Let's be honest. Two of the easiest columns to write (and get feedback from your readers) are 1) the power rankings column and 2) the pop culture comparison column. Much like that magical day when somebody got their peanut butter on my chocolate (or did I get my chocolate in her peanut butter?), it was predestined that one day these two great columns would be brought together...
So it's finally time to see what we have. Sure, we studied the evidence last week, but this week starts something different. This week, we begin to find out who is the boss of the Big Ten. Not The Boss. There's only one of those, and he has some words that can help us better understand this upcoming conference season. After the jump, find your team, start playing your song, and then go back and read through the Conference. Let's the Man's wisdom wash over you. You'll be better for it.
So, stick your ball cap in your back pocket, and let's see what we know...
Because all Sony music is now protected on this Vevo player, I can only imbed live clips. I tried to pick the ones with the best audio quality.
1. Ohio State - 96 Points (8 1st Place Votes) - Last Week: 1 - Murder Incorporated
The bullseye in the Big Ten is painted Scarlet and Gray.
So you keep a little secret down deep inside your dresser drawer
From dealing with the heat you're feelin' down on the killin' floor
No matter where you step you feel you're never out of danger
So the comfort that you keep's a gold-plated snub-nose thirty-two
2. Nebraska - 85 Points - Last Week: 2 - Nebraska
Charles Starkweather wore a black shirt. So does the Nebraska D.
From the town of Lincoln Nebraska with a sawed off .410 on my lap
Through to the badlands of Wyoming I killed everything in my path
3. Wisconsin - 80 Points - Last Week: 3 - Mansion on the Hill
For how long has Wisconsin been staring up at the Mansion atop the Big Ten's Hill? Still don't know if the Badgers can climb up there.
At night my daddy'd take me and we'd ride through the streets of a town so silent and still
Park on a back road along the highway side
Look up at that mansion on the hill
4. Iowa - 66 Points - Last Week: 4 - Night
The Hawkeyes fans are still busting at their seems for this season. But that could all come crashing down on Saturday Night.
5. Michigan State - 61 Points - Last Week: 7 - The Promised Land
What's the difference between Michigan State and Wisconsin? Why can't Michigan State start their climb to the Promised Land.
6. Michigan - 60 Points - Last Week: 5 - Better Days
These are Better Days. And Better ones yet don't seem very far away.
7. Northwestern - 48 Points - Last Week: 8 - Light of Day
The Purple can see the Light of 8-0 right around the corner.
8. Penn State - 47 Points - Last Week: 6 - Wrecking Ball
#8? You still need to step to the line and beat the Lions to get them down this far.
9. Indiana - 28 Points - Last Week: 9 - From Small Things
Will these small victories lead to 2 big ones? That's all Indiana is really looking for in conference play.
10. Illinois - 24 Points - Last Week: 10 - Roll of the Dice
You've gotta believe me, Illini. Your roll will come after you suffer through the next three weeks.
11. Purdue - 22 Points - Last Week: 11 - Downbound Train
If not for bad luck, the Purdue train would have no luck...
12. Minnesota - 8 Points - Last Week: 12 - Dean Man Walkin'
Dead Coach Walking? Yes. Dead Team? That's what the players have to decide.
The Big Ten Power Poll is voted upon by the eight writers of this staff. 96 is a perfect score. 8 is the lowest possible total.