Ghost of Christmas Past: One thing every B1G team would change about the 2018 season
The holiday classic “A Christmas Carol” is always a favorite this time of year. Because of its popularity, we’ve decided to put a B1G spin on the Charles Dickens masterpiece.
What if every B1G team received a visit from the Ghost of Christmas Past? If they could go back in time, what would they change? That’s not exactly how the novel plays out, but that’s why we put our own spin on it.
Here’s what every B1G team would change if it could go back in time and alter one thing from the 2018 season.
Illinois
Fourth quarter defense
Primarily against USF and Penn State. In those two games, the Illini were outscored 53-0, leading to a pair of back-to-back losses. In both games, Illinois held third quarter leads.
Indiana
Targeting Nick Westbrook more frequently
Westbrook is an extremely talented receiver. Yes, he led the Hoosiers with 42 receptions for 590 yards, but he could’ve been utilized as a downfield threat much better. Just look at the ridiculous numbers he put up against Ohio State and Purdue.
Iowa
Figuring out how to close
The Hawkeyes finished the season 8-4, which is a long way from an undefeated record. But Iowa held a fourth quarter lead in all but one game this season (Penn State). Even then, the Hawkeyes were on the goal line with a chance to score. A few plays and Iowa is looking at an entirely different season.
Maryland
The two-point conversion throw vs. Ohio State
If Tyrrell Pigrome completes that two-point conversion, Maryland would’ve finished the year 6-6, posted a second win over a ranked opponent and earned a trip to the postseason. Who knows, Matt Canada may also have been named the permanent head coach.
Michigan
Showing up against Ohio State
Players would probably deny it, but Michigan was probably a little too confident heading into Columbus on the final weekend of the season. The Wolverines would be preparing for the College Football Playoff right now if they would’ve showed up in late November.
Michigan State
Experimenting with the offense
Very little creativity from the Spartans offensively this season, which was disappointing considering how awful that group was throughout the season. Mark Dantonio didn’t need implement a brand new scheme, but a few more wrinkles probably would’ve helped.
Minnesota
Making a defensive change earlier
The Gophers looked like an entirely different team after P.J. Fleck made a change at defensive coordinator. Minnesota’s defense would’ve likely benefited greatly from a change of pace earlier in the year.
Nebraska
Scheduling a day game against Akron in Week 1
Maybe Nebraska would’ve finished 4-8 anyway, but missing out on the chance to play in Week 1 due to weather seemed to keep the Huskers a week behind all year long. Nebraska might’ve been able to pull out another victory or two had it played on the opening weekend.
Northwestern
That abysmal second half against Akron
Allowing Akron to score 36 second half points is just plain sad. Had the Wildcats defeated the Zips, they’d have a chance to win 10 games for a second-straight season and the third time in four years. It’d also given Northwestern a little more recognition than it received this fall.
Ohio State
Working on how to tackle before the Purdue game
Twenty missed tackles against Purdue cost the Buckeyes a chance to compete for a national title. Ohio State was struggling to make tackles before playing the Boilermakers. You would’ve thought that would’ve been addressed before the trip to Ross-Ade Stadium.
Penn State
The final play against Ohio State
Folks in Happy Valley are still wondering about that play-call. Would Penn State have won the game? Who knows. But people can live with the result if Trace McSorley was at least given the opportunity to make a play.
Purdue
Going with David Blough from the start
Jeff Brohm should’ve gone with the senior leader from the start. Purdue’s offense looked so much better with Blough under center and the Boilermakers might’ve had a better chance to beat Northwestern and Eastern Michigan early in the year.
Rutgers
Everything about the Kansas game
There are a lot of things Rutgers would like to do over again, but the game against Kansas was a bottom-of-the-barrel type of performance. A Power Five team getting blown out by the Jayhawks is worse than embarrassing.
Wisconsin
Finding help for Jonathan Taylor
Wisconsin’s offense was Jonathan Taylor. That’s it. If the Badgers could’ve figured something out under center, or found a more productive player at receiver, maybe they would’ve had a chance to retain its title as the king of the West.