B1G Power Rankings following Week 2

What a wild, strange trip Week 2 was in college football!

Across the country (and the B1G), we saw teams lose at home to Sun Belt competitors, dramatic hat-trick performances from superstar players and one quarterback solidifying himself as the likely starter his team is looking for.

When the Week 2 dust finally settled late Saturday night (and early Sunday morning), it provided a big shakeup to the B1G Power Rankings. So without further ado, let’s get to it!

14. Nebraska (1-2)

Last week: vs. Georgia Southern, L 45-42

Where do we go from here? Likely to a new head coach after Scott Frost became the first Nebraska head coach to lose a game inside Memorial Stadium when scoring 35+ points. The Eagles thrashed the Huskers for more than 600 yards of offense in the win with Frost’s buyout number set to drop in the coming weeks.

Up next: vs. Oklahoma

13. Northwestern (1-1)

Last week: vs. Duke, L 31-23

The Wildcats did some brilliant things in Week 2 during the loss to the Blue Devils, including the all-worldly performance from star running back Evan Hull. Unfortunately, 3 turnovers – including 1 by Hull as he went for the potential game-tying score – doomed Northwestern. After the win in Week 0 and a bye in Week 1, it’s back to the drawing board before conference play resumes.

Up next: vs. Southern Illinois

12. Illinois (2-1)

Last Week: vs. Virginia, W 24-3

Illinois returned home from a Week 1 loss and put up a dominant effort on defense in Week 2. The Illini forced 3 turnovers, held Virginia below 225 yards of offense and allowed just 13 first downs in the win. There are still some ball security problems to work on, but the Illinois defense has allowed just 9 points in two home games to begin the season.

Up next: BYE

11. Indiana (2-0)

Last Week: vs. Idaho, W 35-22

Weather or not, Indiana did not play up to par in Week 2 against Idaho. The Hoosiers fell behind 10-0 at halftime before a huge rally gave Tom Allen’s team the win. There is a lot for Indiana to clean up with Western Kentucky on deck and Cincinnati around the corner.

Up next: vs. Western Kentucky

10. Rutgers (2-0)

Last week: vs. Wagner, 66-7

Rutgers looked like it was supposed to in Week 2, rolling past Wagner in blowout fashion. Evan Simon, Gavin Wimsatt and Johnny Langan all threw for touchdowns with Chris Long securing a brilliant one-handed grab.

Up next: at Temple

9. Iowa (1-1)

Last week: vs. Iowa State, L 10-7

Iowa is a much-better team than 9th in the B1G. Okay, let’s rephrase that: The defending B1G West champs should not be ranked 9th in the B1G. But, the Hawkeyes should also be able to find the end zone on a semi-consistent basis, especially considering the field position that the defense and special teams reward the offense with. Yeah, Iowa can still contend for the B1G West, but that feels like a reach with what the Hawkeyes are doing on the field.

Up next: vs. Nevada

8. Maryland (2-0)

Last week: at Charlotte, 56-21

The defense is still somewhat concerning, but in this age of college football, it’s all about the offense. The Terps can score points with anyone right now, and Taulia Tagovailoa flexed a bit in Week 2. After failing to find the end zone in Week 1, Tagovailoa scored 5 total touchdowns in Week 2 with a pair of huge tosses to Jacob Copeland.

Up next: vs. SMU

7. Wisconsin (1-1)

Last week: vs. Washington State, L 17-14

Where to begin for Wisconsin? Sloppy (11 penalties for over 100 yards) and inefficient (3 turnovers, 2 missed field goals). The Badgers outgained Washington State and dominated the time of possession but couldn’t put points on the board. The preseason pick in the B1G West is in trouble.

Up next: vs. New Mexico State

6. Purdue (1-1)

Last week: vs. Indiana State, W 56-0

There were no big surprises from Purdue’s showing in Week 2. Charlie Jones continued his electric start to 2022, racking up a trio of touchdowns before calling it an afternoon. In the process, the Boilermakers posted one of their largest wins in over a decade.

Up next: at Syracuse

5. Minnesota (2-0)

Last week: vs. Western Illinois, W 62-10

Minnesota is off to a 2-0 start, outscoring opponents 100-10 in the process. Okay, the competition has not been up to par, but the Gophers have looked as they should have in those two games. The competition steps up with a visit from Colorado in Week 3 before the Gophers see their first road test in conference play.

Up next: vs. Colorado

4. Michigan State (2-0)

Last Week: vs. Akron, W 52-0

In the final score, Michigan State cruised to a win, but things were not clicking at 100% early in the game. Starting QB Payton Thorne had some turnover troubles, an issue he lamented after the game. Jalen Berger did have a trio of touchdowns and went over 100 yards for a 2nd consecutive game. Oh, and Jacoby Windmon looks like a legitimate star with this Spartan defense.

Up next: at Washington

3. Penn State (2-0)

Last week: vs. Ohio, W 46-10

Penn State’s youth was on full display in Week 2, spearheaded by Nick Singleton. He produced the first 100-yard rushing game for a Nittany Lion since 2020 and showed off his breakaway speed. Sean Clifford was also fantastic as Penn State looks to regain “contender” status in the B1G East this season. A lot will be learned about the Nittany Lions with an SEC road trip in Week 3.

Up next: at Auburn

2. Michigan (2-0)

Last week: vs. Hawaii, W 56-10

JJ McCarthy took his turn at the starting QB job for Michigan in Week 2, and he was brilliant during his time in the game. The rushing attack was dominant, the defensive front ate well – and often – and Ronnie Bell returned to the end zone for the first time since his 2021 injury. The Wolverines have a legitimate shot to repeat in the B1G, but it will take the right call in the QB battle to make it happen. And the starter needs to be McCarthy over Cade McNamara.

Up next: vs. UConn

1. Ohio State (2-0)

Last week: vs. Arkansas State, 45-12

Ohio State may have seemed slightly sluggish out of the gate in Week 2, but it didn’t take long to heat up. Marvin Harrison Jr. finished the game with a hat trick, torching the Red Wolves’ defense in the process. Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Julian Fleming were held out of action, and that duo might get an extra week off in Week 3 before B1G play begins in Week 4.

Up next: vs. Toledo