Michigan Wolverines football coach Jim Harbaugh has compiled a 49-22 record during his six years at U-M. (AP Images)
"In general, it's not acceptable from anyone in the Michigan program to have posted a record significantly worse than OSU's over a six-year span, but again, 68-8 is quite difficult to top or to even match." - The Fort
"What's more frustrating, however, is the fact three other Big Ten programs outside of Ohio State now own a better record than Michigan over the last six years — Wisconsin, Iowa and Penn State."
"The Badgers' 56-19 mark since 2015 has been the best of the aforementioned trio, though Iowa’s 53-21 record (71.6) and Penn State’s 53-22 mark (70.6) are close behind. A lot of fans oftentimes point to the fact that Wisconsin and Iowa play in the Big Ten West division and face a significantly easier schedule than East squads, which is true."
"That same narrative can’t be used for Penn State though, whose 53-22 record since 2015 is slightly better than U-M’s 49-22. Both the Nittany Lions and Wolverines have recruited at a similar level over the last six years, but the Badgers and Hawkeyes, on the other hand, have not been on those two‘s recruiting level."
"Wisconsin and Iowa consistently finish in the 20s and 30s (or even lower) in the national recruiting rankings, but have used outstanding player development to build consistent winners."
Consistency is the name of the game. And, Michigan is likely in for another bumpy road in 2021.
The Dean of the Big Ten, Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz has a 6 or 6+ game winning streak over Illinois, Minnesota and Nebraska in the B1G West.
Every Big Ten Team's Record Since 2015
Team | Record | Winning Percentage |
---|---|---|
1. Ohio State | 68-8 | 89.4 |
2. Wisconsin | 56-19 | 74.6 |
3. Iowa | 53-21 | 71.6 |
4. Penn State | 53-22 | 70.6 |
5. Michigan | 49-22 | 69 |
6. Northwestern | 46-28 | 62.1 |
7. Minnesota | 41-30 | 57.7 |
8. Michigan State | 41-31 | 56.9 |
9. Indiana | 36-35 | 50.7 |
10. Nebraska | 31-39 | 44.2 |
11. Purdue | 24-44 | 35.2 |
12. Maryland | 23-43 | 34.8 |
13. Illinois | 22-47 | 31.8 |
14. Rutgers | 16-53 | 23.1 |
It will be a tall order for Nebraska to get out of the bottom 5 in 2021, with Indiana seeking to jump into the B1G East Top 2 for the second straight year.
The B1G East likely will see Ohio State win for the six straight season. The B1G West should be a little more competitive.