After not much movement in last week's edition of the Big Ten power rankings, this week sees a reshuffling of teams after some big wins and impactful losses. It didn't look like that would be the case going into Week 2, as conference play has still yet to start and most teams had easy games against G6 programs, but No. 15 Michigan's loss to No. 18 Oklahoma was one of a few dominoes to fall that shook things up unexpectedly in the best conference in college football.
Overall, the conference went 15-3 in the week, but those three losses were significant. Also, many of the 15 wins were so dominant that it will justify some teams moving up over other teams that also won. So, let's see exactly what the pecking order looks like going into Week 3.
1. Ohio State Buckeyes (2-0)
Last week's ranking: No. 2 (+1)
Last week's game: W, 70-0 vs Grambling
Ohio State takes the top spot in this week's power rankings, after a dominant win against FCS Grambling. However, that game didn't really contribute much as to why the Buckeyes jump up a spot, as they were supposed to win in blowout fashion.
Trying to choose between Ohio State, Penn State, and Oregon at the top is nearly impossible, and you can't really go wrong any way. I chose the Buckeyes because of their win against No. 1 Texas to start the season, and because they have the best offensive and defensive player in the country. Young quarterback Julian Sayin has also looked good so far. Of course, its current spot as the No. 1 team in the AP poll also sways me towards Ohio State, as well.
2. Oregon Ducks (2-0)
Last week's ranking: No. 3 (+1)
Last week's game: W, 69-3 vs Oklahoma State
Oregon also moves up in the power rankings, after its 69-3 shellacking of Oklahoma State from the Big 12. I know the Cowboys are one of the worst Power Four teams, but Oregon still dominated them with a lot more conviction than some other Big Ten teams did to FCS and G6 programs. Many believe the Ducks are the best team in college football and should be favorites to win the CFP title, as Dan Lanning's offense once again looks like an unstoppable force – especially if you poke the bear.
3. Penn State Nittany Lions (2-0)
Last week's ranking: No. 1 (-2)
Last week's game: W, 34-0 vs FIU
I know last week I said the No. 1 spot for Penn State would be secured until a loss or severe underperformance, but Oregon and Ohio State impressed me so much that the Nittany Lions have to be a step below them. I feel bad about it too, as Penn State didn't do anything wrong to drop two spots, especially after a shutout win (although they could've scored more than 34 points against FIU).
4. Illinois Fighting Illini (2-0)
Last week's ranking: No. 4
Last week's game: W, 45-19 vs Duke
Illinois had one of the biggest victories in Week 2, taking down a solid Duke team in a game they pulled away with late after it was close early. Now ranked No. 9 in the country, the Fighting Illini will have an easy matchup against 0-2 Western Michigan to improve to 3-0. After that, they begin conference play with three of their first four games against Indiana, USC, and Ohio State – true tests to see how legit they are.
5. USC Trojans (2-0)
Last week's ranking: No. 6 (+1)
Last week's game: W, 59-20 vs Georgia Southern
The Trojans are the first team to take advantage of Michigan's loss, moving up to a top-five spot in the conference. The USC offense just keeps producing, as it is now up to 132 points in just two games. I know their opponents have been far from competent, but I'm still surprised the Trojans aren't ranked in the top-25 with how good they've looked. They have one of the first Big Ten matchups of the season this upcoming week at Purdue, a game they should easily win.
6. Washington Huskies (2-0)
Last week's ranking: No. 7 (+1)
Last week's game: W, 70-10 vs UC Davis
The Huskies climb up a spot for the second consecutive week. Dropping 70 points on any team is an accomplishment, and I know it was against an FCS team, but UC Davis is one of the best in the subdivision, to be fair. Washington arguably has the best QB-RB-WR trio in the conference, along with a much-improved offensive line, and a defense with a high ceiling if it can correct some issues.
The Jonah Coleman-led Dawgs have proven that no one in the Big Ten can sleep on them, and that this is a very different team than the one that went 6-7 last season.