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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Greg Schiano after Isaih Pacheco of Rutgers scored a fourth quarter TD as Rutgers crushed Temple 61-14 in their season opener at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ on September 4, 2021.Rutgers Crushed Temple 64 14 In Their Season Opener At Shi Stadium In Piscataway Nj On September 4 2021 /

The Scarlet Knights are hoping that the 2021 season is the start of an upward swing under coach Greg Schiano, and Saturday’s performance surely helped those hopes.

Rutgers blasted Temple 61-14 in their season opener on Saturday.

The Scarlet Knights had quite the running attack going, as nine players got at least one carry, and six got at least four rushes. Four of those ball carries reached the end zone.

Rutgers’ defense was exceptional as well. Max Melton had a pick six and Olakunle Fatukasi recorded three sacks. The argument could be made that this was the most well-rounded victory for the Knights in at least five years, if not longer.

Temple is not a good team, they went 1-5 last year and their best player, Arnold Ebiketie, now plays at Penn State. This was an encouraging game for Rutgers, but they’ll need to do it against stiffer competition before they rise any further up this list.

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