If it was important to not overreact to week one, I think it’s important to feel optimistic after week two. The Oregon Ducks are 2-0 on the season after nearly losing to both Idaho and Boise State, but wins are wins, and there was noticeable improvement in how the Ducks looked from week one to week two.
Week two was eventful across the Big Ten. Michigan fell to Texas, Penn State almost lost to Bowling Green, and Michigan State and Maryland went toe-to-toe. After the full Saturday slate, there was plenty of movement in the Big Ten Power Rankings, although the team at the top rests comfortably.
The season is long, and while Ducks fans shouldn’t be satisfied with where they are, they should be grateful it’s not worse after tight games against Idaho and Boise State.
Below are the Big Ten Power Rankings after week two of college football.
18
UCLA Bruins (1-0)
Aug 31, 2024; Honolulu, Hawaii, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Rico Flores Jr. (1) reacts with defensive back Clint Stephens (14) after Flores Jr. made a touchdown against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game against the UCLA Bruins at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex. Marco Garcia-USA TODAY Sports
Game Result: Bye
Previous Ranking: 17th
AP Poll: N/A
What’s Next?: Indiana
Analysis: UCLA didn’t play this week, but after Michigan State’s win over Maryland and a suspect showing in week one, the Bruins are falling to the bottom spot in the Big Ten. I think it’s unlikely UCLA takes down Indiana next week, but they will have home-field advantage. The week after, they’ll have a near-impossible task as they take on LSU in Baton Rouge.
17
Purdue Boilermakers (1-0)
Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Hudson Card (1) passes the ball to Purdue Boilermakers wide receiver De’Nylon Morrissette (8) Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, during the NCAA football game against the Indiana State Sycamores at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. Purdue Boilermakers won 49-0.
Game Result: Bye
Previous Ranking: 16th
AP Poll: N/A
What’s Next?: No. 5 Notre Dame
Analysis: Purdue was on a bye this week as well, and the only reason they’re falling a spot in the rankings is because of MSU’s win over the Terrapins. The Boilermakers have a tough task ahead of them next week against Notre Dame, but the Fighting Irish fell to Northern Illinois this week, so Purdue has a chance.
16
Maryland Terrapins (1-1)
Sep 7, 2024; College Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins wide receiver Tai Felton (10) runs after a catch during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Game Result: L 24-27 to Michigan State
Previous Ranking: No. 9
AP Poll: N/A
What’s Next?: at Virginia
Analysis: Maryland had all the advantages this weekend. A home game against one of the bottom teams in their conference, coming off a big win against UConn. But, the Terrapins allowed the Spartans to beat them in a 60-minute dogfight. Maryland heads to Virginia next week to face the 2-0 Cavaliers — a game in which they have a lot to prove.
15
Michigan State Spartans (2-0)
Sep 7, 2024; College Park, Maryland, USA; *Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Nick Marsh (6) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Game Result: W 27-24 against Maryland
Previous Ranking: 18th
AP Poll: N/A
What’s Next?: Prairie View
Analysis: The Michigan State Spartans were impressive this weekend with a win over Maryland on the road. After a forgettable week one performance, Aidan Chiles showed some flash this weekend leading the Spartans to a win.
14
Minnesota Golden Gophers (1-1)
Sep 7, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Jack Henderson (20) scores a touchdown after intercepting a pass against the Rhode Island Rams during the second half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Game Result: W 48-0 against Rhode Island
Previous Ranking: 14th
AP Poll: N/A
What’s Next?: Nevada
Analysis: After a heart-breaking loss to North Carolina in week one, the Golden Gophers came back strong in week two. Rhode Island isn’t a great team, but a 48-0 win is impressive and should give them some momentum heading into a game against Nevada next week.
13
Northwestern Wildcats (1-1)
Sep 6, 2024; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Duke Blue Devils wide receiver Jordan Moore (8) can’t make a catch as Northwestern Wildcats defensive back Evan Smith (12) defends him during the second half at Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium. David Banks-Imagn Images
Game Result: L 26-20 to Duke
Previous Ranking: 13th
AP Poll: N/A
What’s Next?: Eastern Illinois
Analysis: The Wildcats had a slow start against Miami of Ohio in week one, and this weekend, against Duke things didn’t get much better. Cam Porter, Northwestern’s best running back, had a solid game, but it wasn’t enough to take down the Blue Devils.
12
Rutgers Scarlett Knights (2-0)
Aug 29, 2024; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Samuel Brown V (27) scores a receiving touchdown during the second half as Howard Bison defensive back Kenny Gallop Jr. (0) pursues at SHI Stadium. Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Game Result: W 49-17 against Akron
Previous Ranking: 12th
AP Poll: N/A
What’s Next?: Bye Week
Analysis: Although it was just a blowout over Akron, the Scarlet Knights look like a legit team in the middle of the Big Ten pack. For the second week in a row, star Rutgers RB Kyle Monangai played spectacular, scoring 3 TDs and accumulating 211 scrimmage yards. With Monangai’s talent, the Scarlet Knights are a team for contenders to beware of once conference play begins.
11
Indiana Hoosiers (2-0)
Sep 6, 2024; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Ke’Shawn Williams (5) runs the ball while Western Illinois Leathernecks linebacker Mike Newman (10) defends in the second half at Memorial Stadium. Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Game Result: W 31-7 FIU
Previous Ranking: 15th
AP Poll: N/A
What’s Next?: at UCLA
Analysis: Western Illinois is not a quality opponent, but 77 points is no joke, no matter who the opponent is. Indiana put everyone on notice this weekend — especially myself — showing us their offensive capability.
10
Washington Huskies (2-0)
Sep 7, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies tight end Decker DeGraaf (86) carries the ball after a pass while Eastern Michigan Eagles defensive back Quentavius Scandrett (3) tries to tackle during the second half at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Game Result: W 30-9 against Eastern Michigan
Previous Ranking: 11th
AP Poll: N/A
What’s Next?: Eastern Michigan
Analysis: After a rough first half, Washington got their offense going in the second half of their Saturday game against Eastern Michigan. Quarterback Will Rogers was efficient and Jonah Coleman, the Huskies top running back, was over the century mark. Still, this game was too close for a game against Eastern Michigan.
9
Wisconsin Badgers (2-0)
Sep 7, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Darrion Dupree (13) rushes with the football during the fourth quarter against the South Dakota Coyotes at Camp Randall Stadium. Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Game Result: W 27-13 over South Dakota
Previous Ranking: 7th
AP Poll: N/A
What’s Next?: Alabama
Analysis: Wisconsin’s shakiness remained in week two, as their offense struggled to pull away from South Dakota on Saturday. The Badgers are 2-0, but they have some issues — such as Tyler Van Dyke’s mediocre passing to start the season — they’ll need to work out before they see some Big Ten opponents.
8
Illinois Fighting Illini (2-0)
Sep 7, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Pat Bryant (13) dives over Kansas Jayhawks safety O.J Burroughs (5) and scores a touchdown during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Game Result: W 45-0 over Eastern Illinois
Previous Ranking: 10th
AP Poll: N/A
What’s Next?: Central Michigan
Analysis: After a quality week one win over Eastern Illinois, the Fighting Illini took on the No. 19 Kansas Jayhawks and won in week two. Illinois’ defense shined in their victory over the Jayhawks, allowing less than 150 passing yards and generating three interceptions. If they do their job against Central Michigan next week, the Fighting Illini will be in a great position heading into conference play.
7
Iowa Hawkeyes (1-0)
Iowa’s Quinn Schulte (30) tackles Iowa State’s Benjamin Brahmer (18) as Iowa’s TJ Hall (2) looks on during the Cy-Hawk game Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Game Result: W 40-0 over Illinois State
AP Poll: No. 21
What’s Next?: Iowa State
Analysis: Iowa was in control for 59 minutes of their week two rivalry game against Iowa State, but in the finals moments, they allowed the Cyclones to stroll down the field into position for a game-winning field goal. The Hawkeyes’ offense has improved, but their defense has fallen off to the point that I still think they have a low ceiling in the Big Ten.
6
Michigan Wolverines (1-0)
Michigan quarterback Davis Warren (16) hands the ball to running back Donovan Edwards (7) against Texas during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, September 7, 2024.
Game Result: W 30-10 over Fresno State
Previous Ranking: 4th
AP Poll: No. 10
What’s Next?: No. 4 Texas
Analysis: I expected Texas to beat Michigan, but I expected the Wolverines to put up a fight. Michigan’s quarterback situation is dire, but their defense isn’t as strong as expected. Perhaps, it was just the skill of the Texas offense, but the Wolverines’ defense doesn’t seem like it will hold up against college football’s top offenses.
5
Nebraska Cornhuskers (2-0)
Sep 7, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Rahmir Johnson (14) catches a pass against the Colorado Buffaloes during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
Game Result: W 28-10 against Colorado
Previous Ranking: 8th
AP Poll: N/A
What’s Next?: Northern Iowa
Analysis: Perhaps it’s a larger testament to all of Colorado’s problems, but Nebraska looked like a complete team this weekend. Dylan Raiola doesn’t seem like a freshman, former Oregon RB Dante Dowdell is a bruiser, and the Cornhusker defense looks formidable. I thought the Cornhuskers would be improved this year, but they look much better than I expected.
4
Penn State Nittany Lions (1-0)
Sep 7, 2024; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Nicholas Singleton (10) runs with the ball during the fourth quarter against the Bowling Green Falcons at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Bowling Green 34-27. Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
Game Result: W 34-27 over Bowling Green
AP Poll: No. 8
What’s Next?: Kent State
Analysis: After drawing rave reviews from around the country by beating West Virginia on the road, Penn State looked disjointed at home against Bowling Green, almost losing to the Falcons. The season is long, and the Nittany Lions have to regroup, but this week was not good for them.
3
USC Trojans (2-0)
Sep 7, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) scores a touchdown against the Utah State Aggies during the fourth quarter at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
Game Result: W 48-0 against Utah State
Previous Ranking: 6th
AP Poll: No. 13
What’s Next?: Bye Week
Analysis: The Trojans crushed Utah State this week, but six days ago, they upset the LSU Tigers in Las Vegas, letting the college football how improved USC really is. Miller Moss is a stud, and the Trojans’ defense looks reborn under D’Anton Lynn, their new defensive coordinator. If they keep playing well, USC could be a dark horse in the Big Ten.
2
Oregon Ducks (2-0)
Sep 7, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Jordan James (20) picks up a first down during the seond half against the Boise State Broncos at Autzen Stadium. Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Game Result: W 37-34 against Boise State
Previous Ranking: 2nd
AP Poll: No. 7
What’s Next?: at Oregon State
Analysis: Oregon didn’t perform like any Ducks fans would’ve hoped against Boise State, but they got the win and showed substantial improvement from the Idaho game. The Ducks are still one of the top teams in the country, but they are running out of time to fully come into themselves before Big Ten play begins.
1
Ohio State Buckeyes (2-0)
Sept. 7, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back James Peoples (20) runs for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA Division I football game against the Western Michigan Broncos on Saturday at Ohio Stadium.
Game Result: W 56-0 against Western Michigan
Previous Ranking: 1st
AP Poll: No. 2
What’s Next?: Marshall
Analysis: For the second week in a row, Ohio State showed us why they are the best team in the conference. Yes, they’re playing low-caliber teams, but they are scoring at will, and they remain unwavering on defense. It’s a little over a month before the Buckeyes come to Autzen Stadium to take on the Ducks, but if the game was played tomorrow, I’d pick Ohio State.
