SBN Reacts: the Big Ten is back, and confidence is still high

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NCAA. Each week, we send out questions to the most plugged in Missouri Tigers fans, and fans across the country. Sign up here to join Reacts.

After months of waiting and dramatic changes in course, it’s finally game week for the Big Ten. But not everyone is starting from the same spot.

In the latest SB Nation Reacts survey fans around the country were asked if they thought it was fair for Big Ten teams to be ranked in the Top 25 this week, before playing their first game, while more than half of the rest of the Power Five are already well into the season.

Even with two-thirds of the country believing the conference shouldn’t have ranked teams yet, fans still acknowledge how good Ohio State is expected to be. They were asked who is the third best team in the country, behind Alabama and Clemson. The Buckeyes earned the most votes with 43%. Well ahead of Georgia at 27% and Notre Dame at 17%.

Ohio State made quick work of Nebraska, beating the Nubs 52 - 17. Wisconsin also drubbed the Fighting Illini 45 - 7. Indiana upset Penn State 36 - 35 in Overtime. Michigan topped Minnesota 49 - 24. RUTGERS beat Michigan State 38 - 27, Purdue beat Iowa in a game that happened, and Northwestern defeated noted Big Ten team Maryland.

Big Ten teams aren’t the only ones making a surprise appearance in the latest Top 25. After pulling an upset victory, Coastal Carolina slid in at No. 25. The Chanticleers get the well-earned recognition, even if many have no idea what the school’s mascot is, actually.

Missouri was forced to wait another week before trying to get their season back on the right tracks, after a COVID-19 outbreak forced the game against Vanderbilt to be delayed. That, however, did little to knock the confidence of Tigers fans.

96 percent of Missouri fans said they believe the team is headed in the right direction.

The Tigers got back on the field this weekend against Kentucky and took care of business, which should provide a further boost to fan morale. To vote in the Reacts surveys and have your voice heard each week, sign up here.