Editor’s note: Every week, The Daily Illini football staff ranks the football teams in the Big Ten 1-12 and compiles the lists into its own Big Ten power rankings.
1. Ohio State (last week: 1)
2. Michigan (3)
Devin Gardner wasn’t stellar, but the Wolverines rolled to a 50-point victory over Central Michigan last week. Nebraska’s less-than-impressive three-point squeaker over Wyoming dropped them in the rankings, opening up the second spot for Michigan. Saturday will be the true test of Michigan’s grit when it hosts Notre Dame under the lights at The Big House.
3. Wisconsin (6)
Get The Daily Illini in your inbox!
4. Northwestern (4)
5. Nebraska (2)
6. Michigan State (5)
7. Penn State (7)
The second post-Paterno year for the Nittany Lions — unlike the first — got off on the right foot. Penn State pulled out a six-point victory over Syracuse at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Freshman quarterback Christian Hackenberg had his highs and lows, throwing for 278 yards and two touchdowns, but also throwing two picks.
8. Indiana (9)
9. Minnesota (10)
10. Iowa (11)
The Hawkeyes actually moved up a spot in the rankings this week, despite a three-point loss to Northern Illinois. Running back Mark Weisman picked up right where he left off, rushing for 100 yards on 20 carries. Iowa’s 485 total yards proved that its offense is much more capable than it was a year ago. Iowa catches a breather against Missouri State next week before facing heated rival Iowa State on Sept. 14.
11. Illinois (12)
12. Purdue (10)
Purdue dropped to the cellar of the power rankings after getting pounded by Cincinnati, 42-7. Quarterback Rob Henry threw two picks and as a team Purdue rushed for only 65 yards. Up next for the Boilermakers is Indiana State. As for the Bearcats, they will face another Big Ten opponent in Illinois on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
