The rebirth of the NDL and Block 1 of B1G action got off to a great start, as the B1G coaches we eager to get their teams on the field. With so many unknowns, trying to sort out how much rust the vets would have and how my flash the rookies would have, along with how they’d mix, was tough to do. Ultimately, I opted to look specifically at the talent on the roster with a little nod to what history had told us. Now that we’ve got 2 weeks in the books, a few Beefy Cup games knocked out and some scrimmage action visible, we can start to get a read on what we’re looking at here.
18.) MINNESOTA (82) 0-2
Previous: 13
Coach: UncleLbo34
Opening the season with a trip to face Coach BigMike and Mizzu was big ask and Wk.2 opponent UCF is no slouch either. Unfortunately, Minnesota came out on the wrong end of both matchups and had little positive news to discuss. As expected, the QB situation is a struggle, as the Gophers have combined for just 2 TDs and 9 INTs through the air. Coach Lbo gets a bye week to help memory hole the start of the season and get back on track when they host a 2-0 Iowa team in Wk.4.
17.) UCLA (82) (0-1)
Previous: 14
Coach: Ghost of Pauley Pavilion (61-150)
A 3 spot drop in the rankings is less about what UCLA did a more about the bottom of the B1G having a decent start to the year. While there wasn’t anything spectacular in the Bruins 7-21 loss at Stanford, they were playing a solid coach on the road. QB Ethan Garbers connected on 15/18 passes, however, that’s an unofficial stat because 3 of those were to the other team. If Garbers can find some consistency to go with the steady running of TJ Harden, UCLA will be heading in the right direction. UCLA gets 2 home games with Indiana and USF to try to shift momentum, because they stare down Oregon and Penn St in the following block of games.
16.) RUTGERS (82) (0-2)
Previous: 12
Coach: geauxcapper
The 2 losses to start the year really sting, but Oregon State is likely to land in the Top 25 sooner or later (they’ll be in mine) and Baylor is formidable. It’s tough to get a read on what is and isn’t working for the Knights right now, but the fact that both scores were relatively close means that they aren’t far away from positive outcomes. Wk.3 is a time to regroup on the bye and prepare for nice opportunity against UConn in Wk.4.
15.) MARYLAND (80) (1-1)
Previous: 17
Coach: Drewwbacca
Coach Drew and Terps moved up 2 spots this week after going 1-1 to start the season. Maryland was atrocious on the ground vs Nevada, averaging less than 2 YPC, but QB Billy Edwards more than made up for it, throwing for over 500yds and 8 TDs in an absolute shootout with another NDL newcomer, Coach Hacksaw. Wk.2 brought about their first B1G matchup, but Edwards didn’t have nearly the same success against the Spartans defense. Maryland picked up an early touchdown in the 1st, then watched Michigan St. runaway with the game, losing 7-36. Coach Drew gets two solid matchups for the Terps to showcase their ability, as they draw a trip to Eastern Michigan, followed by a drive south to Middle Tennessee. A couple of wins could see Maryland pushing up the ranks.
14.) MICHIGAN STATE (80) (1-1)
Previous: 16
Coach: Korben_Dallas7
A last second coaching change saw new NDL Coach Korben taking the lead for the Spartans. While ODU was a bit of a hiccup in Wk.1, The Spartans put the B1G on notice with an impressive 36-7 victory over Maryland. The new coach is still getting his feet under him regarding the NDL, but he’s shown to be active and competitive. With NIU at home in Wk.3 and a Wk.4 bye, Michigan St hopes to be in good position as they get ready for Ohio St. and Oregon back-to-back.
13.) ILLINOIS (80) (1-1)
Previous: 15
Coach: uf83198 (47-27)
Also on the rise is Illinois. The Illini were just a few points away from sitting at 2-0 to start the season. A trip to the smurf turf ended in a 3 point loss, but Coach UF rallied his troops to bring home a solid win at home against Arizona. QB Luke Altmyers and HB Kaden Feagin have been able to move the ball around ok for Illinois, but defensively, the Illini must figure out how to control the box. Wk.1 exposed the running game a bit, but it looks like Illinois might have found the answer, as they slowed down a quality 1-2 punch from Arizona. The tough tests will continue in Wk.3 as Louisville makes the short trip up and then the Illini are off to Nebraska in Wk.4.
12.) WASHINGTON (82) (0-1)
Previous: 11
Coach: Doodee (157-75)
The other last second coaching change in the B1G occurred with the Huskies. A member from Season 2 to Season 17, Coach Doodee had sustained tenures at the helm of Ohio State and LSU. You don’t get to the top of the mountain and stay there by being a pushover. While CSU’s feisty passing attack caused issues in Wk1, I think QB Will Rogers and HB Jonah Coleman are going to rebound to finish block 1 and head into the Wk.3 Apple Cup showdown with NDL vet Cougnix and Washington State. Then we’ve got a game that’s going to be a bit of a measuring stick in Wk.4, as Washington invites currently 2-0 Northwestern to the PNW to square off with long-time NDL vet Coach Matt90210.
11.) INDIANA (82) (0-1)
Previous: 9
Coach: TattooBoyP (63-79)
The Hoosiers aren’t happy with a Wk.1 upset by Kent State. QB Kurtis Rourke only took to the air 13 times and 3 of those ended up in the defense’s hands. Coach Tattoo tried his best to bring stability with the running game, letting HB Justice Ellison get 26 carries, but the 3.8 YPC was far from ideal. While the punch in the gut hurts, the Hoosiers aren’t down and out. They’ve got a delayed Wk.2 matchup with La Tech to try to split the first block and the overall schedule is very backloaded. We’ll see if Indiana can sort out the passing game and make a quick turnaround as they head to UCLA in Wk.3 and host the Battle for the Bourbon Barrel against Kentucky in Wk.4.
10.) WISCONSIN (87) (0-2)
Previous: 5
Coach: Wave 214 (15-39)
The biggest drop of the week goes to the Badgers, tumbling from 5 to 10. Even though Wisconsin went 0-2 to start the season, I feel like the roster is too good to fail right now. QB Tyler van Dyke is struggling bad, with 0 TDs and 12 INTs. But he went 0 and 5 vs Okie State and the Badgers only lost by 7. There’s something to work with here and Coach Wave has to calm the water. The smart move would be looking to the talented HB trio led by Chez Mellusi. Mellusi is rushing for nearly 6 YPC and the Wisconsin OL is going to handle most fronts. The Badgers have a surprising tough test in Wk.3, as Coach CJG has the Mississippi St. Bulldogs playing some good football to start the season. Wk.4 gives Coach Wave a chance to get some reps in with the squad and prepare to set sail through the B1G schedule.
9.) PURDUE (82) (1-0)
Previous: 10
Coach: dub6582
A textbook start to the season for the Boilermakers and Coach Dub, as they used the opening bye week to prepare and then dropped the hammer on visiting Troy, 39-14. QB Hudson Card was efficient from the pocket, connecting on 10/14 for 173yds and 1 TD, finding 6’3 burner CJ Smith for a 75yd strike, while the combined Purdue rushing attack put up 223 yards on the ground at a robust 6.2 YPC. Defensively, Purdue swiped 4 interceptions and grounded the Trojans offense. The Boilermakers move on to a bigger test in Wk.3, as Notre Dame treks across northern Indiana to battle for the Shillelagh Trophy. This game is going to set the tone for a long road trip across the country to square off with a pesky Oregon State team in Wk.4.
8.) NORTHWESTERN (80) (2-0)
Previous: 18
Coach: matt90210 (161-157)
Coach matt90210 started the season off in style! Cue the music, because Northwestern started from the bottom now their here! The best story in the B1G to start the season was Northwestern welcoming 2 quality opponents to town and smacking around both teams! The Wildcats kicked off the season with an impressive 38-7 victory lead by a defense that forced 4 turnovers and brought 3 of the back for touchdowns. Wk.2 was Virginia Tech’s turn and they faired only slightly better score wise, with the Wildcats winning 31-7. Once again, the defense showed their claws, snagging 7 interceptions from VT QB Kyron Drones. Offensively, Northwestern hasn’t needed a lot, but HB Cam Porter has been a bright spot. Hopefully the Wk.3 bye doesn’t slow down the momentum and the Wildcats are ready for a purple clash with a trip to Washington.
7.) MICHIGAN (88) (1-1)
Previous: 3
Coach: phreakk (50-43)
Maybe a drop from 3 to 7 isn’t fair. It probably isn’t. But let’s call this motivation for Coach Phreakk, because I fully expect an immediate rebound here. In Wk.1 the Wolverines were on cruise control, letting HB Donovan Edwards do whatever he wanted with the Cougars and as they laid there and took it, as the QB Orji wasn’t needed. But Wk.2 was a different story, as Michigan quickly found out that no matter how good Donovan Edwards is, QB Alex Orji has to be able to move the ball through the air. While the yardage was there, Orji fired to picks against the Vols and that led to a 10 points loss in the Big House. Coach Phreakk will use his week 3 bye to get the house in order and then I expect the Wolverines to show up as an improved team for their week 4 matchup with USC.
6.) NEBRASKA (84) (2-0)
Previous: 8
Coach: Spyder_XT (0-0)
Nebraska is supposed to beat UTEP and Texas State. Nebraska did beat UTEP and Texas State. Very simple, do what you’re supposed to do, and everything will be good. So here we are, up to 2 spots. QB Dylan Raiola wasn’t pretty in the Wk.1 matchup with UTEP, tossing 4 INTs, but he cleaned it up a bit in Wk.2, which is what you want to see from a quality coach. HB Rahmir Johnson was a force on the ground when needed and JR DB Tommi Hill swiped has shown a nose for the ball with 3 INTs through 2 games. There’s a slight bump in competition for the next block that will give us a really good read on where the Cornhuskers season is going to go. In Wk.3 they get a visit from a Georgia Tech team that could show up in the Top 25 this week and they follow that with a visit from Illinois. Taking 2 more wins here would really set the Huskers up for a nice season.
5.) IOWA(87) (2-0)
Previous: 7
Coach: Wildes1 (38-33)
The Cy-Hawk Trophy will be proudly displayed in Kinnick Stadium as the Iowa Hawkeyes have flown to a 2-0 start, including a massive 40-6 victory over the Cyclones. The recipe for success seems simple, hand the rock to HB Leshon Williams and keep feeding him until he can hardly move. That kind of strategy might work out of the gate, but the Hawkeyes or going to have to come up with a new meal plan or the B1G is going to eat them alive. While Coach Wildes has managed the 2 victories, there will a lot of eyes on the Hawkeyes over the next few weeks. Big numbers never go unnoticed. With a bye week coming up in Wk.3 giving the Hawkeyes an opportunity to adjust and winnable B1G opener at Minnesota, the Hawkeyes should be set to take a record in The Shoe to face Ohio State in Wk.6.
4.) USC (87) (1-0)
Previous: 6
Coach: The_5thLineMason
It's tough to give a detailed outlook on the Trojans after their defense destroyed Akron in Wk.1 and they had a bye in Wk.2. DE Jamil Muhammad hammered the Akron QB for 5 sacks. Offensively, Miller Moss was efficient in working short when necessary and finding standout WR Zachariah Branch for 2 TDs and 154 YDS on just 3 receptions. Ultimately, they did what was expected in their sole game and now they’ll face the toughest block 2 set, with a trip to Rocky Top to face the Vols in Wk.3 and they’ll cruise up I-75 and head to the Big House for a Wk.4 showdown with Michigan. Safe travels Trojans, the road ahead is brutal.
3.) PENN STATE (88) (1-0)
Previous: 4
Coach: footballkelly31 (67-129)
Much like the Trojans, block 1 was a light start, with a bye and a visit to Happy Valley by the UConn Huskies. Unlike USC, Penn State left a lot of questions unanswered. Penn State was held scoreless in the first half and pick to start the 2nd half would lead to UConn striking first to go up 7-0. Fans in Happy Valley were anything but happy! But like a vet coach would do, Coach FBK settled the squad down and Penn State was able to answer with a strike to their All-B1G candidate TE and then followed it up with Harrison Wallace III slicing up the Huskies defense for a 77-yard catch and run, to put PSU ahead for good. PSU has another single game block ahead with just a Wk.3 match up with North Texas, but he’s going to have a savvy vet on the other sideline, long-time NDLer Coach fsupenguin. If UNT pulls is there at half, expect the North Texas home crowd to be roaring and Penn State could be in serious trouble. A lot of work ahead for the Nittany Lions this week.
2.) OREGON (93) (2-0)
Previous: 2
Coach: mtwasik (195-188)
The opening week against SJSU couldn’t have been scripted better. QB Dillon Gabriel connected on 3 TD passes and HB Jordan James found pay dirt twice on the ground and twice from Gabriel through the air. Defensively, the Ducks smothered the Spartans conceding less than 100 yards of offense, enroute to a 38-7 victory. Wk.2 against Kansas State proved to be a bump in competition, but once again Oregon had a balanced attack and returned home with a 21-14 win. Now the Ducks are staring at yet another bump in competition, as they’ll head to Corvallis to fight for the Platypus Trophy! Coach Brady has the Beavers chomping up the competition and they are hungry for some roasted Ducks. But Coach Wasik has been strategically preparing for this matchup and he’s ready to prove that the Ducks should be the top team in the B1G. This is going to be an epic battle, don’t miss it!
1.) OHIO STATE (93) (0-0)
Previous: 1
Coach: seeitsaveit13 (225-136)
I know, I know. Oregon is 2-0, OSU hasn’t played a regular season game yet. That’ll come this weekend. Coach Seeit just stepped on the sidelines a few days ago, he’ll hardly be ready. I get it. But what I also get is that in that limited time, a veteran coach, with a strong track record, has been walking through their preparations against other teams. OSU’s second team would likely be a top 5 team in the B1G, that’s how stacked the roster is. I’m fairly certain that the scorekeeper just logs 14 pts when the Buckeyes walk out of the tunnel. With that said, this is a bit of a “show me,” week coming up for the Bucks. We should see the delayed game vs Texas Tech and we’ll get to see OSU travel across the country to face a scrappy Fresno State Bulldogs squad. I fully expect 2-0 heading into B1G play. But if it’s not convincing and the Ducks snag the Platypus Trophy, we’re likely to see a switch at the top of the RBR. Business is about to pick up here in the B1G!
Thanks for reading again this week. We’ve got a nice set of non-conference battles in Wk.3 and then in Wk.4, we’ll see a handful of byes and a lot of teams ramping up their B1G regular season. A lot of exciting action to come this week and I can’t wait to watch on NDL Live!
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