B1G Power Rankings, Week One

Josh Cook | September 3, 2012 at 12:35 pm | 2 Comments

Michigan State Spartans running back Le’Veon Bell (24) runs the ball after getting away from Boise State Broncos linebacker Tommy Smith (33) in the second quarter at Spartan Stadium. (Andrew Weber-US Presswire)

Each week I’ll update the B1G power rankings based on the past weekend’s performances. These rankings aren’t exact science, and I’m no expert, just a passionate fan observing the play on the field. Feel free to share your rankings in the comments below.

Week One Power Rankings

1. Michigan State – Other than the Spartan passing attack needing a little bit more work than I initially thought it would, this team is exactly who I predicted it would be. Last Week: 1

2. Nebraska – Had almost as impressive a debut as Ohio State and the Huskers did it against a much better opponent than Miami (OH). Last Week: 4

3. Ohio State – Wow, talk about an opening game impression. I do want to see the Buckeyes in action against some real competition, however. Remember, OSU floored Akron, 42-0, in last year’s opener. Last Week: 5

4. Wisconsin – Blocking needs to improve and the defense can’t let one play, or series, compound itself by zoning out in the next series. The Badgers have too much talent to let that happen on a consistant basis. On the flip side, O’Brien was better than expected. Last Week: 2

5. Purdue – If the Boilermakers’ lethal passing attack clicks as much as it did in Week 1 under the back up QB, then watch out. The hype might turn out to be all that and more. Last Week: 7

6. Michigan – The defense was supposed to undergo a slight remodelling after graduating several studs last year, however, the Wolverines D now looks more like a rebuild if that’s the best they can play in primetime. Still holding out hope, the offense will get back on track when Fitz returns. Last Week: 3

7. Iowa – The Hawkeyes’ running back concerns are less than expected, but they’ve now been replaced with pass protection concerns. Six sacks, really? The defensive adjustments and special teams saved the day against a scrappy NIU team that I thought would really suffer without Chandler Harnish. Last Week: 6

8. Northwestern – To quote Denny Green, “They are who we thought they were!” Great O, zero D. Last Week: 8

9. Illinois – I want to know more about Nathan Scheelhaase’s ankle before I bump the Fighting Illini too far up the list, but if the defense continues to play on as high of a level as they did in Week 1, I’ll have to. Last Week: 10

10. Penn State – No excuse for the defense. The offense had a nice surge to start the game, but then lost any sort or rhythm and failed to do much the rest of the game. Perhaps the magnitude of not seeing Redd, or any of the other stars, finally struck Penn State when it was actually gametime. Last Week: 8

11. Minnesota – One and oh is one and oh. The Gophers need to start somewhere. Last Week: 11

12. Indiana – Watching the game live, I swore Indiana would pull defeat from the jaws of victory. Last Week: 12

Week One B1G Recap