Big Ten power rankings after Week 0: Setting the scene in 2024

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Photo: Isaiah Hole

Unlike some previous years, no Big Ten team took part in Week 0, but it was still an exciting start to the season to show anything is possible.

Georgia Tech upset No. 10 Florida State in Ireland, but Big Ten play doesn’t start until later this week. Minnesota, Rutgers, and Illinois open up the season on Thursday, Michigan State and Wisconsin are in action on Friday, and the rest of the conference gets going on Saturday — except for USC, which plays LSU on Sunday.

The conference has expanded from 14 to 18 teams and will be more competitive than ever. No longer is it assumed that three teams will run the Big Ten (Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State) as Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington join the league. The stakes have never been higher and the week-in, week-out of Big Ten play promises to be much more exciting.

With that in mind, we’re unveiling our new-look Big Ten power rankings from 18-to-1, based mostly on our projected win-loss totals for all 18 teams.

18. Oregon Ducks

Photo: Isaiah Hole

Projected record: 12-0

Hi/Lo: 1/1

Biggest win: N/A

The Ducks might not have the best talent across the board, but they have the best quarterback and are loaded on either side of the ball — and should be especially good in the trenches. If Dillon Gabriel picks up where he left off at Oklahoma, and the rest of the team plays up to its potential, we have a hard time seeing Oregon losing a game in the regular season. But playing Michigan and Ohio State, it’s certainly possible.

17. Ohio State Buckeyes

Photo: Isaiah Hole

Projected record: 10-2

Hi/Lo: 2/2

Biggest win: N/A

Buckeye fans will scoff at this but there are still some question marks on this team — it’s just that everyone is ignoring them. The defensive line should be excellent — as should the whole defense. The offensive line upgraded with Seth McLaughlin coming from…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/big-ten-power-rankings-week-190135700.html

Author : Wolverines Wire

Publish date : 2024-08-25 19:01:35

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