Another week of games brought us more data and chances to judge all the Big Ten teams. It's still preposterously early to try and sort out what it all means for the league's bowl lineup. But that doesn't mean it's not fun, so we're going to try.
Not a lot changed after Week 1. Michigan State is a serious playoff contender after beating Oregon, but the Spartans will still need things to break right to gain a second spot in the four-team field for the Big Ten. Of course, they could beat Ohio State and make that discussion moot. But we have to give the defending champs the benefit of the doubt right now, even after a sleepy first half against Hawaii.
So that puts the Spartans in the Rose Bowl for now. It's pretty much impossible to figure out the West Division right now, so we'll stick with our initial projections that have many of the West teams going to fresh destinations.
The biggest change this week? Illinois moves in after a 2-0 start. The competition level hasn't been stiff, but the Illini have been dominant. Moving out is Penn State, which did get its first victory of the season against Buffalo but still has a lot to work on.
Is Rutgers safe? By no means, but at least the Scarlet Knights and Nittany Lions will play next week to sort things out -- a tiny bit.
Indiana is 2-0, but it's kind of an ugly 2-0. The Hoosiers sure prefer that to the alternative, but we need to see more before we project them for four more victories.
The projections (and remember, it's insanely early, so don't blow a gasket if you disagree):
College Football Playoff: Ohio State
Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual: Michigan State
Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl: Wisconsin
Outback Bowl: Minnesota
National University Holiday Bowl: Michigan
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl: Nebraska
New Era Pinstripe Bowl: Iowa
Foster Farms Bowl: Northwestern
Quick Lane Bowl: Illinois
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl: Rutgers