Michigan Wolverines

Five lessons from the week that was in Big Ten football.

1. The Ineligibles overachieved under great coaches: We won't see Ohio State or Penn State until next fall, but both teams went out on positive notes to end seasons in which they overachieved. Aside from die-hard Buckeyes believers, who expected Ohio State to go 12-0 and record just the sixth unbeaten, untied season in team history? Even fewer people expected Penn State to go 8-4 after a tumultuous offseason that featured the exodus of running back Silas Redd and other key players. And when the Lions started 0-2, most folks wrote them off. But Bill O'Brien and his team never lost faith and surged through most of the Big Ten season. It was fitting that kicker Sam Ficken, whose struggles at Virginia led to Penn State's loss, had the game-winning field goal Saturday as the Lions beat Wisconsin in overtime. O'Brien exceeded all expectations in his first season as a head coach, recording the most wins ever by a first-year Lions boss. Will he be Big Ten Coach of the Year? The only other worthy candidate is Urban Meyer, who took a seven-loss Buckeyes team with significant depth issues and transformed it into one of the nation's best.

2. Michigan isn't really back: Sure, the Wolverines have dug themselves out from the Rich Rodriguez-created crater, and they had a charmed season end in a Sugar Bowl title last season. But in terms of beating really good teams, the ones that signify Michigan once again has a place among the nation's elite, Brady Hoke's crew is still looking for a breakthrough. Michigan won a respectable eight games, but its four losses in the regular season -- Alabama, Notre Dame, Nebraska and Ohio State -- came against the best four teams it played. The Wolverines were extremely fortunate to beat a good Northwestern team and a mediocre Michigan State squad on their home field. While it was nice to end the losing streak against Ohio State last season, Michigan beat the worst Buckeyes team we've seen in more than a decade. The offense still seems hamstrung in some ways by the Denard Robinson era, though the emergence of Devin Gardner is promising for the future. There are signs Michigan is close, and the renaissance on defense under Hoke and Greg Mattison can't be denied. But it'll take a bit longer for Michigan to truly claim it is back, although a Jan. 1 bowl victory against an SEC foe would help.

3. Rex Burkhead still can make an impact: This hasn't been the season the Nebraska senior running back envisioned, but he can still play a major role in how it turns out for Big Red. Burkhead returned to the field in the second half Friday against Iowa after Nebraska's offense stumbled and fell behind 7-3. In his first appearance since Oct. 20, Burkhead racked up 69 yards and Nebraska's only touchdown on 16 carries. He might not be 100 percent, but he showed the skills that make him beloved in the Cornhusker State, particularly on a grinding 9-yard run to pick up a first down after Nebraska was pinned inside its own 1-yard line early in the fourth quarter. Nebraska had hoped to get through the Iowa game without Burkhead, but when the team needed him, he delivered. He likely will play a bigger role this week against Wisconsin in the Big Ten title game. Burkhead had 86 rush yards against the Badgers in the Big Ten opener, the only full game he has played this season. He could be the boost Nebraska needs to win its first league title since 1999 and possibly win the Rose Bowl, too.

4. Danny Hope's players didn't quit on him: Many Purdue fans have seen enough of fourth-year coach Danny Hope, but Hope has plenty of allies in his locker room. The Boilers easily could have quit after dropping their first five Big Ten games -- four blowouts (three at home) plus the heartbreaker at Ohio State. Some teams projected to do much more would have gone in the tank. But Purdue rallied behind Hope and gutsy quarterback Robert Marve, who played despite a torn anterior cruciate ligament, and won its final three games to secure a bowl berth. The product rarely looked pretty, and even Saturday's Bucket game against Indiana featured some bang-your-head-against-the-wall moments. But Purdue's players never stopped fighting and will head somewhere warm for the holidays. Whether Hope joins them remains to be seen, but he deserves some credit for keeping the team afloat during such a difficult stretch.

5. Bowl practices will be crucial for Big Ten teams: We don't know the bowl matchups yet, but they will be daunting for the Big Ten, which will be without two of its best teams (Ohio State and Penn State) in the postseason. For the league to avoid another bad bowl performance, several teams must take significant steps during bowl practices. Michigan State has the defense and the running back (Le'Veon Bell) to win its bowl game, but it needs quarterback Andrew Maxwell and a young receiving corps to develop. Coach Mark Dantonio hinted this week that his offense needed an update to keep up with the times. Maybe that can start next month in earnest. Minnesota has to get healthy and re-establish its offensive identity behind true freshman quarterback Philip Nelson, who will benefit from the 15 practices. Wisconsin also will have a chance to iron out its offensive issues, while a young Northwestern team that made major strides this fall must make another before facing what should be a heavily favored SEC foe in Florida. Michigan also gets some extra time to figure out its vision on offense with Gardner and Robinson.

Redemption Saturday is nearly upon us. That certainly goes for the Big Ten, which went 6-6 in a miserable Week 2, and for the Big Ten bloggers, who didn't fare much better (Rittenberg went 8-4; Bennett went 7-5).

This week's slate certainly looks a lot more manageable for the Big Ten, and several teams -- looking at you, Wisconsin, Iowa and Penn State -- definitely need a W.

It's prediction time ...

WESTERN MICHIGAN at MINNESOTA

Brian Bennett: The Gophers improve to 3-0 -- barely. Jordan Wettstein nails his second game winner of the young season after MarQueis Gray leads the team down the field in the final two minutes. Minnesota overcomes three turnovers to escape at home. ... Minnesota 27, Western Michigan 24

Adam Rittenberg: Broncos quarterback Alex Carder provides the first real test for Minnesota, which gives up two early touchdowns before settling down. It'll be a close one, but Gray and the run game do enough as Minnesota goes to 3-0. ... Minnesota 30, Western Michigan 24

ARKANSAS STATE at NEBRASKA

Adam Rittenberg: It'll take more than a week for Nebraska to fix its defensive woes against fast-paced, spread-ish offenses. Gus Malzahn's team makes some plays, but Arkansas State can't stop anyone, and both Taylor Martinez and Ameer Abdullah rush for more than 100 yards. ... Nebraska 41, Arkansas State 21

Brian Bennett: I think the Huskers come out angry after the loss to UCLA and take it out on Malzahn's team. The defense gives up some big plays but keeps Arkansas State under 400 total yards. Martinez has four touchdowns, including two scoring tosses to Kenny Bell. ... Nebraska 45, Arkansas State 24

CALIFORNIA at No. 12 OHIO STATE

Brian Bennett: No rest this week for Braxton Miller, but he'll enjoy running and passing against Cal's shaky defense. The Golden Bears hang around for a while, but two more picks by an opportunistic Buckeyes defense kills any upset thoughts ... Ohio State 35, Cal 21

Adam Rittenberg: I grew up in Berkeley going to Bears games, and it's sad to say the Cal program is in free fall under coach Jeff Tedford. Ohio State has some initial trouble figuring out the Cal defense, but Miller gets going eventually and accounts for three touchdowns. Cornerback Bradley Roby records his first interception of the season as Ohio State pulls away in the third quarter. ... Ohio State 31, Cal 17

CHARLESTON SOUTHERN at ILLINOIS

Adam Rittenberg: We ranked this as the worst Big Ten nonconference game, and it won't disappoint (not sure if that's possible). Josh Ferguson eclipses 200 rushing yards, and at least two Illinois quarterbacks fire touchdown passes as the Illini roll. ... Illinois 45, Charleston Southern 3

Brian Bennett: I'd be more interested in watching the Illini stage an intrasquad scrimmage than this yawner. Doesn't matter if Nathan Scheelhaase or a line cook from Nathan's Famous starts at quarterback. Illinois will win in a rout, and we won't learn a thing. ... Illinois 49, Charleston Southern 0

EASTERN MICHIGAN at PURDUE

Adam Rittenberg: Eastern Michigan looks like the perfect opponent for Purdue's offense to recharge against. Akeem Shavers rushes for 150 yards and three scores against the nation's No. 118 rush defense, and Caleb TerBush fires two touchdown passes. ... Purdue 38, Eastern Michigan 14

Brian Bennett: The Boilers, still smarting from the Notre Dame loss and the Robert Marve injury news, get off to a slow start. But their defense and running game take over and wear down Eastern Michigan. Shavers runs for 100 yards and two scores. ... Purdue 42, Eastern Michigan 17

BOSTON COLLEGE at NORTHWESTERN

Brian Bennett: I love the way the Northwestern defense stepped up against Vandy, and Venric Mark is becoming a star. But ... history tells us the Cats usually slip up after good things happen. So I'm picking the mild upset here, with Chase Rettig throwing the winning score late in the fourth quarter. ... BC 31, Northwestern 28

Adam Rittenberg: Toughest game of the week to predict. (I haven't been right on Northwestern yet.) I like Pat Fitzgerald's approach to ward off a letdown, and while Boston College jumps ahead early and attacks Northwestern's secondary more, I don't think the Eagles can slow down Mark and the run game for four quarters. Expect another Trevor Siemian-led rally as Northwestern improves to 3-0. ... Northwestern 28, Boston College 27

MASSACHUSETTS at No. 17 MICHIGAN

Adam Rittenberg: This isn't the same UMass team that nearly stunned Michigan in the Big House in 2010. The Minutemen are awful. Fitz Toussaint gets back in the groove with three rushing touchdowns, and Denard Robinson puts up more sick stats in a total laugher. ... Michigan 65, UMass 0

Brian Bennett: If Brady Hoke wanted Robinson to get 700 yards in this game, he could. Instead, Robinson puts up 100 yards rushing and three total touchdowns before sitting in the third quarter, while Toussaint finally gets going against what is likely the nation's worst FBS team. ... Michigan 55, UMass 3

NAVY at PENN STATE

Brian Bennett: OK, I incorrectly picked the Nittany Lions to win the first two weeks (although they won everywhere but the scoreboard at Virginia). I'm guaranteeing that Penn State gets off the schneid against the Midshipmen. The Lions' problems on defense have revolved around stopping the pass, which won't be an issue against the option. Matt McGloin helps PSU find the end zone three times. ... Penn State 24, Navy 14

Adam Rittenberg: Penn State has played well enough to win, and the Lions finally get over the hump this week. I like the matchup for Penn State's defense, which doesn't have to worry too much about the pass. McGloin fires two touchdown passes, and Sam Ficken connects on a 50-yarder as Penn State finally celebrates. ... Penn State 17, Navy 13

NORTHERN IOWA at IOWA

Adam Rittenberg: I've wanted to pick against Iowa twice now and hesitated, getting burned last week. This time, I'm going against the Hawkeyes, even though the opponent is Northern Iowa. The FCS Panthers have nothing to lose, while Iowa continues to play tight on offense. UNI nearly beat a good Iowa team in 2009. It beats a bad one this year. ... Northern Iowa 17, Iowa 16

Brian Bennett: The Hawkeyes fail to score a touchdown yet again, but get by on four Mike Meyer field goals. Iowa blocks a three-point try by the Panthers on the final play to survive. ... Iowa 12, Northern Iowa 9

BALL STATE at INDIANA

Brian Bennett: The 2-0 start for Indiana is a nice story, but the schedule hasn't been very good. Ball State is a major step up, and with Cameron Coffman getting his first start at quarterback, this is a dangerous assignment for the young Hoosiers. They lead early but can't control the Cardinals' running game in the fourth quarter. ... Ball State 35, Indiana 28

Adam Rittenberg: I really think the Hoosiers are getting better, but I agree with you about the schedule. Ball State is a significant jump in competition, and while Coffman fires two touchdown passes, he also fires two interceptions in his first start. The Cardinals rally to make it three straight against the Hoosiers. ... Ball State 31, Indiana 30

No. 20 NOTRE DAME at No. 10 MICHIGAN STATE

Adam Rittenberg: Get ready for another defensive struggle at Spartan Stadium. Michigan State's defense has been as advertised, and coordinator Pat Narduzzi told me this week that the unit is nowhere near its potential. Isaiah Lewis and the Spartans make it a rough night for Notre Dame's quarterbacks, and Le'Veon Bell rushes for two scores as MSU improves to 3-0. ... Michigan State 17, Notre Dame 10

Brian Bennett: This one will come down to defense, as Michigan State hasn't allowed an offensive touchdown all year and the Irish front seven will give Andrew Maxwell some problems. The Spartans' D is just better, however, and creates one score off a turnover. Bell does the rest with two touchdowns. ... Michigan State 21, Notre Dame 17

UTAH STATE at WISCONSIN

Brian Bennett: No Badgers assistant coaches will lose their jobs after the team gets back in the winning column. But it won't be easy against an Aggies team that just beat Utah. The Wisconsin offensive line looks a bit better, and Montee Ball runs for 125 yards and two scores. ... Wisconsin 23, Utah State 14

Adam Rittenberg: If Wisconsin's offensive linemen have any pride, they come out angry in this one. And a bunch of angry 300-pounders means bad things for the Aggies. The Badgers start quickly and get their swagger back, racking up 250 rush yards. ... Wisconsin 31, Utah State 17

SEASON RECORDS

Rittenberg: 18-6 (.750)

Bennett: 17-7 (.708)

We're required by law to call these power rankings, but there wasn't much power in the Big Ten during Week 2. It was a miserable week for the league, no matter how you spin it.

What we do know -- and perhaps all we know -- is that Michigan State clearly looks like the class of the conference. The Spartans handled their business in Week 2, which few Big Ten teams can say. Nebraska and Wisconsin tumble in the rankings, along with Iowa, which can't find the end zone. Northwestern makes a move in the right direction after its defense-driven win against Vanderbilt.

The rankings are beginning to shift from what we thought these teams were to what they are at the present moment. For most of the season, the power rankings are a snapshot of how the teams are performing in real time.

Let's get to the rundown ...

1. Michigan State (2-0, last week's ranking: 1): The Spartans got the bounce-back performance they needed from quarterback Andrew Maxwell, who had two touchdown passes and no interceptions against Central Michigan. Spurred by another stifling defensive performance, Michigan State should have had a shutout. Another big-time home showdown awaits Mark Dantonio's crew as rival Notre Dame visits East Lansing.

2. Ohio State (2-0, last week: 5): After cruising in Week 1, the Buckeyes faced a much better test from UCF and had to work hard to shake free of the Knights. Quarterback Braxton Miller looks like a superstar in Urban Meyer's offense, but he needs some help around him. Ohio State's defense had its struggles at times against UCF's offense, but timely turnovers generated by the secondary helped save the day. This team is a work in progress, but the future looks very promising.

3. Michigan (1-1, last week: 3): Typically a six-point home win against Air Force results in a drop in the rankings, but Michigan holds at No. 3 because so many of its Big Ten brethren stumbled. The Wolverines resembled their 2010 version at times Saturday, as Denard Robinson carried the team on his shoulders and fast feet, while the defense endured more than a few breakdowns against a tricky opponent. Greg Mattison's unit eventually made enough plays to win, but Michigan will need to be better as several tough road games (Notre Dame, Purdue) are on the horizon.

4. Nebraska (1-1, last week: 2): It's tough to know where the Huskers are after a woeful defensive performance at UCLA that left coach Bo Pelini "embarrassed." We still like Big Red's offense enough to keep the team here, as Taylor Martinez, Ameer Abdullah and others continue to gash opposing defenses. Still, Saturday's loss brought back all the questions about consistency and poise that have dogged Pelini during most of his tenure. Nebraska certainly didn't look like a team that will be returning to Pasadena on Jan. 1.

5. Northwestern (2-0, last week: 9): Other than Michigan State, Northwestern has the Big Ten's best résumé through the first two weeks. The Wildcats have beaten two major-conference foes (Syracuse and Vanderbilt), won both on the road and at home and delivered in different ways. Saturday night's defense-driven win is a significant step for a team that has struggled mightily on defense the past two years. Pat Fitzgerald's quarterback rotation of Kain Colter and Trevor Siemian also seems to be working. Northwestern is by no means a finished product, but things are coming together for a young team faster than expected.

6. Purdue (1-1, last week: 6): The Boilers had the best of the Big Ten's six losses Saturday and gave Notre Dame all it could handle in a game that went down to the final seconds. After some early struggles, quarterback Caleb TerBush relieved the injured Robert Marve and made some big throws on the game-tying touchdown drive, while Purdue sacked Irish quarterbacks five times. The defense couldn't get the stops it needed on the final drive, but Purdue showed it can be a major factor in a completely wide-open Leaders Division.

7. Wisconsin (1-1, last week: 4): No loss stunned the Big Ten community more than Wisconsin's at Oregon State, and the only thing more surprising about the loss was how it happened. Wisconsin's anemic offensive performance has sparked a panic in America's dairyland, and for good reason. Although the Badgers have a new offensive staff, they boast a Heisman Trophy finalist in Montee Ball and an always formidable offensive line. To nearly be shut out by a midlevel Pac-12 team is inexcusable. Bret Bielema's team faces its first real crisis since the 2008 season.

8. Minnesota (2-0, last week: 11): There was no FCS disaster in Gopher Country this year as Minnesota made quick work of New Hampshire. The Gophers' defense continues to impress, especially up front, where end D.L. Wilhite (2.5 tackles for loss, forced fumble) and tackle Ra'Shede Hageman (2 sacks) delivered another outstanding performance. Senior quarterback MarQueis Gray settled down nicely and broke off a 75-yard touchdown. The competition will get better in the coming weeks, but the Gophers certainly look like an improved team.

9. Illinois (1-1, last week: 7): It's never easy to win on the road without your starting quarterback, and Illinois undoubtedly missed the injured Nathan Scheelhaase on Saturday night. But the Illini defense was supposed to keep the team afloat. Instead, it caved against the Sun Devils, surrendering 45 points, 26 first downs and 510 total yards. It's unacceptable for a unit that likes to consider itself among the nation's elite. The Illini never challenged Arizona State, and while Josh Ferguson's performance (14 carries, 101 yards) is a nice building block, the team still lacks threats in the pass game.

10. Iowa (1-1, last week: 8): We were tempted to drop Iowa even more after a pathetic offensive performance against rival Iowa State at home. The Hawkeyes failed to score a touchdown and have a grand total of one in the first two games under coordinator Greg Davis. Only six other FBS teams have that sorry distinction. Senior quarterback James Vandenberg has struggled, and so have his pass-catching targets. Although the competition has been decent, Iowa will face tougher teams in Big Ten play and must find some sort of identity in a hurry.

11. Penn State (0-2, last week: 10): The Lions have played one of the tougher schedules in the league and shown some good things, including an inspired defensive performance for 58 minutes Saturday at Virginia. But this sport is about getting wins and converting opportunities, and Penn State has done neither in its first two games. It's hard to lose when you're plus-four in turnover margin, but Penn State once again couldn't finish drives and kicker Sam Ficken had a day he'd like to forget in Charlottesville. Penn State has the potential to turn things around, but confidence has to be an issue for a team living under a dark cloud.

12. Indiana (2-0, last week: 12): Hoosiers fans, it's nothing personal. We realize Indiana is 2-0 and looked very good in Saturday's road win against Massachusetts. The reason IU is still here is because the competition level hasn't provided a sufficient gauge of the team through the first two weeks. We believe if the Hoosiers played Penn State or Iowa right now, especially without top quarterback Tre Roberson, they would lose. Indiana will change our opinion in a hurry if it keeps winning, and the competition gets better soon, beginning Saturday night as Ball State visits Bloomington.