Big 10 Preseason Power Rankings.
With the college football season coming up the second conference I will be doing in my preseason power rankings is the Big 10. Without any more delay, I will get into my predictions.
14. Illinois Fighting Illini
Bret Bielema will be taking over the head coaching job at a struggling program. It has been a while since Illinois was a serious threat to any team. The defense is the best part of the team with a solid secondary. The offense on the other hand has a solid run game but lacks pieces to go along with it. This year will not be Illinois year for a solid run but they are taking steps in the right direction.
13. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Nebraska is a team that you usually don’t see at the bottom of rankings for the Big 10. This year is different though, they lost almost all of their big guys from last year and did not have a good recruiting class. This year they don’t have the big-time guys that they are used to and because of that, I see them struggling. The offense has question marks around it and they will be tested early with three out of the four games to begin the season are on the road. Nebraska has the chance to sneak up on people and make some noise but I see them finishing at the bottom of the conference.
12. Maryland Terrapins
One of the hardest teams in the Big 10 for somebody to play. Maryland has the chance to be explosive on offense and run up and upset so teams but on the other hand, they could also get blown out by big schools. The defense should be good and be able to beat some teams but the offense will need to get going early. The big issue will be the tough schedule they have early and if they will be beaten up by conference play.
11. Purdue Boilermakers
Another team that could sneak up on some of the bigger schools they play this season. The defense is the best Purdue has ever seen in a while. The offense is also solid and has the experience in the big games and is good enough to compete with the big boys in the conference. They will be a team that other teams will overlook and Purdue will end up beating them.
10. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Rutgers is going to be a dangerous team for some of the powerhouse schools to face. They are bringing back a tough and physical defense that will cause chaos for many teams. They also bring in a strong run game and a physical line. Rutgers is deep enough to scare some of the powerhouse schools and even upset a few of them.
9. Michigan State Spartans
Michigan State is taking steps in the right direction under head coach Mel Tucker. They are trying to find ways to stay more consistent and with a solid defense, they will be able to compete with almost any team they face. The offense on the other hand struggled last season and lacks star power. All in all, they still need a little more time to develop the offense.
8. Minnesota Golden Gophers
The Gophers return a monster run game and with the O-line also returning things are looking up for the golden gophers. The defense will be able to keep them in games and with a strong secondary will be able to match up with anybody they play. P.J. Fleck looks to bring in a big passing game something that they lacked last season. If they are able to put everything together then things are looking good.
7. Northwestern Wildcats
Even though the Big 10 lacked last season Northwestern was one of the teams that showed signs of improvement. They will be trying to ride high of a monster season last year and with the recruiting class that they added they could shock some more people. With the whole offense returning, things look up for the Wildcats. The defense has room to improve but will have time to figure things out. With an easy start to the schedule, Northwestern could gain momentum heading into conference play.
6. Michigan Wolverines
After a season to forget the Wolverines are looking to make major improvements. They will have a really good defense with the line looking like one of the best in the conference. The question marks come around the quarterback position. Michigan has not had a reliable quarterback in a while and it is not looking up for them this year. If they can fix the problems at QB then they will be able to compete. The problems will happen against the powerhouse teams like Ohio State and Washington and then the road game against Wisconsin and Penn State.
5. Iowa Hawkeyes
Iowa has one of the best backs 7 in college football. With an excellent defense and a run game that is good enough to win games itself, Iowa has everything set up well. The only thing they need to work on is if the passing game can take a step up then Iowa is a Big 10 championship threat. Iowa has a chance to be a very good team if they can get everything straight.
4. Indiana Hoosiers
After an excellent season last year, the Hoosiers can smell a Big 10 title. The big question will be if star quarterback Michael Penix Jr can return to full health after a knee injury. They will also be facing a much tougher schedule than last year. Everything is set up for a big year and a possible college football playoff berth if the Hoosiers can get past Ohio State and Penn State.
3. Wisconsin Badgers
After a rough last year that was headlined with Covid-19 outbreaks and injuries, the Badgers look to return to old-school Wisconsin football. The defense looks as if it will be the best in the Big 10 after a good recruiting class. The offense will look towards the run game as it solidified itself as a top running game in the nation. Graham Mertz will need to prove himself early if he wants to stay in Wisconsin.
2. Penn State Nittany Lions
Like most schools in the Big 10 Penn State is looking for a bounce-back season. A bad season last year was headlined by a few underclassmen stepping up and taking charge. Penn State might take a little bit of time to get into good form but if they can put it all together they are a serious contender.
1. Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State lost some key talent last year to the draft and too many people look down this year. The Buckeyes will not be as good as last season but with a top-five recruiting class will be in the mix for a national championship. Ohio State will be able to buy time for young guys with the start of the schedule not as tough as the end of the year. They have a chance to compete with Alabama and Clemson for a national championship.
