Big Ten Championship: Penn State over Iowa

Big Ten East

1. Penn State Nittany Lions

Projected Record: 12-1

Wins: West Virginia, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Northwestern, UMass, Ohio State, Indiana, Maryland, Rutgers, Michigan State, Iowa (Big Ten Championship)

Losses: Michigan

I am buying the hype as this is Coach James Franklin’s most talented team. On offense, I trust this offensive line to open up holes for one of the most talented running back duos in the country, Nic Singleton and Kaytron Allen. Quarterback Drew Allar ceiling is off the charts and where this team’s ceiling is dependent on him. Defensively, they are loaded with athleticism with 4 players making Bruce Feldman’s “Freak List”. One of those players who didn’t make the list is cornerback Kalen King… a potential first round pick. I put Penn State up there with Ohio State and Michigan even if the betting market doesn’t. Go ahead and sprinkle a little on Penn State +550 to win the Big Ten.

2. Ohio State Buckeyes

Projected Record: 10-2

Wins: Indiana, Youngstown State, Western Kentucky, Notre Dame, Maryland, Purdue, Rutgers, Michigan State, Minnesota, Michigan

Losses: Penn State, Wisconsin

Ohio State can’t lose three times in a row to Michigan right? There are legitimate questions with this team though: (1) They haven’t named a starter at quarterback between Kyle McCord and Devin Brown. (2) The offensive tackles were not impressive in the spring and the Buckeyes were forced to go to the transfer portal to pick up Josh Simmons from San Diego State to start. (3) They lost 4 of their top 6 defensive backs from last year and had to replace those guys via the portal. However, outside of those three questions this team has the best receiving group in the country and some real difference makers on defense. I just see those questions leading to 1-2 losses this year.

3. Michigan Wolverines

Projected Record: 10-2

Wins: East Carolina, UNLV, Bowling Green, Rutgers, Nebraska, Minnesota, Indiana, Michigan State, Purdue, Penn State

Losses: Maryland, Ohio State

Michigan made it to the playoff the last two years, but have fell flat when they get there. The offense will be good again, but it depends on if quarterback JJ McCarthy can take a step forward or if his ceiling is capped. The defense is where this group shines as they were a top ten unit last year and should be even better. this year The Wolverines are led by Kris Jenkins up front and Will Johnson as one of the best young corners in the secondary. Michigan is a legitimate contender for a playoff spot again.

4. Maryland Terrapins

Projected Record: 7-5

Wins: Towson, Charlotte, Virginia, Michigan State, Indiana, Northwestern, Michigan, Rutgers

Losses: Ohio State, Illinois, Penn State, Nebraska

Mike Locksley has really turned Maryland from a doormat in the Big Ten to a legitimate team. This season the offensive and defensive line are questionable. But outside of that, the Terps are talented with Taulia Tagovailoa at quarterback and several young upcoming stars on the defensive side. Maryland is not a team that you will look forward to play.

5. Michigan State Spartans

Projected Record: 6-6

Wins: Central Michigan, Richmond, Maryland, Rutgers, Nebraska, Indiana

Losses: Washington, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio State, Penn State

The Spartans were over ranked going into last year (TGIS called it). But look for them to bounce back and make a bowl game. Replacing Payton Thorne isn’t a monumental challenge, but replacing receivers Jayden Reed and Keon Coleman will be near impossible. Still with a group that returned almost their entire offensive line and getting back healthy on defense will do wonders. Especially with the transfers Michigan State added like TexasA&M’s Tunmise Adeleye. Overall, Sparty should be bowl bound.

6. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Projected Record: 5-7

Wins: Northwestern, Temple, Virginia Tech, Wagner, Indiana

Losses: Michigan, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Ohio State, Iowa, Penn State, Maryland

The offense was terrible last year and there is a real question on whether quarterback Gavin Wimsatt can play at this level. But the defense is sneaky good. It is just whether Rutgers can improve from “eyes-bleeding” bad offense to just “makes you a little sick” offense. Don’t think Rutgers makes a bowl… the Scarlett Knights will be home for Christmas.

7. Indiana Hoosiers

Projected Record: 2-10

Wins: Indiana State, Akron

Losses: Ohio State, Louisville, Maryland, Michigan, Rutgers, Penn State, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan State, Purdue

I’m not going to waste your time…. Indiana is a bad football going into 2023. Keep it moving with the rest of the Big Ten preview.

Big Ten West

1. Iowa Hawkeyes

Projected Record: 10-3

Wins: Utah State, Iowa State, Western Michigan, Michigan State, Purdue, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Northwestern, Rutgers, Illinois

Losses: Penn State, Nebraska, Penn State (Big Ten Championship)

Iowa finished 120th in offense and in the top five on defense. This led to OC Brian Ferenz’s contract restructuring where if Iowa does not score 25 points per game this year, he will be fired. Let the chase to 300 begin (12 games x 25 points = 300 total points). This should be easy with new quarterback Cade McNamara and four returning starters at offensive line. The defense will also be just as good. This should absolutely be Iowa’s year to win the west.

2. Wisconsin Badgers

Projected Record: 10-2

Wins: Buffalo, Washington State, Georgia Southern, Purdue, Rutgers, Ohio State, Indiana, Northwestern, Nebraska, Minnesota

Losses: Iowa, Illinois

The Luke Fickell era starts in Madison. Add in Phil Longo’s new “Dairy Raid” offense and this should be fun. The Badgers’ offense will be fast pace and led by running back Braelon Allen. But I’m not sure they have the playmakers on the outside to be one of the top scoring teams in the Big Ten. Luckily, the defense can lead this team as the unit remains solid with plenty of returning starters. Expect a big year for the Badgers in year one of Fickell.

3. Illinois Fighting Illini

Projected Record: 8-4

Wins: Toledo, Kansas, Florida Atlantic, Nebraska, Maryland, Wisconsin, Indiana, Northwestern

Losses: Penn State, Purdue, Minnesota, Iowa

Welcome to being a Big Ten West contender Illinois! Last year their defense was fantastic and now they return the entire front seven. The defensive line is up there with Ohio State and Michigan for top defensive lines. The unit is led by potential first round pick Johnny Newton. If Illinois wants to win the West they must improve on their offense which ranked 100th last year in the nation. Quarterback Luke Altmyer steps in after transferring from Ole Miss. Expect Illinois to have another solid season under Brett Bielema.

4. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Projected Record: 7-5

Wins: Colorado, Northern Illinois, Louisiana Tech, Northwestern, Purdue, Maryland, Iowa

Losses: Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Michigan State, Wisconsin

History says to bet on new head coach Matt Rhule in season 2 rather than season 1. History may be right as the team isn’t great up front on either side of the ball and the Cornhuskers will have to rely on inexperienced wide receivers. But with the top 6 of the 7 guys back in the secondary and experienced transfer QB Jeff Sims… I sense a little upside. Look for Nebraska to go bowling.

5. Purdue Boilermakers

Projected Record: 7-5

Wins: Fresno State, Virginia Tech, Syracuse, Illinois, Minnesota, Northwestern, Indiana

Losses: Wisconsin, Iowa, Ohio State, Nebraska, Michigan

New coach Ryan Walters brings his defensive mind to the Boilermakers, but he has some work to do relying mostly on transfers. The offense received a huge boost with transfer Texas QB Hudson Card. While the offensive line is sketchy also, Card can get them to 7 wins in the Big Ten West.

6. Minnesota Golden Gophers

Projected Record: 6-6

Wins: Nebraska, Eastern Michigan, Northwestern, Louisiana-Lafayette, Michigan State, Illinois

Losses: North Carolina, Michigan, Iowa, Purdue, Ohio State, Wisconsin

I just can’t trust this team in 2023. While the starting Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis is nicknamed “The Greek Rifle”, his play has not lived up to the awesome name. Add in a regressing offensive line leads to a lack of faith in the Golden Gophers offense. This team will be led by their defense again, but there are questions on that side of the ball after losing three of their four top corners from last year. The boat most likely coasts this year rather than rowing with Minnesota not competing at the top of the Big Ten West.

7. Northwestern Wildcats

Projected Record: 2-10

Wins: UTEP, Howard

Losses: Rutgers, Duke, Minnesota, Penn State, Nebraska, Maryland, Iowa, Wisconsin, Purdue, Illinois

Yeah…. there is a lot going on with this program. The Wildcats are going to get bullied in the Big Ten this season.