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Big Ten Football Power Rankings: Week 2

By Connor Muldowney

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Sep 4, 2015; Kalamazoo, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio talks to quarterback Connor Cook (18) during the 2nd half of a game at Waldo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan State entered week one’s showdown with Western Michigan in Kalamazoo, Mich., with the intention of blowing past the Broncos in order to focus on Oregon in week two.

Related: MSU vs. WMU: Grading the Spartans’ performance

That didn’t quite happen as the Spartans won despite relatively close score, even though they dominated for three quarters, and finished the game out with a 37-24 victory. Michigan State played well in the first half, but switching to zone defense in the second half was a poor decision.

Cornerbacks and safeties were burned by quarterback Zach Terrell and receiver Corey Davis while Connor Cook struggled to get in rhythm, completing just 15-of-31 passes. Cook did finish with 256 yards and two scores, but it wasn’t very impressive. Aaron Burbridge has become the clear No. 1 receiver while three running backs played well enough to remain in the mix for this week.

Again, no surprise here as the Buckeyes rolled over Virginia Tech in week one despite a close first half in which the Hokies took a lead into the locker room.

Ohio State is clearly the best team in the country, however, and Cardale Jones, J.T. Barrett, Braxton Miller and Ezekiel Elliott are all scary weapons to use on the offensive side of the ball.

Not only did Braxton excel in his first game as starter, he embarrassed the Hokies with this spin move:

Just unreal how well Miller did on Monday night, catching two passes for 78 yards and a score while rushing for 62 yards and a touchdown on six carries. Elliott also had a huge night, finishing with 122 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries while Cardale Jones passed for 186 yards and two TDs while rushing for another 99 and a score.

J.T. Barrett made one pass and it was a beauty, completing a 26-yard touchdown throw to Michael Thomas on a perfectly-run route.

Ohio State will remain No. 1 for a while.

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