My predictions for this year's Big Ten football conference will have some surprises and some expected events. Even though Ohio State may be facing a bowl ban, I believe Urban Meyer's new team is ahead of the competition this year, especially in the Leaders Division. And I see the in-state rivalry between the Michigan teams to have a close finish for first place.
Leaders
Ohio State 8-0
Wisconsin 7-1
Illinoise 4-4
Purdue 3-5
Penn State 2-6
Indiana 1-7
...............This is the year where OSU can take over this division and weak conference overall. The losses of Russell Wilson, Kirk Cousins give subtle hits to Wisconsin and Michigan State. The sanction of Penn State and the already underperforming Indiana and Purdue make this an easy walk for Ohio State in their quest for the division. Their two biggest matches come against Wisconsin and Michigan State but this year Ohio State has the big time edge, as they will also have a 4-0 record outside of the conference to Wisconsin's 3-1(loses to Oregon State). If Ohio State can play for the postseason they will be in the playoff and be contending for best in the nation.
Legends
Michigan 5-3
Michigan State 5-3
Iowa 4-4
Nebraska 4-4
Minnesota 3-5
Northwestern 2-6
.................No Kirk Cousins this year for MSU whose backup will now have to take over and will do a decent job but the more experienced will win. Robinson is without a doubt the best quarterback in this division and Nebraska I'm not sold on as they lost some games last year in this conference and didnt do as well as people expected. Still the head to head meeting between Michigan and Michigan State decides this division and with it being in Michigan, I'm giving the advantage to the wolverines. Without Persa and a tougher schedule having to face Penn State and Minnesota on the road, Northwestern regresses. Thanks to an easy schedule Iowa will make it to .500 in the division.
