Joe Christensen's Big Ten Power Poll

September 11, 2015 at 4:19AM

BIG TEN POWER POLL

1. Ohio State (1-0): For his next trick, Braxton Miller will kick off to himself and return it 100 yards for a score.

2. Michigan State (1-0): If Oregon wants a shootout, these Spartans are ready. See their 42-41 bowl win over Baylor.

3. Northwestern (1-0): Held then-No. 21 Stanford to 240 yards, just 3.87 per play, in a tone-setting win at Ryan Field.

4. Gophers (0-1): Seeking their biggest nonconference win of Jerry Kill's tenure, Saturday at Colorado State.

5. Wisconsin (0-1): Injuries to Corey Clement and Michael Caputo gave the Badgers issues on both sides of the ball.

6. Nebraska (0-1): Tommy Armstrong was 24-for-41 for 319 yards against BYU, including 5-for-8 on third down.

7. Iowa (1-0): The Hawkeyes are mourning the death of two-time All-Big Ten safety Tyler Sash, at age 27.

8. Michigan (0-1): How long will Jim Harbaugh's leash be for Jake Rudock, who threw three INTs in loss at Utah?

9. Rutgers (1-0): Big Ten's leading returning WR Leonte Carroo had three catches for 128 yards and three touchdowns.

10. Maryland (1-0): Will Likely has more punt return yardage (233) than the rest of the Big Ten combined (223).

11. Illinois (1-0): Interim coach Bill Cubit was particularly impressed by his defensive line in rout of Kent State.

12. Penn State (0-1): Offensive line was a big question entering the year, and allowed 10 sacks in loss to Temple.

13. Purdue (0-1): Outgained Marshall 454-397, but Austin Appleby's four interceptions proved too much.

14. Indiana (1-0): If Southern Illinois can put up 659 yards on this team, what about Ohio State on Oct. 3?

about the writer

More from Gophers

card image

Minnesota needed a score in the final 120 seconds and produced it on Max Brosmer’s pass to Darius Taylor with 27 seconds left.

card image