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Hammerin’ the B1G: 7 Big Ten Media Days storylines I am most interested in

Published: Jul 19, 2024 · 9:00 AM EDT

Alright, now that the SEC has had its fun, it’s just about time for the Big Ten to step into the spotlight.

Sure, the ACC will begin its annual media days one day ahead of the B1G, but who truly cares about that league at this point in time? The biggest story the ACC has going for it is some of its top programs trying to bully their way out of the conference while the B1G is embarking on truly elite expansion that will keep the conference on par with the SEC.

On Tuesday, all eyes will turn to Indianapolis, and I for one am ready to hear from the returning coaches and a strong crop of newcomers ahead of this season. With that in mind, here are the top storylines I will be monitoring in Indianapolis.

1. The ultra-big version of the Big Ten

Welcome to the Big Ten, 18 teams large as of 2024. I know everyone knows it was coming for a while, but now we can finally move into a brand-new landscape for the conference and college athletics as a whole.

That includes the B1G expanding media days across 3 days to account for the increased number of programs and coaches that will address the media. And how will the newcomers make their entrance into the conference?

Oregon is brimming with confidence and looking to compete for titles in Year 1. On the other hand, the trio of USC, UCLA and Washington should use this as a measuring stick season to determine areas to improve on for the future.

Either way, it’s time for the B1G like we’ve never seen it before, and I am ready for it all.

RELATED: Looking for the latest odds for the Big Ten season? Use Tradition’s sports betting apps in Ohio to find the best and latest offers for the 2024 season.

2. Life without Jim Harbaugh

Love him or hate him, Jim Harbaugh was a character worth having in the B1G. He brought a certain energy, quirky as it was, that made him the perfect leader of Michigan and the perfect villain for the rest of the league.

Coming off a national championship (and the scandal that went with it), Harbaugh’s villainy would have been at an all-time high in 2024. And don’t mistake that term for outright criticism. Every good story needs a villain, and Harbaugh played the role to perfection.

Without Harbaugh, steps up into the void as the top villain in the conference? And can Sherrone Moore assume the mantle of leadership with a massive target on the back of his program in Year 1?

Answers to those questions will not become immediately clear in Indianapolis, but we could get some inkling.

3. QB questions abound

How many teams among the favorites in the 2024 Big Ten Championship odds feel comfortable with their QB picture? Regardless of the usual coach speak you’ll hear throughout the week, only one coach should feel truly secure under center, and that’s Dan Lanning.

The Ducks have the leading Heisman Trophy candidate with Dillon Gabriel leading the offense. Behind Gabriel, former 5-star prospect Dante Moore was added for insurance and the future, so there’s no immediate concern in Eugen.

Ohio State and Michigan, talented as they are, have varying levels of question marks at QB. I am optimistic for Will Howard’s time in Columbus, but it is far from a slam dunk. Michigan has no clear-cut answer to replace JJ McCarthy.

Penn State and USC have their starters lined up in Drew Allar and Miller Moss, respectively, but is anyone penciling either of those players into an All-B1G season?

Anyone who watched Allar’s first season as a starter and his spring game this year should have their concerns. (Not to mention Penn State’s issues in the wide receiver room.) As for Moss, his numbers are mainly contained within performances as a backup and a bowl game against Louisville which should be taken with a grain of salt.

Whichever program answers their QB question faster (and better) will be the favorite to join Oregon for the B1G Championship Game in Indy.

4. How many teams have Playoff hopes?

Ohio State (+400) and Oregon (+850) are clear contenders for the national championship per DraftKings. Barring a catastrophe, those 2 look like near-locks to reach the 12-team field for the Playoff (with or without a conference title), but it will be interesting to see which teams make a push for joining them.

Penn State is +2200 and Michigan is +2500 to win it all, giving the B1G 4 teams with top-10 odds to win it all. However, I don’t feel comfortable projecting 4 teams from the league in the new-look Playoff.

Everyone trying to project the Playoff field needs to take a deep breath and remember the field is not simply the 12 highest-ranked teams. If that were the case, I might buy 4 teams from the B1G in the final field, but it isn’t.

In fact, I almost feel safe projecting 1 B1G team getting left out of the Playoff with a top-12 ranking. In the end, I’ll go with 3 B1G teams reaching the CFP.

5. Is Lincoln Riley prepared for the B1G?

Plenty of people have an opinion on Lincoln Riley, and he hasn’t done himself any favors over the years. That includes reports that he wanted to get out of USC’s season-opening matchup against LSU (something I’m hoping he will be asked about while at the podium).

Riley has overhauled his defensive coaching staff ahead of the trip to the B1G. Still, the Trojans have battled some key player exits while also trying to reload in the transfer portal.

No matter how you slice it, Riley is likely to have an uphill battle with games against Michigan, Wisconsin and Penn State, to go with nonconference games against LSU and Notre Dame. And depending on how the Trojans look in those matchups could determine Riley’s ultimate fate with the program.

Paul Finebaum has already been vocal about the fact he doesn’t expect Riley to last at USC, so it would not be entirely unsurprising if things go south. Riley’s media days appearance will not do much to change opinions on the head coach, but I do want to hear what he has to say in Indy.

6. Soundbite of the week?

There are always some quotes that stand out from the rest during talking season. Without Jim Harbaugh in Indy (a quirky but quotable head coach), who will have the best soundbite of the week?

I believe Dan Lanning will have some moments to remember as a new coach on the block eager to take his bite out of the B1G. But, for the best quote of the week, I’m looking toward another B1G newcomer.

That would be Curt Cignetti, the new head coach at Indiana who arrives with a lengthy portfolio but challenges ahead in Bloomington. Cignetti might have a rough 2024 season, btu I believe he’ll shine at the podium in Indianapolis.

7. Will Ryan Day top Harbaugh’s “die trying” speech of 2021?

Speaking of soundbite of the week, Ryan Day will be one of the top speakers everyone wants to hear from. It’s not hard to see why.

The losses to Michigan, the misses in the Playoff, the brutal Cotton Bowl (even considering the circumstances) followed by an offseason of roster retention, key transfer additions, adding Chip Kelly and the best roster money can buy.

Count me among the group of people eagerly anticipating Day’s podium appearance and how he lays out Ohio State’s vision for the upcoming season. I also want to see if he dials up anything close to resembling Harbaugh’s “die trying” speech from 2021.

No, a speech alone cannot dictate the course of a season, but there’s no denying Harbaugh’s 2021 appearance established Michigan’s mindset for all to see and set the course for an unprecedented 3-season stretch. I want to see if Day can do the same.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.