by Sean Szymczak
Although there weren’t any conference matchups this past weekend, we learned a lot more about some Big Ten teams.
Nebraska’s defense looks great but they might need a new QB to make it to a bowl game this year. Indiana’s offense might not be totally futile. Rutgers has a legitimate shot at a bowl birth. Purdue could be one of the biggest risers in the power rankings over the next few weeks. Wisconsin’s offensive line might not be as dominant as I thought. And much more…
The Floor Slap Week 3 Big Ten Power Rankings
1) Michigan (2-0, 0-0 B1G)
Last Week: 1
Week 2 Result: W 35-7 vs UNLV
JJ McCarthy is 48-55 (87%) for 558 yards, 5 TDs, and 0 turnovers through two games. Yeah the competition is about as low as it can be at this point in the season, but Michigan is doing what they are supposed to do. Back to back road trips to Nebraska and Minnesota in a couple weeks might be tricky, but the Wolverines shouldn’t see a real test until they play Penn State on November 11th. Until then, it’ll be tough to dethrone the Wolverine’s #1 spot with the way they are playing.
Up Next: Bowling Green vs Michigan (-40), Saturday at 7:30pm EST on BTN
2) Penn State (2-0, 0-0 B1G)
Last Week: 2
Week 2 Result: W 56-7 vs Delaware
The Nittany Lions scored touchdowns on 7 of their first 8 possessions on Saturday and their defense gave up 140 total yards. That about sums up the day for Penn State. Illinois’ secondary has looked as porous as any in college football through two games which should allow this offense to continue it’s momentum. But their matchup against Iowa in the whiteout in a couple weeks will be the first real test for Drew Allar, Nick Singleton, Kaytron Allen, & company. We’ll know if Penn State has what it takes to be a CFP contender then.
Up Next: Illinois vs Penn State (-15.5), Saturday at 12pm EST on FOX
3) Ohio State (2-0, 1-0 B1G)
Last Week: 3
Week 2 Result: W 35-7 vs Youngstown State
Some Buckeye fans are still grumbling, but Ohio State took another step in the right direction. Their defense gave up some long drives (thanks in part to the running clock rule) which limited opportunities for the offense. But the Penguins still only finished with 234 total yards. And most importantly, Kyle McCord separated himself as the clear starter. He was crisper and more confident than last week, going 14-20 for 258 yards and 3 TDs (almost entirely in the first half). Ohio State gets one more warm up before a road trip to Notre Dame – a game that might end up as a defensive showdown.
Up Next: Western Kentucky vs Ohio State (-27.5), Saturday at 4pm EST on FOX
4) Iowa (2-0, 0-0 B1G)
Last Week: 5
Week 2 Result: W 20-13 at Iowa State
Iowa reclaimed the Cy-Hawk and Kirk Ferentz earned his 200th win in typical Hawkeye fashion. They were outgained 290-235, but the defense held Iowa State to 3.8 yards per play and got a pick-six to extend the lead to 17-0 right before halftime. The emergence of Jaziun Patterson, who had 10 carries for 86 yards and a TD, now gives Iowa a powerful duo at running back. The offensive line got a better push, but Cade McNamara was merely average. He’s completing only 56% of his passes so far this year. He doesn’t have to be spectacular for Iowa to win the West, but he will have to be a lot better if they want any chance of beating Penn State.
Up Next: Western Michigan vs Iowa (-27), Saturday at 3:30pm EST on BTN
5) Maryland (2-0, 0-0 B1G)
Last Week: 6
Week 2 Result: W 38-20 vs Charlotte
Maryland found themselves in a quick 14-0 deficit thanks to a pick-six thrown by Tagovailoa. The offense was fairly buttoned up after the 1st quarter but good drives resulted in field goals and a 14-9 halftime deficit. But Mike Locksley’s squad showed resilience and disposed of the 49ers. Roman Hemby & Colby McDonald combined for 235 yards and a couple TDs on nearly 8.5 yards per carry and five different receivers caught at least three passes. This game could have gone a lot worse considering how it started. I’m confident in this offense to put up points, but the defense needs to step up and play much better this weekend against Virginia.
Up Next: Virginia vs Maryland (-13.5), Friday at 7:00pm EST on FS1
6) Michigan State (2-0, 0-0 B1G)
Last Week: 7
Week 2 Result: W 45-14 vs Richmond
I was about to put the Spartans above Maryland before news broke about the Mel Tucker allegations and his immediate suspension. As ghastly and disappointing as the allegations are, we have to focus on the football side of things. This couldn’t come at a worse time, as the Spartans are playing their best football since 2021. Noah Kim leads the conference in yards and TDs and Nathan Carter has emerged as Michigan State’s next great transfer running back. The pass defense has showed major signs of improvement and the defensive front looks as strong as expected. I was really excited for this matchup against Washington, but I’m afraid this week’s news will be too big of a distraction for the Spartans to potentially pull off the upset.
Up Next: Washington vs Michigan State (+16), Saturday at 5pm on Peacock
7) Minnesota (2-0, 1-0 B1G)
Last Week: 9
Week 2 Result: W 25-6 vs Eastern Michigan
Maybe their offensive woes against Nebraska in week 1 weren’t that alarming? The Gophers might have a new RB1 after true freshman Darius Tyler burst onto the scene with 193 yards and a TD. Kaliakmanis wasn’t asked to do much, attempting only 15 passes. The Gophers dominated the line of scrimmage from the start. They rushed for 296 yards on over 5 yards per attempt and held Eastern Michigan to 81 yards on 3.7 yards a pop. The defense also had four sacks and five TFLs. An elite pass defense will have a huge challenge this weekend in Chapel Hill. Minnesota is fully capable of winning this game, as they should be able to run the ball much better than they did against Nebraska. but Kaliakmanis will need to take care of the ball and make a few plays in order tow walk out with a win.
Up Next: Minnesota (+6.5) vs UNC, Saturday at 3:30pm EST on ESPN
8) Wisconsin (1-1, 0-0 B1G)
Last Week: 4
Week 2 Result: L 22-31 at Washington State
The Cougar offense came out of the gate clicking and a scoop-and-score led to a nightmarish 24-6 halftime deficit for the Badgers. The Badger defense was swarming in the second half, controlling the line of scrimmage and giving every opportunity for their offense. Tanner Mordecai finally seemed to find himself, making play after play in order to bring Wisconsin back to a within a two-point conversion. But a fumble (that I don’t think was actually a fumble) foiled their potential go-ahead drive and the Badgers failed to contain Cameron Ward and get the ball back to their offense. Although the defense was inconsistent, I believe it will continue to get better. But the way the offensive line was controlled is scary. Every goal Wisconsin has is still in front of them, but Tanner Mordecai might have to shoulder this offense a little more than I thought in order to accomplish them.
Up Next: Georgia Southern vs Wisconsin (+16), Saturday at 12pm on BTN
9) Rutgers (2-0, 1-0 B1G)
Last Week: 11
Week 2 Result: W 36-7 vs Temple
Rutgers defense once again flexed its muscles, holding the Owls to 68 yards rushing on 2.8 yards per carry. They also forced two interceptions in the 2nd half to put the game away. Deion Jennings was solid as ever and the emergence of DB Flip Dixon alongside Max Melton gives Rutgers some hope against the aerial attacks they’ll have to face in the East. The offense was once again uninspiring though. The Scarlet Knights were outgained by Temple and they didn’t get their first TD until the 3rd quarter. Gavin Wimsatt was unspectacular, completing fewer than 50% of his passes. But he was able to make some plays, averaging 20 yards a completion and utilizing his mobility. Wimsatt still has a lot of room to grow, but it’s good to see he is avoiding mistakes. And the play of RB Kyle Monangai, who had 165 yards rushing and a TD on 28 carries, should continue to take the pressure off of Wimsatt. If Rutgers wants to get to a bowl game this year, they must win this weekend’s battle with Virginia Tech.
Up Next: Virginia Tech at Rutgers (-4.5), Saturday at 3:30pm EST on BTN
10) Purdue (1-1, 0-0 B1G)
Last Week: 10
Week 2 Result: W 24-17 at Virginia Tech
Purdue came ready to play, jumping out to a 7-0 lead and forcing a quick 3-and-out. But a nearly six-hour weather delay took the winds out of their sails. Momentum easily could have switched to the home team, but Ryan Walters and the Boilers showed tremendous resolve by pulling out this win. Purdue had almost 150 more yards than the Hokies, Devin Mockobee ran the ball more effectively than in week 1, and Hudson Card continues to demonstrate control of this offense. They have a +3 TO margin with 0 offensive turnovers through two games – a huge win considering the player and coach turnover on the offensive side of the ball. Leading up to their bye week, Purdue plays Syracuse, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and Ohio State. They have every opportunity to shoot up these rankings.
Up Next: Syracuse vs Purdue (+2.5), Saturday at 7:30pm EST on NBC
11) Illinois (1-1, 0-0 B1G)
Last Week: 8
Week 2 Result: L 23-34 at Kansas
Illinois was manhandled from the start on Friday night. The Jayhawks averaged 6 yards per carry and nearly 10 yards per attempt through the air. They possessed the ball for 14 minutes longer than the Illini and went 9-13 on 3rd down. Illinois’ defensive front was once again pushed around and their secondary looked like tissue paper. Luke Altmyer, despite some mistakes, got his act together in the 2nd half and and brought Illinois back to down 34-23 midway through the 4th after trailing 28-7, but it just too little too late. These were two very difficult matchups for a team with a lot of turnover on defense and I fully expect the Illini to improve as the season goes on. But the offensive line struggles are deeply concerning. I have a hard time seeing how Illinois can hang with Penn State this weekend. But they have a home matchup against FAU the week after to get right heading into their conference slate.
Up Next: Penn State vs Illinois (+15.5), Saturday at 12pm on FOX
12) Indiana (1-1, 0-1 B1G)
Last Week: 13
Week 2 Result: W 41-7 vs Indiana State
It was Indiana State so this performance must be taken with a grain of rice, but Indiana’s offense was clicking against the Sycamores. Tayven Jackson appears to have secured the starting QB job after going 18-21 for 236 yards and a rushing TD. Jaylin Lucas displayed his explosiveness with 127 total yards and 2 TDs on over 9 yards per touch. And Omar Cooper may have emerged as their next best receiver opposite Cam Camper after catching 7 passes for 101 yards. Indiana State was held to 21 total yards with their lone score coming from a fumble recovery. This wasn’t a good opponent that Indiana beat by any means, but it was good to see the Hoosiers thoroughly dominate on both sides of the ball. Their defense should be able to keep them in the game against Louisville. An upset will depend on how Tayven Jackson plays and how many times they can get Jaylin Lucas the ball.
Up Next: Louisville vs Indiana (+9.5), Saturday at 12pm EST on BTN
13) Nebraska (0-2, 0-1 B1G)
Last Week: 12
Week 2 Result: L 14-36 at Colorado
I can keep this pretty simple. Nebraska’s defense has arrived much earlier than expected but their offense is still MIA. The Huskers kept the lid on the Buffalo offense for as long as they could, limiting them to 13 1st half points. But thanks to a hapless offense, they were on the field very long and got worn down. Jeff Sims is clearly not the answer at QB. His athleticism and arm can be enticing, but he simply makes too many mistakes (which has been the story of his long career). The way this defense is playing should keep them in a lot of games this year. But at some point in Rhule’s tenure, the Huskers will need to find reliable and consistent QB play. After all, you need a playmaker at QB in order to win in major college footbal these days. That’s the biggest question mark about Nebraska’s 2023 season, and the biggest question mark about how Matt Rhule is constructing this team.
Up Next: Northern Illinois vs Nebraska (-12.5), Saturday at 7pm EST on FS1
14) Northwestern (1-1, 0-1 B1G)
Last Week: 14
Week 2 Result: W 38-7 vs UTEP
The lack of faith in this Northwestern football team was evident, as the Wildcats entered Saturday’s matchup as home underdogs. They only outgained the Miners by 72 yards, but a +3 TO margin propelled David Braun * company to their first win of 2023. The game was tied at 7 entering the 3rd, but Ben Brant elevated his play i the 2nd half. The defense accounted for four sacks and nine TFLs. Cam Porter, Lack Lausch, and AJ Henning, combined for 178 yards rushing and a couple TDs on over 7 yards per carry. Northwestern did exactly what they should have done to an overmatched opponent. The team’s reaction to the win told you everything you needed to know about how important this was to the program. Ben Bryant and the Wildcat secondary will be key to keeping this week’s matchup against Duke close.
Up Next: Northwestern (+20) vs Duke, Saturday at 3:30pm EST on ACCN