I said it wouldn't be often, but the Big Ten picture is becoming more clear as the harder games on the schedule get played. Since we're getting more clarity, I thought it would behoove the whole site to get another power rankings article just a couple of weeks after the first one.
It's going to be a lively season this year, and the bottom four slots are going to be up for grabs most of the year. Let's get started.
1. Maryland
The Terrapins are a juggernaut. They looked most vulnerable in a slim two-goal victory over Notre Dame, but followed that up with a massive 18-goal victory over Albany. A five-goal victory over Princeton looks even more impressive now, as well.
Simply put, even with a stumble or two, it's going to be Maryland's world at the top of the conference. The rest of the teams are fighting for second place. And what a fight it is.
2. Ohio State
Yes, in perhaps a homer move, I have the Buckeyes as second in the Big Ten right now. That's by the slimmest of margins, but Princeton's 16-11 drubbing of Rutgers convinced me to put the Buckeyes ahead of the Scarlet Knights.
Jack Myers, aside from the Cornell game, is a legitimate Player of the Year candidate. The offense is performing better than it has in decades. And the victories for the Buckeyes are getting really impressive. Lots to like in the early stages.
3. Rutgers
The margin of victory by Princeton is what pushed Rutgers below Ohio State for me. That's just too bad of a loss to surpass the Buckeyes. Whatever the reason, for this week, it's 3rd place for them.
Colin Kirst is solid again at goalie. The transfers on O are performing decently. But this isn't last year's team. And next year, Rutgers is going to have to find guys to plug into nearly the entire starting lineup.
4. TTUN
The Wolverines got a dose of reality following their 13-9 loss to Harvard. The Crimson took it to the Maize and Blue from the start, and scored some incredible goals. Obviously, that's glorious to see as a Buckeye fan.
The attack for the Wolverines is absolutely stellar. Hence their destruction of several inferior opponents. Banging with blue bloods is different, and I don't think this year's squad turns that corner.
5. Johns Hopkins
Hopkins just scraped by Syracuse after getting dominated in nearly every phase of that game. Those two programs are struggling in a way not seen for many, many years. The Jays got a win they didn't deserve, and Syracuse is going to be below .500 this year.
The talent at Homewood just isn't the same caliber as it used to be, especially defensively. Going to be a long season for the Jays faithful.
6. Penn State
How the mighty have fallen. After the golden generation finally, finally graduated, Penn State is coming back to Earth. Never a destination for tremendous lacrosse players, the Nittany Lions are struggling mightily to replace the best facilitator and best goalscorer to play college lacrosse.
A close loss to Bucknell yesterday offset any good feelings left over from beating a shaky Yale a while ago. The Nittany Lions have lost three straight games, and are undoubtedly the best 2-6 team in the country.
They're still 2-6, however, and only a sweep of the entire Big Ten would save their at-large hopes. With Maryland coming to town as the next opponent, that's not happening.
It's been a crazier season than anticipated this year. Ohio State has been a pleasant surprise, the Ivy League is ridiculously good, and the ACC (aside from UVA) is pretty mediocre. With how the Big Ten is shaping up, a 3-2 record should guarantee an at-large bid. That will be a tough get, though. Lots of lacrosse to play.
Go Bucks!
