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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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EAST LANSING, MI – SEPTEMBER 02: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans takes the field with his team prior to a game against the Furman Paladins at Spartan Stadium on September 2, 2016, in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – SEPTEMBER 02: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans takes the field with his team prior to a game against the Furman Paladins at Spartan Stadium on September 2, 2016, in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

The defending Big Ten champions hardly looked infallible against Furman, but they got the job done. On offense, there are plenty of questions as Tyler O’Connor tries to replace Connor Cook while the departures of Aaron Burbridge and Macgarrett Kings Jr. have left a void at wide receiver. However, three different receivers caught a touchdown in this game which indicates that Mark Dantonio will opt for a more balanced attack, rather than a top-heavy one.

While Tyler O’Connor has been at Michigan State for four years, he already has more passing attempts than he did in his first two seasons. His most notable contribution was in 2015 when he had to fill in for Cook against Ohio State, but they ended up winning en route to a Big Ten Championship. But O’Connor’s stat line wasn’t impressive, and they won mostly because of the weather and because Ezekiel Elliott was underutilized.

Throwing a pick against Furman isn’t going to silence many critics, but he did finish with three touchdowns and a completion percentage of 72.2%. The biggest offensive contribution, though, came from Big Ten title game hero L.J. Scott, who put up 105 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries.

While Michigan State is widely expected to finish below Michigan and Ohio State, their defense will be what keeps them in the hunt for the Big Ten East. Trae Waynes and Shilique Calhoun will be vital components, while Malik McDowell can emerge as a leader for this team. If he has another great season, he could be well on his way to winning the Outland Trophy.

A slow start like this can either mean that Michigan State will either gain steam or gradually fall off. But after last season, betting against Dantonio isn’t a smart move.

Next: No. 3

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