1. Michigan: Not exactly the shock and awe fans were hoping for, but you could see the offense had a more explosive gear despite some health problems. I wasn't impressed with trying to wedge in two quarterbacks when you are trying to master a new offense. Also, the defense looked a crumb worse than I expected. Still, this team can play defense, run the ball, and now take deep shots. That's a tough combo to beat.
2. Ohio State: Truly a best of times, worst of times scenario. The offense looked amazing for a quarter, the defense looked amazing for a half. Overall, the biggest issue was that the running game was still a little wobbly, and Fields was just a hair slow pulling the trigger. However, he was efficient and accurate throwing, and showed he can make big plays in the running game if the coaches let him. The defense looks worlds better than last year.
3. Penn State: Unlike the top two, looked completely dominant against their jobber opponent. Though they probably should have measured Idaho's pulse for signs of life before the game started.
4. Wisconsin: Giving them a bump for going on the road and wiping out South Florida. A Wisconsin team with a functional passing game is a very strong team.
5. Michigan State: Guh. Defense still strong, but man did we want to see some improvement out of the offense.
6. Iowa: Still got that Iowa feeling.
7. Minnesota: Not a great looking effort, but perhaps they can row the boat to more consistency this year.
8. Maryland: Blasted the bejeezus out of poor Howard.
9. Purdue: This team needs a pep talk from Jim Tressel.
10. Nebraska: Lump them in with the disappointed in their start group.
11. Northwestern: Probably too low, honestly forgot about them. Kind of like how they forgot their offense.
12. Illinois: An actual pretty doinant effort against Akron.
13. Indiana: Offense a bit more functional. Defense not so much.
14. Rutgers: They will always have that time they scored 31 in a quarter.
