#1 Ohio State 3-0
Ohio State struggled until late in the third quarter to put away Ohio, ultimately winning 37-9. The Buckeyes are on the road for the first time this season to open up Big Ten play against 3-0 Washington.
Last week: 1
#2 Penn State 3-0
If Penn State played a higher-quality opponent, they would be No. 1 this week, but they took care of business 52-6 against Villanova. Next for the Nittany Lions is a Top 5 matchup against #4 Oregon at home.
Last week: 2
#3 Oregon 3-0
Oregon scored 34 unanswered points en route to a 34-14 win against Northwestern. The looming matchup against #2 Penn State will likely put the winner in the top spot of the power rankings and maybe number one in the AP Top 25.
Last week: 3
#4 Indiana 3-0
There was no trap game for Indiana as it handled Indiana State 73-0 before a Top 25 matchup next week against #9 Illinois. The game is at home, but it’s Indiana’s first real test of the season.
Last week: 4
#5 Illinois 3-0
It took #9 Illinois a half to pull away from Western Michigan in a 38-0 shutout. #22 Indiana is up next for the Fighting Illini in a game that could play a role in who gets into the college football playoffs should both teams continue winning.
Last week: 5
#6 Michigan 2-1
#23 Michigan bounced back after a tough loss to Oklahoma last week. Michigan dominated Central Michigan 63-3, with Bryce Underwood looking a lot better both passing and finally using his legs. Michigan hits the road next against Nebraska.
Last week: 6
#7 Nebraska 3-0
Nebraska didn’t have any problems against Houston Christian, winning 59-7. All of the starters were out of the game at the start of the third quarter. The Cornhuskers welcome Michigan to town in its fourth consecutive game at home.
Last week: 7
#8 USC 3-0
The first movement in this week’s rankings goes to USC after a 33-17 win against Purdue. USC capitalized on several Purdue mistakes. Next up for the Trojans is Michigan State.
Last week: 9
#9 Washington 2-0
Washington moves up a spot despite not playing this week. They return to action this week on the road in the Apple Cup against Washington State.
Last week: 10
#10 Michigan State
Michigan State is also up a spot after a 41-24 win against Youngstown State. Quarterback Aidan Chiles was 22/29 for 270 yards and a touchdown. He also led the Spartans in rushing with 76 yards. Up next is a road game against USC.
Last week: 11
#11 Wisconsin 2-1
The biggest drop this week is the Badgers, falling three spots after a 38-14 loss to #19 Alabama. Wisconsin hosts Maryland next.
Last week: 8
#12 Iowa 2-1
The Hawkeyes scored 20 points in the first quarter, defeating UMass 47-7, making head coach Kirk Ferentz the winningest coach in Big Ten history with 206 wins. A road trip is next for Iowa as they face Rutgers next.
Last week: 12
#13 Maryland
Maryland defeated Towson 44-17. The Terrapins scored 34 of those points in the first half. They travel to Madison next against Wisconsin.
Last week: 13
#14 Rutgers 3-0
A 60-10 victory over Norfolk State has Rutgers at 3-0 heading into Big Ten play next week against fellow unbeaten Maryland. Rutgers scored 13 or more points in every quarter.
Last week: 16
#15 Minnesota 2-1
Minnesota falls a spot after a 27-14 loss to California. A pair of turnovers caused the Golden Gophers in the contest. Minnesota has a bye this week.
Last week: 14
#16 Purdue 2-1
Purdue couldn’t get out of its own way with three interceptions against USC, losing 33-17. Next up is a game on the road against 0-2 Notre Dame.
Last week: 15
#17 Northwestern 1-2
Northwestern had a rough time against #4 Oregon, not scoring until the fourth quarter. The bright spot was a 79-yard touchdown run by Dashun Reeder. Northwestern has a bye.
Last week: 17
#18 UCLA 0-3
And then there was UCLA for a third straight week. The Bruins are 0-3 after a 35-10 blowout loss against New Mexico. The Bruins are off and then face Northwestern.
Last week: 18