A look at the Big Ten through Week 2 Games... Week 3 on Saturday!

The Big Ten doesn't have the national power right now. Basically, Florida and Texas hold that honor. Ohio State came close against USC in Week 2, but the final USC drive was too much and USC beat Ohio State in Columbus 18-15.

Who's #1 after Week 2?

1. Heck, no Big Ten teams have begun, so really 1-11 are all equal at 0-0!

Okay, let's rate the Big Ten right now ... using the Saragin Ratings

1. Ohio State (1-1) - The Buckeyes rebound in Cleveland in Week 3 vs. Toledo (1-1).


2. Penn State (2-0) - The Nittany Lions face their third home game in three weeks as Temple (0-1) arrives to Happy Valley in a tune up before Week 4's Big Ten home opener.


3. Michigan (2-0) - The Wolverines have their confidence back with an impressive 38-34 win over rival Notre Dame (1-1) in Week 2. Eastern Michigan (0-2), the worst team in the MAC, is next up in the Big House.


4. Iowa (2-0) - The Hawkeyes host an homecoming of sorts, with Arizona Mike Stoops, bringing his Wildcats (2-0) to Iowa City to face his alma mater. Iowa's last outing at Kinnick was a 17-16 squeaker vs. UNI, a Top 5 FCS team.


5. Wisconsin (2-0) - The Badgers host Wofford (1-1), from the Southern Conference in the FCS. The last FCS opponent, Cal Poly in '08, took the Badgers to overtime. The Badgers are coming off a 2OT game with Fresno State in Week 2.


6. Minnesota (2-0) - The Golden Gophers haven't won a big OOC game, since the 1950s at home. Week 3 brings #8 California (2-0) to town for a huge Pac Ten-Big Ten showdown.


7. Purdue (1-1) - The Boilermakers gave a huge fight on the road @ Oregon (1-1) in Week 2. Next up: vs. Northern Illinois (1-1), who are capable, if the Boilers don't bring their A game.


8. Michigan State (1-1) - The Spartans were upset at home in Week 2 vs. Central Michigan (1-1). Now, the Spartans hit the road @ Notre Dame (1-1), where the visitor has won 7 of the last 8 in this series. Last year, MSU beat Notre Dame 23-7 in East Lansing.


9. Illinois (1-1) - The Fighting Illini have the weekend off and will open @ Illinois in Week 4. The injury news has not been good for the Fighting Illini thus far in '09.


10. Indiana (2-0) - The Hoosiers take their new 'Pistol' offense on the road @ Akron (1-1), a MAC opponent. The Hoosiers won their last MAC road game in '07 beating Western Michigan. Can coach Bill Lynch and the Hoosiers make it 2 for 2?


11. Northwestern (2-0) - The Wildcats have beat Towson and Eastern Michigan in the first two home outings. Now, a trip @ Syracuse (0-2), who have played back to back games vs. Minnesota and @ Penn State. Could this be a tough one for a Big Ten team?

peace