Nebraska and More Big Ten Teams Overrated in Coaches' Poll

Nebraska and the entire mid-section of the Big Ten is receiving undue love in the Week 2 Coaches' Poll. The season is still young, but already the coaches seem to be giving too much credit to teams that really haven’t proven themselves, yet.

Nebraska

Coaches’ Poll Rank: 11

Nebraska came into this season on a mission to take over the Big Ten. It hasn’t quite happened that way.

In their first real challenge in their new conference, the Cornhuskers faceplanted, getting stomped by the Wisconsin Badgers.

The rest of Nebraska’s season has been solid, including a win over Washington that looks better and better with each passing week. However, there really isn’t an impressive victory on the resume. The Huskers only other win over a BCS conference team came courtesy of an epic gag job by a depleted Ohio State team.

It’s true, the Huskers are 6-1, but a team with more 30+ point losses (one) than signature wins (zero), on its resume does not deserve to be on the verge of the Top 10.

Michigan

Coaches’ Poll Rank: 17

The Wolverines are heavy on excitement, but still are a little light on results. This week’s pounding at the hands of Michigan State poked a hole in the Wolverines 6-0 start.

Michigan has rolled up some impressive wins against lesser competition, but have only one win against a team that has been in the Top 25 at any point this season. That win, a squeaker at home over Notre Dame, was more about their opponent’s failures than the Wolverines successes.

We know that Michigan is well-equipped to dominated against weaker teams, but until they prove that they can defeat a quality opponent, the Wolverines don’t deserve this ranking.

Illinois

Coaches’ Poll Rank: 21

The perception of the Fighting Illini does not match the reality.

Fans and coaches see the highlights and the gaudy stats that Nate Scheelhaase and A.J. Jenkins put up each week. But in reality, the Illinois offense is just slightly above average, ranking 41st in the FBS in terms of total yardage.

Illinois has stomped lesser competition, but was only able to muster seven points against Ohio State, the one solid defense it's faced.

Until the Illini prove that they can move the ball against a quality opponent, they don’t belong in the Top 25.