POWER RANKINGS

Breaking down the Big Ten

1. Ohio State (1-0):

The Buckeyes resembled a playoff team in their opener … for one quarter. They’ll need to be better than that against Cincinnati.

2. Michigan (1-0):

Army visits the Big House with upset fever on its mind. It might actually be a challenge for the Wolverines.

3. Iowa (1-0):

The Hawkeyes face an early Big Ten test against Rutgers, which is to say not much of a test at all.

4. Penn State (1-0):

A night game looms against Buffalo in Happy Valley, where the Nittany Lions should roll up about 50.

5. Nebraska (1-0):

The Cornhuskers’ offense went MIA in week 1. If it’s not found soon, the preseason hype will go splat.

6. Wisconsin (1-0):

Jonathan Taylor rushed for 135 yards and two TDs, but it was the defensive shutout that has Badgers fans smiling.

7. Maryland (1-0):

Terrapins fans went to bed seeing touchdowns in their head. That’s what 79-0 gets you — sweet dreams.

8. Michigan State (1-0):

Suffocating defense? The Spartans have it in spades. MSU held Tulsa to minus-73 yards rushing. Whoa.

9. Minnesota (1-0):

Sometimes a scare — 28-21 over South Dakota State — serves as a needed wake-up call. Or at least it should.

10. Indiana (1-0):

The Hoosiers need to stack wins when they can. The first two weeks should allow it to happen.

11. Illinois (1-0):

It’s saying something that the Illini are ranked higher than they’ve ever been. Hey, a back-handed compliment is better than nothing.

12. Northwestern (0-1):

The offense sputtered against Stanford, losing senior QB T.J. Green to injury in the process. Good thing the Wildcats get a bye week to recover.

13. Rutgers (1-0):

The Scarlet Knights defeated lowly Massachusetts. Still, a win is a win is a win. Three wins? They wish.

14. Purdue (0-1):

The Boilermakers are better than their record. But for now the cellar is an appropriate resting place.