Big Ten preseason power rankings
By Chris Bengel
With the college football season opening this week, I decided to unveil my Big Ten preseason power rankings. If you disagree with the list, comment below.
1. Ohio State (last year’s record: 14-1, 8-0)
There’s no surprise at the top. The Buckeyes are the defending national champions and are primed to be just as good. It’s still unclear who will be under center for Ohio State, but it’s a not a bad problem to have when you have quarterbacks like J.T. Barrett and Cardale Jones. Ohio State could repeat if the stars align.
2. Michigan State (11-2, 7-1)
The Spartans are arguably the second-best team in the Big Ten. The Michigan State should be nipping at Ohio State’s heels early and often. Despite some significant losses on both sides of the ball, a supreme offensive line will be back to protect Connor Cook.
3. Wisconsin (11-3, 7-1)
After Ohio State and Michigan State, it’s a toss-up for the No. 3 spot. While many like Minnesota to finish right behind the two powerhouses, Wisconsin is as steady a program as it gets. The Badgers may have lost Melvin Gordon, but return the next superstar tailback in Corey Clement. The Paul Chryst era in Madison may get off to a phenomenal start.
4. Minnesota (8-5, 5-3)
The Golden Gophers could finally be on the verge of breaking into the Big Ten’s elite. Coach Jerry Kill’s squad has an extremely talented defense and a solid signal caller in Mitch Leidner. If Leidner builds off of his 2014 season, Minnesota could challenge Wisconsin for the West Division title.
5. Nebraska (9-4, 5-3)
The Mike Riley era is set to begin in Lincoln. While the Cornhuskers did lose star running back Ameer Abdullah to the NFL, there’s still plenty of talent for this team to contend in the West.
6. Michigan (5-7, 3-5)
It was a horrific season for the Wolverines in 2014. Now the Jim Harbaugh era is upon us and there’s a whole new level of optimism in Ann Arbor. Michigan has the talent to compete, but it all comes down to the quarterback. Can Iowa transfer Jake Rudock get the job done?
7. Maryland (7-6, 4-4)
Some may think this will be a down year for the Terps, but there’s a lot of talent in College Park. Perry Hills has the experience to manage the game as long as coach Randy Edsall is able to mix in the run. A top four finish in the East Division could be attainable.
8. Penn State (7-6, 2-6)
The NCAA sanctions are finished and the Nittany Lions seem to be doing well. However, it was a down year in Happy Valley under James Franklin and the question mark remains the same: can the offensive line protect Christian Hackenberg?
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9. Indiana (4-8, 1-7)
Could this finally be the year that the Hoosiers are bowl eligible? Honestly, coach Kevin Wilson’s squad was well on their way last season before star quarterback Nate Sudfeld went down. If Sudfeld and company can stay healthy, this may be a solid group.
10. Iowa (7-6, 4-4)
The Hawkeyes didn’t exactly have an exciting offensive attack under Rudock last season. However, coach Kirk Ferentz is going to have to get creative with C.J. Beathard if he wants to keep his job.
11. Rutgers (8-5, 3-5)
Much like Maryland, Rutgers had a strong showing in their first season in the Big Ten. Gary Nova is gone, but the Scarlet Knights have Chris Laviano and Hayden Rettig waiting for their chance.
12. Northwestern (5-7, 3-5)
The Wildcats haven’t been to a bowl game since 2012 when they won 10 games. Northwestern’s 2014 campaign wasn’t awful, so there’s definitely a chance for improvement.
13. Purdue (3-9, 1-7)
Quarterback Austin Appleby needs to improve if the Boilermakers want to be bowl eligible. The defense also could stand to be better.
14. Illinois (6-7, 3-5)
It’s a three-ring circus in Champaign right about now. Tim Beckman was let go for forcing injured players to play. Wes Lunt is healthy and ready to lead an offense that could produce solid numbers.