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Nebraska’s up, Iowa’s down and everyone’s chasing Ohio State


Most Big Ten teams will wrap up their nonconference slates this week, while the second conference matchup of the season is also set to take place. Following a steady Week 1, there’s plenty of movement in this week’s rankings.

1. Ohio State (2-0)

Previous: 1. Last Week: W 56-0 vs. Western Michigan.

At the start of the season, Oregon and perhaps even Penn State would have been considered to be on pace with the Buckeyes. Two weeks in, and Ohio State is a class above the rest of the Big Ten. Having outscored its opponents 108-6 thus far, Ohio State will seek another big win over Marshall.

2. Penn State (2-0)

Previous: 2. LW: W 34-27 vs. Bowling Green.

Expected to roll over Bowling Green as 35.5-point favorites, Penn State instead narrowly avoided an early season shocker. The Nittany Lions’ defense, outstanding in Week 1 but lacking in Week 2, will have time to regroup during a bye week.

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3. USC (2-0)

Previous: 5. LW: W 48-0 vs. Utah State.

Miller Moss continues to impress as USC’s new starting quarterback, but far more important has been the Trojans’ defensive turnaround. USC held Utah State to under 200 yards of total offense in its shutout win. A bye week is up next before the Trojans play their first conference game as a Big Ten member.

4. Oregon (2-0)

Previous: 3. LW: W 37-34 vs. Boise State.

Oregon’s shaky start to the season continued in a back-and-forth game which ended in a last-second field goal. Anything can happen in next week’s rivalry matchup against Oregon State.

5. Michigan (1-1)

Previous: 4. LW: L 31-12 vs. Texas.

Michigan was completely outplayed on its home field, with the final 19-point margin of victory not reflecting the gap between the two teams. A struggling passing offense needs improvements.

6. Nebraska (2-0)

Previous: 8. LW: W 28-10 vs. Colorado.

The Big Ten’s newest entry into the AP Top 25, Nebraska earned its spot with a rivalry win over Colorado. The Husker defense is among the best in the Big Ten, and they’ll look to flex their muscles against Northern Iowa this week.

7. Illinois (2-0)

Previous: 12. LW: W 23-17 vs. Kansas.

An Illini team that entered the season with question marks answered many of them with a Top 25 win over Kansas. The Illinois defense looks like it will trouble every team it faces this season, including Central Michigan this week.

8. Iowa (1-1)

Previous: 6. LW: L 20-19 vs. Iowa State.

Iowa started strong but sputtered offensively as quarterback Cade McNamara averaged just 3.4 yards per completion, throwing two interceptions in the loss.

9. Rutgers (2-0)

Previous: 10. LW: W 49-17 vs. Akron.

Kyle Monangai ran for over 200 yards and scored three touchdowns and quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis threw for three scores in a standout day for the Scarlet Knights. Virginia Tech is up next in the biggest test of the nonconference schedule for Rutgers.

10. Washington (2-0)

Previous: 9. LW: W 30-9 vs. Eastern Michigan.

The Washington defense has played two strong games to begin the season and quarterback Will Rogers has started fast as well. Washington State comes to town for the Apple Cup this weekend.

11. Wisconsin (2-0)

Previous: 8. LW: W 27-13 vs. South Dakota.

Wisconsin hasn’t lost yet, but it hasn’t looked convincing yet either. FCS South Dakota hung close for over three quarters, which doesn’t bode well for the Badgers ahead of a visit from Alabama.

12. Indiana (2-0)

Previous: 13. LW: W 77-3 vs. Western Illinois.

Indiana’s 74-point win was impressive on all fronts, but keep in mind that Western Illinois last won a game in October 2021.

13. Minnesota (1-1)

Previous: 14. LW: W 48-0 vs. Rhode Island.

Minnesota made light work of Rhode Island in a shutout win, one that should keep the Gopher defense steady going into a matchup with Nevada.

14. Michigan State (2-0, 1-0 Big Ten)

Previous: 18. LW: W 27-24 vs. Maryland.

Aidan Chiles showcased the entire spectrum of quarterback play, throwing for over 350 yards and three touchdowns while also turning the ball over three times in what was a winning formula.

15. Maryland (1-1, 0-1)

Previous: 11. LW: L 27-24 vs. Michigan State.

An inability to run the ball and struggles on defense sunk Maryland in a loss to Michigan State. A trip to Virginia will be another stiff test.

16. Northwestern (1-1)

Previous: 15. LW: L 26-20 vs. Duke.

Northwestern is yet to throw a passing touchdown two weeks into the season but does have a workhorse running back in Cam Porter.

17. UCLA (1-0)

UCLA will play its first conference matchup as a Big Ten member when it hosts Indiana on Saturday night.

18. Purdue (1-0)

Purdue is set to face a Notre Dame team which may have added motivation after suffering an upset loss to Northern Illinois.



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