It’s another national title or bust kind of season for Ohio State football. All the college football preseason preview magazines see at least a final four appearance in Columbus, with two of the three calling a national championship game appearance. Thus, it’s pretty obvious who tops our B1G power rankings pre-Media Day.
1. Ohio State Football
Their passing game was probably their only major weakness last season, and it’s a question mark this year. No worries, this won’t be much of a passing league this fall, and they’ll be just fine. Their DL is so talented and deep, their second string defensive line way better than your first. (more on 2017 Ohio State football here)
2. Penn State
Most of the guys who matter are back, but it’s not likely that everything falls their way again.
3. Wisconsin
The Badgers have an almost-dynasty kind of thing going on now, like the 1990s Atlanta Braves or Buffalo Bills. On paper, they keep it going as they’re the safest pick in the West.
4. Michigan
We can’t wait to wear what lessons of leadership and conquering one’s enemies Jim Harbaugh learned from the Roman Empire while he took his team to the eternal city for spring practice. Friends, countrymen, Wolverines have seen a mostly upward trajectory for Michigan football in the Harbaugh era thus far. (more on Michigan here)
5. Northwestern
6. Minnesota
From a Media Day stand point, going from Tracy Claeys to P.J. Fleck is basically upgrading from Cheese Whiz to a finely aged brie, or a top line buffalo mozzarella
7. Nebraska
A request and dedication from Nebraska fans to Tommy Armstrong Jr.
8. Iowa
Akrum Wadley is worth the price of admission by himself. Josey Jewell can ball too. Beyond that though….everything else especially extraordinary would be at least a mild surprise.
9. Michigan State
Spartans suffered through a 3-9 disaster last season, fielding a team that both 1.) fell far below expectations and 2.) often looked very disinterested. Winter brought very serious off-the-field issues to supplement the on-the-field catastrophe, as a sexual assault complaint was filed against three players.
Those three Michigan State football players, who allegedly committed the attack in January, were indefinitely suspended in February. On June 5th, the still publicly unnamed Michigan State football trio were charged with formally charged with sexual assault. The next day, d-day, they were kicked off the team (more on MSU and this situation here)
10. Indiana
It’s understandable why Kevin Wilson was canned, but is Tom Allen really the answer?
11. Maryland
It’s only a matter of time before that Under Armour money starts to kick in and really elevate the program in the long term.
12. Illinois
Did you see where the annual preseason preview magazines have the Illini forecasted this summer? (No? Right why would you, no one buys magazines these days), Since you haven’t, remember what Meredith said in The Talented Mr. Ripley, “You should always save pain for daylight.” Thus, if you’re an Illini fan, hopefully you’re reading this while the sun is still up.
This program is on the right track. I love the Brohm hire, but cleaning up the Darell Hazell dumpster fire is going to take a LOOOOOONG time. (more on Purdue here)
14. Rutgers
You still here? Why were you invited again? Does anyone actually want you here?
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV.
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