Big Ten Power Ranking: Michigan State on top
(Video courtesy DocHolidaze)
Here's CBSSports.com RapidReports Big Ten power ranking:
1.
2. Nebraska (1-0): The Cornhuskers opened with an impressive 49-20 win over Southern Miss, but now travel to the West Coast. Nebraska has lost five road or neutral-field games the past two seasons. Next up: at UCLA, Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET (FOX).
3. Ohio State (1-0): QB Braxton Miller had his way last week in a 56-10 win over Miami (Ohio), amassing 368 yards of offense. His challenge will be greater against the Knights, which allowed 119 yards per game last year. Next up: vs. Central Florida, Saturday, 12 p.m. ET (ESPN2).
4. Wisconsin (1-0): The Badgers have enjoyed success away from Madison in recent seasons. Since the start of 2002, the team is 10-0 in nonconference road games. Next up: at Oregon State, Saturday, 4 p.m. ET (FX).
5. Northwestern (1-0): The Wildcats have struggled in recent Big Ten play, but they've excelled during the nonleague slate. Northwestern is 15-2 in nonconference games since the start of the 2008 season, including a 23-21 win over the Commodores in 2010. Next up: vs. Vanderbilt, Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network).
6. Iowa (1-0): The battle for the Cy-Hawk Trophy heats up. The Cyclones claimed a 44-41 win last year, but Iowa has won six of the past 10 meetings overall. Next up: vs. Iowa State, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network).
7. Illinois (1-0): A 24-7 victory over Western Michigan gave first-year coach Tim Beckman his first win in his first game in orange and blue. He gets his shot at his first road win in Week 2. Next up: at Arizona State, Saturday, 10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN).
8. Michigan (0-1): The Wolverines couldn't look much worse against defending national champion Alabama in a 41-14 loss. Now, Michigan must mentally prepare for an elite option team. Next up: vs. Air Force, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC).
9. Minnesota (1-0): It took three overtimes, but the Golden Gophers opened the season with a 30-27 win at UNLV. Minnesota needs to maintain that momentum against an elite FCS foe. Next up: vs. New Hampshire, Saturday, 12 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network).
10. Purdue (1-0): The Boilermakers officially have a quarterback controversy after senior QB Robert Marve threw three touchdown passes in a 48-6 win over Eastern Kentucky in place of suspended incumbent Caleb TerBush. He must be just as good to have a chance against the Fighting Irish. Next up: at Notre Dame, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (NBC).
11. Indiana (1-0): The offense and defense both looked improved in a 24-17 win over Indiana State to open the season. The Hoosiers now have a chance to pick up their first road win since 2010. Next up: at Massachusetts, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN3).
12. Penn State (0-1): Coach Bill O'Brien has a tough ship to steady. The Nittany Lions looked solid in the first half against Ohio before giving up three second-half touchdowns in a 24-14 loss. The Cavaliers will be even tougher. Next up: at Virginia, Saturday, 12 p.m. ET (ABC).
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from Big Ten bloggers Dave Carey and Mike Singer, follow @CBSSportsBigTen.
