10 way-too-early bold predictions for the B1G in 2019

Not long ago we put the bow on the 2018 college football season and started looking ahead to 2019. Recruiting, spring practice, the NFL Draft, summer camp and media days will catch most of our attention over the next seven months.

While it’s still far-too early to make any realistic projections about the 2019 season — some programs are still finalizing their spring practice schedules for goodness sake — it’s never too soon to make some bold — maybe a few outlandish — predictions for the upcoming season.

Hey, what else are we going to argue about during this long offseason?

Here’s a list of 10 way-too-early bold predictions I’m making for the 2019 season, even before spring practice has commenced.

Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan’s passing offense ranks in the Top 3 of the B1G

Jim Harbaugh is handing the keys of the offense over to Josh Gattis, which should translate to a more dynamic passing attack. With Shea Patterson back under center and receivers Nico Collins, Tarik Black and Donovan Peoples-Jones all returning, the Wolverines have the capability of running a high-powered aerial attack that rivals some of the best passing teams in the conference.

Jonathan Taylor finally receives an invitation to the Heisman ceremony

Two seasons into his career, Taylor has accumulated over 4,000 yards and is on pace to shatter Ron Dayne’s rushing record, should he stick around all four seasons. With Wisconsin’s offensive line play, Taylor will likely flirt with the 2,000-yard milestone again next fall. While the Heisman Trophy is based on one season, if the Badgers’ running back hovers around that plateau for a third-straight year, it’ll be hard to deny him an invitation to the ceremony.

Northwestern finishes the year with a losing record in conference

Watching Northwestern win games regularly as an underdog over the last two seasons, you’d think this was a really dumb prediction. But the Wildcats’ have an absolutely brutal schedule to start the B1G season, playing Michigan State, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Ohio State and Iowa. And in an improved B1G West, wins will be more difficult to come by. Pat Fitzgerald’s bunch will still be competitive, but don’t be surprised if there’s a drop-off for the Wildcats.

Adrian Martinez throws for 3,000 yards and rushes for 1,000 more

Martinez threw for over 2,600 yards and rushed for 600-plus in his first season with the Huskers. As one of the better dual-threat quarterbacks in the conference, he’ll be racking up plenty of yardage with his arm and legs, especially in the second year of Scott Frost’s offense. The sophomore is going to be a lot of fun to watch with even more weapons around him in 2019.

Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota leads the B1G in rushing yardage

Rodney Smith, Shannon Brooks and Mohamed Ibrahim have all led Minnesota in rushing yardage for at least one season. All three backs are returning to the backfield. The offensive line will be more experienced next fall, creating more lanes for a three-headed monster capable of slicing up just about every defense in the conference. Keeping offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca is a big deal for the Gophers, too.

Ohio State gets knocked around early in conference play

Everyone seems to expect the transition from Urban Meyer to Ryan Day will be really smooth. That could be true, but that will be tested early in the B1G schedule. The Buckeyes battle Nebraska, Michigan State, Northwestern and Wisconsin in consecutive weeks, a sneaky difficult four-week stretch. Considering the coaching change and the amount of talent leaving, it’s entirely possible Ohio State drops two of those four games.

The winner of Michigan-Michigan State decides the B1G East

Usually the Michigan-Michigan State game is played earlier in the conference schedule, but this year the rivals will go toe to toe on Nov. 16, the 10th game of the season. And this year, this game is going to have massive implications. This might be the best year to win the East for Michigan and Michigan State, making that late-season matchup even more important. I’ll go ahead and predict the winner of that game is headed to the B1G Championship Game a few weeks later.

Rondale Moore leads the NCAA in all-purpose yards

Defenses are going to start keying in on Moore after an All-American campaign as a true freshman. But Purdue has some explosive receivers in the incoming recruiting class, which should force opponents to play a little more honest. Moore will still be the best player for the Boilermakers, and Jeff Brohm will still utilize his star in the passing, rushing, kick return and punt return game next fall.

Credit: Mickey Welsh/Advertiser via USA TODAY NETWORK

Maryland won’t win a B1G game

Is it too early to be too negative? Mike Locksley is obviously capable of doing some good things in College Park, but he’s also going to endure some growing pains. There’s some talent on Maryland’s roster, but with a less-than-impressive recruiting class, some underwhelming coaching hires and a tough conference slate, there just aren’t many winnable games on Maryland’s schedule.

Wisconsin bounces back and wins 10 games

Whenever the Badgers go through a tough year, they always find a way to bounce back. After finishing 9-4 in 2013, they rebounded with a West title and an 11-3 campaign in 2014. Following a 7-6 campaign in 2008, Wisconsin finished 10-3 in 2009. Get the picture? As long as there’s strong line play, on both sides of the ball, the Badgers will be just fine. It wouldn’t be the least bit shocking to see Paul Chryst and Co. back in the B1G title game next December.