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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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Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord is congratulated by fans as he runs off the field following the Buckeyes’ 35-7 win over Youngstown State on Sept. 9, 2023.
Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord is congratulated by fans as he runs off the field following the Buckeyes’ 35-7 win over Youngstown State on Sept. 9, 2023. /

2. Ohio State (2-0)

Ohio State didn’t blow out Youngstown State like it was used to doing to similar teams in previous seasons but Kyle McCord played much better and completed 14-of-20 passes for 258 yards and three touchdowns. Marvin Harrison Jr. got going and caught seven passes for 160 yards which included a 71-yard touchdown.

The Buckeyes only got 123 rushing yards in the win, but it was a step forward, even though it was just Youngstown State. Western Kentucky is on tap this week, before going to Notre Dame next week. We’ll see how things go in South Bend.

1. Michigan (2-0)

The Wolverines haven’t been tested. East Carolina and UNLV aren’t resume-building wins, but Michigan has been dominant. J.J. McCarthy has completed 87 percent of his passes through two weeks and looks like a Heisman Trophy contender.

Michigan’s first-team defense hasn’t allowed a single point. East Carolina scored on a last-second field goal to get on the board, while UNLV scored in the final minutes last Saturday.

Next. Projected playoff rankings after Week 2. dark

Bowling Green is up next before the Big Ten opener against Rutgers. Michigan has looked great so far, but it’s hard to call this team a national title contender until it plays a team with a pulse.

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