The Big 10 had an absolutely brutal week 2, as teams dropped high profile nonconference game while others struggled against FCS foes. It was basically the worst case scenario for the league whose national perception has been falling fast for a few years now. Many in the media are now declaring the conference's chance at getting a team in the four team playoff "dead," but that's completely ridiculous. There are still 13 weeks left in the season, and crazy things always happen in college football. I would be shocked if a one loss Big 10 team was left out of the playoffs. On to the rankings.
1. Michigan State
Sparty looked good for three quarters before ending up on the wrong side of Oregon's snowball. The worst thing you can do against the Ducks is go three and out on offense, and Michigan State did just that on three successive possessions, allowing Oregon to come back and win by 19 after trailing by 9. The frenzied pace Oregon plays at is no joke, and when your defense isn't getting a break, they are going to destroy you that pace.
Other than not being able to keep up with the pace, I thought Michigan State played well. Their front seven was stout against Oregon's run game, and Conor Cook and Tony Lippett looked like one of the top passing combinations in the league. Their rushing attack and pass protection against the blitz did leave a lot to be desired and their secondary was burnt a few times after biting on play acion fakes, however. This is still a very good team and they will be in the playoff if they run the table from here on out. Losing at Oregon should not be knock out blow.
2. Ohio State
Ohio State's offense has looked putrid with out Braxton Miller, but I'm giving Urban Meyer the benefit of the doubt here. He is one of the best offensive minds in college football, and I have a hard time believing they won't figure something out. Virginia Tech has a very good defense, and they were just too much for the young Buckeye offensive line and JT Barrett to handle. (On a related note, how the hell is Bud Foster not a head coach yet? Maybe everyone just assumes he will take over for Beamer when he retires?) Runningback concerns after losing Carlos Hyde to the NFL persist, but their wide receivers and defensive line are outstanding and they have talent elsewhere. This ranking is more of a belief in their talent and coaching more than what they've actually done thus far.
3. Nebraska
The Huskers needed an insane effort from star running back Amer Abdullah to bail them out against McNeese State in the final minute to win last Saturday. It was a step in the wrong direction after thumping FAU in their season opener. Abdullah may very well be the best player in the conference and they have a solid offensive line, but this isn't the same Blackshirt defense Nebraska is accustomed to and Tommy Armstrong, while a good runner, has struggled to complete 50% of his passes.
4. Wisconsin
The Badgers lost a heartbreaker opening weekend by blowing a big lead against LSU, as the Tigers final exposed their flaws.
They of course have a dominant offensive line as usual, blocking for a very good but banged up back in Melvin Gordon and Jersey native Corey Clement. But Tanner McEvoy has looked pretty bad when throwing the ball and their receiving crop is pretty unimpressive after losing Jared Abbedaris to graduation. The defense has suffered a few injuries up front, and they are pretty young, but they should remain solid as Gary Anderson continues to install his 3-4 scheme.
5. Michigan
The Wolverines were embarrassed by Notre Dame last week and Brady Hoke's seat only gets warmer. Their offensive line is a disaster for the second year in a row, although they are starting true freshman this year instead of senior first round picks, and they can not run the ball. Devin Gardner can really sling it when he has time to throw and Devin Funchess is perhaps the most dangerous receiver in the conference. Their front seven on defense will be strong against the run, but they have had some trouble at corner in the early going. This team, like Ohio State, is given the benefit of the doubt based on talent so far.
6. Iowa
Iowa was my pick to win the west before the season started, but they have not played well in narrow wins over Northern Iowa and Ball State. Their running game, which was expected to be their strength has struggles, and likely top 10 draft pick left tackle Brandon Scherff is now hurt and expected to miss a few weeks. Their passing game, while inefficent, has been better than expected and their secondary and defensive line looks strong while are inexperienceed at linebacker.
7. Penn State
The Nittany Lions have Christian Hackensburg, probably the best quarterback in the conference, and a strong front seven on defense, but they have some major flaws as well. They can not run the ball at all, as their offensive line is young and getting pushed around and their stable of backs including Big Time Football Bill Belton haven't been able to overcome that.
8. Rutgers
The secondary has to improve, but they have got off to an encouraging start. It look like Ralph Friedgen has fixed Gary Nova and Paul James has looked terrific running behind a very powerful and experienced offensive line. They have dangerous threats in the passing game in the expolisve Leonte Carroo and the solid Tyler Kroft. Darius Hamilton and Steve Longa are beasts in the middle against the run, but that secondary and Kyle Flood remain major question marks if not weaknesses.
9. Minnesota
They will have a terrific defense for the second year in a row under Jerry Kill, but they can not throw the ball at all. Lucky for them, David Cobb has been dominant running the ball.
10. Maryland
They turned the ball over six times against South Florida last week and were lucky to escape with a win. CJ Brown has been shaky at QB, but Stefan Diggs is perhaps the best playmaker in the conference. Injuries have been a major problem for them under Edsall as well, so depth could end up being an issue for them later in the season.
11. Indiana
Their defense was very bad last year, but they had an explosive offense. They've only played one game this season, against FCS Indiana State, but it appears that they will have an expolisve offense and a bad defense once again. They could be in line to go to a bowl game for the first time in a while this year.
12. Illinois
Like the Hoosiers, they have an expolsive offense and a bad defense. Oklahoma State tranfer Wes Lunt has led them to two shoo out wins in the early going.
13. Northwestern
They have now lost 9 straight after starting 5-0 last year. Ugly home losses against Cal and Northern Illinois looked bad, and star runningback Venric Mack left the program. They do have former Rutgers wide out Miles Shuler though.
14. Purdue
Bad, bad football team all around.
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