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

By Shane Lunnen

Aug 27, 2022; Dublin, IRELAND; Northwestern Wildcats head coach Pat Fitzgerald celebrates with the trophy after defeating the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the Aer Lingus college football series at Aviva Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Moran-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2022; Dublin, IRELAND; Northwestern Wildcats head coach Pat Fitzgerald celebrates with the trophy after defeating the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the Aer Lingus college football series at Aviva Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Moran-USA TODAY Sports /
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(Photo by Jeremy Hogan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
(Photo by Jeremy Hogan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) /

Michigan is coming off a magical year of finally knocking off Ohio State, winning a Big Ten championship and appearing in the College Football Playoff. The only question is can the Wolverines do it all again.

On offense the Wolverines should be pretty good. Jim Harbaugh has said both quarterbacks Cade McNamara and JJ McCarthy will get one week each to start and the position will be reevaluated for their Week 3 game. There are plenty of talented wide receivers including Ronnie Bell who returns after his ACL injury last season.

The defense has key pieces to replace, especially along the defensive line. That will be key for the Wolverines as they try to repeat as Big Ten champions.

Michigan has a very easy non conference schedule and they do not leave home until October 1st. Wolverines kick off Saturday against Colorado State.

Despite losing to Michigan for the first time in a decade, the Buckeyes occupy the top spot among the power rankings. They look to be far and away the best team in the conference once again.

The Buckeyes won 11 games a year ago, including a thrilling Rose Bowl victory against Utah. But when you lose to your arch rival and fail to make the College Football Playoff, it is considered a disappointing season overall. Ohio State is determined to get back to the top of the mountain this year.

Quarterback C.J. Stroud is a legitimate Heisman contender. There is tons of talent at the skill positions on both sides of the ball. Where the Buckeyes need to make strides this fall is in the trenches. They were beat badly up front in both their losses to Oregon and Michigan a year ago.

To win the Big Ten title this season, the Buckeyes have to get more physical. It had to be a point of emphasis this offseason made by Ryan Day.

Ohio State opens up with a marquee matchup Saturday night, hosting Notre Dame. They will also have tough road trips to East Lansing and State College but get to host Michigan this year. The Buckeyes are the team to beat once again.

Next. 25 biggest college football storylines for the 2022 season. dark

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