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

By Alec Whitaker

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)
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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Ohio State Buckeyes running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) scores a touchdown after a catch against Minnesota Golden Gophers during the fourth quarter of their game in Huntington Bank Stadium at University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN on September 2, 2021.Ceb Osu21min Kwr 47
Ohio State Buckeyes running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) scores a touchdown after a catch against Minnesota Golden Gophers during the fourth quarter of their game in Huntington Bank Stadium at University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN on September 2, 2021.Ceb Osu21min Kwr 47 /

. 1-0 (1-0). . Buckeyes . 1. team. 812

No Justin Fields, no problem.

The Buckeyes’ offense was able to put up 38 points on the road against Minnesota on Thursday, while the defense also added a touchdown in the 45-31 win.

C.J. Stroud looked a bit uncomfortable early, but he settled in and had a real nice game. Stroud ended up with 294 passing yards, four touchdowns and one interception. It definitely helps that he has the best receiver duo in the country in Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson, and they were fantastic as usual.

With the best offensive line in the conference and a stable of talented running backs, Ohio State’s offense will be just fine. The defense is a little more of a work in progress.

Minnesota’s offense is not a pushover by any means, but 31 points allowed does seem like a lot for the Buckeyes. Minnesota does have a strong rush attack, so it’s not too much of a surprise to see the Gophers have some success there.

The big thing for the Buckeyes will be getting off the field, Minnesota was a combined 9-15 on third and fourth downs on Thursday, leading to the Gophers having nearly 39 minutes of possession.

The Buckeyes have the talent on defense to be special, once they settle in, this will be one of the most dangerous teams in the country.

Trending. Penn State's reasons for optimism ... and worry vs. Ball State. light

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