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

Despite ranking second in total offense in the Big Ten last year, their suspect defense was the reason Indiana finished with a 2-6 conference record. However, they had a great showing against Florida International with three interceptions, including two pick-sixes. It was a solid performance from both the offensive and defensive side for the Hoosiers.

Richard Lagow’s appointment as the Week 1 starter was a surprise, considering he was a JUCO transfer while Zander Diamont is entering his third season. 18-for-27 and a touchdown is nothing to write home about, but his game should pick up as the season progresses. He certainly has no shortage of weapons to work with.

The Lovie Smith era couldn’t have gotten off to a better start. The longtime Bears head coach returned to Illinois, this time at the collegiate level, and he marked his return with an emphatic 52-3 curb stomping over Murray State.

Wes Lunt is the heart of the team, having gotten better each year. He had a remarkable opening game, going 15-for-21 with 226 passing yards and three touchdowns. Kendrick Foster, meanwhile, had an outstanding display on the ground, with two 56-yard touchdowns and 118 yards on just four carries.

Illinois’ pass defense was a concern heading into this season, but they kept the pressure on KD Humphries and finished with two interceptions.

It’ll be interesting to see how quickly Lovie Smith is able to turn this team into a contender. They have as good a claim as any in the Big Ten West, but even if they don’t win, Smith’s presence should provide a real boost down the line in recruiting.

Nebraska beat Fresno State 43-10, but the final score hardly mattered. That’s because they spent much of the opening by paying tribute to their former punter Sam Foltz, who tragically passed away in a car accident along with Michigan State punter Mike Sadler. The first time Nebraska had to punt, they intentionally took a delay of game penalty, but Fresno State returned the favor by declining.

But apart from that tear-jerking moment, there was a game to be played. Nebraska used a balanced receiving attack to pick apart Fresno State’s defense, and while Jordan Westerkamp is their go-to guy, he had a quiet night. Alonzo Moore stole the show by racking up 92 yards and a touchdown on just three catches.

A balanced receiving corps and a strong rushing attack will be the key to Nebraska’s success this year. They will also want to blow out as many teams as possible in order to avoid plenty of close-game scenarios, which proved to be their Achilles’ Heel last season.

Next: No. 5