13. Wisconsin Badgers (1-0)
Last week's ranking: No. 15 (+2)
Last week's game: W, 17-0 vs Miami (OH)
The Badgers are the biggest risers in this edition of the power rankings, thanks to a dominant defensive win. However, that's more so due to poor performances by UCLA and Rutgers than anything they did. Aside from the shutout, Wisconsin didn't do much to write home about.
14. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (1-0)
Last week's ranking: No. 14
Last week's game: W, 34-31 vs Ohio
Rutgers jumps UCLA, but gets jumped by Wisconsin to remain where they are in the Big Ten. Rutgers nearly lost to Ohio in a game they were 15.5-point favorites. A game this week against Norfolk State is their chance to earn a convincing win before a tough conference matchup against Iowa.
15. UCLA Bruins (0-1)
Last week's ranking: No. 12 (-3)
Last week's game: L, 10-43 vs Utah
One of two losers in the Big Ten in Week 1, UCLA got destroyed at home against Utah. It was an ugly loss. Its offense, supposed to be UCLA's overwhelming strength, was pitiful Nico Iamaleava was 11 for 22 with an interception. None of the three Bruins star running backs gained more than 20 yards. The defense got scorched for 493 yards of total offense. With a solid UNLV team next on the schedule, the Bruins are in danger of falling to 0-2.
16. Maryland Terrapins (1-0)
Last week's ranking: No. 16
Last week's game: W, 39-7 vs Florida Atlantic
Maryland came out the gates with an impressive win against a Florida Atlantic team that's projected to finish in the middle of the pack of one of the better G6 conferences (the AAC). The Terrapins recorded an absurd six interceptions in that contest, which basically put the game on easy mode for their offense. If they can keep it up, The Terps could be a riser soon in the Big Ten.
17. Purdue Boilermakers (1-0)
Last week's ranking: No. 18 (+1)
Last week's game: W, 31-0 vs Ball State
Ranked at the bottom of the preseason rankings, Purdue quickly digs itself out of the place no one wants to be with a 31-0 rout over Ball State. New coach Barry Odom is already showing signs of improvement from last year, and I'm also impressed with some of Purdue's skill-position players. The Boilermakers should already beat out their win total from last year, as a matchup with Southern Illinois should put them at 2-0.
18. Northwestern Wildcats (0-1)
Last week's ranking: No. 17 (-1)
Last week's game: L, 3-23 vs Tulane
Although Tulane is one of the better G6 programs, Northwestern didn't look anything like a Power Four team in their loss to the Green Wave. Add in the fact that they disrespected the city of New Orleans, and Northwestern deservedly gets placed at the bottom of the Big Ten after Week 1.