Do you hear that? The band tuning up, the excitement of the fans, and cracking of helmets. That’s right, college football season is back! With that the Big Ten season is here and kicking off. There’s a particular buzz around the campuses of these historic schools as they all think they have a chance to make this year’s playoffs. Is Michigan a one hit wonder? Or does Jim Harbough have his Wolverines coached up and ready to go? Can James Franklin and the Nittany Lions finally get over the hump and bring a Big Ten title back to Happy Valley? Or will we see another dominant Ohio State Buckeyes team destined to be in the final 4? Let’s dive into this College Football Big Ten Preview.
The Front runner: Ohio State
Of course you have to have OSU here. They, along with Alabama are the epitome of consistency. C.J. Stroud looks poised and determined for a big year and is a perennial Heisman finalist even after the Buckeyes lost the likes of Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson. Ryan Day and company will have this offense a fine tuned machine yet again. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Julian Fleming, and Marvin Harrison Jr will make you forget the losses of the aforementioned receivers, in fact they could have one of the best receiving groups in all of college football. Red shirt Freshman running back TreVeyon Henderson appears to have solidified himself as the starter and there’s a ton of hype around him in Columbus. On the defensive side of the ball Ohio State returns a pretty experienced group with seven returning upperclassmen. Don’t be surprised when Ohio State is again in the playoffs.
The Hopeful: Michigan, Wisconsin
Last year we saw Michigan do the impossible. They not only beat a good OSU squad but they did so convincingly in a 42-27 win in Ann Arbor. This year they meet up in Columbus in what is going to be an instant classic. Senior quarterback Cade McNamara is the opening day starter for the Wolverines but, don’t be shocked if Sophomore J.J. McCarthy slides into that role if McNamara falters. This is a very seasoned offensive unit all of which are either Juniors, Seniors, or Graduate students. This team has enough returning players to still have that taste of victory but, defensively they have some big shoes to fill. Aiden Hutchinson went second overall in last year’s draft, and David Ojabo fell to the second due to an injury during his pro-day. If Harbough gets his squad right, watch out for these pesky Wolverines.
This Wisconsin team is bound and determined to make a name for themselves. A team coached defense first is ready to take a step forward and show some offensive prowess this season. Graham Mertz returns as signal caller for his Junior year and the Badgers are ready for it. This is a younger offense in comparison to teams like Michigan, or even Penn State but Paul Chryst has his boys ready. Sophomore Braelon Allen has won the starting running back position and don’t be surprised if the four star back has an incredible year. This defense is still solid and plays smash mouth no holds barred football. With a secondary full of Seniors and Graduate transfers it looks like passing against this Badgers team is going to be a nightmare.
Outside Looking In: Penn State
Going into this season there’s some hype around Beaver Stadium and rightfully so. Penn State netted the sixth best overall recruiting class and second to only Ohio State in the Big Ten. Quarterback Sean Clifford returns for his Senior season and is ready to get Penn State back to the promised land. With the addition of three five star recruits in defensive lineman Dani Dennis-Sutton, running back Nick Singleton, and quarterback Drew Allar the team should be ready to take a step forward under head coach James Franklin. KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Parker Washington slot in as the 1A, and 1B receivers this year after the explosive Jahon Dotson went pro. As for their defense they’re still a stout group even with the recent losses of Brandon Smith and Arnold Ebiketie. Can Clifford return Penn State to its glory or is it another wasted season under James Franklin? This feels like a make or break kind of year for the Nittany Lions let’s see which side of that spectrum they end up on.
Projected Standings:
Big Ten East:
1) Ohio State
2) Michigan
3) Penn State
4) Michigan State
5) Maryland
6) Indiana
7) Rutgers
In the East it’s hard to not see Ohio State run the table again. They’re going to be an explosive offense and tough matchup defensively. They will be tested right out of the gate with a game against the fifth ranked school in the nation in Notre Dame to start their year but if they get past the fighting Irish it’ll be smooth sailing to the Big ten championship game. As for Michigan the only loss they’ll have this year will be against that Buckeyes squad but should at least make it interesting late in the year. Penn State and Michigan State could be flip flopped here with no argument. But James Franklin has something to prove this year after his big contract extension. MSU will come out hungry though and have a fairly easy out of conference schedule which should set them up nicely for some big games come October.
Big Ten West:
1) Wisconsin
2) Iowa
3) Minnesota
4) Purdue
5) Nebraska
6) Northwestern
7) Illinois
Wisconsin feels like they’re ready to take a step up and be a contender but, this western conference is just so much weaker than the east. Wisconsin is the odds on favorite to represent the west in the Big Ten championship game but will end up in yet another heart break for the Badgers. Iowa coming in at second just feels right. They’re always a tough team to beat no matter if you’re playing them at home or on the road. Those Hawkeye fans will have Kinnick Stadium rocking yet again this year. Minnesota is a sneaky team. They could shock the Big Ten world and win the west or they could fall apart and finish behind Purdue either way the Golden Gophers will be a fun team to watch. Purdue is another one of those teams that you never really know what you’re going to get. That being said they’re a lock to finish with the top four. The bottom three teams in the west will really struggle down the stretch and Nebraska is already off to an ice cold start after a Week zero loss to Northwestern.
Final Predictions:
Big Ten Champions: Ohio State
Offensive Player of the Year: C.J. Stroud (TreVeyon Henderson also in consideration)
Defensive Player of the Year: Joey Porter Jr (Probably ends up being Jack Campbell but here’s an against the grain pick)
Coach of the Year: Ryan Day
Coach on the Hot Seat: Scott Frost (if he isn’t already after an embarrassing loss)