Predicting every B1G team’s record after Week 3

Week 3 is in the books, and unlike last week, there weren’t many surprises. We’re almost set for the start of B1G play, which is when we could shake up the Etch A Sketch a bit.

But we can’t get ahead of ourselves yet. There were some changes in the record projections this week. Let’s take a look.

Iowa — 11-1

Iowa did exactly what it was supposed to do this week: beat Kent State. There’s not much else to say other than get the Hawkeyes into the CFP. Ranking them No. 5 is a start. But the Iowa hype train isn’t stopping anytime soon.

Illinois — 3-9

Illinois looked much better against Maryland this week — and almost pulled off the upset. Still, it was all too familiar for Illini fans, as it feels like they always “almost” get that big win.

As for how it changes things going forward? It doesn’t. This was a projected L from the beginning.

Indiana — 6-6

Indiana had a tough task with Cincinnati this week, and it didn’t go as badly as it could’ve. There were some good things to take away from it. Still, with the games ahead, .500 looks like the benchmark for Tom Allen’s team until it starts looking like it did last season.

Maryland — 6-6

The Terps survived quite a scare in Champaign on Friday night. Taulia Tagovailoa threw for 300 yards once again, and he looks good. Maryland’s record projection could change as the season goes on. How it changes? Stay tuned.

Michigan — 7-5

The Wolverines jumped into the Top 25 this week and looked the part of a top-25 team in their 63-10 blowout of Northern Illinois on Saturday. Jim Harbaugh has his team playing well. Can he save his job? Well, this isn’t that type of column.

Michigan State — 7-5

The projection is 7-5, but Michigan State could feasibly start 6-0. A big win over Miami has Mel Tucker’s Spartans in good position to keep winning these next few games. It’ll get bumpy toward the end, but Spartan Nation should enjoy the ride.

Minnesota — 8-4

Minnesota shut out Colorado this week and continues to look good after the season-opening loss to Ohio State. The Golden Gophers have one final tuneup against Bowling Green coming up next week before B1G play starts, which will make things really interesting without Mo Ibrahim in the backfield.

Nebraska — 3-9

It’s not a surprise that Nebraska lost to Oklahoma this week, but it’s surprising how close it was.

Oklahoma, the No. 3 team in the country, only beat the Cornhuskers by 23-16. Nebraska certainly did the little things, huh? We’ll see how things go against Michigan State next week.

Northwestern — 6-6

Losing to Duke is, um, not good.

Northwestern did just that in its penultimate nonconference game on Saturday, which might change its outlook. The Wildcats should still be bowl-eligible, but that loss certainly stings.

Ohio State — 11-1

There’s the Ohio State we know and love, beating Tulsa 41-20 on Saturday. It’s still weird projecting a loss for a Ryan Day team, but the Buckeyes are still poised to run the table.

Rinse. Repeat.

Penn State — 9-3

The White Out game was a spectacle, and Penn State fought off Auburn to come out with the victory at Beaver Stadium. What a game it was. James Franklin might have something special in Happy Valley. Watch out for the Nittany Lions.

Purdue — 4-8

Purdue didn’t look bad against Notre Dame this week, but it still didn’t jump off the page like it needed to if it wants to turn things around. The Boilermakers could be in for a rough go this season.

Rutgers — 4-8

Rutgers is 3-0, which is pretty impressive. But its strength of schedule raises questions. The Scarlet Knights could be in for a rough month of October, which could see them come back to Earth after a big start.

Wisconsin — 10-2

This week was the bye week. How can you justify changing the projection if the team didn’t play? The Badgers have a big one next week against Notre Dame, though.