Top 10 Football Teams In The Big Ten
The dismantling of the Pacific Atlantic Conference and the top four schools heading to the Big Ten will bring much-needed competition to a previously top-heavy conference, in my opinion. Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington all moved to the Big Ten.
10. Minnesota
PJ Fleck consistently keeps Minnesota in the game, which is why they are a top-ten team in the Big Ten. Despite their tough schedule, Minnesota manages to find ways to win games. I predict the Golden Gophers will win at least six to seven games this year.
9. Nebraska
With highly touted recruit Dylan Raiola likely to start, I predict a much improved year for Matt Rhule and the Cornhuskers. Despite facing a tough schedule, Nebraska is expected to win seven games this year.
8. Wisconsin
It's Luke Fickell's second year at Wisconsin, and I'm not sure what to expect, but I predict they will win seven or eight games. It won't be easy with the challenging schedule they have. I think Fickell is still in the process of building something, and next year could possibly be a great year for Wisconsin.
7. Illinois
I believe that Illinois is poised for an impressive eight-win season. Their schedule looks very favorable, and it seems likely that they will make it to a bowl game and get a win. I have high hopes for Illinois and think they will have a strong team this year.
6. USC
It seems like it will be a rebuilding year for Lincoln Riley and USC. I predict that USC will have an eight-win season this year. They have the potential to surpass my expectations by securing a couple of extra wins, but if their defense performs as poorly as it did last year, they may struggle in the Big Ten.
5. Michigan
Jim Harbaugh has left for the NFL, and Sherrone Moore, who was the acting coach for some of the season last year, is now officially the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines. The team faces a tough schedule, including games against Texas, Ohio State, and Oregon. I predict that Michigan could end up with three to four losses this year. Which would keep them out of the playoffs.
4. Iowa
You might be wondering why Iowa is ahead of Michigan. It's easy to see when you look at the Hawkeyes' schedule this year. It's not challenging at all. I could see Iowa winning ten games this year, with a chance to make the playoffs.
3. Penn State
James Franklin has perfected mediocrity and Penn State is fine with it. This year, they have returning quarterback Drew Allar. Their toughest game, of course, will be against Ohio State. I'm sure it will be a whiteout game, so I expect a tough matchup, but Penn State just doesn't have enough to beat Ohio State. However, they will probably make the playoffs with one or two losses.
2. Oregon
Oregon was a top team almost every year in the PAC. This is their first year in the Big Ten and they have a chance to win it, but I don't think this is the year for Oregon. Their toughest game is at Ohio State and they get to play them at home in year one, but I think they still come away with a loss.
1. Ohio State
Ohio State needs to win this year. It's Ryan Day's final opportunity to win a championship at Ohio State. With the significant investment in NIL deals this offseason, they have the potential to do so. Ohio State is expected to secure a spot in the playoffs and may even finish the season undefeated.
Final Big Ten Prediction
The Big Ten will be a highly competitive conference this season. If the teams stay healthy, they will make a good showing in the playoffs and bowl games. Depending on the winner of their regular season game, either Oregon or Ohio State will win the Big Ten. I predict that Ohio State will come out on top.
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