It’s the final year of the East-West divide in the Big Ten, which means it’s the final season of the East Division’s dominance of Indianapolis. The concerns about stacking one division with Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State proved true, as the East has won every title in nine attempts. Except for Michigan State’s 2015 run, those wins have all gone to Columbus, Ann Arbor or University Park.
Starting next season, the two best teams will meet for the league crown regardless of geography. Until then, the usual suspects look ready to win the title, even if they have a few things to solve.
Can Ohio State Get Over the Michigan Hurdle?
It’s absurd to say it, but Ryan Day’s starting to feel some pressure in Columbus. At Ohio State, your season’s judged by two things: did you beat Michigan and did you win the Big Ten? And for two years running, Day’s answer has been no to both.
Things don’t look any better this season for the Buckeyes. They’re still a playoff contender and about 120 schools would love to have their problems, but they’ll still be judged on Nov. 25 at Michigan. The Wolverines have more experience at quarterback and on the offensive line, and they’re confident in handling the Buckeyes. Ohio State has to find a way to turn the tide.
Is Drew Allar Ready at Penn State?
Allar mostly played in mop-up duty with Penn State crushing the weak bottom of the Big Ten East, but he looked good when he played. With Sean Clifford gone, Allar is the new starting quarterback and the most hyped signal caller in Happy Valley since Kerry Collins.
Penn State returns a wealth of experience in the trenches, and its powerful ground game beat up everyone but Ohio State and Michigan last year. If Allar’s ready to be a top quarterback, the Nittany Lions have a chance in the East. If not, they’ll remain stuck in third gear behind the Columbus-Ann Arbor axis.
Can Iowa Discover an Offense?
If not for its incredible defense last year, Iowa would have been lucky to win four games. The Hawkeyes scored just 17.7 points per game last season, but the defense held foes to 13.3 PPG despite playing both Michigan and Ohio State. If Iowa had an offense at all, it probably would have ended last year in the Rose Bowl.
Former Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara comes in at quarterback this year, and with an improved offensive line, there are reasons for optimism in Iowa City. The Buckeyes and Wolverines both drop off the slate this year, so if Iowa’s offense is even slightly competent, the Hawkeyes become the Big Ten West favorite.
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