With Big Ten Conference play opening this weekend and most teams having three games under their belt, its safe to say we all know a little more about the league at this point. Prior to the year, I made my picks top to bottom in the Big Ten. Although not a lot has changed, with a bit more knowledge, here’s how I re-stack the league as conference play gets underway.
BIG TEN WEST
1. Iowa (7-2)
Despite the loss the North Dakota State, the Iowa Hawkeyes are still the favorite in the Big Ten West, but the gap has shrunk considerably. Iowa will need to sort out their offensive line issues and get a little more creative on both offense and defense to defend their division title. CJ Beathard is still the best QB in the division, and the Hawkeyes feature a dynamic run game when the line plays well.
The Hawkeyes will lose two out of three to either Penn State, Michigan, and Wisconsin, and ultimately defeat Nebraska in Iowa City the day after Thanksgiving to win the division.
2. Nebraska (7-2)
So far, so good for Nebraska. They’ve beaten two sub-par teams soundly (although Wyoming didn’t exactly go quietly), and secured one of their best non-conference win in years by beating Oregon last week. Tommy Armstrong looks improved, and the defense hasn’t had any 2015-esque meltdowns to date.
What may keep Nebraska out of Indianapolis is their schedule - their four toughest games in the Big Ten all come on the road: Indiana, Wisconsin, Ohio State, and Iowa. If it plays out like it could, the Huskers would be 10-2 (a game better than Iowa overall), but still miss out on a shot at the Big Ten title. An odd scenario, but not too hard to imagine.
3. Wisconsin (5-4)
The schedule is brutal. They may prove to be the one of the best teams in the Big Ten West (although I have serious reservations about the quarterback situation), but I think they lose four of their next five, which takes them out of the mix.
4. Minnesota (5-4)
Tie breaker goes to Wisconsin because of the head-to-head win. The Gophers have looked decent so far, but have only played two games against questionable competition.
5. Northwestern (4-5)
Only four conference wins means Northwestern won’t be going bowling this year. It makes this weekend against Nebraska almost a must-win.
6. Illinois (2-7)
Wins come over Purdue and Rutgers…and that might be it. Perhaps the Illini can get Northwestern on the final week of the season, but its all for pride at that point. I don’t think either team sees the postseason.
7. Purdue (0-9)
I just don’t know who Purdue beats this year. I’m pulling for Darrell Hazell, but not much has changed in my mind in regards to the Boilermakers.
BIG TEN EAST
1. Ohio State (9-0)
The Buckeyes are the favorites to win the Big Ten. If you disagree, you simply haven’t been watching.
2. Michigan State (8-1)
Big win for Sparty in South Bend last week. As soon as you start to doubt the Spartans, they give you a reminder of why they always seem to be the team that rises to the top.
3. Michigan (7-2)
Michigan is improved this season, but still have just enough issues on both sides of the ball to keep them in third place. Wilton Speight doesn’t look like the long term solution at quarterback to me, and although their defense has plenty of talent, they managed to get carved up in the first half against Colorado.
4. Penn State (5-4)
I still don’t know quite what to think about Penn State. There’s been some good, and some bad early this season. It’s still an incomplete grade for James Franklin’s team.
5. Indiana (4-5)
I think the Hoosiers defense it better…
6. Maryland (2-7)
It was a thrilling win over UCF last week for the Terps (on a really odd lateral pass call), and they should beat Purdue in two weeks to open Big Ten play. I think they’re a better team than Rutgers, which means one upset along the way could send Maryland to a bowl game. Pretty surprising, when you think about it.
7. Rutgers (0-9)
Yeah, Rutgers is a wreck. Chris Ash is a good coach, but it’s going to take a while.
BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Ohio State def. Iowa
At this point of the season, it looks like it doesn't matter who wins the West. Ohio State looks every bit the part of a Big Ten champion. A lot can happen between now and December, but right now the Buckeyes are the clear favorite.
