Big Ten power rankings entering Week 2: How far does Penn State rise?

MADISON, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 04: Jahan Dotson #5 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates a touchdown with Caedan Wallace #79 during the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on September 04, 2021 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

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Graham Mertz #5 of the Wisconsin Badgers is hit by Arnold Ebiketie #17 of the Penn State Nittany Lions (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

809. . 0-1 (0-1). . Badgers . 4. team

Wisconsin entered the season as the favorite to win the Big Ten West, which isn’t really anything new.

The Badgers may still make it to the championship game, but that path got a lot harder thanks to a 16-10 home loss to Penn State on Saturday.

The Wisconsin defense played exceptionally well in this game, shutting out the Nittany Lions in the first half and holding them to only 50 rushing yards.

Despite this valiant effort, it wasn’t enough for the Badgers.

Graham Mertz needs to be a better passer for this team to reach their goals. Mertz was only 22-37 passing with 185 yards and two late interceptions that sealed the game for Penn State. Wisconsin has enough weapons and rushing attack around Mertz for him to be successful, it’s going to come down to him.

Paul Chryst can help Mertz by opening up the play book and take more shots down field. If this offense gets going, they can easily go 11-1, or end up with more games like this past Saturday if they can’t.

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