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Hawkeyes Football: Big Ten West Power Rankings Week Two

By Jeremy Karll

Sep 10, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes tight end George Kittle (46) runs after the catch against the Iowa State Cyclones at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes tight end George Kittle (46) runs after the catch against the Iowa State Cyclones at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 26, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. (4) celebrates the touchdown in the second half against the UCLA Bruins at Levi
Dec 26, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. (4) celebrates the touchdown in the second half against the UCLA Bruins at Levi /

No. 3 – Nebraska Cornhuskers 2-0 (0-0)

This team relies on the arm and legs of Tommy Armstrong Jr, and so far he has answered. the Cornhuskers have scored 43 and 52 points in the first two weeks, respectively. Behind a 56.8 completion percentage, four touchdowns and one interception, the Nebraska Cornhuskers have outscored their opponents 95-27 through two weeks.

Granted Fresno State and Wyoming aren’t great teams, all Nebraska can do is play who is on their schedule and win big. And that’s what they’ve done.

In the fourth quarter alone, Nebraska has outscored their opponents 50-0 through two games. That’s an incredible amount. In fact, the Cornhuskers have yet to allow a first quarter point, as well, and have given up just 10 points after halftime. Plus, their stifling defense is giving up just 2.8 yards per carry.

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Their tough defense will be on full display this week against the #22 Oregon Ducks and star running back Royce Freeman. Oregon is known for their high-tempo, explosive offense, and it’s been no different this year. The Ducks are averaging 48.5 points per game, but the Cornhuskers are still favored at home this week.

Nebraska is far from the talent level of the historic Nebraska teams that won championships but, if the first two weeks are any indication, they’re slowly getting back to that level. If Brady Hoke and his Oregon defense can’t force Tommy Armstrong into throwing a couple of interceptions then Oregon will be on upset alert.

The Cornhuskers haven’t faced an offense like Oregon’s yet, however they get to the quarterback fast and don’t allow a lot of explosive plays. Ross Dzuris already has five sacks on the season. It will be a tough defense against a high-powered offense, all Nebraska needs is for their offense to continue putting up points.

Next: No. 2

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