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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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Sep 3, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Wilton Speight (3) passes in the first quarter against the Hawaii Warriors at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Wilton Speight (3) passes in the first quarter against the Hawaii Warriors at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

You have to feel bad for Hawaii. So soon after getting clobbered by Cal, they faced the unenviable task of playing Michigan and their vaunted defense. In defensive coordinator Don Brown’s first game, he proved why he has the nickname, Dr. Blitz, as the pressure on the Hawaii quarterbacks was relentless. While Jabrill Peppers was great, Mike McCray stole the show, as he finished with eight tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks.

Jim Harbaugh announced Wilton Speight would be the starter right before the game started, and after he threw an interception on his first play, he eased into the game. He finished with three touchdowns, and the offensive line gave him all the time in the world to operate. While they rested him because it was a blowout, three other QBs got playing time which might show the starting job isn’t settled yet.

Michigan’s best work on offense came in the running game. De’veon Smith got hurt, which could be worrisome if it’s serious, but Chris Evans stepped in and racked up 112 yards and two touchdowns on eight carries. He’s not Captain America, but you could easily get them mixed up after his heroic performance in Smith’s absence.

The blowout also let Harbaugh make a lot of rotations, and practically his entire recruiting class got to see the field. After Harbaugh basically inherited Brady Hoke’s roster and doubled their win total, he wants to prove that this is his team now.

For all the hype Michigan had coming into the season, this was a very satisfying result. But if Ohio State proved anything this week, it’s that they’re still the class of the Big Ten East.

Next: No. 1

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