Ad Disclosure
We’re not too deep into the season yet, but we’ve gotten a pretty good preview of some of the strengths, weaknesses and concerns for each team in the B1G. It’s still too early to define each team but there are certainly some tendencies and patterns that have developed.
Most teams have completed the first quarter of the 2017 season. There’s still a long way to go for sure, but with the start of the B1G season coming this week, there are some major questions we still have about each team in the conference.
Here’s one major question for every team in the B1G East three weeks into the season.
Indiana
Question: Is Peyton Ramsey the way to go at quarterback?
Tom Allen says he’ll continue to monitor Ramsey and Richard Lagow throughout the season and could use both quarterbacks depending on the situation. But it’s hard to ignore the spark Ramsey provided for Indiana two weeks ago against Virginia. His arm isn’t quite as strong as Lagow, but he’s more mobile and gives the Hoosiers an additional weapon. Allen may want to consider a change under center if Ramsey continues to give Indiana a little something extra.
Maryland
Question: How will the run game fare against better defenses?
It’s the same situation Maryland faced a year ago. The Terrapins racked up impressive rushing totals against bad defenses but hit a brick wall in games against Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State. Ty Johnson has been sensational, rushing for 256 yards through two games, but against Texas and Towson, that’s not saying a whole lot. Maryland has tougher challenges ahead and if it wants to take the next step, it’s going to need to have a better ground attack against better competition.
Michigan
Question: Can the red zone woes be cured?
Michigan has made 10 trips to the red zone this year. It has scored a touchdown on just one of those. Needless to say, that’s not going to cut it in B1G play. Wilton Speight has struggled throwing the ball inside the 20, completing just 1-of-13 pass attempts for -1 yard. And the Wolverines haven’t even come close to playing the best teams on their schedule yet. This is one statistic that needs to improve quickly if Michigan wants to challenge for the East title.
Michigan State
Question: Is there an identifiable playmaker?
Receivers Darrell Stewart, Jr. and Felton Davis III have shown flashes through the first two games, hauling in 17 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns combined. But will those two be able to make plays when defenses start keying in on them? That’s the big question for the Spartans. Having a few playmakers could be the difference between competing in the division and battling for a bowl bid.
Ohio State
Question: What does the offense look like when Mike Weber returns?
Freshman J.K. Dobbins has been sensational in the absence of Weber, but what happens when the running back returns at full strength? Urban Meyer and Kevin Wilson will find a way to get both guys on the field, and the Buckeyes offense will undoubtedly have more weapons when Weber is back in the lineup. But how many touches does the coaching staff want to take away from Dobbins, especially after his early success? That’ll be something to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.
Penn State
Question: Can the defense sustain this success?
A pair of shutouts and a 4.7 points per game average. Those are some impressive accomplishments for the Penn State defense. But through the first three weeks of the season, the Lions haven’t really been challenged like they will be in B1G play. The defense has definitely improved, but by how much is still to be determined. If that unit really is as good as advertised, Penn State will have no problem making the College Football Playoff.
Rutgers
Question: Will Chris Ash put it all together at some point?
Rutgers has shown some flashes of tremendous improvement at times. Other times, the Scarlet Knights look like that same two-win team from a year ago. Nobody expected Chris Ash to turn this program into a bowl contender in Year 2, but he has to prove Rutgers is making improvements. With Gus Edwards, Janarion Grant and Kyle Bolin filling some needs offensively, this team has the potential to win a few games. Ash has to put together a sound game plan and utilize his talent, though.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB