Consider this Big Ten season the tip of an period in some ways.
Starting subsequent 12 months, if Michigan and Ohio State enter their November matchup unbeaten, each groups would presumably be in fine condition to achieve a 12-team playoff whatever the outcome. That’s not the case now, with solely 4 groups qualifying.
We may also bid adieu to the Big Ten West, a division stuffed with … parity? Mediocrity? Whatever phrase you select, it’s been an unpredictable group through the years, though this season No. 20 Iowa has wrapped up the West’s spot within the convention title recreation with room to spare.
In 2024, the Big Ten welcomes Southern California, UCLA, Oregon and Washington to the fold — two groups which can be nonetheless on this season’s playoff race and one other that’s a conventional energy.
It’s honest to say the present model of the Big Ten goes out with a bang. There’s been simply sufficient excellence on the sphere — and greater than sufficient drama off it — to place the league within the highlight.
Not solely are No. 2 Ohio State and No. 3 Michigan nationwide title contenders, however the curiosity in that matchup this weekend has been stoked by the Wolverines’ sign-stealing scandal that led to educate Jim Harbaugh’s late-season suspension.
Even Iowa’s march to the Big Ten championship recreation — whereas averaging 14.8 factors per recreation in league play — has been entertaining in its personal approach. The Hawkeyes’ matchup in opposition to Nebraska on Friday had an over/beneath whole of simply 26 1/2 factors per FanDuel Sportsbook as of Tuesday afternoon.
Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is the highest Heisman Trophy candidate amongst non-quarterbacks. He leads the league in yards receiving (1,093) and landing catches (13).
Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean is now out for the season, however when he was wholesome he seemed just like the Hawkeyes’ greatest scoring menace at occasions. In addition to his work on the defensive aspect of the ball, he was additionally a wonderful punt returner.
Michigan (11-0, 8-0, No. 3 CFP), Ohio State (11-0, 8-0, No. 2 CFP), No. 11 Penn State (9-2, 6-2, No. 12 CFP), Iowa (9-2, 6-2, No. 16 CFP), Maryland (6-5, 3-5), Rutgers (6-5, 3-5), Northwestern (6-5, 4-4) and Wisconsin (6-5, 4-4) have already reached the six-win mark for bowl eligibility. Nebraska (5-6, 3-5), Minnesota (5-6, 3-5) and Illinois (5-6, 3-5) can be a part of them.
The teaching carousel has already began, with Michigan State firing Mel Tucker following sexual harassment allegations and Northwestern ousting Pat Fitzgerald earlier than the season resulting from a hazing and abuse scandal. Iowa offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz is out after this season.
David Braun did effectively sufficient changing Fitzgerald that the college eliminated the interim label from his job title.
Indiana’s Tom Allen is in final place within the Big Ten East — not a great spot for a coach in his seventh full season on the helm.
Even the coaches on the high have potential issues. Harbaugh’s future at Michigan is cloudy amid varied NCAA-related issues, and James Franklin’s incapacity to beat Michigan or Ohio State recently has him dealing with some robust questions at Penn State. If OSU’s Ryan Day loses to the Wolverines for a 3rd straight 12 months — with Harbaugh suspended — count on loads of grumbling amongst Buckeyes followers.
Minnesota operating again Darius Taylor rushed for 529 yards in three video games in September, however harm issues derailed his season and he’s performed solely as soon as since. Purdue defensive again Dillon Thieneman has received Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors 4 occasions.
Nothing’s modified a lot right here. Ohio State leads the best way within the Big Ten in line with 247 Sports, which ranks the Buckeyes’ class at No. 2 nationally. Penn State is No. 13 and Michigan is No. 15.
Ohio State seems set to land five-star receivers Jeremiah Smith and Mylan Graham.
Among the brand new additions to the Big Ten, Oregon’s class is ranked No. 6 and USC’s is No. 18.
___
Get alerts on the newest AP Top 25 ballot all through the season. Sign up right here
___
AP school soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll
(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is revealed from a syndicated information company feed – Associated Press)
