Penn State - I'm sure that a loss at Indiana isn't how they envisioned starting the season. The Nittany Lions are still a solid team though and it is possible that Indiana is pretty good too. Unfortunately for PSU, they get Ohio State this week.
- Iowa - A somewhat surprising October loss to a middling Big Ten team isn't all that suprising for Iowa, even if it was the first game. But they better be ready for Northwestern this week.
- Minnesota - The Gophers looked like they have taken a step back from last year, even if part of that was because Michigan made them look that way. Taking on Maryland should help them feel better about their season.
- Nebraska - The Cornhuskers had a few bright spots against OSU, but it is tough to judge what they really have going up against the Big Ten's best. They get Wisconsin this week who may be on their third string QB.
- Illinois - An expected loss vs Wisconsin isn't huge cause for concern, but the Illinois looked like they have regressed from the end of last season. They have a winnable game vs Purdue this week though.
- Michigan State - The Mel Tucker era got off to a very rocky start with a loss to bottom feeder Rutgers. Seven turnovers is not the mark of a well coached team. Unfortunately for Spartans they don't have any time to work out the kinks as they play Michigan this week.
- Maryland - A 40 point loss to a Northwestern team not expected to do much lands you in the basement for week one. The Terps need a better showing against Minnesota to be able to move up after next week.
