1. Michigan
While the Wolverines struggled to get into the endzone against their rival Michigan St, they still managed to dominate the scoreboard 29-7. Their style of controlling the line of scrimmage and limiting opponent’s possessions proved to be enough to beat Ohio St last season, so for me, it’s enough to keep them in the top spot. Their style of play may not be as sexy as some other high-powered passing offenses, but the reigning conference champions have earned the benefit of the doubt.
2. Ohio St
The Buckeyes showed significant vulnerability against Penn St this past weekend. They failed to capitalize on a multiple-turnover first half by Penn St, and allowed the Nittany Lions to hold onto a lead well into the second half. However, in the fourth quarter, Ohio St turned it on and easily ran away with victory. It’s shaping up to be a battle for the ages when Michigan and Ohio St clash on November 26th.
3. Penn St
I easily could’ve justified dropping Penn St below a 1-loss Illinois team this week, but since both of Penn St’s losses came to the top 2 teams in the conference, I found it reasonable to allow them to retain the third position. They should be able to pull out a win against Indiana this week, but with a strong Maryland team coming to town in 2 weeks they are at risk of potentially dropping their third game of the season. We’ll see if James Franklin has what it takes to keep Penn St relevant.
4. Illinois
The Fighting Illini are quite possibly the most surprising team in the country this season, boasting a 7-1 record thus far and sitting atop the Big 10 East standings. Bret Bielema has his team looking like the Wisconsin teams of old that used to regularly compete for Big 10 championships. I don’t expect them to slow down at all this week when they face a reeling Michigan State team.
5. Maryland
Maryland seems to be the most overlooked and disrespected team in the national media. Not surprisingly, when the first rendition of the College Football Playoff Rankings were revealed this week, the Terrapins were nowhere to be found. With Wisconsin, Penn St, and Ohio St on the schedule for the next 3 weeks, look for Maryland to potentially make a statement.
