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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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Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Minnesota (2-0)

The Gophers defense has allowed just 16 points through two weeks. Minnesota allowed just 152 yards to Eastern Michigan in a 25-6 win. Darius Taylor also rushed 33 times for 193 yards and a touchdown. The Gophers ran for 296 rushing yards as a team, while Athan Kaliakmanis completed 10-of-15 passes for 117 yards and a touchdown. A big test awaits for the defense with North Carolina and elite quarterback Drake Maye, but so far, Minnesota looks like a Big Ten West contender.

4. Iowa (2-0)

Cade McNamara didn’t have his best game against the Cyclones, completing 12-of-22 passes for 123 yards. Iowa only got 235 yards total but the defensive touchdown helped as the Hawkeyes built a 17-0 advantage before a 20-13 win over the Hawkeyes in-state rival. Western Michigan is next up for the Hawkeyes and shouldn’t be a big test. This team won’t be easy to beat, even if it doesn’t do anything flashy. McNamara hasn’t put up big numbers, but in the first two games, Iowa has one turnover and that’s his MO.

3. Penn State (2-0)

We didn’t learn much about Penn State during Week 2. The Nittany Lions destroyed FCS opponent Delaware 63-7. Through two weeks, James Franklin’s team has allowed just 22 points total, and even more promising for Penn State fans is the play of Drew Allar. He was 20-of-24 in Week 2 for 204 yards and a touchdown. The ground game was good with 315 yards and even against an FCS team, allowing 140 total yards is a good day for the defense.

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