Big Ten Football Power Rankings Week 1: Nebraska already in free fall mode

Northwestern was not a good team a year ago. But it is a whole new season and the Wildcats kicked it off right with their win over the Huskers.

Nebraska seemingly had no answer for Wildcat quarterback Ryan Hilinski, who completed 71 percent of his passes and tossed two scores. The Wildcats also mixed in a healthy dose of the run game, led by Evan Hull who eclipsed 100 yards and had a touchdown.

Northwestern has the week off after their international trip. They will be in action again in Week 2 hosting Duke.

Bret Bielema hopes to return the Illini to bowl eligibility after falling just a game short a year ago. They are off to a good start with a Week 0 win against Wyoming.

Running back Chase Brown was a workhorse Saturday, rushing for over 150 yards and two scores. Quarterback Tommy DeVito threw for less than 200 yards but was accurate at completing 73 percent and finding the end zone twice.

The Illini open up their conference schedule this Saturday at Indiana.

Maryland is coming off a 7-6 record last season, including a bowl victory. The Terps are hoping the momentum carries over to this season.

The Maryland offense should be quite good. Taulia Tagovailoa looks to be one of the best quarterbacks in the conference. The receiving corps is highly talented. If the defense comes along, the Terps could be surprisingly good this year.

Maryland has the unfortunate position of being in the Big Ten East so it is always a grind to bowl eligibility. They will have a chance in crossovers against Purdue and Northwestern at home but traveling to Madison to face Wisconsin will be a challenge. They kick off their season hosting Buffalo this Saturday.