Big Ten Power Rankings Week 2: Michigan sets high standard

10. Illinois

Week 2 result: 48-23 loss to North Carolina 

Illinois looked like they found the answer in Lovie Smith during Week 1, but that magic disappeared in Week 2. The Fighting Illini didn’t look like the flashy team they did in Week 1, which is concerning for a team that was hit or miss coming into 2016.

Moving forward, they can’t have another loss like this one. With the spark they started by hiring Smith, they have one incredible opportunity to turn this program around.

Illinois needs to continue winning. They may not finish above .500 this season, but in the next few years, they could become a top tier team in the Big Ten.

Right now, they still sit on the bottom half of the conference, but that could change as the season progresses.

Next: 9. Indiana