Week One of the SpartyONline BIG Ten Power Rankings
- SpartyONline Writer
- Sep 7, 2016
- 3 min read
Wisconsin breaks into the upper tier of our SpartyONline BIG Ten Power Rankings with an impressive win over SEC and national favorite LSU, as Ohio State, Michigan State, Wisconsin, and Iowa top our list with strong showings in the first weekend of college football. Twelve out of fourteen Big Ten teams started the season with a win, posting the best first week record of any Power Five conference. The SEC drew criticism with a 7-7 record, including losses by LSU, Auburn, Ol'Miss, and Mississippi State.
SpartyOnline BIG Ten Power Football Rankings
#1 Ohio State
JT Barrett demonstrated why he’s the #1 QB in the BIG Ten, throwing for 349 yards and six TD’s, and adding another rushing in OSU’s 77-10 thrashing of Bowling Green. Other than his two losses to the Spartans, Urban Meyer hasn’t missed a beat since coming to the BIG Ten.
#2 Michigan State
The Spartans always start the season slow. Preseason concerns over the receiving corps proved to be unfounded. Dantonio played a lot of new faces and it looked like it with 10 penalties for over 120 yards and tons of mistakes. However the Spartans look solid across the board, and you know Dantonio will fix the penalties and mistakes. This could well be Dantonio’s best team ever if they stay healthy.
#3 Wisconsin (tie)
The badgers proved they have the defense to hang with anyone and just enough offense to get the job done, as they toppled the SEC and CFP favorite LSU. If Wisconsin can build consistency, watch out BIG Ten.
#3 Iowa (tie)
The Hawks demonstrated they can run the ball, but unlike last season the defense struggled against a MAC team. If they can get the defense pumping on all cylinders, they should return to challenge for the BIG Ten title. One game does not make a season.
#5 Illinois
The Illini dominated in a 52-3 win over Murray State. New head coach Lovie Smith has the best NFL pedigree of any coach in the BIG Ten. This could be the beginning of something special in Champaign!
#6 Michigan
We aren’t drinking the blue Kool-aide quite yet. The Wolverines looked almost flawless beating up on the worst team in the FBS. We know from last season they can shut out the little guys, but they still have to prove they can beat Top 10 teams and win championships. We may have to wait nine games into the season before the Wolverines play a ranked team.
#7 Nebraska
The Huskers have some clean up to do after last weekend’s victory. If they can execute consistently, they can be a force in the west and challenge for the title. Defeating MSU last season was no fluke; they are that good.
#8 Penn State
The Nittany Lions looked solid on defense, and QB McSorley looked strong with two TD’s. With one of the best running backs in the BIG Ten, PSU could make waves in the east, especially with OSU, Iowa and MSU at home. We will know more next week at Pittsburgh.
#9 Minnesota
The Gopher defense looks to be strong again, holding the Beavers scoreless in the final quarter. A favorable schedule that does NOT include OSU or MSU and has Iowa at home will help.
#10 Maryland
Maryland scored on their first four possessions. If former defensive coordinator and now new head coach DJ Durkin can instill some defense, things could be looking up quickly.
September 6, 2016
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