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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Sep 4, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema enters the field with his team before the start of Saturday’s game with the UTSA Roadrunners at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

807. . 1-1 (1-0). . Fighting Illini . 13. team

Illinois garnered some national attention last week, as they recorded the first win of the 2021 college football season. It was also the first win for new head coach Bret Bielema as he head man of the Fightin’ Illini.

All of that momentum came to a halt this past weekend with a 37-30 home loss to UTSA.

Artur Sitkowski played well in place of the injured Brandon Peters, for the second straight week. Sitkowski had 266 passing yards and three touchdowns against UTSA.

Illinois may be able to put up some points this year, but like last season, it looks like defense may be an issue. If they can get that straightened out, this team has a chance to move up these rankings.

Despite having a conference win, it’s fair to question how many more Bielema will get this year.

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