Time for everyone to go on record. Here's what I have.
Everyone thinks Nebraska is on the rise, with some picking them to win the Big Ten West. Just 4-8 last year, so they still have a lot to prove. QB Adrian Martinez is the real deal. Really like him a lot. The defense gave up 433.5 yards per game in 2018, 12th in the Big Ten. This won't be a blowout in Champaign.
Minneosta is over-rated in the preseason mags, IMO, with everyone projecting them for a bowl game. They do return a bunch of starters on offense and will put some points on the board, but the defense will be bad again, in spite of hiring a new DC. You think the Gophers will still be mad about last year? Big game for Corbin again - he had 213 yards in that 55-31 win.
Illinois will give Wisconsin a good game on Homecoming. I know they like the freshman Graham Mertz, but the QB situation is still sketchy and they had a poor passing game last year. RB Jonathan Taylor is a Heisman candidate, but only one starter is back on the O-line. Deiter, Benzschawel, Edwards all gone.
Purdue is winnable, but I'll go with the Boilers in West Lafayette. Another bad defensive team last year, but they do return 9 starters. The offense will always move the ball under Jeff Brohm. Illinois pass rush isn't good enough to stop the spread.
Iowa loses both of their All-American tight ends to the NFL. Combined, they caught 27 of Nate Stanley's 52 career touchdown passes. But...O-line is experienced and physical. DE AJ Epenesa is a future top 10 draft pick. This one could be lopsided again. I pick Iowa to win the Big Ten West.
Michigan State returns 17 starters. They will be good. Michigan is a top 5 team nationally to start the season, but they lost a ton to the NFL Draft on defense. They will score a bunch of points, though. Look out for freshman S Daxton Hill. Stud. Rutgers is Rutgers. This is Chris Ash's last year. Dead man walking. 2018 should have been.
Hopefully, Illinois hosts Northwestern for the finale with something to play for. The Cats were terrible on offense last year, but they add Clemson transfer QB Hunter Johnson who sat out last year. Once again, Fitz has a starting lineup that is heavy on upperclassmen. That's why he competes. He's a great manager of the roster. They have a middle-of-the-pack defense, though, so Illinois will score points if the QB play is decent.
Illinois will play closer games this year. Get a few breaks, and they will be bowling.
Akron W (1-0)
@UConn W (2-0)
EMU W (3-0)
Nebraska L (3-1)
@Minnesota W (4-1)
Michigan L (4-2)
Wisconsin L (4-3)
@Purdue L (4-4)
Rutgers W (5-4)
@MIchigan St. L (5-5)
@Iowa L (5-6)
Northwestern L (5-7)
Everyone thinks Nebraska is on the rise, with some picking them to win the Big Ten West. Just 4-8 last year, so they still have a lot to prove. QB Adrian Martinez is the real deal. Really like him a lot. The defense gave up 433.5 yards per game in 2018, 12th in the Big Ten. This won't be a blowout in Champaign.
Minneosta is over-rated in the preseason mags, IMO, with everyone projecting them for a bowl game. They do return a bunch of starters on offense and will put some points on the board, but the defense will be bad again, in spite of hiring a new DC. You think the Gophers will still be mad about last year? Big game for Corbin again - he had 213 yards in that 55-31 win.
Illinois will give Wisconsin a good game on Homecoming. I know they like the freshman Graham Mertz, but the QB situation is still sketchy and they had a poor passing game last year. RB Jonathan Taylor is a Heisman candidate, but only one starter is back on the O-line. Deiter, Benzschawel, Edwards all gone.
Purdue is winnable, but I'll go with the Boilers in West Lafayette. Another bad defensive team last year, but they do return 9 starters. The offense will always move the ball under Jeff Brohm. Illinois pass rush isn't good enough to stop the spread.
Iowa loses both of their All-American tight ends to the NFL. Combined, they caught 27 of Nate Stanley's 52 career touchdown passes. But...O-line is experienced and physical. DE AJ Epenesa is a future top 10 draft pick. This one could be lopsided again. I pick Iowa to win the Big Ten West.
Michigan State returns 17 starters. They will be good. Michigan is a top 5 team nationally to start the season, but they lost a ton to the NFL Draft on defense. They will score a bunch of points, though. Look out for freshman S Daxton Hill. Stud. Rutgers is Rutgers. This is Chris Ash's last year. Dead man walking. 2018 should have been.
Hopefully, Illinois hosts Northwestern for the finale with something to play for. The Cats were terrible on offense last year, but they add Clemson transfer QB Hunter Johnson who sat out last year. Once again, Fitz has a starting lineup that is heavy on upperclassmen. That's why he competes. He's a great manager of the roster. They have a middle-of-the-pack defense, though, so Illinois will score points if the QB play is decent.
Illinois will play closer games this year. Get a few breaks, and they will be bowling.
Akron W (1-0)
@UConn W (2-0)
EMU W (3-0)
Nebraska L (3-1)
@Minnesota W (4-1)
Michigan L (4-2)
Wisconsin L (4-3)
@Purdue L (4-4)
Rutgers W (5-4)
@MIchigan St. L (5-5)
@Iowa L (5-6)
Northwestern L (5-7)
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