The Big 10 is finally back! The season opens Friday night when Illinois travels to Wisconsin. Each team is scheduled to play eight games, plus one against the corresponding cross division opponent in the standings the week of the conference championship game. The eight regular season games will consist of six against their divisional opponents, either the East or the West, and two cross divisional games. The top team from each division will meet in Indy on December 19. The Big Ten is adding a new twist to the championship weekend this year, with East vs. West games. The way it will work is each team will play whoever is in the same standings as them in the other division. For example, whatever team finishes third in the East will play the third place team in the West. I think this is a great idea and will be really fun to see which division comes out with more wins. If this goes well, this is something that all conferences should try. The whole schedule is riding on the fact that no team comes down with a Covid outbreak. Each team is scheduled for nine games in nine weeks, so postponements are not an option. The Big Ten has followed much stricter protocols than the other conferences, but anything could happen. It will be interesting to see if they can make it through the whole season with no issues.
Who's Playing?
When the Big 10 first announced that there would be no fall football, many top players decided to opt out for various reasons. With the decision to actually play in the fall, some players were able to opt back in.
Originally Opted Out, but now Back In:
Rondale Moore (Purdue, Wide Receiver) only played four games due to injury last season but in 2018 he became the first Big Ten true freshman to be an All American and showed how talented he was. Moore will be a huge help to Purdue if he can stay healthy
Rashod Batemen (Minnesota, Wide Receiver) was the Big Ten receiver of the year in 2019 and was a frequent weapon for QB Tanner Morgan
Shaun Wade (Ohio State, cornerback) is a major piece of Ohio State’s defense and is expected to be a first round draft pick
Wyatt Davis (Ohio State, Offensive Guard) is one of the best interior offensive linemen in the country and a huge part of OSU’s offensive line
Jacub Panasiuk (Michigan State, Defensive End) is MSU's active leader in tackles for loss and sacks
Opted Out:
Micah Parsons (Penn State, Linebacker) is the best linebacker in the country but will not be playing this season, instead preparing for the NFL draft
Rashawn Slater (Northwestern, Offensive Tackle) will be sitting out the season to prepare for the draft
Ra’Von Bonner (Illinois, Running Back) is a huge loss to Illinois as he would be one of the only RB’s who had lots of experience playing last year and put up good numbers
Ambry Thomas (Michigan, Cornerback) was supposed to be one of the best cornerbacks in the league this season and his absence will leave Michigan with very little experienced cornerbacks
Best Returning Players:
Justin Fields (Ohio State, Quarterback): Last season Fields put up insane stats, throwing forty touchdown passes with just one interception going into the playoffs. Fields is only expected to improve this year, and has a group of very talented receivers to target. He should be up with Lawrence at the top of the Heisman race.
George Karlaftis (Purdue, Defensive End): As a true freshman, Karlaftis pressured pass rushers 60 times last season, tying Chase Young for most in the Big 10. He had 17 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks, and an interception last year. He’s expected to put up big numbers again this year.
Rashod Bateman (Minnesota, Wide Receiver): Bateman was a huge part of Minnesota’s 11 win season in 2019. He had 60 receptions for 1219 yards and 11 touchdowns. Bateman averaged 20.3 yards per catch. He should put up big numbers again this season.
Tanner Morgan (Minnesota, Quarterback): Morgan can make a solid argument that he was the second best quarterback in the Big Ten last season. He threw for 3,253 yards (only 19 less than Fields), 30 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. In his senior season, Morgan should put up big numbers again, especially with Rashod Bateman returning.
Whop Philyor (Indian, Wide Receiver): In 2019, Philyor had 70 receptions for 1002 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 14.3 yards a reception. Philyor should be a frequent target for QB Michael Penix this season. Also, he has the best name in the conference.
Predictions:
*Ohio State will beat Minnesota in the Championship Game
Comments