In an eventful Week 1, several Big Ten teams faced unexpected challenges and had to grind out hard-fought victories against their opponents. As the teams navigated their way through the early stages of the season, their performances certainly left an impact on the minds of pollsters across the nation.

Ohio State, the top-ranked team in the Big Ten, continued their dominant form from last season as they crushed Akron 52-6 in their opening game. The Buckeyes showcased their offensive prowess and demonstrated why they are considered favorites to win the conference.

Penn State, ranked at number three, had a gutsy road win against a resilient West Virginia team, triumphing 34-12. The Nittany Lions displayed their strong resolve and proved their mettle against a tough opponent.

Meanwhile, USC, also ranked at number three, demonstrated their resilience in a hard-fought road victory against LSU, coming out on top with a 27-20 win. The Trojans showcased their determination and composure in a hostile environment.

Among the other Big Ten teams, Minnesota was the sole team to suffer a defeat in Week 1. But for the remaining teams, including Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Michigan State, it was a successful start to their campaigns as they secured impressive victories over their respective opponents.

As the dust settles from Week 1, pollsters are now evaluating the performance of each team to determine their rankings. While some teams may have faced tougher challenges than others, it is clear that every victory in the Big Ten is hard-earned and deserving of recognition.

The Oregonian/OregonLive sports staff have released their Week 2 Big Ten power rankings, taking into consideration the outcomes of the games and the strength of the opponents. The rankings reflect the overall performances of each team in Week 1 and provide a glimpse of their standing in the conference.

The power rankings for Week 2 are as follows:

1. Ohio State: The Buckeyes maintained their top position after a commanding victory against Akron.

2. Penn State: The Nittany Lions' road win against West Virginia earned them the second spot in the rankings.

3. USC: The Trojans' impressive road victory against LSU solidified their position among the top teams.

4. Michigan: A hard-fought win against Idaho allowed the Wolverines to stay within the top five.

5. Iowa: A dominant shutout victory against Illinois State propelled the Hawkeyes into the top five.

6. Wisconsin: A convincing win over UTEP kept the Badgers within the top 10.

7. Michigan State: The Spartans' dominant performance against UConn earned them a spot in the top 10.

8. Indiana: A commanding win against Indiana State boosted the Hoosiers' ranking in Week 2.

9. Maryland: A hard-fought victory over Florida Atlantic propelled the Terrapins into the top 10.

10. Northwestern: A comfortable win against Florida International kept the Wildcats in the top 10.

11. Purdue: A dominant win against Eastern Illinois ensured the Boilermakers held onto their position.

12. Nebraska: Despite a narrow loss to North Carolina, the Cornhuskers remain contenders in the conference.

13. Rutgers: A closely fought win against Miami (Ohio) helped Rutgers secure their spot in the rankings.

14. Illinois: The Fighting Illini's win against Hawaii allowed them to maintain their position in the rankings.

15. Minnesota: The Golden Gophers' defeat to Bowling Green saw them drop several spots in the rankings.

16. Illinois State: A comprehensive loss to Iowa affected Illinois State's ranking in Week 2.

17. Indiana State: A heavy defeat to Indiana saw Indiana State drop in the rankings.

18. Florida International: An overwhelming loss to Northwestern sees Florida International ranked at the bottom of the Big Ten.

As we head into Week 2, the teams will be looking to build on their performances and solidify their positions in the conference. With several intriguing matchups on the horizon, it is sure to be an exciting week for Big Ten football.

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Sources:
- The Oregonian/OregonLive sports staff
- Author: Ryan Clarke