The start of college football is only a few days away. Big Ten football starts September 3rd, when Michigan plays Utah and Minnesota plays TCU. With college football so close to returning, we've put together the official Chat Sports Big Ten Preview.
Division Order:
Big Ten East:
1. Ohio State
2. Michigan State
3. Penn State
4. Michigan
5. Rutgers
6. Maryland
7. Indiana
Big Ten West:
1. Wisconsin
2. Nebraska
3. Northwestern
4. Minnesota
5. Iowa
6. Purdue
7. Illinois
Division Winners:
Big Ten East:
Ohio State (12-0, 8-0 Big Ten)
You were expecting Indiana? Ohio State should dominate the Big Ten this year. Michigan State will be a tough challenge, but the Buckeyes should defeat the Spartans at home. Michigan is a year or two away from really giving Ohio State a run for its money. Penn State lacks an offensive line and the rest of the Big Ten East is nothing special.
Big Ten West:
Wisconsin (10-2, 7-1 Big Ten)
Wisconsin would come in third place in the Big Ten East, but should cruise to a Big Ten West title. The Badgers draw Rutgers and Maryland as their crossover opponents. Road games at Minnesota and Nebraska will be tough. The Big Ten West is clearly not as deep as the Big Ten East. Two coaches could be fired from the division and that doesn't include the already dismissed Tim Beckman.
Player Of The Year:
Ezekiel Elliott
With Ohio State unsettled on its QB, Elliott becomes the default pick for player of the year. No matter whom Ohio State decides to start at QB, Elliott will be the feature back. He ran for 125 yards per game last season and could eclipse that this year. He's got a great offensive line in front of him and will have another monster season.
Surprise Team:
Northwestern
If there is going to be a surprise team this season in the Big Ten, it will have to come out of the West Division. The East is just too top-heavy for any team to surprise. Northwestern has posted back-to-back five win seasons, but are only two years removed from a 10-win effort. Half of those losses have been by one score or less. The Wildcats are a wild card this season and avoid Ohio State and Michigan State in the crossover games. Northwestern won't win the Big Ten West, but if they do well in the non-conference schedule, nine or even 10 wins is possible.
Playoff Participant:
Ohio State
Ohio State is coming off a National Championship, so of course they're the favorite to get back to the College Football Playoff. Michigan State has a good chance to make it as well. If the Spartans lose to both Oregon and Ohio State, Michigan State will still be one of the highest-ranked two-loss teams. A one-loss season might be enough to get the Spartans into the playoff.
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