Ben Bolch’s Big Ten Power Rankings
Game of the Week: Ohio State (1-0) at Texas (1-0), 4:30 p.m. PT Saturday on ABC. After doubling up the Longhorns in a convincing victory last season, the Buckeyes seek to prove once again that Texas quarterback Arch Manning ain’t all that.
1. Ohio State (1-0) Ball State is a predictable pushover for Big Ten’s best team. (Last week: 1)
2. Indiana (1-0) Now that he’s in State Farm ads, can Curt Cignetti replace Jake? (3)
3. Oregon (1-0) Boise State close call could have been much worse — just ask Chip Kelly. (2)
4. USC (2-0) Might as well fast forward to Oregon showdown on Sept. 26. (4)
5. UCLA (1-0) Bob Chesney era will really be rocking if tarps come off at Rose Bowl. (6)
6. Penn State (1-0) Matt Campbell unveils superb Marshall Plan in opening shutout. (7)
7. Illinois (1-0) Illini score double digits in every quarter in blowout of UAB. (8)
8. Washington (0-0) Apple Cup feeling as crisp as a Fuji in revival of Pac-12 rivalry. (9)
9. Minnesota (1-0) Rowing the boat is incredibly easy against Eastern Illinois. (10)
10. Iowa (1-0) Holy Hayden Fry! Hawkeyes with a capable offense seems like a throwback. (11)
11. Michigan (1-0) Got a second? These guys aren’t nearly as good as once imagined. (5)
12. Michigan State (1-0) Holy Toledo! Spartans may have good QB in Alessio Milivojevic. (12)
13. Nebraska (1-0) A blah win over Ohio seems on brand for this blah team. (13)
14. Wisconsin (0-0) Was starting season against Notre Dame a good idea? (14)
15. Maryland (1-0) Mike Locksley may not be headed for Hamptons if Hampton rout is a sign. (17)
16. Northwestern (1-0) Needing to pull away late against an FCS team isn’t great. (16)
17. Purdue (1-0) Great news for Boilermakers: They may not be worst team in Big Ten! (18)
18. Rutgers (0-1) Will Greg Schiano make it to October after UMass embarrassment? (15)
