Big Ten Preview: Playoff caliber teams in the East bolster league’s confidence
It wasn’t that long ago the Big Ten was college football’s verbal punching bag. Then Ohio State won the first College Football Playoff in improbable fashion, Michigan State had its second consecutive top-five finish nationally and Wisconsin beat Auburn in the Outback Bowl. These developments quieted some doubters.
Heading into the 2015 season, there’s a quiet optimism that abounds in the conference, particularly in the East Division, where two playoff caliber teams lead the pack.
East Preview
To no one’s surprise, Ohio State is the favorite to win the division. To illustrate just how good the Buckeyes are, they could have four legitimate Heisman front-runners in Ezekiel Elliott, J.T. Barrett, Cardale Jones and Braxton Miller. Defensively, All-American Joey Bosa anchors an opportunistic group that scored six touchdowns last season.
While Ohio State might be the favorite, it is hard to overlook Michigan State. The Spartans return 15 starters from last season including Connor Cook who has a 24-3 record as starting quarterback. Michigan State could have arguably its strongest offensive and defensive lines in Mark Dantonio’s era as coach, making the Spartans just as strong of a playoff contender as the Buckeyes.
Then there’s Penn State, who could be a dark horse to win the division. The school's defense, anchored by an insanely talented secondary, will be tough to score on. However, its offensive line must improve after surrendering 44 sacks in 2014. If the Nittany Lions can be consistent in pass protection, then Christian Hackenberg’s production should improve substantially.
The wild card in this division is Michigan. The Wolverines' selling point is their defense, which returns plenty of starters to a unit that finished seventh nationally last season. Finding a reliable quarterback will determine if Jim Harbaugh’s first season as coach is glorious or cringe-worthy.
The conference’s two newest teams – Maryland and Rutgers – have difficult challenges facing them this season. Maryland has to replace 11 starters from last year’s roster, including key playmakers like wide receiver Stefon Diggs. Meanwhile, Rutgers has to find a reliable quarterback to replace Gary Nova while defensively, it must replace six starters.
Last but not least is Indiana. The Hoosiers must find a way to improve their defense that, since 2008, has given up more yards per game (446.7) than all Power 5 teams aside from Washington State and Iowa State.
West Preview
The West Division should feature a compelling race this year, as there is no clear cut favorite. Wisconsin, normally the favorite, has significant concerns. Replacing Melvin Gordon is a tough task. Compounding matters is the fact the Badgers have to replace three offensive linemen as well. Their development, coupled by quarterback Joel Stave’s consistency will determine if the Badgers remain the team to beat.
Nebraska and Minnesota hope to end Wisconsin's run of dominance. Mike Riley’s first season as Nebraska's coach will be a success if his pro-style offense yields better efficiency and inexperienced players can step up in key defensive positions such as linebacker.
Jerry Kill developed Minnesota into a team that was one win away from playing for the Big Ten title last season. The considerable challenge for his staff this season is to replace the offensive production lost by departing playmakers David Cobb and Maxx Williams while improving a passing game that was 119th nationally in 2014.
Two wildcards in this division are Iowa and Northwestern. Iowa is hoping that quarterback C.J. Beathard can inject some energy into an offense that’s been lethargic. Defensively, Desmond King and Drew Ott are good anchors to build a solid defense around if the Hawkeyes can receive improved play from their trio of sophomore linebackers.
Meanwhile, the Wildcats return 15 starters, but need reliability at quarterback. Running back Justin Jackson and an experienced defense could be the main components that help Northwestern return to the top.
Illinois is another team looking to become a contender. Quarterback Wes Lunt and running back Josh Ferguson are key returning players on an offense that can post big numbers. On defense, the Fighting Illini must improve their run defense, as opponents averaged five yards per carry on the unit in 2014.
Lastly, Purdue is looking to establish some momentum after posting a 1-7 conference record last season. Quarterback Austin Appleby needs to show more consistency throughout the season. Defensively, a young, but experienced unit should show signs of improvement.
Projected Final Standings
Big Ten East
1. Ohio State
2. Michigan State
3. Penn State
4. Michigan
5. Maryland
6. Rutgers
7. Indiana
Big Ten West
1. Nebraska
2. Wisconsin
3. Iowa
4. Minnesota
5. Northwestern
6. Illinois
7. Purdue
Big Ten championship: Ohio State over Nebraska