Predicting every B1G team’s record after Week 7
Remember last week when I declared Iowa would run the table the rest of B1G play?
That prediction didn’t even last a week. But Purdue made a statement in that one, and it certainly shakes things up in this week’s record predictions. But there were a lot of bye weeks this week, so there weren’t that many seismic changes.
Here’s where things stand after Week 7:
Iowa — 11-1
Nice prediction last week, huh? So much for an undefeated season. The Hawkeyes’ defense definitely missed Riley Moss and the offense just doesn’t have the spark to pull off the type of comeback it needed against Purdue. Still, the Hawkeyes’ schedule is pretty favorable going forward. They can bounce back.
Illinois — 3-9
Illinois was off this week, so there’s no reason to change this.
Indiana — 4-8
Indiana looked good out of the bye week but just couldn’t get it done against Michigan State. But it looked like Tom Allen made some good adjustments over the bye and Jack Tuttle looked comfortable at quarterback. It’s a tough schedule the rest of the way, though, starting with Ohio State next week.
Maryland — 7-5
The Terps had a bye.
Michigan — 9-3
The Wolverines celebrated their 6-0 start by taking Week 7 off.
Michigan State — 9-3
Michigan State’s offense didn’t look as potent against Indiana this week and Kenneth Walker III was virtually taken out of the equation. But the Spartans are 7-0 heading into Michigan week. Do yourself a favor and watch that one. It should be fun.
Minnesota — 7-5
How about that performance by Minnesota? The Golden Gophers — without their top two running backs — defeated Nebraska 30-23 Saturday afternoon. It was a great coaching performance by PJ Fleck, and maybe you shouldn’t count out Tanner Morgan and Minnesota going forward.
Nebraska — 5-7
Oof. Another one-possession loss for Nebraska, this time to Minnesota 30-23. Those can’t keep happening if the Cornhuskers want to finish over .500. And with a tough schedule ahead, it doesn’t look likely if this keeps up.
Northwestern — 4-8
That was a great win for the Wildcats out of the bye over Rutgers. Ryan Hilinski looked good at QB and the defense looked like last year, holding the Scarlet Knights to 7 points. But it doesn’t get easier and the Cats will likely be in for a rough go.
Ohio State — 11-1
The Buckeyes didn’t win this week. Then again, they didn’t lose either. It was a bye.
Penn State — 9-3
Penn State also had a bye this week.
Purdue — 5-7
What a performance from the Boilermakers to upset No. 2 Iowa. David Bell is that dude, and people need to take notice. Purdue’s schedule doesn’t get easier, though, and we’ll see how they build off the momentum from this week’s win.
Rutgers — 5-7
Rutgers didn’t have it this week against Northwestern, and it was another step back for the once 3-0 Scarlet Knights. But they have a good opportunity to get back in the win column Oct. 30 against a very beatable Illinois team.
Wisconsin — 6-6
It was closer than it probably should’ve been, but Wisconsin held on to beat Army this week. The Badgers certainly struggled containing that triple-option offense, but it still served as a good final tune-up before heading into the home stretch of the B1G schedule. Still, .500 looks like a good benchmark for an up-and-down Wisconsin team.