Another Corona week, another cancelled Wisconsin game. Doesn't look like Wisconsin will play the minimum number of games to be considered for the playoffs. Corona virus has also struck down Minnesota and Illinois, but those two teams will still play each other, albeit missing some key players.
Team Power Rankings [Last week's position]
1. Ohio State Buckeyes (2-0) [1] : The only team to be continuously dominate through eight quarters of play so far this season.
2. Wisconsin Badgers (1-0) [2] : I kept them here after one cancellation, but I may punish them for careless Corona virus management in next week's rankings
3. Indiana Hoosiers (2-0) [4] : Indiana continues to impress, and is nationally ranked for the first time in over 20 years
4. Northwestern Wildcats (2-0) [5] : Pulled out a win over Iowa on the road. Not an easy task.
5. Purdue Boilermakers (2-0) [9] : Our remaining unbeaten team has pulled out two close game, and get a break this week with the cancellation of their contest against Wisconsin.
6. Maryland Terrapins (1-1) [14] : Way to bounce back from their debacle against Northwestern and pull off win in overtime when Minnesota missed the extra point.
7. Michigan State Spartans (1-1) [11] : Sparty beat their in-state rival and showed that they still have life in the conference
8. Michigan Wolverines (1-1) [3] : On the other hand, the Wolverines looked confused and dazed in their battle against State.
9. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (1-1) [7] : The Hoosiers spanked them, but let's see if they can bounce back
10. Penn State Nittany Lions (0-2) [6] : The best of our winless teams, they showed life early against Ohio State, but then faded.
11. Iowa Hawkeyes (0-2) [10] : They play close games, but they can't win them. They need to find that final push to get them over the edge into winning territory.
12. Minnesota Golden Gophers (0-2) [8] : If they can improve their kicking game they will be really dangerous
13. Nebraska Cornhuskers (0-1) [12] : We have to wait to see how they bounce back from their drubbing by Ohio State
14. Illinois Fighting Illini (0-2) [13] : They couldn't get it done against Purdue, and now their quarterback is down with the virus. Dark days in Champaign
Week 3 picks
Michigan Wolverines at Indiana Hoosiers : Who would have thought the Hoosiers would be nationally ranked for this game? Who would have thought they would be ranked HIGHER than Michigan? Who would have thought I would favor them? It's a strange 2020, and a Hoosier victory here will illustrate that. INDIANA
Nebraska Cornhuskers at Northwestern Wildcats : The Cornhuskers were flustered by the quick defense of the Buckeyes in Week 1. While not quite as fast, Northwestern has a skilled defense, too, and that should be enough to allow them to squeak out a close win. NORTHWESTERN
Michigan State Spartans at Iowa Hawkeyes : This week we will see if Iowa finally has it all together, and whether the Spartans were just extra motivated to win last week against their state rival. Iowa is traditionally a good team, and their roster is strong enough to get the win. The Spartans defense collapsed against Rutgers, which I think might be more indicative of how this season will progress than the Michigan game. IOWA
Maryland Terrapins at Penn State Nittany Lions : Penn State has had a hard time against fast offenses, falling to both Indiana and Ohio State. Another fast offense blows into town, and I think they'll blow out with a win. MARYLAND
Minnesota Golden Gophers at Illinois Fighting Illini : Both teams have players out due to COVID-19, but Illinois is missing more crucial players. With the Big Ten's 21-day rule, we won't see Illinois field a strong squad for another two weeks. MINNESOTA
Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Ohio State Buckeyes : No contest. OHIO STATE
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