Where do things stand after Week 2?
Our own Noel Thompson gives us his Big Ten Power Rankings.
1.Ohio State
Last Week: #1
Total yards for the Buckeyes: 683. Almost 600 more than what Western Michigan had. Ohio State looks legit.
2. USC
Last Week: #3
The Trojans offense was never the problem last year, the defense was. Now the defense looks like the real deal as they post their first shutout since 2011.
3. Penn State
Last Week: #2
Down 27-24 at halftime against Bowling Green, the Nittany Lions woke up enough in the second half to secure the victory.
4. Nebraska
Last Week: #7
At one-point last week I asked myself, if Nebraska is this good or if Colorado is that bad? The answer is yes. What an atmosphere in Lincoln last Saturday against Colorado.
5. Rutgers
Last Week: #9
Kyle Monangai ran for a career-high 208 yards as he looks to defend his Big Ten rushing title from last year. If he continues his hot start, his name will be in the Heisman Trophy conversation.
6. Oregon
Last week: #5
I have no idea what’s going on in Eugene, but the Ducks clearly have some kinks to work out. Ducks fans have to be thankful that their identity issues haven’t cost them any games, yet.
7. Illinois
Last Week: #12
Illinois beats a ranked non-conference foe at home for the first time since 2011. Good win over Kansas for the Illini.
8. Michigan State
Last Week: #17
Why the huge jump in my rankings for the Spartans? They go on the road in the Big Ten as seven-point underdogs and beat a good Maryland team.
9. Indiana
Last Week: #13
Hoosiers scored a program high 77 points against Western Illinois, which now has lost 26 straight games.
10.Michigan
Last Week: #4
The Wolverines drop six spots as they look disjointed in a 31-12 loss to Texas at home.
11.Washington
Last Week: #10
The Huskies have met expectations so far, two games in. Next week comes the season’s first test in the Apple Cup.
12. Wisconsin
Last Week: #10
The Badgers are 2-0, but both victories weren’t the prettiest of wins. They will have to play a lot better as the Tide come into Madison.
13. Iowa
Last Week: #6
The Hawkeyes would give up 13-straight points to instate rival Iowa State. The Hawkeyes have now lost to Iowa State two out of the last three years.
14. Minnesota
Last Week: #16
The Gophers shutout an opponent for the first time since 2022 as Minnesota bounces back and routes Rhode Island 48-0.
15. Purdue
Last Week: #14
The Boilermakers were idle in Week 2.
16. Maryland
Last Week: #8
The Terrapins couldn’t run the ball against Michigan State, and they struggled to stop the Spartans offense. They look to bounce back against Virginia next week.
17. Northwestern
Last Week: #15
Ugly game for the Wildcats as they had seven penalties and two turnovers against Duke.
18. UCLA
Last Week: #18
The Bruins were idle in Week 2.