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Big Ten Power Rankings, Week 1: OSU, Michigan roll; Wisconsin stuns LSU

By David Rouben

Sep 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers players celebrate defeating the LSU Tigers by doing the Lambeau Leap following the game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers players celebrate defeating the LSU Tigers by doing the Lambeau Leap following the game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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COLLEGE PARK MD, SEPTEMBER 3: Maryland quarterback Perry Hills (11) , left, drops back to pass as Maryland plays Howard in football at Byrd Stadium in College Park MD, September 3, 2016. (Photo by John McDonnell / The Washington Post via Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK MD, SEPTEMBER 3: Maryland quarterback Perry Hills (11) , left, drops back to pass as Maryland plays Howard in football at Byrd Stadium in College Park MD, September 3, 2016. (Photo by John McDonnell / The Washington Post via Getty Images) /

Talking about how a Big Ten team has a great run game is turning into a broken record, but for Purdue, that’s what their offense is largely based on.

Markell Jones and DJ Knox formed a lethal backfield tandem last year, but an injury to Knox forced Jones into the starting spot. He proved that he can be an every-down back when he torched Eastern Kentucky to the tune of 169 total yards and a touchdown on 24 carries.

While the Boilermakers gave up 24 points, that’s hardly indicative of how good they looked on defense. They gave up four turnovers, including a 78-yard pick six from Gelen Robinson. He is the heart of Purdue’s defensive unit, and will be absolutely vital if they want to sustain any success over the season.

The Maryland Terrapins took running back by committee to a whole new level. In a 52-13 win over Howard, six different players ran for a touchdown, including quarterback Perry Hills, with all of their offensive touchdowns coming on the ground.

Hills had a solid passing game too, going 14-for-19 and a QB rating of 129.4. Of course, the reason Hills was able to spend so much time in the pocket, and why they were able to run all over Howard, was because of their offensive line.

While Hills and Caleb Rowe split time under center last season, Hills proved capable of being a starting quarterback. His best game came against Ohio State when he set a single-game record by rushing for 170 yards. While his ground game is good, he needs to clean up his interceptions as he threw 13 last season. It may only be Howard, but he didn’t turn the ball over and that’s a good start.

Penn State made the gross mistake of honoring Joe Paterno before their season opener but went on to beat Kent State without controversy.

Even though they begin the season without Christian Hackenberg, Penn State has extremely talented wideouts. Chris Godwin is the standout, having come off an 1100-yard season. He didn’t get into the end zone in Week 1, but he did total 67 yards on just seven receptions.

The defense was the area Penn State suffered the most, with Carl Nassib, Austin Johnson, and Anthony Zettel all departing. But they had a strong showing in Week 1, as they limited Kent State’s rushing attack and forced three turnovers.

Winning the Big Ten East remains a long shot for this team, but a strong season from Godwin would go a long way towards boosting his draft stock.

Next: Nos. 8-6

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