
Michigan and Illinois are among the key risers this week after picking up big ranked wins in the first week of conference play.
1. Ohio State (3-0)
Previous: 1. Last Week: W 49-14 vs. Marshall.
Quarterback Will Howard was efficient as Ohio State rolled to another big win. More difficult games are on the horizon, but a road trip to Michigan State shouldn’t give the Buckeyes too much trouble.
2. Penn State (3-0)
Previous: 2. LW: W 56-0 vs. Kent State.
Kent State completed just two passes and gained 67 yards of offense in a shutout win for the Nittany Lions. They’ll get the primetime spotlight on NBC this weekend for a ranked matchup against Illinois.
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3. Michigan (3-1, 1-0 Big Ten)
Previous: 5. LW: W 27-24 vs. USC.
The way that Michigan beat USC — with 32 yards passing and 290 on the ground — likely won’t be sustainable in weeks that follow. However, the Wolverines now look to be back on track. With their only loss having come to the No. 1 team in the nation, they jump Oregon in the rankings.
4. Oregon (3-0)
Oregon’s first Big Ten game comes against an opponent it has played 71 times before. The Ducks have won their last four meetings against UCLA and will be heavy favorites again this weekend.
5. USC (2-1, 0-1)
Previous: 3. LW: L 27-24 vs. Michigan.
The Trojans allowed a one-dimensional Michigan offense to run all over them, overshadowing a late comeback effort from quarterback Miller Moss. A Wisconsin team that recently lost its starting quarterback is up next.
6. Illinois (4-0, 1-0)
Previous: 7. LW: W 31-24 vs. Nebraska.
The Illinois defense came up clutch in overtime, showing its strength in a key ranked win over Nebraska. The Illini have surrendered just 12.5 points per game this season and could make an even bigger statement if they take down Penn State next.
7. Iowa (3-1, 1-0)
Previous: 8. LW: W 31-14 vs. Minnesota.
Running back Kaleb Johnson’s 200-yard day got the job done for Iowa in a rivalry win over Minnesota. The Hawkeyes will get a bye week before they face Ohio State.
8. Nebraska (3-1, 0-1)
Previous: 6. LW: L 31-24 vs. Illinois.
A strong start to the season for the Nebraska defense faded in a loss to Illinois, though quarterback Dylan Raiola’s play continues to bring hope for the Huskers. They’ll need to bounce back during a road date at Purdue.
9. Rutgers (3-0)
Previous: 9. LW: W 27-24 vs. Virginia Tech.
Rutgers proved its mettle with a hard-fought win where its defense produced three turnovers, including a win-sealing interception. Now halfway to bowl eligibility, Rutgers will host Washington on Friday night.
10. Indiana (4-0, 1-0)
Previous: 10. LW: W 52-14 vs. Charlotte.
The Hoosiers’ one-year turnaround is already impressive with eight games left to play as quarterback Kurtis Rourke has the offense humming. Should Indiana take down Maryland this weekend, it’ll likely be ranked inside the Top 25.
11. Washington (3-1, 1-0)
Previous: 11. LW: W 24-5 vs. Northwestern.
It took Washington a while to get past Northwestern in its Big Ten opener, and it’s a short week to get ready for its next test. A Friday road date in what should be a loud environment at Rutgers will be a difficult one.
12. Maryland (3-1, 0-1)
Previous: 14. LW: W 38-20 vs. Villanova.
A conference loss to Michigan State two weeks prior is the only blemish on an otherwise strong start to the season for Maryland. However, the Terrapins will be underdogs at home against Indiana this weekend.
13. Wisconsin (2-1)
With Tyler Van Dyke having suffered an ACL injury, the Badgers will turn to Braedyn Locke at quarterback. His first start of the season will be a road trip to USC.
14. Minnesota (2-2, 0-1)
Previous: 12. LW: L 31-14 vs. Iowa.
A pair of turnovers and a porous run defense suck the Gophers in a loss to Iowa. A low-scoring matchup against a Michigan team hellbent on running the ball is up next.
15. Michigan State (3-1, 1-0)
Previous: 15. LW: L 23-19 vs. Boston College.
Quarterback Aidan Chiles is capable of delivering highlight reel plays, but the lowlights are there too. After a three-interception day in Michigan State’s recent loss, he’s in for a challenge against Ohio State.
16. UCLA (1-2, 0-1)
Previous: 17. LW: L 34-17 vs. LSU.
The Bruins played an excellent first half of football then petered out late against a strong LSU team. Can they put up a fight against Oregon?
17. Northwestern (2-2, 0-1)
Previous: 16. LW: L 24-5 vs. Washington.
Northwestern gained just 112 yards, scoring two of its five points via safety in a loss to Washington. The Wildcats are on bye this week.
18. Purdue (1-2, 0-1)
Previous: 18. LW: L 38-21 vs. Oregon State.
The usually productive Hudson Card threw for just 56 yards as a ground-heavy attack wasn’t enough in a loss to Oregon State. Will Card get going when Nebraska comes to town this Saturday?
Photos: Nebraska football vs. Illinois in 400th home sellout — Sept. 20
Illinois’ Tanner Arkin scores against Nebraska in the third quarter Friday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star

Nebraska defenders, including Isaac Gifford (left), Nebraska’s Ceyair Wright (right) and Princewill Umanmielen (back) tackle Illinois’ Aidan Laughery in the fourth quarter on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star

Nebraska’s Luke Lindenmeyer (44) stretches out but can’t grab a potential go-ahead touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of NU’s loss to Illinois on Friday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star

Nebraska’s Janiran Bonner (16) scores a touchdown past Illinois’ Terrance Brooks (8) in the fourth quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Mikai Gbayor (42) chases down Illinois’ Collin Dixon (17) in the third quarter Friday at Memorial Stadium.
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Husker fans in the East stadium hold up colored cards to celebrate the 400th sellout game on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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The Huskers come out of the tunnel before the game against Illinois on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Brian Buschini (13) kicks the ball during warmups before the game on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Fans hold up cards to spell out “400th sellout 1962-2024” in the east on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor (left) picks up a pass in front of Illinois’ Terrance Brooks in the third quarter on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor (right) is tackled by Illinois’ Xavier Scott in the third quarter on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor (left) is tackled by Illinois’ Xavier Scott (back) and Terrance Brooks (right) on Friday at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Janiran Bonner (right) scores a fourth quarter touchdown against Illinois next to teammate Dylan Raiola, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Gunnar Gottula picks up teammate Dylan Raiola after a sack by Illinois in the fourth quarter on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Mikai Gbayor (left) tries to stop Illinois’ Aidan Laughery in the fourth quarter on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) watches a lightshow take place between the third and fourth quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) watches a lightshow take place between the third and fourth quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Dante Dowdell (23) hurdles over Illinois’ Miles Scott (10) in the fourth quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Ceyair Wright (15) and Isaac Gifford (2) tackle Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) as he runs the ball in the third quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Illinois’ Aidan Laughery (21) is tackled by Nebraska’s Mikai Gbayor (42) in the third quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule calls a time out in the fourth quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Illinois’ Matthew Bailey (7) and Miles Scott (10) attempt to tackle Nebraska’s Thomas Fidone (24) as he runs the ball in the first quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Illinois’ Brandon Henderson (94) scores a touchdown past Nebraska’s Isaac Gifford (2) in the third quarter on Friday at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule argues a call with game officials in the second quarter against Illinois on Friday at Memorial Stadium.
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A pass slips past Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor (18) as he is defended by Illinois’ Terrance Brooks (8) on Friday at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s John Hohl misses a field goal attempt in the fourth quarter against Illinois on Friday at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola is sacked by Illinois’ Dylan Rosiek in the game-ending play Friday at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola is sacked by Illinois’ Dennis Briggs (back) and Seth Coleman in the overtime, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola is sacked by Illinois’ Dylan Rosiek in the game-ending play Friday.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star

Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer looks to pass during the first half of Friday’s game against Nebraska in Lincoln, Neb.
Bonnie Ryan, Associated Press

Illinois’ Kellen Francis (65) holds Nebraska’s MJ Sherman (48) as he tries to get past the offensive line in the third quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule runs his fingers through his hair after a touchdown is ruled an interception in the second quarter against Illinois on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule helps DeShon Singleton (8) off the field after he appears to suffer an injury on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Elijah Jeudy (16) furrows his brow as he exits through the tunnel after an overtime loss to Illinois on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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A field goal kicked by Nebraska is called no good in the second half against Illinois on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Former Husker men’s basketball player Keisei Tominaga cheer up the fans against Illinois on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Dante Dowdell jumps through a tackle against Illinois in the first quarter, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola runs with the ball facing Illinois’ Miles Scott and Terrance Brooks Friday at Memorial Stadium.
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The giant card stunt celebrating Nebraska football’s 400 sellout game is seen during the Illinois game on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska football celebrates the 400th consecutive sellout at Memorial Stadium with a “card stunt” on Friday vs. Illinois.
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Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor celebrates his first quarter touchdown against Illinois, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s John Hohl (right) kicks a field goal against Illinois from the hold of Brian Buschini in the first quarter on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Dante Dowdell gets a first down against Illinois in the first quarter, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola signals against Illinois on Friday at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s John Bullock (left) brings down Illinois’ Kaden Feagin in the first quarter Friday at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Marques Buford (left) defends against Illinois’ Pat Bryant on Friday at Memorial Stadium.
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Medical staff check on Nebraska’s Turner Corcoran (69) after he appreas to suffer an injury against Illinois on Friday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Illinois’ Ryan Meed (34) and Gabe Jacas (17) attmept to tackle Nebraska’s Dante Dowdell (23) as he runs the ball in the second quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule and quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) watch a replay on the videoboard during the game against Illinois on Friday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo

Illinois’ Terrance Brooks (8) readies himself to tackle Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) as he runs the ball in the second quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Illinois’ Miles Scott (10) hits Nebraska’s Jacory Barney (17) after a catch in the second quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor (18) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Marques Buford (3) celebrates after a fumble by Illinois in the first quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Illinois’ Xavier Scott (14) is stiff-armed by Nebraska’s Dante Dowdell (23) as he runs the ball in the second quarter on Friday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star

Nebraska’s DeShon Singleton (8) and Cameron Lenhardt (11) celebrate recovering a fumble from Illinois in the first quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor (18) holds up the ball after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Illinois’ Torrie Cox (5) defends Nebraska’s Jahmal Banks (4) as he makes a catch in the second quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor (18) catches a touchdown in the first quarter while defended by Illinois’ Matthew Bailey (7) on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s DeShon Singleton (8) recovers an Illinois fumble, forced by John Bullock (5), in the first quarter on Friday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star

Illinois’ Torrie Cox (5) intercepts a pass intended for Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor (18) in the second quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Fans wait for the Illinois game to start under a patch of light, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Joel Davies of Lincoln tailgates with his hat filled with pins before the Illinois game, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star

A swath of light illuminates Nebraska players as they make their way into the stadium while participating in the Legacy Walk on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska players make their way into the stadium as they participate in the Legacy Walk on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Fans line up along the side of the University of Nebraska Athletics Hall of fame as the Nebraska players participate in the Legacy Walk on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska players make their way into the Osborne Legacy Complex after participating in the Legacy Walk on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Fans line up along the side of the University of Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame as the Nebraska players participate in the Legacy Walk on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Fans tailgate outside the east of the stadium on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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