College Football B1G Power Rankings Tiers: Ohio State a Cut Above

TIER VI – BOWL HOPES STILL ALIVE: MINNESOTA, MARYLAND & NORTHWESTERN

All three of these schools have suffered heartbreaking defeats. Minnesota missed a potential last-second game-winning field goal in their opener against North Carolina (and set off celebratory fireworks), Maryland saw MSU make a game-winning field goal with one second on the clock, and Northwestern lost in overtime to Duke. The Wildcats are the first Big Ten team to make a quarterback change.

They could easily be 2-0, but can any of the three recover to make a bowl?

Odds to Make the CFP: Best: Maryland +7000 | Worst: Northwestern +25000

TIER II – COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF CALIBER: OREGON & PENN STATE

Penn State followed their impressive opener at West Virginia with a legitimate scare against Bowling Green (34-27). We didn’t see many explosives to the wideouts, but TE Tyler Warren had himself a day (8 receptions, 146 yards) while running backs Nick Singleton (119 yards, 9.2 YPC) and Kaytron Allen (119 yards, 9.2 YPC) went over 100 yards. It was surprising to see Bowling Green have that much success through the air.

B1G CHAMPIONSHIP ODDS: +420 | CFP Odds: -230 | CHAMPIONSHIP WINNER ODDS: +1800

The Ducks are no strangers to close calls and, for the second week in a row, survived as a big favorite. The trenches on both sides of the ball are concerning, and it’s fair to ask if Oregon was and still is overrated. They are lucky to be undefeated.

B1G CHAMPIONSHIP ODDS: +280 | CFP Odds: -330 | CHAMPIONSHIP WINNER ODDS: +1100

TIER III – JUST OUTSIDE THE CFP: MICHIGAN & USC

Michigan had its worst performance since their first semifinal appearance when Georgia overmatched them. The offense has been inept thus far, and the defensive performance against Texas was highly disappointing. I wouldn’t write off the Wolverines yet, but they must improve quickly.

B1G CHAMPIONSHIP ODDS: +2500 | CFP Odds: +550 | CHAMPIONSHIP WINNER ODDS: +12000

On the flip side, USC has exceeded expectations thus far. There was no letdown coming off their Week 1 upset of LSU, as the Trojans shut out Utah State 48-0. If the defense continues to play like they have, USC could be a real dark horse to win the Big Ten.

B1G CHAMPIONSHIP ODDS: +850 | CFP Odds: +165 | CHAMPIONSHIP WINNER ODDS: +2800

TIER IV – TOP 25-ISH: IOWA, NEBRASKA, WISCONSIN, & WASHINGTON

Iowa dropped out of the Top 25 after their one-point loss to Iowa State, as the offense (unsurprisingly) and the defense (very surprisingly) sputtered in the second half. Nebraska (No. 23 in the AP, No. 24 in the Coaches Poll) is in the Top 25 after beating Colorado comfortably, but that result might be more about the Buffs than the Huskers.

Wisconsin has won both their games by two touchdowns and Washington by at least three touchdowns, but neither has played a quality opponent. The unit I’m watching is a Belichick-led Huskies defense that has yet to allow a touchdown. Also, kudos to Washington for going all-B1G by scheduling a midwestern directional school (Eastern Michigan).

Odds to Make the CFP: Best: Nebraska +650 | Worst: Wisconsin/Washington +1600

TIER V – STILL UNDEFEATED: RUTGERS, INDIANA, MICHIGAN STATE, ILLINOIS, PURDUE & UCLA

UCLA and Purdue are 1-0, while Rutgers, Michigan State, Illinois, and Indiana have won two games.

The best win so far? Illinois knocked off No. 19 Kansas on Saturday. The Illini pass defense held Jalon Daniels in check and intercepted him three times, which was the difference in the game. Michigan State also picked up a big upset win and the first B1G victory of 2024. Aidan Chiles shouldn’t make a habit of throwing three interceptions, but MSU overcame his mistakes thanks to a monster effort from true freshman WR Nick Marsh (8 receptions, 194 yards). Both teams significantly bolstered their bowl odds in Week 2.

Rutgers and Indiana have won all their games by at least 24 points, but none of those games have come against Power Fiv opponents.

Odds to Make the CFP: Best: Rutgers +2500 | Worst: Purdue +30000

TIER VI – BOWL HOPES STILL ALIVE: MINNESOTA, MARYLAND & NORTHWESTERN

All three of these schools have suffered heartbreaking defeats. Minnesota missed a potential last-second game-winning field goal in their opener against North Carolina (and set off celebratory fireworks), Maryland saw MSU make a game-winning field goal with one second on the clock, and Northwestern lost in overtime to Duke. The Wildcats are the first Big Ten team to make a quarterback change.

They could easily be 2-0, but can any of the three recover to make a bowl?

Odds to Make the CFP: Best: Maryland +7000 | Worst: Northwestern +25000