What did we learn this week? Clearly, the FBS is a step above the FCS. That’s usually a given but it was again confirmed as the Big Ten averaged a 56-7 victory in 5 games against FCS teams. But the gap between the Big Ten and non-power conferences is large too. B1G teams averaged a 43-12 victory in 8 games against FBS teams outside of the Big 12, ACC, and SEC. So that leaves 5 games against the big conferences, where the Big Ten averaged a 36-20 victory, though mostly carried by Oregon’s demolishing
of Oklahoma State. At the end of the day, talent matters and shows the difference between major conferences and smaller ones. So how do we stack up the teams in the major conferences? Find out here as Travis and I each attempt to sort out the power of the Big Ten: Travis:
- Ohio State (Beat Grambling 70-0) – Ohio State didn’t even break a sweat in this game. What did it accomplish?
- Oregon (Beat Oklahoma State 69-3) – Oregon is not that far behind OSU right now, but we’re going to have to wait until the conference title game to see them face Ohio State in a rematch.
- Penn State (Beat Florida International 34-0) – If you’re going to take most of a half off against an opponent, FIU is a good one to do that against.
- Illinois (Beat Duke 45-19) – Illinois had a 31-6 second half against the Blue Devils to blow open a close game. Who could have ever guess that Illinois at Indiana would be an important football game.
- USC (Beat Georgia Southern 58-20) – WE know USC can score a bunch of points against lesser opponents at home. now they go into the maw of West Lafayette.
- Indiana (Beat Kennesaw State 56-9) – There you go, Indiana. That’s how you look good against an overmatched opponent.
- Nebraska (Beat Akron 68-0) – Another completely dominant victory against an overmatched foe, which was the theme of the week. They have another one of those this week vs. Houston Baptist.
- Minnesota (Beat Northwestern State 66-0) – I have seen some blowouts, but 59-0 at halftime and it wasn’t even that close? Minnesota should have gone for the 100. How many games will their basketball team come up short of 66 points this coming season?
- Michigan State (Beat Boston College 42-40 in 2 OT) – That was the game of the year so far in college football. There will be better ones, but it was entertaining as hell.
- Michigan (Lost at Oklahoma 24-13) – Michigan is good and there is nothing wrong with losing a game at an SEC team, but they are not great. Fortunately, they only have one ranked team left on the schedule and it is Ohio State.
- Purdue (Beat Southern Illinois 34-17) – Okay Purdue. You’re not as bad as last year. You did what you were supposed to do in the first two games. Now can you push USC?
- Wisconsin (Beat Middle Tennessee State 42-10) – The score doesn’t represent how close this game was, as a turnover on downs deep in Badger territory when it was 14-10 flipped the game.
- Washington (Beat UC-Davis 70-10) – A late night blowout on the left coast at least looks good on paper.
- Rutgers (Beat Miami (OH) 45-17) – The Scarlet Knights open with victories over last year’s MAC title game teams, though the first was a lot dicier than the second.
- Maryland (Beat Northern Illinois 20-9) – If Northern Illinois had any sort of offense the Terps would have been in trouble, but instead, they are will likely get to 3-0 with Towson next.
- Iowa (Lost at Iowa State 16-13) – Another very Iowa game. pencil them in for about five more games with a 21-17-ish scoreline and scatter wins in at least three of those. One will be a win over Nebraska.
- Northwestern (Beat Western Illinois 42-7) – I fear what is coming this week against Oregon.
- UCLA (Lost at UNLV 30-23) – New Mexico this Friday night is a must-win, and if they lose I am sticking UCLA on unwinfeated watch. If they do go unwinfeated, I vote we kick them out.
Ryan:
1. #1 Ohio State Buckeyes (-)
Last Week: Won 70-0 vs Grambling State
Week 3 Matchup: Vs Ohio (1-1)
So OSU has played the, then, #1 ranked team in the country and an FCS team. We didn’t learn very much about the Buckeyes this week other than they can punch down well. Clearly, they aren’t the only Big Ten team that can accomplish that feat but I cannot fault them for it.
2. #4 Oregon Ducks (+1)
Last Week: Won 69-3 vs Oklahoma State
Week 3 Matchup: At Northwestern (1-1)
This beatdown was against a Big 12 team as the Ducks were in full force. They are knocking on OSU’s right now and could realistically pass the Buckeyes if they win their next three games, including the big one at Penn State.
3. #2 Penn State Nittany Lions (-1)
Last Week: Won 34-0 vs Florida International
Week 3 Matchup: Vs Villanova (1-0)
Ah yes, we have reached our first ‘was this blowout enough of a blowout to maintain your power ranking’. The answer was no for keeping above Oregon but yes to staying above Illinois, barely
4. #9 Illinois Fighting Illini (-)
Last Week: Won 45-19 at Duke
Week 3 Matchup: Vs Western Michigan (0-2)
Illinois showed out at Duke and appears to have solidified itself as a contender in the Big Ten this year. Of course, we’ll know when Illinois travels to Indiana and hosts Ohio State, but those appear to be the only true tests in their conference slate.
5. USC Trojans (+1)
Last Week: Won 59-20 vs Georgia Southern
Week 3 Matchup: At Purdue (2-0)
The offense again took off for the Trojans but we all know that the offense has never been the problem for Lincoln Riley. Can they keep the offense humming against a power conference foe this week? Furthermore, will the Trojans be able to show progress on the defensive side of the ball compared to previous seasons?
6. #23 Michigan Wolverines (-1)
Last Week: Lost 24-13 at #18 Oklahoma
Week 3 Matchup: Vs Central Michigan (1-1)
A freshman QB in a hostile road environment went about as well as expected for Michigan, but Justice Haynes looks like a star for the Wolverines. Now, Michigan gets to come home and take their anger out on a MAC team.
7. Nebraska Cornhuskers (+2)
Last Week: Won 68-0 vs Akron
Week 3 Matchup: Vs Houston Christian (1-1)
We have to be a little weary of the opponent, but that was still an impressive showing from the Huskers. Dylan Raiola looked as good as he ever has (again, against a bad Akron team) and the game was over midway through the second quarter. Nebraska will get halfway to a bowl game this week but their sights probably are higher once conference season starts.
8. # 22 Indiana Hoosiers (-)
Last Week: Won 56-9 vs Kennesaw State
Week 3 Matchup: Vs Indiana State (2-0) (Friday)
This was a 21-9 game early in the third before IU dropped the final 35 points of the game. That may be a little concerning as each game against clearly lesser talent, IU has struggled out of the gate. That’s hard to make up come conference season but luckily for the Hoosiers, they have one more cupcake game to correct it.
9. Washington Huskies (+2)
Last Week: Won 70-10 vs UC Davis
Week 3 Matchup: BYE
One out of every three Jonah Coleman rushes was for a touchdown and he averaged nearly 7.5 yards per attempt. The Huskies rolled at home and will get the week off to prep for their trip to Washington State (they really will be prepping for Ohio State coming to town in 2 weeks).
10. Minnesota Golden Gophers (+2)
Last Week: Won 66-0 vs Northwestern State
Week 3 Matchup: At California (2-0)
Again, a schlacking of an FCS team teaches us very little but it was 59-0 at halftime and the game was even called due to weather with half a quarter remaining. Goldy will be tested at Cal this week.
11. Iowa Hawkeyes (-4)
Last Week: Lost 16-13 at #16 Iowa State
Week 3 Matchup: Vs Massachusetts (0-2)
The Hawkeyes probably don’t deserve to drop 4 spots after losing at Iowa State but for a program that refuses to adjust to bring itself into the top 4 of the Big Ten, you might as well be 11th.
12. Michigan State Spartans (+2)
Last Week: Won 42-40 (2OT) vs Boston College
Week 3 Matchup: Vs Youngstown State (2-0)
A gritty back and forth victory for Sparty may spark some momentum once it’s done with Youngstown State. Aidan Chiles looked impressive scoring 5 touchdowns and having zero turnovers. Considering it was a win against an ACC team, this win may look better over time.
13. Maryland Terrapins (-3)
Last Week: Won 20-9 vs Northern Illinois
Week 3 Matchup: Vs Townson (2-0)
The Terps came back down to Earth last week as they beat a team that struggled to win against Holy Cross. Malik Washington still had a decent game but Maryland had to claw for this one. They shouldn’t need to next week against Townson at least.
14. Wisconsin Badgers (-1)
Last Week: Won 42-10 vs Middle Tennessee State
Week 3 Matchup: At #19 Alabama (1-1)
A better showing this week by the Wiscy offense as they had a whole week to get reps for Danny O’Neil. Billy Edwards Jr is mostly likely out again as the Badgers head to Alabama but it may not be pretty no matter who’s in at QB.
15. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (-)
Last Week: Won 45-17 vs Miami (OH)
Week 3 Matchup: Vs Norfolk State (1-1)
A much better showing against a MAC team this week gets Rutgers to 2-0. like others above, a game against an FCS opponent should get them halfway to bowl eligibility before conference season starts.
16. Purdue Boilermakers (-)
Last Week: Won 34-17 vs Southern Illinois
Week 3 Matchup: Vs USC (2-0)
Nope, it was not quite as pretty as the week prior but Purdue managed to score 27 unanswered points against SIU to pull away with the home victory. Now the games end as USC comes to town this week followed by a trip to South Bend to take on Notre Dame. Things could go sideways in a hurry for the Boilermakers if they aren’t prepared.
17. Northwestern Wildcats (+1)
Last Week: Won 42-7 vs Western Illinois
Week 3 Matchup: Vs Oregon (2-0)
Playing an FCS team is usually a breathe of fresh air after a tough loss and this was no different for Northwestern. That air likely won’t last long though as Oregon goes to the soccer stadium this week.
18. UCLA Bruins (-1)
Last Week: Lost 30-23 at UNLV
Week 3 Matchup: Vs New Mexico (1-1) (Friday)
UCLA legitimately has an offense that is a one-man band. Nico Iamaleava has led the Bruins in both passing yards and rushing yards in both losses this season and has contributed to all 3 of UCLA’s touchdowns. He also has double the rushing attempts as an other player on the team. On defense, UCLA has yet to force a turnover and has allowed 10 touchdowns in two games. Maybe the Bruins can go across town and borrow some touchdowns from USC.
