Every week, our own Noel Thompson will give us his Big Ten Power Rankings.
Where do things stand after Week One?
1. Michigan
No Harbaugh, no problem. Michigan starts the season with its highest preseason ranking since it was also No. 2 in 1991.
2. Penn State
The Drew Allar era has begun in Happy Valley. The sophomore quarterback tosses three touchdowns and throws for 325 yards against West Virginia.
3. Ohio State
The Buckeyes didn’t come out of the gate the way they wanted, but you can never be too upset with a victory. All-American receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. was held to two catches for 18 yards.
4. Wisconsin
The Badgers only led by four points at halftime but outscored Buffalo 24-7 in the second half. Wisconsin rushed for over 300 yards, led by Chez Mellusi.
5. Iowa
Cade McNamara’s first throw as a Hawkeye was a touchdown. He would throw a total of two against Utah State. The Hawkeyes offense started the game strong but slowed down in the second half, only scoring a touchdown.
6. Minnesota
It wasn’t pretty, but the Gophers rallied and beat the Huskers in the final seconds, thanks to Dragan Kesich’s 47-yard field goal. Tyler Nubin starts his season hot with two interceptions.
7. Illinois
Caleb Griffin kicked a 29-yard field goal to lift Illinois over Toledo. Who gave the Illini fits and was ready for the upset.
8. Maryland
Taulia Tagovailoa accounts for four first-half touchdowns as Maryland routs Towson, 38-6.
9. Michigan State
The Spartans rush for a total of 279 yards as they start their season on the right foot. Big season this year for Mel Tucker.
10. Rutgers
The Scarlet Knights defense limits Northwestern to 22 yards rushing and 201 yards in total offense.
11. Nebraska
There are a lot of positives for the new Huskers under Matt Rhule, but a poor performance in the fourth quarter dooms Nebraska.
12. Purdue
First-year coach Ryan Walters gets upset at home by Fresno State. The Boilermakers paid Fresno State over a million dollars to play them in West Lafayette.
13. Indiana
The defense looks way better this year and should give Hoosier fans some hope this year. The jury is still out on the offense.
14. Northwestern
Not much went right for the Wildcats, who lost for the 12th consecutive time since last season. They host UTEP next week, hoping to bring some positivity to a program that desperately needs it.