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Big Ten Power Rankings: The East continues to dominate

By Alec Whitaker

Sep 10, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Sean Clifford (14) signals from the line of scrimmage during the second quarter against the Ohio Bobcats at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Ohio 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Sean Clifford (14) signals from the line of scrimmage during the second quarter against the Ohio Bobcats at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Ohio 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy celebrates on the sidelines during the second half of the 56-10 win over Hawaii on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, in Ann Arbor.Mich2
Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy celebrates on the sidelines during the second half of the 56-10 win over Hawaii on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, in Ann Arbor.Mich2 /

4-1

4. Minnesota (2-0, 0-0) Last week: 5

Minnesota looked as good as anyone in Week Two, crushing Western Illinois 62-10. Everything was working offensively, with the Golden Gophers racking up 679 yards of total offense. The balance on offense was impressive and makes this team dangerous. We know they can run, but if Tanner Morgan can get back to his 2019 ways, this team goes to a whole new level. With the way the defense is playing, along with this running attack, Minnesota is the favorite in the West, and it doesn’t look close right now. The competition has not been the best, but this looks like one of the more complete teams in the Big Ten.

3. Michigan State (2-0, 0-0) Last week: 3

Michigan State had no trouble with Akron, beating them 52-0. Quarterback Payton Thorne actually didn’t play that well, throwing two interceptions with no touchdowns. It didn’t matter though, because the running attack picked up where Kenneth Walker left off last season. Jalen Berger led the way with 107 yards and three touchdowns. As a team, the Spartans ran for 260 yards. For the defense, a shutout is a shutout, regardless of the competition. Michigan State will head to Washington next week, and the Spartans are actually a slight underdog heading into that one. It will be Michigan State’s first real test this year, so keep an eye out for the final score of this one.

2. Michigan (2-0, 0-0) Last week: 2

Michigan took care of business against Hawaii, winning 56-10. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy played extremely well, going 11-12 for 229 yards and three touchdowns. It would be a shock to not see McCarthy named the starter for Week Three. This was expected to be an easy game for the Wolverines, and it was. Good teams crush bad teams and that’s what Michigan did. Next week isn’t much of a challenge either with a game against UCONN. If McCarthy is in fact the starter, the ceiling of this team goes even higher, meaning they’re a threat not just in the Big Ten, but the national stage.

1. Ohio State (2-0, 0-0) Last week: 1 

Ohio State breezed by Arkansas State 45-12 on Saturday. Quarterback C.J. Stroud was efficient, completing 16 of 24 pass attempts for 351 yards and four touchdowns. A new weapon has emerged as well, with Marvin Harrison Jr. catching seven passes for 184 yards and three touchdowns. The new look defense continues to look good with 12 tackles for loss in the game. Toledo won’t cause too many problems next for the Buckeyes, who looked improved from Week One. The Buckeyes still look like the favorites in the Big Ten.

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