Big Ten Power Rankings: Week 2

It was a crazy opening week for the Big Ten.

Two weeknight games, two weather delays, one all out cancellation in the third quarter.

We also learned a few things about Big Ten teams.  Northwestern might actually have a quarterback not named Dan Persa.  Wisconsin might be just as scary on offense as everyone feared.  Michigan might not be as committed to manball as Brady Hoke continually says.  And it might not matter how many players Ohio State has suspended.

With one week of games in the books, it is time to take a step back and see where everyone stands. Once again, this isn't a list predicting the final standings or the "best teams."  Consider it our own "hot and not" list based on things as objective as injuries and stats and as subjective as how I feel when I watch Nebraska's defense disembowel another team.

Think I undervalued Michigan State based on a slow first quarter?  Tell me in the comments. Think I overvalued Northwestern's performance against a BCS conference team?  Tell me in the comments. Think I'm crazy for bumping Minnesota up two spots?  Tell me in the comments.  Think I'm just ignoring the fact that Matt McGloin and Rob Bolden are the greatest quarterback tandem since Chris Leak and Tim Tebow?  Well, you can sit on that thought.

With that, let's go to the list.

#12: Indiana

Last Week’s Rank: #11

Last Week’s Result: Lost to Ball State 20 - 27

The easiest way to drop to the bottom slot in the power rankings?  Lose to a MAC team at home.

Indiana suffered its second straight defeat to Ball State on Saturday (the first coming in 2008).  After taking an early lead, the Hoosiers slowly wore down over the last half of the game.  After scoring two touchdowns in the first 17 minutes of the game, the Hoosiers only scored once more—a field goal—the rest of the way.  During the second and third quarters alone, Indiana’s defense gave up three touchdowns and a field goal on three drives of 70 yards or longer.

The good news for Indiana is that quarterback Edward Wright-Baker played the whole game and passed for 272 yards and a touchdown on 20 of 32 passing.  The bad news is that neither of Indiana’s top running backs got much more than 40 total yards on the ground as the Hoosiers just barely broke the 100 yard mark for the game (103 yards).  The Hoosiers also struggled in pass protection giving up four sacks to the Cardinals.

The Kevin Wilson era has seemingly begun with a thud.  Indiana had not lost a home opener in eight straight years before this.  

#11: Purdue

Last Week’s Rank: #10

Last Week’s Result: Beat Middle Tennessee State 27 - 24

Despite a win, the Boilermakers aren’t able to hold on to the number 10 spot in this week's power rankings, and it wasn’t even close, unlike Purdue’s game against Middle Tennessee State.

The Boilermakers scored 17 points in the final quarter, including the game winning touchdown pass following an 85-yard drive with under a minute left.  MTSU had the chance to steal a win in the final seconds on a long pass to the end zone but it was dropped, then followed up by a blocked field goal attempt that would have sent the game to overtime.

Despite coming out with a win, Purdue fans shouldn’t get too comfortable.  MTSU was able to rack up 460 yards of total offense including 330 through the air (7.0 ypa).  Following the theme of giving away yards, Purdue also was charged with 11 penalties for 95 yards  

On a positive note, Purdue was able to hold the MTSU rushing attack to just 3.9 yards per carry.  What’s more, third-string quarterback Caleb TerBush played a well rounded game passing for 219 yards on 19 of 33 for two touchdowns and only one interception.  Ralph Bolden also reemerged as a play maker, gaining 120 yards on the ground on just 17 attempts.

Most promising is that the Boilermakers were able to close out a close victory with both an offensive drive and a defensive stop, a complete effort down the wire that the team was largely unable to pull off in 2010.

#10: Minnesota

Last Week’s Rank: #12

Last Week’s Result: Lost to #17 USC 19 - 17

Minnesota jumps to the 10 spot on the back of one of the most surprising performances of any Big Ten team in Week One.

Going to L.A. to face USC is a tall order, and many believed that Minnesota was going to be easily beaten in the first game under new coach Jerry Kill and first time starter MarQueis Gray.  It would end up being freshman quarterback Max Shortell who nearly won the day for the Gophers.

After a punishing first half in which USC—or more appropriately Matt Barkley and Robert Woods —did pretty much whatever they wanted, the Gophers locked down on defense and held the Trojans scoreless over the second half.  The QB-WR combo of Barkley and Woods was primarily responsible for the stellar stat line of 304 yards on 34 of 45 passing for three touchdowns, but the Gophers gave up just a scant 67 yards on the ground at a measly 2.4 yards per rush.

The Minnesota offense found some success by gaining 110 yards (3.2 yards/rush) on the ground and 192 yards (7.4 yards/pass) through the air, but half of both totals are attributable to Gray, who was sidelined with cramps.

Minnesota wasn’t able to sneak out a win, but for Jerry Kill to take his team to the west coast to play a top 25 team and have a chance to win at the end is an impressive first step for the Gophers.

#9: Penn State

Last Week’s Rank: #9

Last Week’s Result: Beat Indiana State 41 - 7

Penn State didn’t have much trouble with the Sycamores, but came away with a couple answers—though not at the most important position: quarterback.

One definitive answer that the Nittany Lions got was from the running game, which piled on 245 yards at 5.1 yards/rush and five touchdowns.  Silas Redd led the way with 104 yards and two touchdowns, and both Curtis Dukes (47 yards) and Brandon Beachum (41 yards) found success with limited touches.  The Nittany Lion defense also put together a very good effort holding the Sycamores to just 65 rushing yards (2.2 yards/rush) and 105 passing yards (4.3 yards/pass) while forcing three turnovers and notching two sacks.

However, the questions still abound at quarterback where both Rob Bolden and Matt McGloin split time. McGloin was 6-for-8 passing for 77 yards while Bolden struggled a bit more with 6-of-12 passing for 37 yards.

Next week, the Nittany Lions will face a much tougher defensive test when Alabama comes to town.  With yards being harder to come by on the ground,  it will be up to one of the quarterbacks to find some success through the air to open up the offense.  If not, it could be a long day in Happy Valley.

#8: Illinois

Last Week’s Rank: #7

Last Week’s Result: Beat Arkansas State 33 - 15

Illinois rolled to an easy victory against the Red Wolves of Arkansas State and did so with a great deal of offensive balance.

Nathan Scheelhaase showed improvement in the passing game with a career high 267 yards on 16 of 23 passing for two touchdowns.  He did it exclusively with two receiving targets:  AJ Jenkins (11 rec, 148 yards, TD) and Darius Millines (5 rec, 119 yards, TD).  Illinois also picked up 200 yards on the ground, led by running back Jason Ford who had 86 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries.

Defensively, the Illini struggled against the pass as the Red Wolves were able to gain 290 yards through the air at 9.1 yards/pass.  This could be concerning for a unit that was supposed to lead the team Thankfully, the front seven—which suffered the two biggest personnel losses of the offseason in Martez Wilson and Corey Liuget—was stout against the run giving up just 60 yards and only 1.9 yards/rush. The defense added three turnovers and two sacks.

If the Illinois offense can continue to pass the ball effectively as a counter to the already strong run game, the team could make serious noise in the Leaders division race.

#7: Michigan

Last Week’s Rank: #6

Last Week’s Result: Beat Western Michigan 34 - 10

The score should most likely be followed by an asterisk, as this was one of the stranger games Wolverine fans have seen in a while.  Two defensive touchdowns from an unlikely player, rain delays and ultimately a decision to call the game with less than three quarters of action in the books will guarantee this game isn’t soon forgotten.

Defensively, it was a tale of two halves for the Wolverines.  The first half saw the Broncos drive almost effortlessly down the field, passing the ball at will against the still overmatched secondary while quarterback Alex Carder saw no pressure.  However, halfway through the second quarter outside linebacker Jake Ryan got a hand on Carder‘s pass over the middle, tipping it into the hands of reserve linebacker Brandon Herron who returned it 94 yards for a touchdown.

The second half saw more of the same as safety Jordan Kovacs forced a fumble on a hard hit to Carder in the backfield, leaving the ball for Brandon Herron—hereby dubbed, the luckiest reserve linebacker in the world—to scoop up and return for his second touchdown of the day.

There aren’t too many conclusions to draw from this game.  Between the lost fourth quarter and long rain delay, the Wolverine offense was only given five complete drives.  Three of those ended in rushing touchdowns.  Denard Robinson had a quiet day (98 yards passing,  46 yards rushing, no touchdowns) but was helped by running back Fitzgerald Toussaint who had 80 yards on 11 carries and added two touchdowns.  Michael Shaw chipped in 54 yards—most of which came on his 44 yard touchdown run in the third quarter.

The Wolverines look to get more answers next week against Notre Dame under the lights, but in the meantime the Brady Hoke hype-wagon rolls on.

#6: Michigan State

Last Week’s Rank: #3

Last Week’s Result: Beat Youngstown State 28 - 6

Michigan State might have thought its first game actually started on Saturday.  That would explain the slow start by the Spartans.

Against FCS Youngstown State, MSU started the game with a three-and-out while allowing the Penguins to string together two separate 10-plus play drives in the first quarter.  However, the Spartans proceeded to rip off two long touchdown drives to take control—outside of a quick scare following a muffed punt that led to the Penguins only touchdown.

Offensively, the Spartans played an efficient game.  The running backs combined for 159 yards and 4.5 ypc, led by Edwin Baker’s 91 yards.  Kirk Cousins also had a ridiculously good day, tossing 222 yards on 18 of 22 passing with one touchdown.  Senior receiver BJ Cunningham reeled in nine of those passes for 130 yards and a touchdown.

The bright side of Michigan State’s defensive performance is that the Spartan secondary played absolutely shut down football.  Youngstown State was only able to pass for 126 yards on 17 of 35 passes.  In fact, YSU’s 3.8 yards/rush is actually more than the team’s 3.6 yards/pass attempt.  The secondary also tacked on an interception.

Unfortunately, this covers up the fact that Michigan State’s defensive line was utterly pedestrian against the Penguins.  YSU rushed for 128 yards and the aforementioned 3.8 yards/rush, but more disconcerting is the fact that Michigan State did not get one sack in the game, and got only six tackles for loss.

While the skill positions on offense still look to be very good, Michigan State didn’t do much to answer questions in the trenches.  Next week against Florida Atlantic should be another good warm up.

#5: Iowa

Last Week’s Rank: #4

Last Week’s Result: Beat Tennessee Tech 34 - 7

Really, all Iowa needed in this one was the second quarter to pull out a victory.  The Hawkeyes scored 24 of its 34 points in the second stanza, and didn’t give up a score until the last five minutes of the rain delayed game.

On offense, Iowa once again succumbed to AIRBHG (angry Iowa running back hating God) as freshman Mika’il McCall went down with injury after putting up 61 yards on nine rushes.  Marcus Coker added 40 yards as the second leading rusher.  James Vandenberg hogged the touchdowns Saturday, as he gained the team's only rushing touchdown while throwing two to go along with his 219 yards on 13 of 21 passing (10.4 yards/pass).  Most of those yards went to Marvin McNutt, who put up 140 yards on just six receptions.

The Hawkeye defense gave up 296 total yards, but was successful holding Tennessee Tech out of scoring position, allowing just two red zone possessions all game—one a missed field goal, the other a late touchdown.  Combine that with two forced interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown and it is easy to see that Iowa’s defense was firmly in control against a team that it should by all means be firmly in control against.

You don’t get points for beating FCS teams, but you don’t lose points for beating them like a red-headed stepchild and giving them no hope of turning the tables.  

#4: Nebraska

Last Week’s Rank: #2

Last Week’s Result: Beat UT-Chattanooga 40 - 7

Nebraska’s first game as an official part of the Big Ten saw it do exactly what it needed to do—beat the pants off a lesser team without shifting out of second gear.  However, nobody is coming away impressed.

Taylor Martinez was able to rush and pass for over 100 yards (116 passing, 11/22; 135 rushing, three TDs) as he led the offense through most of the game.  Although concerns about Martinez’s ability to grow as a passer in the offseason are still prevalent, as he was able to complete just 50 percent of his passes against UT-Chattanooga.  While the running game was more than enough to comfortably cruise to victory, Nebraska won’t be able to rely on such a run heavy offense against some of the better Big Ten defense. With Rex Burkhead’s 75 yards and one touchdown, the two leading rushers for Nebraska combined for more than 200 yards and four touchdowns.

Defensively, the Huskers were mostly effective, holding UT-Chattanooga to 230 yards (60 yards rushing, 1.9 yards/rush; 170 yards passing, 4.5 yards/pass), but the effort wasn’t as dominant as it could have been against the FCS competition this week.

Nebraska will have an opportunity to move back up the rankings before the Big Ten season starts, but without a step forward in the passing offense, this team could have a ceiling that is noticeably lower than what most predicted for it.

#3: Ohio State

Last Week’s Rank: #5

Last Week’s Result: Beat Akron 42 - 0

You don’t get points for beating Akron—an FCS team in a MAC mask—but you do get points by severely quieting a quarterback controversy.

The Buckeyes look to have found their man going forward, as Joe Bauserman started the season just like everyone assumed he would…by scrambling for Ohio State’s first touchdown (Sure, I called that, don’t you remember?)  Outside of the wheels that nobody knew old smokin’ Joe has, there was the 12-of-16 passing for 163 yards and three touchdowns.  True freshman quarterback and object of Ohio State fans’ deepest darkest desires, Braxton Miller, added 130 yards passing on 8-of-12 attempts late in the game. However, looking at all the things Bauserman was able to accomplish as the starter, it would seem he has taken a comfortable hold on the starting quarterback job.

More impressive than beating up on a beleaguered MAC defense is what the Buckeyes were able to accomplish when Akron had the ball.  Let’s refer back to my game preview to see just what I thought Ohio State needed to do:

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“Total and complete destruction.  Seriously.  If OSU allows Akron within field goal range it should be considered a disaster.”

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Did Ohio State pass this test?  Yes.  With flying colors.  Akron gained just 90 yards of total offense. That is three yards less than OSU’s leading running back gained by himself.  Akron gained just 1.3 yards per rushing attempt and 2.9 yards per passing attempt.  It is no wonder the Zips converted just two of 13 third-down attempts.  Well played, Ohio State.

#2: Northwestern

Last Week’s Rank: #8

Last Week’s Result: Beat Boston College 24 - 17

Minnesota wasn’t the only team to play a major conference opponent in Week One.  However, Northwestern is the only team to come out with a win against a BCS conference foe this week.

What is more impressive is the fact that Wildcats did it without self appointed Heisman candidate Dan Persa.  In his stead, the WASP-ily named Kain Colter got the start and put up what can only be termed Persa-lite numbers.  While he did not throw a touchdown pass, Colter was for the most part very accurate—minus one interception—throwing 24 passes and completing 17 of them.  Colter also chipped in 71 yards rushing and a touchdown.  While Colter’s statlines don’t have anyone molding women’s aerobics weights in his honor, he has proven that Northwestern’s offense can still run sans Persa.

Speaking of running, the Wildcats put together a good performance on the ground against a team that led the country in rush defense a year ago.  Mike Trumpy led the team with 85 yards and a touchdown and Adonis Smith chipped in 53 yards and a touchdown of his own.  For a team that struggled to establish any momentum on the ground a year ago, 4.2 yards/rush on 227 yards is a very promising total against a good rush defense.

Defensively, the Wildcats struggled to stop BC’s passing attack, yielding 375 yards through the air and 8.5 yards/pass.  However, the rush defense—arguably the bigger question mark coming in to this season—held the Eagles to 104 yards and just 3.5 yards/rush.  For a team that was abysmal at stopping the run in 2010, this counts as good news.

While the BC game doesn’t answer everything we need to know about the Wildcats, the fact that Northwestern got the only victory against a big-six conference team is reason enough for the biggest jump in the power rankings.

#1: Wisconsin

Last Week’s Rank: #1

Last Week’s Result: Beat UNLV 51 - 17

The first Big Ten game of the season just happened to be the most impressive win of the weekend.

Wisconsin did everything and anything it wanted against UNLV on Thursday night.  Montee Ball and James White quickly re-established themselves as two of the premier running backs in the Big Ten as they combined for three rushing touchdowns in the first quarter.  Ball finished the game with 64 yards and three touchdowns on the ground and another 67 yards and one touchdown (on two receptions) through the air.  White had 63 yards and a touchdown on the ground to go along with a 40 yard reception.

And if there were any questions surrounding the guy distributing the ball to Wisconsin’s backs and receivers, Russell Wilson answered them with authority.  The former NC State quarterback didn’t need to do much to show just how much he enjoys playing in the Wisconsin offense.  Wilson only threw the ball 13 times, but completed 10 of those passes for 255 yards and two touchdowns.  On top of that, he threw in a highlight reel touchdown scramble of 46 yards as part of his two rush, 62 yard night on the ground.

Defensively the Badgers weren’t dominant—allowing 292 total yards—but the Badgers held UNLV to just two of 12 on third down conversions and didn’t allow a touchdown until late in the third quarter when the game was already well out of hand.  If the Badgers can play this kind of effective bend but don’t break defense the rest of the season, there is no limit to what this team could accomplish.  However, tougher tests are on the way when Oregon State comes to town next week.