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Unlike polls and many power rankings you see, mine are about what happens on the field and not who I think is the best or wil be the best. If you show it on the field, you will be rewarded in the end. Here is the Big 10 rankings after an iffy week one in out of conference action. You can expect big movement in next week's rankings.

1. Michigan State: The Spartans had no problems with FCS Montana State, destorying it 44-3. Quarterbacks were the biggest concern for the team, but the tandem threw for 318 yards and five touchdowns. If they can find a running back and the quarterbacks continue to produce, this is a Big 10 title contender with a solid defense. A battle with Central Michigan this week won't be a gimmie, but a solid win and Ohio State loss should keep them here.

2. Penn State: The Nittany Lions called off the dogs at halftime after leading Akrol 31-0 and won 31-7. As expected, both sids of the ball looked good. Derek Moye appears to be a good replacement for al the talent and speed they lost. Penn State will continue to feed on cupcakes in its nonconference schedule with Syracuse coming to town. It should win by over 20.

3. Michigan: All preseason we heard the upset watch for Michigan losing at home to Western Michigan. The Broncos are expected to contend for a MAC title. But it was all Michigan from the start after a dominant first half and it went on to win 31-7. Tate Forcier seems to be the deal at quarterback, but he doesn't scramble the way Rich Rodriguez's quarterbacks normally do.After Notre Dame's performance Saturday, this week's game appears to be relevant once again. Michgan gave away last year's game and a win should keep it in the top three.

4. Northwestern: The Wildcats offense was in high gear in a 47-14 win over a good FCS team in Towson. While the offense scored 60, giving up 14 points isn't great, although they only gave up 205 yards of offense. Eastern Michigan comes to town this week in what should be another easy win.

5. Purdue: I don't expect the Boilermakers to stay up here, but a 52-31 win over Toledo is a nice start. They rushed for 315 yards on the ground and over 500 total yards, but the defense gave up nearly 500 yards, a big no-no. A trip to Oregon this week is a good sign of where they are at. Keep it close, and they may make a bowl game.

6. Ohio State: The Buckeyes struggled to put away Navy, a regular bowl team. They outgained the visitors by a whole 21 yards and needed an interception return for a touchdown to win 31-27. They still continue to show that they are unable to stop an option offense, whether it is by spread, or the natural attack. It is a good thing USC doesn't run the option. For some reason I have a feeling OSU gets in done Saturday night. The Buckeyes are due. This reminds me of the 2005 game against Texas, only USC doesn't have Vince Young and the spread, it has freshman Matt Berkeley.

7. Wisconsin: The Badgers appeared to have the game in hand, but allowed Northern Illinois to get within a score. The offense did show some big play ability, which is what they have been missing since Lee Evans. Fresno State comes calling after a tough battle last year in Fresno.

8. Minnesota: The Gophers escaped with an overtime win over Syracuse. Things looked good early with a 14-3 lead, but they couldn't put the game away either, not a good sign. Air Force comes in to open the new stadium a week before California does. All the emotion could be a distration and Air Force could pull off another Mountain West upset.

9. Iowa: It took two blocked field goals in the final seven seconds to preserve a win over FCS Northern Iowa. Not a great way to start the season. The Hawkeye's offense appears to be an issue once again. They will need a better performance to win at Iowa State this week.

10. Indiana: FCS Eastern Kentucky had a faint hope of knocking off the Hoosiers, falling 19-13. The Hoosiers struggled thoughout in what is expected to be another long season. Western Michigan comes to town, fresh off its beat down. Watch out.

11. Illinois: The only thing worse than nearly losing to an FCS team? Getting blown out by a rebuilding rival in a neutal field game. I think Missouri is much better than the experts think, but that is still no reason to have wide open receivers running all over the field. And the Tigers still don't have much of a defense, so the Illini should have put up at least 20 points, despite the injuries. Illinios State should help them recover a bit.

Tags: big 10 football, ohio state football, penn state football