Big Ten Power Rankings: Newcomers Look Decent

Aug 30, 2014; College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Terrapins quarterback C.J. Brown (16) runs for his first touchdown of the game against the James Madison Dukes at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

The Big Ten had a rough week nationally despite going 12-2 overall as a conference. In what would have become a statement game for the conference, Wisconsin flubbed one away against LSU. Of course, Ohio State also had a pretty hard time getting past Navy in their first game without Braxton Miller. Penn State struggled with Central Florida, and Northwestern lost to a Cal team that may be improved, but is far from good.

There were lighter notes, however. The Terrapins and Rutgers showed off some solid talent in their opening wins against James Madison and Washington State. Paul James could be in store for a great year, as could C.J. Brown. Ameer Abdullah of Nebraska looks like a Heisman candidate, and Tevin Coleman could make a case that he should be included too, as they both rushed for 200 yards in their games.

We were still a little forgiving in these rankings, but next week we’re going to start getting a lot more harsh.