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Big Ten football: 2023 Week 2 power rankings

By Chris Peterson

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - AUGUST 31: Head coach Matt Rhule of the Nebraska Cornhuskers looks on against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium on August 31, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Golden Gophers defeated the Cornhuskers 13-10. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - AUGUST 31: Head coach Matt Rhule of the Nebraska Cornhuskers looks on against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium on August 31, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Golden Gophers defeated the Cornhuskers 13-10. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /
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Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Rutgers (2-0)

Greg Schiano has to feel great about this team through two weeks. The defense has allowed an average of seven points per game. Quarterback Gavin Wimsatt has obvious talent and the running game really got going last week as Kyle Monangai notched 165 rushing yards and a touchdown in the 35-7 win over Temple. Virginia Tech is this week and it feels like a realistic chance to start 3-0.

7. Wisconsin (1-1)

Maybe the most concerning thing about the Badgers was the lack of success with the running game. Washington State won the battle in the trenches in the 2022 matchup and things weren’t that different this time around. Braelon Allen got just seven rushes for 20 attempts, while Chez Melushi had 49 yards and 12 attempts. In all, Wisconsin got 2.79 yards per attempt, plus quarterback Tanner Mordecai was sacked three times.

6. Maryland (2-0)

You could make a case for dropping Maryland this week in the Big Ten football power rankings. Charlotte grabbed a 14-0 lead over the Terps last week, but under Biff Poggi, the 49ers aren’t going to be a pushover anymore. Maryland did respond with 38 consecutive points. Taulia Tagovailoa threw a pick-6 but rallied to throw for 287 yards and a score. Maryland won’t win many games with him throwing two interceptions, but 0-2 Virginia awaits on Friday night.

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