Ranking the Big Ten after Week #1
1. Ohio State - Don't need to see them to know their the best. Until somebody in this conference beats them, they're the de facto #1.
2. Michigan State - Solid running game, better WR play than I expected. Still think Connor Cook is a little overrated, but he's a proven winner. Defense not up to speed, but it's week one. Only real team with chance to beat tOSU in the regular season.
3. Wisconsin - Yes, they got beat by 21, but it was a very good showing for Stave. Badgers won't face that good of an opponent on both sides of the line all season. The defense is sound and plays angry. Offensive line will make strides. Much higher on them than I was before tonight.
4. Minnesota - Again, was impressed with how well coached and sound this team plays, especially on defense. They will be in every game this season as long as Leidner doesn't crap the bed or is lost for the season.
5. Nebraska - Right now I'll keep the Fighting Mike Riley's here. The key to this season (and gauging the true ability of this coaching staff) will be how this team responds. If So. Alabama becomes McNeese St. 2.0, concerns after week one could be valid. Overall, lots of work to do, but still plenty of pieces to work with. Tommy is improved, but still has bad habits. O-Line lacks identity and may need to be shook up. Lack of a pass rush is a huge concern on D, and defensive backs need to build off 2nd half adjustments made against BYU (sans Hail Mary play). Could have won game, but based on the entire body of work put on the field, probably didn't deserve to (and Riley may have made that point had they knocked down that last second pass).
6. Northwestern - Huge surprise. Have no idea what happened to Stanford, but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. Just don't see them sustaining this for 12 games, but anything's possible.
7. Iowa - The easiest schedule in the FBS, combined with competent play under center, makes the Hawkeyes appear after Week One to be a sleeper in the West. Of course until Iowa State beats them next week.
8. Maryland - A sneaky good team and seem to be ready to challenge for #3 in the East.
9. Illinois - Beckmann firing aside, plenty of offensive talent to keep them in games. QB and RB combo among best in the West.
10. Michigan - If Ruddock is the answer at QB, it's going to be a long 1st season in Ann Arbor for Harbaugh. Defense is good enough to guarantee a bowl bid, but the offense...
11. Rutgers - Just waiting for wheels to fall off this bus. If Schiano isn't on the AD Judy Hermann's speed dial by the end of the season, it will be because she got fired too.
12. Indiana - A one-point win over an FCS team to open the season = Kevin Wilson D-1 Coordinator in 2016.
13. Penn State - A three score loss against an in-state foe your program hasn't lost to since 1941 is a sure indication that things are progressing in the wrong direction. Until James Franklin beats a Top 10 ranked team at PSU, it's just smoke and mirrors.
14. Purdue - If Marshall does what the oddsmakers expect them to do to the Boilermakers Sunday night, this is where you will find PU for the foreseeable future.
1. Ohio State - Don't need to see them to know their the best. Until somebody in this conference beats them, they're the de facto #1.
2. Michigan State - Solid running game, better WR play than I expected. Still think Connor Cook is a little overrated, but he's a proven winner. Defense not up to speed, but it's week one. Only real team with chance to beat tOSU in the regular season.
3. Wisconsin - Yes, they got beat by 21, but it was a very good showing for Stave. Badgers won't face that good of an opponent on both sides of the line all season. The defense is sound and plays angry. Offensive line will make strides. Much higher on them than I was before tonight.
4. Minnesota - Again, was impressed with how well coached and sound this team plays, especially on defense. They will be in every game this season as long as Leidner doesn't crap the bed or is lost for the season.
5. Nebraska - Right now I'll keep the Fighting Mike Riley's here. The key to this season (and gauging the true ability of this coaching staff) will be how this team responds. If So. Alabama becomes McNeese St. 2.0, concerns after week one could be valid. Overall, lots of work to do, but still plenty of pieces to work with. Tommy is improved, but still has bad habits. O-Line lacks identity and may need to be shook up. Lack of a pass rush is a huge concern on D, and defensive backs need to build off 2nd half adjustments made against BYU (sans Hail Mary play). Could have won game, but based on the entire body of work put on the field, probably didn't deserve to (and Riley may have made that point had they knocked down that last second pass).
6. Northwestern - Huge surprise. Have no idea what happened to Stanford, but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. Just don't see them sustaining this for 12 games, but anything's possible.
7. Iowa - The easiest schedule in the FBS, combined with competent play under center, makes the Hawkeyes appear after Week One to be a sleeper in the West. Of course until Iowa State beats them next week.
8. Maryland - A sneaky good team and seem to be ready to challenge for #3 in the East.
9. Illinois - Beckmann firing aside, plenty of offensive talent to keep them in games. QB and RB combo among best in the West.
10. Michigan - If Ruddock is the answer at QB, it's going to be a long 1st season in Ann Arbor for Harbaugh. Defense is good enough to guarantee a bowl bid, but the offense...
11. Rutgers - Just waiting for wheels to fall off this bus. If Schiano isn't on the AD Judy Hermann's speed dial by the end of the season, it will be because she got fired too.
12. Indiana - A one-point win over an FCS team to open the season = Kevin Wilson D-1 Coordinator in 2016.
13. Penn State - A three score loss against an in-state foe your program hasn't lost to since 1941 is a sure indication that things are progressing in the wrong direction. Until James Franklin beats a Top 10 ranked team at PSU, it's just smoke and mirrors.
14. Purdue - If Marshall does what the oddsmakers expect them to do to the Boilermakers Sunday night, this is where you will find PU for the foreseeable future.
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