Big Ten football power poll: Ohio State still the team to beat

Oct. 1—Sorry, Illinois fans, but only five Big Ten teams remain undefeated. Plenty are

still in the mix for a College Football playoff spot. Some others? Not so much. Sports Editor Matt Daniels tackles his latest Big Ten football power poll:

1. Ohio State (4-0)

➜ Previous ranking: No. 1

Jeremiah Smith is the next great wide receiver for the Buckeyes. Pair the dynamic freshman with Emeka Egbuka, and quarterback Will Howard has capable options. Not to mention a superb run game. Ask Michigan State.

2. Oregon (4-0)

➜ Previous ranking: No. 2

Yes, the Ducks’ 34-13 win at UCLA that started late Saturday night and ended Sunday morning in Champaign counts as a Big Ten game. Dillon Gabriel and Co. should roll past Michigan State this Friday night in Eugene.

3. Penn State (4-0)

➜ Previous ranking: No. 4

Luke Altmyer is still probably thinking about Nittany Lions’ defensive end Abdul Carter. If Penn State’s offense doesn’t produce, no worries. James Franklin’s defense can win games on its own. Like this Saturday against UCLA.

4. Michigan (4-1)

➜ Previous ranking: No. 5

The Wolverines carry a 27-game Big Ten win streak into this Saturday night’s game at Washington, a rematch of last season’s national title game. If Kalel Mullings follows his offensive line again, the number will reach 28.

5. Indiana (5-0)

➜ Previous ranking: No. 6

Curt Cignetti talked a lot of smack this offseason. Mainly at Purdue. So far, the Hoosiers have backed it up behind their first-year coach. Win on Saturday at Northwestern, and Indiana is the first Big Ten team to clinch a bowl bid.

6. Southern Cal (3-1)

➜ Previous ranking: No. 7

Good thing Miller Moss and Ja’Kobi Lane helped the Trojans wake up in the second half against Wisconsin. Or else the booing wouldn’t have stopped in Los Angeles before they play at Minnesota this Saturday night.

7. Illinois (4-1)

➜ Previous ranking: No. 3

The positives: A bowl berth appears likely for Kaden Feagin and his teammates a year after missing out. The negatives: the Illini…


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/big-ten-football-power-poll-144800537.html

Author : The News-Gazette, Champaign-Urbana, Ill.

Publish date : 2024-10-01 14:48:00

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