The health of Big Ten Football heading into 2018

[cidsports]

The Big Ten is on the verge a possible 8-0 undefeated bowl season to close out the 2017 season.

2018 is just around the corner ...

1. Ohio State is the #1 program, with 2 CFP appearances and the defending Big Ten champs. I do see a chink in the Urban armor (patience sticking to run game, as B1G losses in 2015 and 2017 highlighted)
2. Wisconsin is #2 in B1G. Badgers will travel to PSU in 2018 to truly earn or validate this position on the ladder. Paul Chryst is the best college football coach with no conference titles.
3. Michigan State does have a CFP birth, in the past. However, they didn't compete at that level. They beat PSU in 2017 and have shown ability to compete with Ohio State. Lost badly last game played with Gadgets.
4. Penn State loses a super star at RB most likely heading into 2018. James Franklin has a new OC and will have to retool in certain skill positions. 2016 may have been an exception, but Nittany Lions have owned Iowa lately.
5. Northwestern is consistently becoming #2 in the B1G West, but Pat Fitzgerald really hasn't shown an ability to compete for #1 against Wisconsin. They have beat UW, but only as a spoiler. They will have questions at QB and lead RB in 2018.
6. Iowa needs to improve in all phases of the game, if they plan to compete with Wisconsin for the B1G West division. Kirk Ferentz gets first crack in Year 20 at helm and his 29th season in the Big Ten.
7. Michigan holds the keys to an 8-0 bowl season for 2017-18. The Wolvernies kickoff the New Year as the only team playing in the Big Ten to wrap up the old season. Jim Harbaugh is played B1G money and hasn't played yet in a Big Ten title game. He is #2 to Pat Fitzgerald on the non-title game list. Clearly, QB play has held the Wolverines back over past 3 seasons under Harbaugh.
8. Purdue - Jeff Brohm is a fine coach and his first season in West Lafayette exceeded expectations. Coming off a Bowl win, they may be the sleeper in the B1G West in 2018. We shall see. Hayden Fry witnessed a step down in his 2nd year, unlike Bob Stoops, who hit paydirt and his greatest season.
9. Maryland - Year 3 is often special for B1G head coaches. We saw it at Iowa with Fry. We know Urban and Franklin won titles in Year 3. Paul Chryst came close. Recruiting is strong. Healthy QBs have been a thorn. This is a program likely will some high expectations for 2018. Bowl bid or bust?
10. Minnesota - P.J. Fleck heads into Year 2 with plenty of holes to fill. Who is the QB to lead this program? At Western Michigan, Fleck had one real special season ended by UW in a New Year's 6 bowl. Then, he headed to Minneapolis and home for the Holidays. Does Fleck rebound Gophers in 2018?
11. Nebraska - Scott Frost may be P.J. Fleck or he may be coming off 13-0 season, after final game at UCF. Unlike Minnesota, UNL is an urban renewal project, and they will face Urban's Buckeyes again in Columbus, so who leads Frost's offense at QB? What stock is in the coral in the trenches for the Huskers? LBs are also needed for the Blackshirts 3-4, as a new Iowa alum will take over role as DC.
12. Indiana - Tom Allen started at IU as head coach and in a Bowl game. His first full season ended home for the Holidays, as Purdue won the season finale and took the baton and keys to a Bowl game. What direction will this program head in 2018?
13. Rutgers - Chris Ash heads into Year 3 will a little light at the end of the tunnel heading into 2018.
14. Illinois - Lovie defeated bowl teams his first season in Champaign, but the floor caved in during Year 2 in the B1G. He fired his OC and DB coach this off season, after 24 true freshmen were asked to play and lead this team. The cellar is housed by Fighting Illini heading into 2018.

Scott Frost will bring a lot of energy to the Lincoln.

2018 will be an interesting year in the Big Ten and plenty of momentum should come from the bowl season, win or lose by Michigan.

 

[phoenix4nu]

The Big Ten is on the verge a possible 8-0 undefeated bowl season to close out the 2017 season.

2018 is just around the corner ...

1. Ohio State is the #1 program, with 2 CFP appearances and the defending Big Ten champs. I do see a chink in the Urban armor (patience sticking to run game, as B1G losses in 2015 and 2017 highlighted)
2. Wisconsin is #2 in B1G. Badgers will travel to PSU in 2018 to truly earn or validate this position on the ladder. Paul Chryst is the best college football coach with no conference titles.
3. Michigan State does have a CFP birth, in the past. However, they didn't compete at that level. They beat PSU in 2017 and have shown ability to compete with Ohio State. Lost badly last game played with Gadgets.
4. Penn State loses a super star at RB most likely heading into 2018. James Franklin has a new OC and will have to retool in certain skill positions. 2016 may have been an exception, but Nittany Lions have owned Iowa lately.
5. Northwestern is consistently becoming #2 in the B1G West, but Pat Fitzgerald really hasn't shown an ability to compete for #1 against Wisconsin. They have beat UW, but only as a spoiler. They will have questions at QB and lead RB in 2018.
6. Iowa needs to improve in all phases of the game, if they plan to compete with Wisconsin for the B1G West division. Kirk Ferentz gets first crack in Year 20 at helm and his 29th season in the Big Ten.
7. Michigan holds the keys to an 8-0 bowl season for 2017-18. The Wolvernies kickoff the New Year as the only team playing in the Big Ten to wrap up the old season. Jim Harbaugh is played B1G money and hasn't played yet in a Big Ten title game. He is #2 to Pat Fitzgerald on the non-title game list. Clearly, QB play has held the Wolverines back over past 3 seasons under Harbaugh.
8. Purdue - Jeff Brohm is a fine coach and his first season in West Lafayette exceeded expectations. Coming off a Bowl win, they may be the sleeper in the B1G West in 2018. We shall see. Hayden Fry witnessed a step down in his 2nd year, unlike Bob Stoops, who hit paydirt and his greatest season.
9. Maryland - Year 3 is often special for B1G head coaches. We saw it at Iowa with Fry. We know Urban and Franklin won titles in Year 3. Paul Chryst came close. Recruiting is strong. Healthy QBs have been a thorn. This is a program likely will some high expectations for 2018. Bowl bid or bust?
10. Minnesota - P.J. Fleck heads into Year 2 with plenty of holes to fill. Who is the QB to lead this program? At Western Michigan, Fleck had one real special season ended by UW in a New Year's 6 bowl. Then, he headed to Minneapolis and home for the Holidays. Does Fleck rebound Gophers in 2018?
11. Nebraska - Scott Frost may be P.J. Fleck or he may be coming off 13-0 season, after final game at UCF. Unlike Minnesota, UNL is an urban renewal project, and they will face Urban's Buckeyes again in Columbus, so who leads Frost's offense at QB? What stock is in the coral in the trenches for the Huskers? LBs are also needed for the Blackshirts 3-4, as a new Iowa alum will take over role as DC.
12. Indiana - Tom Allen started at IU as head coach and in a Bowl game. His first full season ended home for the Holidays, as Purdue won the season finale and took the baton and keys to a Bowl game. What direction will this program head in 2018?
13. Rutgers - Chris Ash heads into Year 3 will a little light at the end of the tunnel heading into 2018.
14. Illinois - Lovie defeated bowl teams his first season in Champaign, but the floor caved in during Year 2 in the B1G. He fired his OC and DB coach this off season, after 24 true freshmen were asked to play and lead this team. The cellar is housed by Fighting Illini heading into 2018.

Scott Frost will bring a lot of energy to the Lincoln.

2018 will be an interesting year in the Big Ten and plenty of momentum should come from the bowl season, win or lose by Michigan.

Surprised you didn't put Nebraska lower, given your obvious bias.

 

[huskerfan66]

I couldn't be more excited about our future. Theoretical problem with a really salty conference with parity, everyone beats up on each other and nobody makes the 4 team playoff. Happened this year. I think we are headed to 8.

 

[undigestedcorn]

Northwestern is consistently becoming #2 in the B1G West

Before this season, here is Northwestern's Big Ten West standings:
2014 - Tied for 5th place
2015 - Tied for 2nd place
2016 - Tied for 4th place

Not seeing the #2 consistency here.

 

[scarletred]

Before this season, here is Northwestern's Big Ten West standings:
2014 - Tied for 5th place
2015 - Tied for 2nd place
2016 - Tied for 4th place

Not seeing the #2 consistency here.

You forgot 2nd place in 2017.

 

[scarletred]

You forgot to read the "Before this season" beginning of my post. Consistency means looking beyond the current season.

I read it but more body of work included you have to include this season too.

 

[cidsports]

Surprised you didn't put Nebraska lower, given your obvious bias.

Mike Riley didn't work out. There is some work ahead. Both Bob Devaney and Dr. Tom Osborne were non-alums.

It should be an interesting 2018. Frank Solich never had the resume of Scott Frost. It is a rebuilding job, like UCF. But, Nebraska isn't UCF.

Happy New Year.

 

[cidsports]

I couldn't be more excited about our future. Theoretical problem with a really salty conference with parity, everyone beats up on each other and nobody makes the 4 team playoff. Happened this year. I think we are headed to 8.

Surprised you didn't put Nebraska lower, given your obvious bias.

The College Football Playoff will and should remain 4 teams.

Nebraska has work ahead. Many programs above and below have work ahead. Scott Frost has a rebuilding job again.

 

[cidsports]

Not seeing any analysis about the upcoming 2018 season to support any ranking for Michigan. Shouldn't a future season projection include details about how many key players are projected to return and what their schedule looks like? Not a lot of substance to your article.

Actually, this is a reflection on 12/31/2017 and before Michigan plays their final game. QB is the key to Michigan. Will the former Ole Miss coach bring them a division trophy?

He is no Tanner Lee. He is a better prospect than Jake Rudock.

 

[scarletred]

Yada,yada,yada..We all know Frost has a lot of work to do.

That can happen when you hit rock bottom like we have with Riley...

Give it time and we will rise from the ashes.

 

[cidsports]

Yada,yada,yada..We all know Frost has a lot of work to do.

That can happen when you hit rock bottom like we have with Riley...

Give it time and we will rise from the ashes.

Indiana and Minnesota last won the B1G in 1967. Ashes, maybe 1912, since the boys in Ames, in the old MVC league won. ISU last won back to back titles back in 1911 and 1912.

Nebraska hasn't fallen too far. It wasn't pretty, but relative to others. Scott Frost and Nebraska have a pulse compared to many other programs.

Look at Lovie at Illinois and playing 24 freshmen this season and what, 0-9.

Heck, it wasn't pretty losing to EMU in September, but Rutgers found a way to win in the B1G.

Happy New Year.

 

[scarletred]

Indiana and Minnesota last won the B1G in 1967. Ashes, maybe 1912, since the boys in Ames, in the old MVC league won. ISU last won back to back titles back in 1911 and 1912.

Nebraska hasn't fallen too far. It wasn't pretty, but relative to others. Scott Frost and Nebraska have a pulse compared to many other programs.

Look at Lovie at Illinois and playing 24 freshmen this season and what, 0-9.

Heck, it wasn't pretty losing to EMU in September, but Rutgers found a way to win in the B1G.

Happy New Year.

Worst record and season since 1961 Bill Jennings was our Head Coach . Where you born yet?

For the Husker Nation we have fallen that far in the three years.

Happy New Year as well.

 

[barney44]

You sure like your formatting..

 

[headcard]

Usual garbage from the OP. Maybe he can turn it around in 2018.

 

[Arbitr8]

Usual garbage from the OP. Maybe he can turn it around in 2018.

Translation =You don’t have Nebraska with 10+ wins

 

[barney44]

Translation =You don’t have Nebraska with 10+ wins

Translation: I like to misinterpret messages to fit my agenda..

 

[PlutoDroid]

The Big Ten is on the verge a possible 8-0 undefeated bowl season to close out the 2017 season.

2018 is just around the corner ...

1. Ohio State is the #1 program, with 2 CFP appearances and the defending Big Ten champs. I do see a chink in the Urban armor (patience sticking to run game, as B1G losses in 2015 and 2017 highlighted)
2. Wisconsin is #2 in B1G. Badgers will travel to PSU in 2018 to truly earn or validate this position on the ladder. Paul Chryst is the best college football coach with no conference titles.
3. Michigan State does have a CFP birth, in the past. However, they didn't compete at that level. They beat PSU in 2017 and have shown ability to compete with Ohio State. Lost badly last game played with Gadgets.
4. Penn State loses a super star at RB most likely heading into 2018. James Franklin has a new OC and will have to retool in certain skill positions. 2016 may have been an exception, but Nittany Lions have owned Iowa lately.
5. Northwestern is consistently becoming #2 in the B1G West, but Pat Fitzgerald really hasn't shown an ability to compete for #1 against Wisconsin. They have beat UW, but only as a spoiler. They will have questions at QB and lead RB in 2018.
6. Iowa needs to improve in all phases of the game, if they plan to compete with Wisconsin for the B1G West division. Kirk Ferentz gets first crack in Year 20 at helm and his 29th season in the Big Ten.
7. Michigan holds the keys to an 8-0 bowl season for 2017-18. The Wolvernies kickoff the New Year as the only team playing in the Big Ten to wrap up the old season. Jim Harbaugh is played B1G money and hasn't played yet in a Big Ten title game. He is #2 to Pat Fitzgerald on the non-title game list. Clearly, QB play has held the Wolverines back over past 3 seasons under Harbaugh.
8. Purdue - Jeff Brohm is a fine coach and his first season in West Lafayette exceeded expectations. Coming off a Bowl win, they may be the sleeper in the B1G West in 2018. We shall see. Hayden Fry witnessed a step down in his 2nd year, unlike Bob Stoops, who hit paydirt and his greatest season.
9. Maryland - Year 3 is often special for B1G head coaches. We saw it at Iowa with Fry. We know Urban and Franklin won titles in Year 3. Paul Chryst came close. Recruiting is strong. Healthy QBs have been a thorn. This is a program likely will some high expectations for 2018. Bowl bid or bust?
10. Minnesota - P.J. Fleck heads into Year 2 with plenty of holes to fill. Who is the QB to lead this program? At Western Michigan, Fleck had one real special season ended by UW in a New Year's 6 bowl. Then, he headed to Minneapolis and home for the Holidays. Does Fleck rebound Gophers in 2018?
11. Nebraska - Scott Frost may be P.J. Fleck or he may be coming off 13-0 season, after final game at UCF. Unlike Minnesota, UNL is an urban renewal project, and they will face Urban's Buckeyes again in Columbus, so who leads Frost's offense at QB? What stock is in the coral in the trenches for the Huskers? LBs are also needed for the Blackshirts 3-4, as a new Iowa alum will take over role as DC.
12. Indiana - Tom Allen started at IU as head coach and in a Bowl game. His first full season ended home for the Holidays, as Purdue won the season finale and took the baton and keys to a Bowl game. What direction will this program head in 2018?
13. Rutgers - Chris Ash heads into Year 3 will a little light at the end of the tunnel heading into 2018.
14. Illinois - Lovie defeated bowl teams his first season in Champaign, but the floor caved in during Year 2 in the B1G. He fired his OC and DB coach this off season, after 24 true freshmen were asked to play and lead this team. The cellar is housed by Fighting Illini heading into 2018.

Scott Frost will bring a lot of energy to the Lincoln.

2018 will be an interesting year in the Big Ten and plenty of momentum should come from the bowl season, win or lose by Michigan.

Are your rankings indicative of past performances or future projections?
The way you worded it seems like you are using data acrued over the last four years and gave no indication of next year.

Ohio State
Penn State
Wisconsin
Michigan State

Of all the BIG teams these are the only four to win a conference title since the championship games inception.

Nebraska will take a little while to get back but once it does you may see a Miami like revival.

Happy New Year.

 

[marisa45]

The Big Ten is on the verge a possible 8-0 undefeated bowl season to close out the 2017 season.

2018 is just around the corner ...

1. Ohio State is the #1 program, with 2 CFP appearances and the defending Big Ten champs. I do see a chink in the Urban armor (patience sticking to run game, as B1G losses in 2015 and 2017 highlighted)
2. Wisconsin is #2 in B1G. Badgers will travel to PSU in 2018 to truly earn or validate this position on the ladder. Paul Chryst is the best college football coach with no conference titles.
3. Michigan State does have a CFP birth, in the past. However, they didn't compete at that level. They beat PSU in 2017 and have shown ability to compete with Ohio State. Lost badly last game played with Gadgets.
4. Penn State loses a super star at RB most likely heading into 2018. James Franklin has a new OC and will have to retool in certain skill positions. 2016 may have been an exception, but Nittany Lions have owned Iowa lately.
5. Northwestern is consistently becoming #2 in the B1G West, but Pat Fitzgerald really hasn't shown an ability to compete for #1 against Wisconsin. They have beat UW, but only as a spoiler. They will have questions at QB and lead RB in 2018.
6. Iowa needs to improve in all phases of the game, if they plan to compete with Wisconsin for the B1G West division. Kirk Ferentz gets first crack in Year 20 at helm and his 29th season in the Big Ten.
7. Michigan holds the keys to an 8-0 bowl season for 2017-18. The Wolvernies kickoff the New Year as the only team playing in the Big Ten to wrap up the old season. Jim Harbaugh is played B1G money and hasn't played yet in a Big Ten title game. He is #2 to Pat Fitzgerald on the non-title game list. Clearly, QB play has held the Wolverines back over past 3 seasons under Harbaugh.
8. Purdue - Jeff Brohm is a fine coach and his first season in West Lafayette exceeded expectations. Coming off a Bowl win, they may be the sleeper in the B1G West in 2018. We shall see. Hayden Fry witnessed a step down in his 2nd year, unlike Bob Stoops, who hit paydirt and his greatest season.
9. Maryland - Year 3 is often special for B1G head coaches. We saw it at Iowa with Fry. We know Urban and Franklin won titles in Year 3. Paul Chryst came close. Recruiting is strong. Healthy QBs have been a thorn. This is a program likely will some high expectations for 2018. Bowl bid or bust?
10. Minnesota - P.J. Fleck heads into Year 2 with plenty of holes to fill. Who is the QB to lead this program? At Western Michigan, Fleck had one real special season ended by UW in a New Year's 6 bowl. Then, he headed to Minneapolis and home for the Holidays. Does Fleck rebound Gophers in 2018?
11. Nebraska - Scott Frost may be P.J. Fleck or he may be coming off 13-0 season, after final game at UCF. Unlike Minnesota, UNL is an urban renewal project, and they will face Urban's Buckeyes again in Columbus, so who leads Frost's offense at QB? What stock is in the coral in the trenches for the Huskers? LBs are also needed for the Blackshirts 3-4, as a new Iowa alum will take over role as DC.
12. Indiana - Tom Allen started at IU as head coach and in a Bowl game. His first full season ended home for the Holidays, as Purdue won the season finale and took the baton and keys to a Bowl game. What direction will this program head in 2018?
13. Rutgers - Chris Ash heads into Year 3 will a little light at the end of the tunnel heading into 2018.
14. Illinois - Lovie defeated bowl teams his first season in Champaign, but the floor caved in during Year 2 in the B1G. He fired his OC and DB coach this off season, after 24 true freshmen were asked to play and lead this team. The cellar is housed by Fighting Illini heading into 2018.

Scott Frost will bring a lot of energy to the Lincoln.

2018 will be an interesting year in the Big Ten and plenty of momentum should come from the bowl season, win or lose by Michigan.

Pardon me...but a this is a big load of CR@P. PSU returns one of the best QBs in the country and the defensive and offensive lines will be scary with 4 and 5** talent, and, it seem that you still haven't caught on, but Franklin is a hell of a coach/GM. Wisky and MSU don't have a chance.......both will travel TO happy valley. It's OSU/PSU/ Michigan next year, just deal with it.

 

[Jacor123]

During the half time of the NW KU game the new 600 mil athletic center on the beach of Lake Michigan was shown. NW is in the top 25 academically / hardest to get into.

 

[PeliniTheCrutch]

The Big Ten is on the verge a possible 8-0 undefeated bowl season to close out the 2017 season.

2018 is just around the corner ...

1. Ohio State is the #1 program, with 2 CFP appearances and the defending Big Ten champs. I do see a chink in the Urban armor (patience sticking to run game, as B1G losses in 2015 and 2017 highlighted)
2. Wisconsin is #2 in B1G. Badgers will travel to PSU in 2018 to truly earn or validate this position on the ladder. Paul Chryst is the best college football coach with no conference titles.
3. Michigan State does have a CFP birth, in the past. However, they didn't compete at that level. They beat PSU in 2017 and have shown ability to compete with Ohio State. Lost badly last game played with Gadgets.
4. Penn State loses a super star at RB most likely heading into 2018. James Franklin has a new OC and will have to retool in certain skill positions. 2016 may have been an exception, but Nittany Lions have owned Iowa lately.
5. Northwestern is consistently becoming #2 in the B1G West, but Pat Fitzgerald really hasn't shown an ability to compete for #1 against Wisconsin. They have beat UW, but only as a spoiler. They will have questions at QB and lead RB in 2018.
6. Iowa needs to improve in all phases of the game, if they plan to compete with Wisconsin for the B1G West division. Kirk Ferentz gets first crack in Year 20 at helm and his 29th season in the Big Ten.
7. Michigan holds the keys to an 8-0 bowl season for 2017-18. The Wolvernies kickoff the New Year as the only team playing in the Big Ten to wrap up the old season. Jim Harbaugh is played B1G money and hasn't played yet in a Big Ten title game. He is #2 to Pat Fitzgerald on the non-title game list. Clearly, QB play has held the Wolverines back over past 3 seasons under Harbaugh.
8. Purdue - Jeff Brohm is a fine coach and his first season in West Lafayette exceeded expectations. Coming off a Bowl win, they may be the sleeper in the B1G West in 2018. We shall see. Hayden Fry witnessed a step down in his 2nd year, unlike Bob Stoops, who hit paydirt and his greatest season.
9. Maryland - Year 3 is often special for B1G head coaches. We saw it at Iowa with Fry. We know Urban and Franklin won titles in Year 3. Paul Chryst came close. Recruiting is strong. Healthy QBs have been a thorn. This is a program likely will some high expectations for 2018. Bowl bid or bust?
10. Minnesota - P.J. Fleck heads into Year 2 with plenty of holes to fill. Who is the QB to lead this program? At Western Michigan, Fleck had one real special season ended by UW in a New Year's 6 bowl. Then, he headed to Minneapolis and home for the Holidays. Does Fleck rebound Gophers in 2018?
11. Nebraska - Scott Frost may be P.J. Fleck or he may be coming off 13-0 season, after final game at UCF. Unlike Minnesota, UNL is an urban renewal project, and they will face Urban's Buckeyes again in Columbus, so who leads Frost's offense at QB? What stock is in the coral in the trenches for the Huskers? LBs are also needed for the Blackshirts 3-4, as a new Iowa alum will take over role as DC.
12. Indiana - Tom Allen started at IU as head coach and in a Bowl game. His first full season ended home for the Holidays, as Purdue won the season finale and took the baton and keys to a Bowl game. What direction will this program head in 2018?
13. Rutgers - Chris Ash heads into Year 3 will a little light at the end of the tunnel heading into 2018.
14. Illinois - Lovie defeated bowl teams his first season in Champaign, but the floor caved in during Year 2 in the B1G. He fired his OC and DB coach this off season, after 24 true freshmen were asked to play and lead this team. The cellar is housed by Fighting Illini heading into 2018.

Scott Frost will bring a lot of energy to the Lincoln.

2018 will be an interesting year in the Big Ten and plenty of momentum should come from the bowl season, win or lose by Michigan.

Hard to type a post that long with absolutely nothing of substance whatsoever, but you pulled it off!

At least Arbitr8 spreads his nonsense out.

 

[headcard]

Translation =You don’t have Nebraska with 10+ wins

Yea, that’s the only issue with his analysis. It’s just random garbage that doesn’t even make sense.

Kirk Farentz once wore a hat on a Saturday, it’s cold in Iowa City. Can the Hawks win it all?

PJ Flek likes boats. Old Ironsides was a boat. Big things happening at Minny.