Big Ten Football power rankings: Nebraska hits new low, others drop in Week 2

Another Big Ten school playing an overmatched FCS team. This was a recurring theme in Week 2. The Gophers took it to Western Illinois 62-10.

Running backs Mo Ibrahim and Trey Potts combined for four touchdowns. Quarterback Tanner Morgan threw a touchdown and ran for one as well. The Gophers held the Leathernecks to only 35 yards on the ground.

Is Minnesota the best team in the Big Ten West? Perhaps but they also have not been challenged yet through two games. They host Colorado next Saturday before starting conference play.

For the first time in 18 games, the Nittany Lions produced a 100-yard rusher. Freshman Nick Singleton did it in convincing fashion, rushing for 179 yards on only 10 carries and two touchdowns. Penn State defeated Ohio 46-10.

The Nittany Lion faithful were treated to a glimpse into the future as first-year players accounted for over 400 of the Nittany Lions’ 572 total yards. Highly touted quarterback Drew Allar was given extended time in relief of Sean Clifford. Allar went 6 for 8 for 88 yards and found the end zone twice.

The competition jumps up a notch next week as Penn State travels south to face Auburn in SEC Country. If last year’s matchup in Happy Valley was any indication, should be another fun one.

The Spartans did not break much of a sweat against Akron, shutting out the Zips 52-0. Running back Jalen Berger had a good day, finding the end zone three times and racking up 107 yards.

If Michigan State wants an area to work on after a dominating win, quarterback Payton Thorne needs to clean up his turnovers. He threw two interceptions and no touchdowns. Against Akron, those turnovers did not hurt. Against tougher Big Ten competition, they could prove costly.

The Spartans travel next week to face Washington. The two schools have not met since the 1997 Aloha Bowl.