Big Ten Football Power Rankings Week 1: Nebraska already in free fall mode
By Shane Lunnen
Kirk Ferentz is the elder stateman of the conference’s coaches. Winning records and bowl games are the norm of the Ferentz era.
We all know the Hawkeyes will be solid once again on defense. The biggest question remains the offense. It was struggle city for most of last year, including in the Big Ten Championship game as the offense scored a meager three points in a lopsided loss to Michigan.
If the offense can be even serviceable, Iowa should be in good shape this year. They have a tough conference schedule with Michigan and Ohio State. It all kicks off Saturday against South Dakota State.
Wisconsin completes the quartet of teams most likely in contention for the Big Ten West this season. The Badgers are looking to get back to the title game for their first trip since the 2019 season.
The Badgers hopes of returning to Indianapolis rest on the shoulders of quarterback Graham Mertz. The Badgers ranked 120th in the passing game a year ago and that must improve. The defense will be solid as usual in Madison.
Wisconsin has a not so difficult non conference schedule, opening against Illinois State this week. We will find out more about Wisconsin at the end of September when they open up Big Ten play in Columbus.
Michigan State is coming off an 11-2 season, Peach Bowl victory, and a top 10 finish. Can the Spartans reach even new heights this season? Time will tell.
The offense is likely to take a step back just on the departure of Kenneth Walker III at tailback. He was dynamic every time he touched the ball. Quarterback Payton Thorne is back along with 1,000 yard receiver Jayden Reed.
The defense has been improving but it will need to take a big leap if the Spartans want to contend in the Big Ten East. Michigan State opens at home Friday night against Western Michigan.