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Everybody makes preseason predictions, but not everybody revisits them. Well, that’s exactly what we will do in this article!
Michigan State’s defensive struggles and close call against Utah State? That was unexpected. As was Appalachian State’s surprising battle with Penn State. Meanwhile, Ohio State and Wisconsin dominated against inferior competition as was expected. So with that in mind, we will try again to make some predictions – here’s how we think B1G teams will finish at the end of the season.
B1G East
Indiana 5-7
Indiana’s offense looked good with 465 total yards of offense against FIU. QBs Peyton Ramsey and Michael Penix Jr. both played and played well while seven players combined to rush for 213 yards. But that doesn’t change the fact Indiana’s defense gave up 28 points to FIU. The Hoosiers will have an outside shot at bowl eligibility, but it will likely take an upset to make that happen.
Maryland 7-5
Not many people expected the Terps to upset Texas in back-to-back seasons. Well, thanks to freshman WR Jeshaun Jones, Maryland started strong and finished the game on a 10-0 run in the fourth quarter. The Terrapins now have a great shot at bowl eligibility and a winning season.
Michigan 9-3
That is not the Michigan debut Shea Patterson was hoping for. Two costly turnovers and multiple stalled out drives proved to be the difference against Notre Dame. The Wolverines were also limited to just 58 yards rushing. The defense is once again solid, but this does not look like a team capable of winning the B1G East.
Michigan State 9-3
It definitely wasn’t pretty, but the Spartans found a way to avoid the upset in the season opener. QB Brian Lewerke and LB Joe Bachie give the team playmakers on both sides of the ball. However, there are plenty of things to improve on with a tough road ahead.
Ohio State 11-1
Dealing with the absence of Urban Meyer? No problem for the Buckeyes. Dwayne Haskins threw for 5 TDs and Mike Weber rushed for three as Ohio State put up 77 points on the Oregon State Beavers. Matchups against TCU, at Penn State, at Michigan State, and home vs Michigan loom on the schedule.
Penn State 10-2
Well, that’s not exactly the Heisman moment Nittany Lions fans were expecting from Trace McSorley against Appalachian State. Nevertheless, Penn State was able to fight off the upset bid with McSorley making big plays late. A tough road remains in the B1G East. In the end, Penn State will go as far as McSorley can take them.
Rutgers 4-8
The Scarlet Knights cruised past Texas State 35-7 to open the season. Freshman QB Artur Sitkowski had some good moments in the game, but he also threw three interceptions. The team has to play at Ohio State, at Wisconsin, and at Michigan State this season.
B1G West
Illinois 2-10
Illinois held on to beat Kent State, but it certainly wasn’t pretty. The Illini defense gave up 453 yards with 183 yards gained on the ground by the Golden Flashes. With the rushing attacks Illinois will face in the B1G, things could get ugly in a hurry this season.
Iowa 9-3
The final score of 33-7 over NIU looks good, but the Hawkeyes had just three points at halftime. QB Nate Stanley was limited to 108 yards and a touchdown in the game. Still, the team rushed for 209 yards and was in control much of the second half. A favorable conference schedule gives Iowa a good shot at a 9-win season, provided the Hawkeyes take down Iowa State.
Minnesota 5-7
The Golden Gophers started a bit sluggish against New Mexico State but found their groove on the way to a 48-10 win. Freshman QB Zack Annexstad threw for 220 and 2 TDs, and RB Rodney Smith gained 153 yards on the ground. Nevertheless, this season will likely be one of growing pains for Minnesota. A rushing attack led by Smith will keep the Gophers in a lot of games, but there is a lot of youth on the team.
Nebraska (First game canceled due to weather.)
Northwestern 7-5
RB Jeremy Larkin is a star in the making for the Wildcats. He gained 143 yards on the ground and scored 2 TDs in the win over Purdue. Northwestern’s defense did just enough to bail out an offense that was held scoreless after halftime. The Wildcats will need more production out of the QB spot over the course of the season, but early returns are promising.
Purdue 4-8
Game-ending controversy aside, Purdue had plenty of issues on both sides of the ball. QB Elijah Sindelar threw three picks and the defense gave up 401 total yards to Northwestern. Speedster Rondale Moore is a legitimate threat whenever he touches the ball. Unfortunately, the Boilermakers must face Ohio State and Michigan State out of the B1G East this season while also facing Missouri in non-conference play.
Wisconsin 12-0
Wisconsin did exactly what it was supposed to do against Western Kentucky. Alex Hornibrook threw for 257 yards and 2 TDs without a turnover. Jonathan Taylor rushed for 145 yards and 2 TDs on just 18 carries. There’s not a lot to learn from this performance, but the Badgers look to be the team to beat in the B1G.
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.