Nebraska on the move, Indiana’s dramatic rise continues

Previous: 1. Last Week: Bye.

Having spent last weekend off, Ohio State remained third in the AP Top 25 poll while Texas and Georgia swapped places ahead of it. Fox’s “Big Noon Kickoff” will showcase the Buckeyes’ strength in another projected blowout against Marshall.

Penn State’s final nonconference game comes against a Kent State team that lost 71-0 to Tennessee last week. Trailing by 65 points at halftime, Kent State refused Tennessee’s offer of a running clock — and the winless Golden Flashes could be in for another long one this week.

The Trojans’ first Big Ten game is a clash of proud programs with hopes of contending for a playoff berth. USC has looked more like a team capable of doing so than its upcoming opponent, Michigan, but a road game at the Big House is no easy task.

Previous: 4. LW: W 49-14 vs. Oregon State.

A rocky start to the Ducks’ season faded in a commanding win over its in-state rival. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel has completed 84% of his passing attempts this season and can now rest his arm during a bye week.

Previous: 6. LW: W 34-3 vs. Northern Iowa.

Nebraska took care of business against an FCS opponent, limiting the physical toll on its starters ahead of a short week. A ranked matchup against Illinois is up next for a Husker team with a dominant defense.

Previous: 5. LW: W 28-18 vs. Arkansas State.

A potential get-right game didn’t break that way after Michigan’s passing game slowed to a halt. After a three-interception day from Davis Warren, Michigan will turn to backup Alex Orji.

Previous: 7. LW: W 30-9 vs. Central Michigan.

Now ranked in the Top 25, Illinois can spoil Nebraska’s party with a road trip to Lincoln this Friday. Quarterback Luke Altmyer, with six touchdowns and zero interceptions, is efficiently leading the offense.

Previous: 8. LW: W 38-21 vs. Troy.

The Iowa run game was at its best in a win over Troy, and the Hawkeyes will need to rely on it again during a road test at Minnesota.

Previous: 12. LW: W 42-13 vs. UCLA.

Indiana dominated a win over UCLA, equaling last season’s win total three games into the year. Having already received votes in the AP Poll, a win over Charlotte this weekend will only increase the hype around the Hoosiers.

Having started its season strong, a road game at Virginia Tech will reveal whether Rutgers has truly made a leap in 2024.

Previous: 10. LW: L 24-19 vs. Washington State.

A missed opportunity at the goal line loomed large in a damaging rivalry loss. Washington’s first conference game, a visit from Northwestern, is up next.

Previous: 13. LW: W 27-0 vs. Nevada.

The Minnesota defense forced three interceptions in a blowout win over Nevada, setting up a game against Iowa that head coach PJ Fleck will have his team ready for.

Previous: 11. LW: L 42-10 vs. Alabama.

A loss to Alabama was expected, but Wisconsin’s lack of competitiveness and an injury to quarterback Tyler Van Dyke still stung. The Badgers are on bye this week.

Previous: 15. LW: W 27-13 vs. Virginia.

A 14-point win over Virginia was enough to get Maryland’s season back on track ahead of a visit from FCS powerhouse Villanova.

Previous: 14. LW: W 40-0 vs. Prairie View A&M.

Following a big win over an FCS opponent, a road trip to Boston College will be no easy test for Michigan State.

Previous: 16. LW: W 31-7 vs. Eastern Illinois.

Head coach David Braun led Northwestern to a winning record in Big Ten play last season. Can he do it again? A trip to Washington is a difficult start.

Previous: 17. LW: L 42-13 vs. Indiana.

Even with two weeks to prepare, UCLA was thoroughly outplayed in a loss to Indiana. The Bruins travel to play LSU this weekend.

Previous: 18. LW: L 66-7 vs. Notre Dame.

There was little case to move Purdue out of the Big Ten cellar after being embarrassed by Notre Dame. The Boilermakers will be on more stable footing when they face Oregon State next.