Big Ten Football Power Rankings: Shaky start at the top in Week 1

In the first official game for the Big Ten Conference, the Minnesota Golden Gophers came away with a decisive 48-10 win over New Mexico State. From offense to defense, and even special teams, the Golden Gophers were rolling in their season opening win. True freshman Zack Annexstad started his career off well, with 220 passing yards and two first half touchdowns.

For Week 2, Minnesota hosts the Fresno State Bulldogs, Just as they did against New Mexico State, the Golden Gophers should excel on all three phases of the ball. Big Ten play will be tough for Minnesota, but if their team plays like they did in Week 1 all season, we could see them finishing right below Wisconsin in the Big Ten West.

The Purdue Boilermakers got off to a slow start in their opening week game versus Northwestern. The Boilermakers found themselves down two scores, three times in the first half and despite outscoring the Wildcats 10-0 in the second half, Purdue lost 31-27, dropping them to 0-1 overall and in conference play. Even with the loss, the story of the game was Rondale Moore who had 313 total yards and two touchdowns.

Purdue hosts Eastern Michigan in Week 2 and should come away with their first win of the season. After being benched in the first game, Elijah Sindelar should still see some playing time but the Boilermakers will have a big decision to make at the quarterback position as the season progresses.

With emotions high and hearts heavy, the Maryland Terrapins began their 2018 campaign with a huge win over the Texas Longhorns. After jumping out to a 24-7 lead, the Terrapins found themselves trailing 29-24 as the Longhorns scored 22 unanswered points. But just before the rain delay, the Terrapins scored to go back on top and never lose their lead again, winning 34-29.

Maryland goes on the road in Week 2 to take on Bowling Green. Emotions should be settled but this team now has confidence. Expect nothing short of a blowout as the Terrapins should rollover their opponent from the MAC.