Spartans Move Up to #2 in BIG Ten Power Rankings With Domination of Notre Dame
- SpartyOnline Writer
- Sep 19, 2016
- 2 min read
Big wins over ranked teams by Ohio State, Michigan State and Nebraska put the Big Ten firmly on the national map heading into conference play. This will pay dividends come playoff selection time.
#1 Ohio State (3-0)
We knew Urban Meyer had been stocking talent, but who would have guessed the Buckeye defense would be this good this soon. With a bye week this week, the Bucks can probably coast until their trip to Madison in four weeks.
#2 Michigan State (2-0)
The Spartans put to bed any notions of a back slide from last season’s Big Ten Champions. However, there is no rest for Sparty with the Badgers coming to town next Saturday.
#3 Wisconsin (3-0)
We expected a letdown last week after the Badger’s big win over LSU. Surprise, the letdown came this week against winless Georgia State. Maybe Wisky got caught looking ahead to the Spartans next Saturday?
#4 Nebraska (3-0)
Mike Riley had to gain a lot of satisfaction defeating his former arch rival Oregon in front of a reenergized Husker fan base. Nebraska served notice they are a factor in the BIG Ten West race.
#5 Michigan (3-0)
Unranked Colorado exposed what those of us not believing the Maze Rave have known all along. The Wolverines still have some gaps. We still haven’t seen a consistent run game, and the defense struggles against dynamic offenses. Had Colorado’s QB not been injured in the first series after the half, Michigan would be looking at 2-1 this morning.
#6 Iowa (2-1)
Five time defending FCS Champion North Dakota State caught the Hawkeyes knapping on their way to another national FCS title. Will this wakeup call provide the resolve Iowa needs to repeat as division champs?
#7 Minnesota (2-0)
The Gophers were idle this week. Quarterback Mitch Leidner and company welcome Colorado State next Saturday.
#8 Maryland (3-0)
Maryland extended their record with an impressive win over Central Florida in a double overtime thriller. Maryland has a bye week next Saturday before beginning Big Ten play versus Purdue.
#9 Indiana (2-0)
Hopefully the Hoosiers made good use of their bye week this last week with MSU, OSU, and Nebraska coming up after entertaining Wake Forest this Saturday.
#10 Penn State (2-1)
The win over Temple provided some answers regarding the offense, but Dennis Franklin still has some questions to address with the Nittany Lion defense. With a trip to Ann Arbor next Saturday looming, time is running out.
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