Big Ten Football Power Rankings: Shaky start at the top in Week 1
With high hopes and expectations that this would be the year the Michigan Wolverines get over the hump, the Wolverines opened up their season with a 24-17 disappointing loss to Notre Dame. For Michigan, it was their run game in which they couldn’t get going in their loss, only gaining 58 yards on 33 attempts.
Their next opponent is Western Michigan and that will be an easy win. Bu the biggest concern going forward, especially in conference play, is that run game and their offensive line. With several dominating defensive lines on their schedule, the Wolverines could find themselves with another fourth place finish in the Big Ten East.
The Penn State Nittany Lions found themselves in an overtime thriller against Appalachian State in Week 1. However, the Nittany Lions escaped the upset and came away with a 45-38 win. The questions about their run game were answered as they rushed for over 200 yards and five touchdowns. The Trace McSorley led offense was fine but their defense struggled, allowing over 450 total yards of offense.
The Nittany Lions travel to Heinz Filed to take on the Pittsburgh Panthers in Week 2. Penn State’s defense will need to step up their game on defense or they could find themselves in another early season battle.
The Michigan State Spartans came away with a win to open up the season, beating Utah State 38-31. But it wasn’t an easy one. The Aggies fought hard the entire game and even had a one-point lead late in the fourth quarter. The Spartans offense wasn’t the issue, gaining over 450 yards of total offense, nor was it their run defense that allowed only 25 yards on the ground. The problem falls on to the secondary that allowed 319 passing yards.
But there is no need to panic in East Lansing. Despite allowing over 300 yards in the air, they still forced two interceptions and didn’t allow a touchdown pass. The Spartans are on the road in Week 2 as they take on the Arizona State Sun Devils. Although the Sun Devils are in a rebuild, this will be a good game for the Spartans to work out any kinks they may have.