Mavric
Yoda
OWHThe margins in each category differ, which is important. Minnesota by far has the hardest overall schedule. Wisconsin’s track record in the last five years is better than Nebraska’s and Minnesota’s by a wide margin. With so many categories bunched close together, here’s how I pick:
» Wisconsin wins the Big Ten West, losing a single league game — at Nebraska. The Badgers prolong their streak over Minnesota, handle everyone else and advance to the Big Ten title game for a rematch against Ohio State, a game that may not be much prettier than last year’s contest, if we’re honest.
» Nebraska finishes second, losing two league games. The smart money is on Michigan State, which is the best overall team on the Huskers’ schedule, and one of those four Big Ten road games. Look at each of those four — Minnesota, Illinois, Purdue and Rutgers — as 6-foot par putts. NU misses one of them. The game at Illinois seems like a moment to watch.
» Minnesota is third, losing to Ohio State and Wisconsin for sure, plus one other game along the way. I could see Nebraska or Michigan tripping up the Gophers. If Minnesota wins eight games this year, tip your hat at Kill. That’d really be something.
» Though we didn’t parse it out, I’m picking Iowa, Illinois and Northwestern to finish closely together, with Purdue, while improved, bringing up the rear unless redshirt freshman quarterback David Blough is really good right away.
Last edited by a moderator: