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Big Ten Preview: Post-Media Day

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The Big Ten held its football preseason media day this week in Chicago, and tomorrow marks one month until the first Saturday of the new college football season. The big story for the league this summer was the addition of Maryland & Rutgers, bringing the conference to 14 teams. Here are some of the key stories to keep an eye on in each division.

East: Opportunities for redemption

Ohio State is the favorite to win the East Division, according to a poll of 29 media members run by cleveland.com. The Buckeyes had been on a 24-game winning streak, before losses to Michigan State in the Big Ten Championship Game, and to Clemson in the Orange Bowl. The Spartans received multiple first-place votes themselves, but they’ll be replacing key starters from the Rose Bowl-winning squad, particularly on defense. The two schools will meet in East Lansing for a primetime matchup on November 8, a game that could likely decide who represents the East in Indianapolis. Michigan was picked to finish 3rd, followed by Penn State, Maryland, Indiana, and Rutgers.

QB Connor Cook and RB Jeremy Langford both return for Michigan State in 2014. Photo Credit: Getty
QB Connor Cook and RB Jeremy Langford both return for Michigan State in 2014. Photo Credit: Getty

West: Potential underdog role

Only one of the 29 poll voters picked a West team to win the Big Ten Championship, predicting Nebraska over Ohio State. Wisconsin beat out Iowa for the most first-place votes, and neither the Badgers nor the Hawkeyes will be playing Ohio State or Michigan State in crossover games. Wisconsin has a very high-profile opening game against LSU in Houston on August 30, but their visit to Iowa City on November 29 will also draw attention. Nebraska’s senior class (excluding redshirts) will be the first group of Cornhuskers to play all four years in the Big Ten, and after being embarrassed in the championship game in 2012, they’re eager to win the crown in 2014.  Northwestern was picked fourth, followed by Minnesota, Illinois, and Purdue.

Nebraska DE Randy Gregory was the only West Division player in the top five of preseason voting for Defensive Player of the Year. Photo Credit: Nebraska Media Relations
Nebraska DE Randy Gregory was the only West Division player in the top five of preseason voting for Defensive Player of the Year. Photo Credit: Nebraska Media Relations

Will the poll voters’ predictions hold up by season’s end? How will Maryland and Rutgers fare in their new home? Which coaches are on the hot seat? Minnesota and Rutgers are the first Big Ten teams to open play on August 28. Until then, we still have one more month to go!

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