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Hawkeyes Football: Big Ten West Power Rankings Week Two
Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
A breakdown of the Big Ten West through two weeks of action
When looking at the Big Ten, the West Division is usually looked past as Ohio State, Michigan State and Michigan are all in the East Division. While those three programs have historically dominated the Big Ten, Wisconsin has won two of the three Big Ten Championship games, as well as Iowa nearly pulling off an upset last year before L.J. Scott scored a touchdown late in the fourth quarter to down the Hawkeyes.
Despite the Big Ten West being considered the little brother to the East, the Iowa Hawkeyes and Wisconsin Badgers are both ranked in the top-15 of both the AP Poll and Coaches Poll. In fact, the West Division has started the season 10-4 with a win over their lone top-25 opponent.
The Hawkeyes have gotten off to another fast start in 2016. They’ve blown out both of their opponents and extended their regular season winning streak to 14 games. The Hawkeyes will host North Dakota State this weekend before starting Big Ten play.
Here is a look at how every team in the Big Ten West stacks up through two weeks of play.
Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
No. 7 – Northwestern Wildcats 0-2 (0-0)
It’s hard to put Northwestern last in the power rankings because of the potential they have as a team. They started the season garnering a couple of top-25 votes, however have stumbled out of the gates. A 22-21 loss to Western Michigan was surprising but understandable. The Broncos are arguably the best team in the MAC and have built a very good program over the past couple of seasons.
One of the most shocking losses in college football throughout the first two weeks, though, is when the Wildcats fell to Illinois State 9-7. They failed to score until 9:10 remained in the fourth quarter and easily allowed Illinois State to march down the field to kick a game winning field goal. Illinois State’s quarterback Jake Kolbe completed all seven passes on the final drive to set up the game-winning 33-yard field goal.
The field goal bounced off the uprights, making Northwestern just an inch away from being 1-1. Even if Northwestern escaped with a win, they shouldn’t have been in that position to begin with. For a program that had seemingly turned itself around since Pat Fitzgerald took over, they’ve gone back to the old-Northwestern that is historically one of the worst programs in the nation.
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Not to mention that star running back Justin Jackson went down with a lower body injury in their loss to the Redbirds. He’s expected to play against Duke this week, but that doesn’t fix the Wildcats problems through the air. Clayton Thorson has completed just 50.8 percent of his passes this season, and was a liability for much of their game against Illinois State.
Northwestern was a top-25 team in 2015, however most of their wins were close games where a couple of key plays went their way. Those plays haven’t gone their way this year, and their offense hasn’t been good enough to complement their stifling defense as a result.
The Wildcats have potential to get their season back on track, therefore it’s hard to put them last knowing the type of team they can be. With that being said, they just lost to Illinois State, are the only team in the West Division without a win, and have Duke, Nebraska, Iowa and Michigan State next on their schedule.
Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
No. 6 – Purdue Boilermakers 1-1 (0-0)
In week one, Purdue didn’t look like the same train wreck that they’ve been of recent years. They cruised to a 45-24 victory over Eastern Kentucky. Granted its Eastern Kentucky, however it was a step in the right direction for a team coming off a 2-10 season. Besides, the Boilermakers only topped 40+ points once last season, therefore any sort of offense is a welcoming sign.
Purdue returned to mediocrity against Cincinnati in week two, though. David Blough threw two interceptions in the first half, five all game, and the Purdue offense couldn’t move the ball early in the game. They went into halftime down 21-7, eventually falling to Cincinnati 38-20.
The Boilermakers should feel semi-happy about starting the season 1-1, however thus far there hasn’t been any improvement in their quarterback play or on defense. David Blough threw eight interceptions over 10 games last season, but he already has six through two games.
As a result of Purdue being down early, Blough passed for an astounding 401 yards in week two. Still, he turned the ball over too many times for the Boilermakers to ever get a groove on offense, especially their running back Markell Jones.The inefficiency through the air has hindered the ground attack.
Defensively, they’ve given up big runs and haven’t forced a ton of turnovers early in the season. Purdue had three interceptions against Eastern Kentucky, however they also allowed them to score 24 points and Eastern Kentucky is far from stable at quarterback.
The Boilermakers may get a couple more wins this year, but it’s no guarantee. They’re off this week with Nevada in a couple of weeks, and Maryland and Illinois following. Although, in the end, David Blough has been terrible so far and Purdue may have to change quarterbacks eventually. They won their one cake walk game of the season but the rest of their schedule will truly test this young football team.
Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
No. 5 – Illinois Fighting Illini 1-1 (0-0)
There is a new feel around the program with Lovie Smith as the head coach. The Illinois Fighting Illini started out the Smith era on the right foot with a dominating 52-3 win over Murray State. A win over Murray State might not say much when it comes to the box score, but the vibe around the team following the game is different with Smith.
People actually gave them a chance against a very good North Carolina team. The Illini fell to the Tar Heels 48-23, but they played a very talented team tough. Illinois only trailed the Tar Heels 17-14 late in the second quarter and by single-digits at the half. Of course Smith and Illinois wanted to come out with a win, but they should feel very pleased with the direction their program is going in.
The loss to North Carolina should be taken with a grain of salt considering the talent difference between the two teams. That being said, if the Illini recruit well over the next couple of years then they have a chance to rebuild quickly under Lovie Smith and contend in the Big Ten within five years.
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Their defense forced a safety against North Carolina and Wes Lunt has been solid over the first two games.
This year, Lunt is proving to be enough to lead them offensively. He has completed 57.1 percent of his passes and also has five touchdowns and no turnovers. Not to mention that running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn has averaged 5.2 yards per carry on the ground. Lunt struggled at times against North Carolina but Vaughn averaged an amazing 7.7 yards per carry.
The Illini have a chance to make a bowl game this year. With their tough schedule they may finish 5-7, again. Even if that happens, the Smith should love what he’s seeing from his team. They don’t have the talent to match the top teams in the nation, however they have an explosive offense and will hopefully have a solid defense to match it. If their defense steps up then Illinois has a chance to pull an upset in conference play.
Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
No. 4 – Minnesota Golden Gophers 2-0 (0-0)
While the Golden Gophers cruised to an easy 54-28 victory over Indiana State in week two, they had a test right off the bat against Oregon State. The Golden Gophers survived 30-23, but they needed a 13-point fourth quarter to complete the comeback.
Still, the Golden Gophers defense came up big late in the game against Oregon State by forcing a safety and stopping the Beavers on fourth down twice. Allowing four touchdowns to Indiana State is somewhat concerning, however three came in the second half once Minnesota was up 41-7. While you would like to see Minnesota’s defense stay tough all game, easing off the pedal a little in a blowout happens to every team.
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The biggest improvement for the Golden Gophers has come on offense, though. Mitch Leidner is a year removed from throwing 11 interceptions and only 14 touchdowns. He is the clear-cut starter this year and has thrived thus far. Leidner has thrown five touchdowns and no interceptions, while also completing 58.9 percent of his passes.
On the ground, three players have at least 16 carries on the season and all are averaging at least 4.7 yards per carry. Owning both a solid ground and air attack is rare in college football, especially when your quarterback can also use his legs.
The Golden Gophers will take on a good Colorado State team next weekend, however their first road test will be on October 1 at Penn State. The Golden Gophers have surprised everyone through the first two games, starting with an unexpected comeback against Oregon State.
They could have been number three this week but the inconsistency from Mitch Leidner last season still looms. If the defense holds up early in Big Ten play and Leidner doesn’t become turnover prone, again, then the Golden Gophers could make some noise this year.
Dec 26, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. (4) celebrates the touchdown in the second half against the UCLA Bruins at Levi
No. 3 – Nebraska Cornhuskers 2-0 (0-0)
This team relies on the arm and legs of Tommy Armstrong Jr, and so far he has answered. the Cornhuskers have scored 43 and 52 points in the first two weeks, respectively. Behind a 56.8 completion percentage, four touchdowns and one interception, the Nebraska Cornhuskers have outscored their opponents 95-27 through two weeks.
Granted Fresno State and Wyoming aren’t great teams, all Nebraska can do is play who is on their schedule and win big. And that’s what they’ve done.
In the fourth quarter alone, Nebraska has outscored their opponents 50-0 through two games. That’s an incredible amount. In fact, the Cornhuskers have yet to allow a first quarter point, as well, and have given up just 10 points after halftime. Plus, their stifling defense is giving up just 2.8 yards per carry.
Their tough defense will be on full display this week against the #22 Oregon Ducks and star running back Royce Freeman. Oregon is known for their high-tempo, explosive offense, and it’s been no different this year. The Ducks are averaging 48.5 points per game, but the Cornhuskers are still favored at home this week.
Nebraska is far from the talent level of the historic Nebraska teams that won championships but, if the first two weeks are any indication, they’re slowly getting back to that level. If Brady Hoke and his Oregon defense can’t force Tommy Armstrong into throwing a couple of interceptions then Oregon will be on upset alert.
The Cornhuskers haven’t faced an offense like Oregon’s yet, however they get to the quarterback fast and don’t allow a lot of explosive plays. Ross Dzuris already has five sacks on the season. It will be a tough defense against a high-powered offense, all Nebraska needs is for their offense to continue putting up points.
Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
No. 2 – Iowa Hawkeyes 2-0 (0-0)
The Iowa Hawkeyes entered the season as heavy favorites to win the Big Ten West. More competition has emerged from a division that many didn’t see able to compete with the Hawkeyes this season. The Hawkeyes picked up where they left off last year by proving it wasn’t a fluke. Iowa has won both games by a combined 63 points.
The Hawkeyes defense was much better in week two with Josey Jewell back in the middle. Led by freshman Anthony Nelson and senior Jaleel Johnson, the Hawkeyes have had no problems stopping the run. They’ve held their opponents to just 3.7 yards per carry while averaging 6.3 yards themselves. The defense is still not in midseason form, which should be a scary thought for the rest of the Big Ten.
The duo of LeShun Daniels Jr and Akrum Wadley has worked to a tee thus far on offense. Wadley is averaging an insane 8.1 yards per carry and with Daniels 7.8 yards just a smidgen behind. That being said, both have three touchdowns and Daniels has broken two 43-yard touchdown runs already.
Quarterback C.J. Beathard has been as good as ever for the Hawkeyes. Kirk Ferentz let him air it out in week two against Iowa State, to much success. Beathard finished with 235 yards and three passing touchdowns. He continues to make smart plays and uses his mobility to not get sacked. Even though the Hawkeyes don’t rely on passing the ball, Beathard’s intelligence in the huddle and at the line are underrated aspects of his game.
When it comes down to it, the Hawkeyes could be the best team in the West, but they haven’t played a decent team yet to prove it. They’ve won big against mediocre teams, and that’s what they needed to do. They own a 14 game regular season winning streak and should still be favorites to win the West.
Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
No. 1 – Wisconsin Badgers 2-0 (0-0)
As ridiculous as moving the Wisconsin Badgers to #10 in the AP Poll after week one was, there’s no denying that they’ve been the best team in the Big Ten West through two weeks. They’re the only team to beat a top-25 team, and they did it in impressive fashion.
The Badgers stuck to their game plan, controlling the speed of the game and forcing LSU to adapt to their style of play. The Tigers weren’t able to do so, eventually resulting in the #5 team in the nation losing 16-14 to Wisconsin.
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Just like in past years, the Badgers rely on their defense. They held the Tigers to 14 points, shutting them out in three of four quarters, and Akron only scored 10 points. Many people thought Akron could give Wisconsin a run for their money following a big win, however the Badgers didn’t fall into the trap and played just as tough as they did in week one, winning 54-10.
The most impressive feat of their upset over LSU was stopping Leonard Fournette. He’s the best running back in the nation and an absolute beast, but Wisconsin controlled him. Sure, Fournette finished the game with 23 carries for 138 yards, six yards per carry. But the Badgers kept him out of the end zone and shut him down in the first half, and that’s all you can ask for against him.
He got better as the game went on, rushing for 10.3 yards per carry in the fourth quarter, but Fournette was held to just 35 yards on 11 carries in the first half. If the Badgers are able to play that tough on defense every week, teams will have a very hard time finding ways to beat them.
Offensively, they just need to score enough points, and that’s what they did against LSU. Bart Houston has two interceptions and two touchdowns on the year, and Corey Clement is averaging 4.7 yards per carry, scoring three times. The Badgers will rely on their defense and run game, all Houston needs to do is not turn the ball over and complete passes on big third downs — 64.2 completion percentage this year.
Wisconsin will soon have Michigan State, Michigan, Ohio State and Iowa. Going 2-2 in that stretch will be seen as a job well done, however it’s arguably the toughest four game stretch in the nation and is why Iowa is still favored to win the West. I don’t think Wisconsin is the ninth best team in the nation, but they are really good.
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