Everyone plans for what their team’s record might be. Joey Galloway even went on ESPN recently, stating the Buckeyes would go undefeated. As a Buckeye fan myself, I don’t believe that will happen, even though I want it too. These will be the preseason record predictions for each team. Remember, things change during the season, so these results would vary.
Ohio State Buckeyes: 11-1
The Buckeyes will continue their dominance this season, only losing to Wisconsin, after winning a tough match-up against Northwestern the week prior. Ohio State has some tough games early. The Bucks face an improving Cincinnati Bearcats team, and an Indiana team on the road, that always gives them problems. Nebraska, Northwestern, and Penn State will also give the Buckeyes some problems, but the Buckeyes roster is just more complete right now. Until Michigan beats Ohio State, for the first time in Harbaugh’s tenure, I cannot put Michigan over the Buckeyes, even with playing at Michigan. The Wolverines were favorites to win “The Game” last year, and we saw what happened.
Nebraska Cornhuskers: 8-4
Nebraska will be looking to take a giant leap this year and I believe they will. Scott Frost will finally get his team to play as a unit and make big improvements. Nebraska will start off hot, winning their first 4 games. Nebraska will then have a pattern where they lose two games in a row, then win two in a row the rest of the season. They will lose the two to the Buckeyes and Wildcats, then win against the Gophers and the Hoosiers after their bye week. The Cornhuskers lose to Purdue on the road and then Wisconsin. Then finish the season strong with wins against the Terrapins and Hawkeyes. A much better season for Nebraska, putting themselves in a good bowl game and leading the program in the right direction.
Penn State Nittany Lions: 9-3
Penn State will have some major ups and downs this year, but they certainly have talent to have a good season. The Nittany Lions will win their first 5 games of the year. Then, they will lose their next two against Iowa and Michigan. They will win 5 of their last 6, only losing to the Buckeyes. I think the Nittany lions have some good talent, especially on the defensive side, which will help them win more games this year.
Indiana Hoosiers: 5-7
The Hoosiers will improve this season, but not by very much. Indiana has a very difficult schedule at the end of the year. Indiana will go 4-2 in the first half of the season, losing only to the Buckeyes and the Spartans. They will then finish the season 1-5, with their only win being against Maryland. Indiana has a long way on defense in order to get where they want, but their high-powered offense will get them in the lead early in the season.
Michigan State: 7-5
Michigan State will continue to have some struggles this season, but can have the ability to steal some wins. The Spartans will have another strong start to the season, going 3-0. The Spartans will lose to Northwestern, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Penn State, and Michigan. Michigan State might have one of the most difficult schedules in the Big Ten this year. Even against the powerhouses of the Big Ten, the Spartans can give some tough competition, especially against Penn State. If the Spartans get some consistency on offense, I expect their win total to rise above seven.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights : 2-10
Rutgers struggles will continue in the 2019 season. After starting the season with a win against UMass, the only win they will scrap together will be against Liberty in week 9. This will again give them a season without a Big Ten win. Until we see the Scarlet Knights get some consistency and more talent on their roster, there’s not much else to base an argument on right now.
Michigan Wolverines: 11-1
The Wolverines will have a remarkable season next year with a great offense and a sound defense. Their only losses this year will come from the hands of Ohio State. Penn State will be a very emotional game for the Wolverines in Happy Valley, so I think it gets the best of them. However, I believe Michigan will bounce back against Notre Dame and put themselves back on track. This team will be the team to look out for this year, given all the hype that has gone around them. Last year, many said that was, not only the best Harbaugh team, but one of the all-time best Michigan rosters. High praise, little to show for at the end of the season. This season could be different.
Purdue Boilermakers: 6-6
Purdue still has some growing pains to go through. Their offense will certainly get better, but their defense will still be their down fall early in the season. They will win against Nevada and the rest of the season will be a mystery. We obviously saw what happened against Ohio State last year. Their biggest win comes against a good Nebraska team at the end of the year. Purdue is one of those teams this year that can either fly or flop. I’m leaning towards them flying.
Illinois Fighting Illini: 4-8
Illinois will have a great start to their regular season. However, there is still way too many questions about the team to make an accurate prediction. The Fighting Illini will start off hot, winning all three of their non-conference games. After that, their only win comes off of Rutgers later in the season. The Illini will start to figure out their identity later in the season, but it will be too late, based off their schedule.
Iowa Hawkeyes: 8-4
Iowa, I believe, will take a small step back this year. They will start off strong, going 5-1 to start the season, only losing too Michigan. They will, however, defeat Iowa State on the road, which will be a highlight. Iowa will lose to Northwestern, Wisconsin, and Nebraska, making them 3-3 at the final half of the season. They will still have a bowl game in sight and, like Purdue, have a good chance to fly this year as an under the radar too.
Wisconsin Badgers: 10-2
If Wisconsin can figure out their quarterback situation, they will have a good season next year. Wisconsin has a relatively easy schedule, aside from facing Michigan early, Ohio State, and Nebraska. They will lose to Michigan and Nebraska, but will beat Ohio State, who will be coming off a tough game against Northwestern. Otherwise, they will win the other nine. They face many tough opponents at home, which certainly helps. With the help of Jonathan Taylor in the backfield, the Badgers will look to have an improved season this year, and be the top dogs early in the Big Ten West.
Maryland Terrapins: 5-7
Maryland will certainly have an explosive an improved team this year. However, their schedule at the end of the year is very difficult. They will start 5-3, but lose their last four games against Michigan, Ohio State, Nebraska, and against Michigan State. Ultimately, the Terrapins still need better talent on defense. They have some good talent in next year’s class, but they don’t have enough to beat those four teams at the end of the year, barring something crazy happens.
Minnesota Gophers: 5-7
The Gophers will have a similar result to what the Terrapins will have this season. They will do well in non-conference play, then have difficulty in Big Ten play, especially at the end of the year. They will lose their last four games also. Minnesota is returning a lot of offensive talent, but will still have difficulties as their defense is still is developing.
Northwestern Wildcats: 9-3
Northwestern is certainly stacked with talent on both sides of the ball. Coming off one of the best seasons in recent Wildcat history, it will be interesting to see if they can repeat. Their loses will come from the hands of Stanford in week 1, the Badgers, and the Buckeyes. Despite that, their schedule is easier than many others. With Fitzgerald as the coach, Bowser returning at running back, a new talented quarterback, and others returning, they will look to again be the team to beat in the West division of the Big Ten.
