B1G Power Rankings, Week 1

One week of games is in the books.  How did our conference-mates do, and where does Rutgers stand after the dramatic victory over Washington State?

1. Michigan State - The defending champs did nothing to lose the number 1 spot, as they throttled Jacksonville State 45-7.  Everything that made Michigan State good last year was working for them again - nasty defense, good ground game, and competent QB play. Next up: a prime time showdown against Oregon in Eugene (6:30 on Fox).

2. Ohio State - The Buckeyes without Braxton Miller are still one of the best teams in the league, but Navy is a very difficult opponent, as Scarlet Knights fans well know.  The final score was 34-17, but this game was closer than that score reflects for most of the game. Next up: Virginia Tech in Columbus (8:00 on ESPN).

3. Nebraska - Nebraska flexed its muscles against Florida Atlantic, destroying FAU 55-7 in Lincoln. The Huskers rode one of the few RBs in the country who had a bigger statistical game than Paul James, as Ameer Abdullah piled up 232 yds on 21 carries with 1 TD. Also, the game featured what might already be the catch of the year, with this ridiculous behind the back grab:

Next up: McNeese State in Lincoln.

4. Michigan - The Wolverines dropped the hammer on Appalachian State (with whom they have, uhh, history) blowing out the Mounatineers in Ann Arbor 52-14. This game was never close, and was pretty much unwatchable from the beginning. Next up: Notre Dame in South Bend (7:30 on NBC)

5. Wisconsin - The Badgers looked great early, and for three quarters, looked like they were going to pull out a B1G victory against the mighty SEC and LSU, before the wheels came off in horrific fashion. Wisconsin's run game stopped working for them, and there passing attack led by Bergen Catholic product Tanner McEvoy was not sharp. On the other hand, LSU found their offense, and by the end of the game, it was hard to believe this was the same game we were watching at the beginning. LSU won 28-24 in the comeback. "At least the B1G covered the spread" is pretty thin consolation.  Next up: savage beating of Western Illinois at home.

6. Rutgers - This is On the Banks, so why not? The Scarlet Knights win against WSU was as impressive as any other in the conference this week, with the Knights pulling out a gritty road victory at night on the West Coast. You know the highlights: Paul James, Caroo, Nova, Turay, AIken et al. Up Next: the FCS Howard Bisons at home, in what should be a laugher. Consider this a tune-up for the team, coaches, fans, and facilities people to bring their A-Game for the big one on the 13th.

7. ttfp - The Nitty Kitties went to Ireland, and damn near lost to a guy named O'Leary. The James Franklin Gang pulled out the win over UCF 26-24 on a last second field goal (they kicked four on the day, very B1G of them), but did not look particularly impressive in doing so. Hackenberg is very good, but their O Line looked horrendous, and their run game was only good for 57 yards. Hack threw 2 picks too. I cannot wait to see our front 7 get after him in 10 days. Next up: the Akron Zips at home (noon on ABC/ESPN2).

8. Maryland - The Terps beat up FCS James Madison 52-7 in College Park.  This one was never in doubt, as Maryland piled up 285 rushing yards, while keeping the cover on their vaunted passing game, which accumulated 186 yards (18/35).  Next up: on the road at USF.

9. Minnesota - Minnesota did what it needed to do against Eastern Illinois, tallying a 42-20 victory at home.  The Gophers were a little shaky at the start, allowing E. Ill to hang around. Of the 62 points in the game, 41 came in the fourth quarter. Next up: Middle Tennessee at home.

10. Iowa - The Hawkeyes beat Northern Iowa 31-23, and the game looked closer than even that slim 8 point margin indicates. Frankly, the Hawkeyes need to do a lot better than this, as a team many picked to win the B1G West. Next up: Ball State at home.

11. Indiana - The Hoosiers beat Indiana State 28-10 at home. Known as a high-flying passing team, Indiana put this one away on the ground, as RB Tevin Coleman rushed for 247 yards and 2 TDs and D'Angelo Roberts added 129 yards and 1 TD. Next up: bye

12. Illinois - Illinois survived against Youngstown State 28-17 at home. They needed three late touchdowns to come from behind, and did not look good in what should have been a home opener against an overmatched opponent.  Up next: Western Kentucky at home.

13. Purdue - Gave up 34 points to PJ and the Flecktones of Western Michigan, survived 43-34. Western Michigan was 1-11 last year. Next up: Central Michigan at home.

14. Northwestern - The Wildcats look like a program in meltdown mode. They lost 31-24 to Cal at home.  Cal was one of the worst teams in FBS last year. All the offseason nonsense at Northwestern took a toll - union voting, Venric Mark leaving the program etc. Next up: Northern Illinois in Evanston.

Tell us in the comments where we went wrong.