Conference Breakdown: Big Ten

Following the trend of conference breakdowns, lets look at how the Big Ten may fare this coming fall.

Last year was so close to producing one of the biggest surprises to appear in a Big Ten Championship: Illinois. The fighting Illini were predicted by few to make the title game, and even those supporters had to have hedged their bets when Illinois lost to Indiana to start Big Ten play. The Illini then rattled off 6 straight victories before they came crashing back down to earth. The team that started 7-1 missed the Big Ten Title game. Selfishly, I wanted them to get in and win it, just for chaos sake. Imagine: Illinois in a major bowl games, and Michigan/Ohio State are wondering if they are even making the playoff. Regardless, lets look at what 2023 could have in store.

East

Ohio State

Last year was tough to judge for the Buckeyes: lost to Michigan, then outplayed Georgia,but lost on a last-second missed field goal. Now, CJ Stroud is gone and it will most likely be Kyle McCord leading Ohio State throughout the 2023 season. The good news is one that Ohio State is used to hearing: the Buckeyes are more talented than all of their opponents. The bad news: there will be immense pressure to beat Michigan after dropping the last two. I think that they will succeed this year and look for Ohio State to be Big Ten Champs once again.

Michigan

The Wolverines made the playoff after winning the conference and beating Ohio State for a second straight year. Now the Wolverines return the 5th most production from that playoff team, including their starting quarterback and a 1,000 yard rusher. It seems like they are poised for yet another playoff run, but they will once again have to beat Ohio State, and three times in a row is tough to do.

Penn State

Penn State has been firmly planted at 3rd in the East for a little bit now, and James Franklin would love to change that. The issue is that Michigan and Ohio State will not let them have it easily. PSU does get Michigan at home this year, but the Wolverines handled them last year. The Nittany Lions did play Ohio State close, and with a new quarterback this year they may be able to pull a victory against the Buckeyes. The biggest question will be Drew Allar's performance. Yes, he is talented, but does he slip up at all with his first year starting? If he plays like a seasoned vet, Penn State could compete for the East.

Maryland

What? Maryland? Yes, the Terrapins haven't shown the ability to beat the 3 teams above them, but they certainly don't trail them like they used to. Both Michigan and Ohio State weren't blowing past the Terps this past year: Ohio State needed a stop of the final drive that could have given Maryland the win. With Maryland steadily improving I would say that they probably don't win the East, but I do predict that one of the big 3 in the East fall to the Terps.

Michigan State

Mel Tucker had a down year last year, no way around that, but 2023 should be better. Payton Thorne returns at QB and the Spartans, who also bring in a top 25 class. Like the Terps, I don't know that I would bet on them to make the title game, but they could surprise a few people and pull off an upset somewhere if they play to their potential. Look for how this team starts: if they can win a few, they may be able to ride the momentum.

West

Illinois

What a start to 2022 for Illinois! A 7-1 record had us all believing that the Illini were headed to the Big Ten title game. But in the words of Lee Corso: "Not so fast sweetheart!". The Illini will certainly not be taking anyone by surprise this year. Add to that that Illinois brings back the 11th best production for 2023 and it may look like 2022 was a one hit wonder. However, of the 3 teams with worse returning production , Iowa and Minnesota are among them. The style of Bret Bielema can certainly win the West, and if they can get on a run they could make some noise.

Wisconsin

The first year of Luke Fickell in Madison! This should be exciting. The Badgers bring back the most production in the West, which includes running back Braelon Allen, who is one of the best in the conference. The best news is that Wisconsin gets Indiana, Rutgers, and Ohio State from the east. That should be 2 wins and if the Badgers beat Illinois, I think they win the West.

Minnesota

No more Tanner Morgan, and no more Mo Ibrahim. The Gophers also bring in a recruiting class outside of the top 40, which isn't the best. The gophers also draw Ohio State and Michigan from the East. I think that Minnesota could win the West, but it probably doesn't happen if they don't start fast. If they can start the year with a win over Nebraska and get on a roll, the Gophers may be able to finish atop the West.

Iowa

The story of Iowa is how much can they score. Cade McNamara is a solid addition, and the defense ranked 2nd last year in points allowed. Iowa famously stipulated that Brian Ferentz is gone if he cannot average 25 points a game this year. The Hawkeyes should be able to do that, and it could lead to them winning the West if they can. Iowa is usually a solid choice and if McNamara leads them to more offense, they could certainly make the title game.

Nebraska

Matt Rhule, welcome! The Huskers new coach brought in both a top 25 recruiting and transfer class for next year. The huskers also return the 2nd most production in the West, which certainly helps. Michigan, Michigan State, and Maryland from the East isn't the hardest, but it could be way easier. The Huskers could start with a win over Minnesota and get a little momentum, or they could struggle in year one under Matt Rhule. I think they reach a bowl regardless.