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Week two’s schedule was very blah but it did highlight an upset, regression to the norm and a rivalry renewed (sort of...depending on who you ask). General(ish) set of rules: A team’s stock will go up if I’m going to move them higher in the power poll rankings OR if they completely flatten a team. Caveat: If you’re in the top two it’s hard to move your stock up. Here is the new stock report coming out of Week Two!
Stock Up
#10 Wisconsin Badgers - Wisconsin did what they were supposed to and hammered an inferior Akron Zips team. They were clicking in all phases of the game and were never challenged from the get go. Next week is another de facto bye for Wisconsin as they take on Georgia State.
#16 Iowa Hawkeyes - Iowa obliterated Iowa State, leaving no doubt who the state champion was. This shouldn’t be surprising considering ISU lost to an FCS team last week...but weird things happen in this matchup. Next up: North Dakota State.
Nebraska Cornhuskers - Nebraska took Wyoming to town, particularly on defense where they forced six turnovers (five interceptions) and run one of those back for a pick six. So far, so good for Nebraska. Next up: #22 Oregon.
Minnesota Golden Gophers - Granted, FCS opponents should be beaten this badly and 28 points may be cause for concern there but anytime Minnesota puts up 58 points should be good for Gophers fans. Next up: bye.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights - I struggled here because you were tied at half with Howard...but you ultimately dropped 38-0 in the second half on them to make up for it. Next up: New Mexico.
Maryland Terrapins - For the second straight week Maryland put away their opponent early and started incorporating backups into the game for some solid experience. What’s even better is that Walt Bell is maximizing Perry Hills talents while minimizing his deficiencies. What a proposition! It’s like...proper talent management! Next up: UCF.
Stock Holding
Ohio State Buckeyes - Let’s be real OSU. You’re still the cream of the crop in the Big Ten but there is no going up frrom the top spot! Next up: Oklahoma Sooners. (Note: Flatten them and you get in stock up)
Michigan Wolverines - Same as OSU, you’re in the top two of the conference and did what you were supposed to by flattening UCF. Your coach may need to bring some snacks to the field next game though...going for the boogers is pretty desparate. Next up: Colorado.
Indiana Hoosiers - A little caveat that this was 30-3 going into the 4th quarter so a bit of opposite action occurred from last week. However, letting Ball State run up a late 17 points on you to make it uncomfortably close keeps you holding for the week. Next up: bye.
Michigan State Spartans - Good job, kicked bye week’s ass! No news from you guys whatsoever. Next up: #18 Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Stock Down
Northwestern Wildcats - I can’t even with you guys. 9-7 loss to Illinois State? More Illinois State fans than Wildcats/Tarps? Someone brought it up in the comments...this is going to be the year where we all find out how long Fitzgerald’s leash is isn’t it? Next up: Duke. Pencil that loss in.
Illinois - Positive: Sell out. Negative: Everything else. Still, a sell out is a step in the right direction. Our Illinois writer, Thumpasaurus, was in attendance and absolutely elated at the attendance. Next up: Western Michigan. Show you’re the best team in the state!
Purdue Boilermakers - Everything about this game was identical except the tons of turnovers from Purdue. Get that under control and things might not be so terrible. Next up: Bye.
Penn State Nittany Lions - #Unrivaled. Maybe if Coach Hype had played the #rivals line all week instead of minimizing the game the 1st half would have went differently and this would have been a different outcome. Second half was promising and you guys showed halftime adjustments that Saquon Barkley can single handedly carry you. Next up: Temple.