Though I haven’t been invited to actually vote in a poll on any other sites so far this fall, we will keep the Big Ten Power Poll going here at TDG. As you may remember from last year, this is how I rank the teams in the Big Ten as of this week, so things can change a little or a lot from week to week. I’m sure many of you will disagree with my rankings, so let me know why in the comments.

Big Ten East

#1 Ohio State Buckeyes

The Buckeyes get my benefit of the doubt to start the season. JT Barrett is a known quantity and he still has plenty of weapons to throw to, along with his legs. The Buckeyes will have to see if they can get what they need from a freshman running back, but I’m guessing the answer is yes.

#2 Michigan Wolverines

Jim Harbaugh is being talked about as a coach of the year canidate allready, and Michigan will be better than last year, but they still have big holes. I don’t think O’Korn is as good a QB as people are banking on, and the Wolverines still need to patch a leaky O-line at times from a year ago.

#3 Michigan State Spartans

It seems weird putting the Spartans this far down, but they lose a lot of offense from last season. As much as missing Connor Cook hurts, losing the big boys on the O-line will be a bigger task to fix.

#4 Penn State Nittany Lions

I don’t know how good they really will be, but I think at least initially they are the best of the next group.

#5 Indiana Hoosiers

Kevin Wilson returns a lot of offense from a year ago and finally might have a defense as well. But it is the Hoosiers so I fully expect them to crap the bed to ruin my rankings any time.

#6 Maryland Terrapins

Maryland has a new coach and is bringing in a ton of local talent. I just think their rise up the east may still be a year or two away.

#7 Rutgers Scarlet Knights

New coach Chris Ash is getting lots of praise nationally, but Rutgers is still Rutgers until they prove otherwise.

Big Ten West

#1 Iowa Hawkeyes

Kind of by default, you could argue Nebraska here too, but Iowa returns Desmond King and CJ Beathard, so that gives them an early leg up.

#2 Nebraska Cornhuskers

Everyone seems to be high on the Huskers this season. I guess I don’t really see it, but they might float to the top of the sea of mediocrity. Tommy Armstrong Jr is back for his senior year, but while he can show flashes of briliance, he can also look like a dog at times.

#3 Wisconsin Badgers

OK heres where you yell at me. Talent wise, Wisconsin is still better than Minnesota. Their schedule will kill them though. I expect this is the last time they will be this high for most of the season. Bart Houston....woof.

#4 Minnesota Gophers

I feel as though we should really be Missouri, because how I feel about Minnesota is the State Motto of Missouri—The Show Me State. So Mitch, Gopher D, Coach Claeys—show me something.

#5 Northwestern Wildcats

Again, by the end of the season they could be a lot higher, but I still think last year was a bit of a fluke. Guess its up to the Cats to prove me wrong.

#6 Illinois Fighting Illini

Welcome to the Big Ten Lovie Smith. Good luck with your team. I look forward to Wes Lunt being the college version of Jay Cutler.

#7 Purdue Boilermakers

Because someone has to be last. Good luck Darrell Hazel.

My Rank 1-14

1. Ohio State Buckeyes
2. Michigan Wolverines
3. Michigan State Spartans
4. Iowa Hawkeyes
5. Nebraska Cornhuskers
6. Wisconsin Badgers
7. Minnesota Gophers
8. Penn State Nittany Lions
9. Northwestern Wildcats
10. Indiana Hoosiers
11. Maryland Terrapins
12. Illinois Fighting Illini
13. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
14. Purdue Boilermakers