PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 01: C.J. Stroud #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes awaits the snap against the Utah Utes during the first half of the Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl on January 01, 2022 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Power Rankings
A new season is underway in the Big Ten, and as expected, Ohio State and Michigan look to be the best teams in the conference. Minnesota and Wisconsin will battle it out in the West. Check out our top football betting sites.
14. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Although the Huskers appear to have taken care of business against Football Championship Subdivision North Dakota, Nebraska was still in a dogfight up until very late. The Huskers managed to rush for 244 yards, but they also allowed 175 yards defense. This is the second consecutive week that teams have been able to run freely on the Huskers. Scott Frost better get this ship going in the right direction and fast! Check out the top college football betting strategies.
13. Illinois Fighting Illini
Bret Bielema’s decision to take the points on fourth down in the game was the Illini’s coup de grace. Although if he could have converted, it would’ve put the game out of reach. However, Indiana took the lead with the turnover on downs.
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32 rushing yards is a terrible number and indicates that the Hoosiers won’t win many more games this year, especially in conference.
The defense was able to stop the offense in a timely manner and Josh Sanguinetti appeared to have been involved in almost every major play. There is a possibility that Indiana’s defense can keep them in ball games, but the offense won’t be able to help win those games. This game was one that IU should have lost. But credit must be given for the win.
11. Purdue Boilermakers
Aidan O’Connell played a solid game against Penn State. The defense was excellent most of the game. This was Purdue’s game, just like Illinois. However, Jeff Brohm’s team suffered from a lack of commitment to the run down the stretch. Brohm relied heavily upon the pass when it came time to ice the game using a lead. If you can’t run the ball and ice a game it is hard to believe you will have a good season in the Big Ten.
10. Iowa Hawkeyes
You might think that Iowa scored a touchdown while South Dakota State, which is FCS-level, managed only a field goal. Wrong! They managed to score one field goal and secure two safeties.
Although the defense is still strong, the Iowa offense is worse than it was a year ago. This was a terrible showing for Iowa, with QB Spencer Petras completing just 44% of his passing attempts with 109 yards and the running game scoring 57 yards against an FCS opponent. It casts doubt on Iowa’s ability to make a comeback in Indianapolis in December.
9. Northwestern Wildcats
The Wildcats had a bye this week.
8. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Greg Schiano did a great job in a game that was expected to be a loss by a Rutgers team who tends to lose games like these in nonconference play.
Although the passing game isn’t perfect, Rutgers was able to create both a running game and a run defense. The Scarlet Knights ran for 212 yards, and the Eagles managed just 29 yards on 28 attempts.
7. Maryland Terrapins
Taulia Tagovailoa’s passing prowess and his running ability showed that Maryland will be able to put points on the board this season. Taulia threw for 290 yards and ran for 149. The Terrapins’ defense shut down Maurice Linguist’s Buffalo team by allowing 160 yards in the air and 108 yards running. Now can the Terps do this to big ten teams?
6. Michigan State Spartans
This was Mel Tucker’s third season. It was meant to eviscerate a common MAC rival in Western Michigan. But the offense remained stale, and the game remained close until late. WMU was kept out of the endzone most of the game by the defense, but it was still a close game. The dam finally broke, and the Spartans won easily in the end.
5. Penn State Nittany Lions
The offensive line can still not protect Sean Clifford and create much run game. We have to give James Franklin credit for managing the late game-winning drive on road, something that we rarely see.
4. Wisconsin Badgers
Graham Mertz was the Badgers’ game manager. He did a great job, while Braelon Allen managed the run game with 14 carries and 148 yards. On the way to a 38-0 win. The Badgers will be in what looks to be a two-horse race to win the Big Ten West this season with Minnesota.
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In an offensive revival under Kirk Ciarrocca, the Gophers defeated the Aggies on both offense, and defense and scored 31 points. Minnesota was able to run for 297 yards rushing. This Gophers team is poised to surprise some people this season.
2. Michigan Wolverines
It was a remarkable 51-7 victory over what could be a much improved Colorado State team. The defense of the Wolverine was especially impressive, with seven sacks and 11 tackles for losses. Although the offense could do what it needed, it wasn’t overwhelming. If the offense ever clicks, the Wolverines could give the Buckeyes some issues for the second year in a row. Check out the top football odds for betting on college football.
1. Ohio State Buckeyes
The Buckeyes struggled against Notre Dame, but the Irish were ranked 5th in the nation and have one of the best defenses in the country. CJ Stroud struggled until it was time to win the game. Injuries are a concern for the Buckeyes now, especially at receiver. It was a marquee win to start the season for a Buckeye team that expects to win it all this season.
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