Q&A

Q: What is the best Big 10 conference game?

A: Michigan State v Ohio State. It’s a rematch of last year’s Big 10 Championship Game and could decide the East, the conference, and maybe even a spot in the College Football Playoffs. It’s an incredible matchup including the 2 best quarterbacks and coaches in the league.

Q: With the bans handed to Penn State doesn’t third seem high?

A: Although lack of depth is a huge concern because of the lack of scholarships but with a elite quarterback in Christian Hackenberg. The only other real challenger for #3 is Michigan, a team that the Nittany Lions defeated 43-40 in quadruple overtime last year.

Q: Maryland or Rutgers? Which newcomer will fare better in year number one in the B1G.

A: Maryland. Rutgers has questions at quarterback and in the secondary. Maryland on the other hand has 2 versatile receivers, Stefon Diggs and Deon Long returning from season-ending injuries in 2014, they also bring back 16 starters and the game vs Rutgers is in College Park. 

Q: Wisconsin at third? What?

A: The Badgers only return 8 starters and their front 7 is inexperienced. They also lose 25 letterman meaning there will be a lot of roster turnover.

Q: I’m a Northwestern fan and my friend cheers for Minnesota who has a better chance to win the West?

A: I’ve always been high on the Wildcats and with Vernic Mark returning from injury and 16 returning starters it’s hard not to be.  Minnesota also faces the tough task of replacing star defensive tackle Ra’Shede Hageman. Tell your friend a bowl game is a reasonable expectation for Minny but they most likely won’t make a run at the BIG 10 title.

Q: Michigan or Nebraska who can surprise?

A: I feel they both will be finish in the middle of the pack which will be infuriating for fans of these two  storied programs. I’d say Nebraska because they play in the weaker West and have a great running attack.

Q: What’s a reasonable expectation for my Illini?

A: A bowl game. Illinois averaged 400.8 YPG on offense last year but the defense struggled. Wes Lunt and Josh Ferguson highlight an offense that can still excite. Illinois will be favored in 4 games and I expect they can get one more but getting 6 wins will be tough.

PROJECTED STANDINGS

East

1. Projected Record: 11-1 (8-0 BIG TEN)

2. Projected Record: 11-1 (7-1 BIG TEN)

3.   Projected Record: 9-3 (6-2 BIG TEN)

4.  Projected Record: 7-5 (4-4 BIG TEN)

5. Projected Record: 7-5 (3-5 BIG TEN)

6. Projected Record: 4-8 (2-6 BIG TEN)

7. Projected Record: 3-9 (1-7 BIG TEN)

West

1. Projected Record: 11-1 (7-1 BIG TEN)

2. Projected Record: 9-3 (6-2 BIG TEN)

3. Projected Record: 10-2 (6-2 BIG TEN)

4. Projected Record: 8-4 (3-5 BIG TEN)

5. Projected Record: 5-7 (2-6 BIG TEN)

6. Projected Record: 5-7 (2-6 BIG TEN)

7. Projected Record: 3-9 (0-8 BIG TEN)

PROJECTED BIG 10 CHAMPIONSHIP GAME: MICHIGAN STATE OVER IOWA

Projected Player of the Year: Braxton Miller, QB, Ohio State

PROJECTED ALL-BIG 10 TEAM

OFFENSE

QB: Braxton Miller, Ohio State

RB: Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin

RB: Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska

WR: Devin Funchess, Michigan

WR: Stefon Diggs, Maryland

WR: Kenny Bell, Nebraska

TE: Jeff Heuerman, Ohio State

C: Jack Allen, Michigan State

G: Kaleb Johnson, Rutgers

G: Pat Elflein, Ohio State

T: Rob Havenstein, Wisconsin

T: Brandon Scherff, Iowa

DEFENSE

DL: Shilique Calhoun, Michigan State

DL: Michael Bennet, Ohio State

DL: Randy Gregory, Nebraska

DL: Carl Davis, Iowa

LB: Jake Ryan, Michigan

LB: Mike Hull, Penn State

LB: Taiwan Jones, Michigan State

LB: Chi Chi Ariguzo, Northwestern

CB: Blake Countess, Michigan

CB: Trae Waynes, Michigan State

S: Kurtis Drummond, Michigan State

S: Ibraheim Campbell, Northwestern

SPECIAL TEAMS

K: Michael Geiger, Michigan State

P: Cameron Johnston, Ohio State

KR: Kenny Bell, Nebraska

PR: Venric Mark, Northwestern