Here is how we think the B1G standings will play out, plus Week 1 predictions
Earlier this week we published our All-B1G selections. But no preseason preview is complete without sticking our neck out and predicting where each team will finish in their respective divisions. We also included our Championship Week and Week 1 predictions. Enjoy!
Picking the B1G
B1G East Standings
1. Ohio State 8-0
The Buckeyes did lose a lot of talent from a season ago, but they are still the top dog until proven otherwise.
2. Penn State 7-1
The Nittany Lions do have the talent to unseat Ohio State and they host the Buckeyes on Halloween.
3. Michigan 5-3
Is this the year the Wolverines leap back to the top of the B1G East?
4. Indiana 4-4
The Hoosiers have the talent to win more than four games. However, Indiana hosts Penn State this afternoon and Michigan on November 7. Can they go 3-1 or 4-0 to start the year?
5. Michigan State 2-6
If the Spartans field another rough housing defense this fall, Sparty should be in most of the contests on their schedule.
6. Maryland 1-7
How much will transfers contribute to the success of the Terrapins?
7. Rutgers 0-8
Greg Schiano had this program winning on a regular basis during his first Scarlet Knight stint. Can Schiano get his old-new program moving in the right direction right out of the gate?
B1G West Standings
1. Wisconsin 7-1
Until another program overtakes them, the Badgers are the annual fixture in this spot.
2. Minnesota 5-3
The Golden Gophers had a fantastic season a year ago. Can their offense carry them until the defense is championship ready?
2. Nebraska 5-3
The offense should take a huge step in Scott Frost’s third year. What about the Blackshirts?
2. Iowa 5-3
The Hawkeyes are always good for a bowl game. Can they take it a notch higher and compete for the division championship?
5. Northwestern 3-5
The Wildcats could be a surprise team here. The defense is one of the B1G’s best and the offense should be Improved.
6. Illinois 2-6
Does Lovie Smith have the pieces to guide the Illini to their first winning season during his tenure?
6. Purdue 2-6
The Boilermakers are a scary dangerous team. But will they prove us wrong?
Picking the B1G Championship Week Games
Ohio State vs. Wisconsin – B1G Championship Game
Penn State vs. Minnesota
Michigan vs. Nebraska
Indiana vs. Iowa
Michigan State vs. Illinois
Maryland vs. Purdue
Rutgers vs. Northwestern
Week 1 Predictions
Wisconsin 45, Illinois 7 – Our predictions weren’t published in time to count this one.
Ohio State 38, Nebraska 28
Michigan State 24, Rutgers 10
Penn State 35, Indiana 24
Iowa 38, Purdue 35
Northwestern 31, Maryland 17
Michigan 27, Minnesota 24
