2014 Season Preview thread

[BoiseStateFan27]

Michigan Wolverines

Preview: Last season was a pretty disappointing season for Michigan, they really had several weird games(so weird I'm definitely going into detail.) they opened 2-0 and looked really good on both sides of the ball, suddenly the following week they came within a play of losing at home to Akron, and then the week after needed a comeback to beat a horrible UConn team. Michigan then appeared back on the right track after the game against Minnesota, but then lost in overtime to Penn State for their first loss. Michigan then scored 63 points in a ridiculous 63-47 shootout against Indiana, then promptly only scored 6 points while getting crushed by Michigan State. Michigan lost again, and then went overtime in an ugly game against Northwestern(seriously it was 9-9 entering overtime) that made the Indiana game seem like years ago, Michigan then lost the final two regular season games and lost big to Kansas State in their bowl game. Michigan was mainly hampered by a struggling offensive line, they return 4 starters(maybe only 3 one just got arrested) and Gardner is back looking to become more consistent than he was last year, where he sometimes looked unstoppable and other times didn't look like he should even be a college quarterback. Good news is the schedule isn't very difficult Michigan draws Minnesota and Northwestern from the West division. The non-conference though brings some haunting memories for Michigan fans, Michigan lost to Appalachian State the last time they played them, and everyone knows the story behind that. Michigan also has home game against Utah, they opened against them the following season and ended up losing that game along with having an embarrassing 3-9 season that year. Michigan has a lot of storylines with them this year as you can tell by this really long preview.


Predictions: I can't see a repeat of last time Michigan played Appalachian State unfortunately, as Michigan wins, Michigan does lose at Notre Dame in the final game between the two for the foreseeable future, Michigan then beats Miami of Ohio pretty easily, but does lose to an improved Utah team at home to finish the non-conference 2-2. Things get better for Michigan though, they win easily at home over Minnesota, and at Rutgers, they also get a big home win over Penn State. Michigan does lose at Michigan State after the bye week though. Michigan then beats Indiana in a game that will probably not have as crazy of a score as last year's game, and then wins a pretty tough one at Northwestern. Michigan wins at home over Maryland but to the displeasure of their fans loses on the road at Ohio State.


Predicted Record: 8-4(6-2)

 

[rmilia1]

LOL! it is

but I feel like it's something Iowa would do

Minnesota should be decent this year too. Wouldn't be as bad as losing to Purdue or Indiana LOL

Aint that the fucking truth

 

[BoiseStateFan27]

didn't get one done yesterday, time for one today.

Michigan State Spartans

Preview: Last year ended up being a surprisingly good breakout year for Michigan State, they lost to Notre Dame early in the year when they struggled, but the offense really got it together with Connor Cook at quarterback, Michigan State would end up not losing again, winning the Big 10 and the Rose Bowl. So it really was the best season in a very long time for Michigan State. This year Michigan State lost a few starters but is still one of the best in the Big 10.

Predictions: Michigan State wins the opener easily but things escalate quickly as the go on the road against Oregon the 2nd week. Michigan State's defense proves to be a very tough test and for the most part stops the Oregon offense, but some mistakes by the new defensive starters and the Oregon home crowd allow Oregon to narrowly grab the victory. Michigan State wins over Eastern Michigan and Wyoming pretty easily and then beats Nebraska at home before some pretty easy road wins over Purdue and Indiana. Michigan State beats their rival Michigan at home, then gets a bye week before their big home game against Ohio State, which Michigan State wins, Michigan State then has the conference newcomers they win at Maryland and at home over Rutgers, but are stunned by James Franklin and Penn State on the road in the final regular season game.

Predicted Record: 10-2(7-1)

 

[BoiseStateFan27]

Minnesota Golden Gophers


Preview: Minnesota had a pretty odd season last year, they rolled off to a strong 4-0 start, then lost a game, then Jerry Kill would end up having a seizure before the game against Michigan which they got blown out in. Minnesota then rallied and won the next 4 games, including dominating Nebraska and Penn State . Minnesota faded late as they lost their last 3 games. Minnesota lost their QB to a transfer, but they still return a good group of players and should have a solid team again this year, we all hope Jerry Kill can stay healthy all this year too.

Predictions: Minnesota wins over Eastern Illinois and Mid Tenn State to start the year 2-0, they suffer their first loss on the road against TCU, Minnesota then beats San Jose State at home but loses on the road to Michigan. Minnesota comes out of the bye week to win at home over Northwestern and Purdue as well as on the road over Illinois. Minnesota gets another bye week before entering a very difficult stretch to end the year, they start that stretch off well by upsetting Iowa, but Minnesota loses at home to Ohio State, then on the road to both Nebraska and Wisconsin.

7-5(4-4)

 

[BoiseStateFan27]

Nebraska Cornhuskers

Preview: Last season was another that was solid, yet still filled with disappointments. Nebraska was nearly upset by Wyoming in the opener, but troubles really hit when Nebraska blew a 21-3 lead to get blown out by UCLA 41-21. Nebraska looked better for a while after, until they got dominated by Minnesota, they picked up some gritty victories though to stay in Big 10 contention until they lost 41-28 at home to Michigan State. The low point of the year though might have been the 38-17 loss to Iowa at home and the Bo Pelini meltdown. Things sure changed fast though Nebraska ended up getting a nice bowl win over Georgia and now Pelini appears to be in a better mood than ever right now, how will that hold up? Last season injuries were a bit of an issue for Nebraska especially at QB, but that makes them stronger for this season, if things go well Nebraska is a competitor for the Big 10 title.

Predictions: Nebraska opens with a win over Florida Atlantic and despite the fact that McNeese State beat a FBS opponent 53-21 last year, I think Nebraska can handle them. Nebraska gets their first test at Fresno State, but Nebraska escapes with the win. Nebraska gets a strong win over Miami of Florida and wins at home over Illinois too. Nebraska finally takes their first loss losing at Michigan State, Nebraska then wins at Northwestern. Nebraska recovers with home wins over Rutgers and Purdue, but then loses at Wisconsin. Nebraska wins at home over Minnesota, but loses on the road to Iowa to end the regular season.

Predicted Record: 9-3(5-3)

 

[Edisto_Tiger]

 

[BoiseStateFan27]

Northwestern Wildcats


Preview: Last season was an interesting one for Northwestern, in many ways. Northwestern started out a strong 4-0 and then lost a hardfought battle to Ohio State, it obviously was a setback but most expected Northwestern to still be good. They were blown out by Wisconsin and that would only be the 2nd game of a 7 game losing streak. Northwestern would at least beat Illinois at the end of the year. It's tough to tell what exactly happened to Northwestern that they fell apart this badly. One issue was once again the close games, Northwestern had a very good chance to win 5 of those 7 games, yet lost all of them, including a hail mary given up to Nebraska, and Michigan rushing their team on the field for an incredible overtime causing field goal where Northwestern lost after 3 of those overtimes. The other thing is how focused are they? Everyone knows the political battle the Northwestern players were in this offseason, was that a distraction as well?? The good news for this year is it's a little more settled now, Pat Fitzgerald will be hoping it is gone for good. As for the team this year, they lose Kain Colter who was both a QB and WR for them, but still have Trevor Siemian and will get Venric Mark back from injury, they have a lot of skill position talent on this team, the offensive line was an issue though last year, defense brings a solid amount of starters back too. Venric Mark transferred with just over 2 weeks left before the season, this takes away a big player from their team, Northwestern likely misses a bowl now.

Predictions: Northwestern opens with some tricky games, Cal should be better then they were last year, but Northwestern will win that one, Northern Illinois had a great team last year, but they lost the heart of their team so I think Northwestern will that one too, and Northwestern beats Western Illinois to get off to a 3-0 start. That's when the tough part hits, Northwestern loses at Penn State, at home against Wisconsin and at Minnesota. Northwestern then loses to Nebraska. Northwestern hits another tough skid as they lose at Iowa, at home to Michigan and at Notre Dame. Northwestern though rebounds and wins at Purdue and at home against Illinois to get back to a bowl game.

Predicted Record: 5-7(2-6)

 

[GreenNickle]

Michigan Wolverines

Preview: Brady Hoke wears Fart Pants

 

[BoiseStateFan27]

who would have thought it would be a challenge to find an Ohio State logo that isn't oversized?

Ohio State Buckeyes

Preview: Last season was one that good for most of it, but ended pretty disappointing. Ohio State went undefeated in the regular season but lost in the Big 10 championship with a chance at the national championship on the line, and then lost in the Orange Bowl to Clemson. The most glaring issue was the defense, at times it couldn't stop anyone, especially towards the end when a Michigan offense that failed to score a single touchdown in regulation against Northwestern two weeks before, put up 41 on Ohio State's defense, which included Michigan's offensive coordinator who they wanted fired(and eventually did) looking like an absolute genius calling plays against Ohio State's defense. One issue with this might have been the coaching on defense, but they also have young players starting for the defense too. This year one of the co-defensive coordinators left, and a new one is in, the young players will also be a year older, so now it will be interesting to see how this side of the ball develops, Braxton Miller and co on offense will score a lot of points in games this year so if the defense is even decent, Ohio State could have a special year. The next issue is Braxton Miller, now when he's on the field and healthy he's very good, but he did get hurt quite a bit last year and Ohio State doesn't have Kenny Guiton as a backup this year like they did last year. What will happen if Miller gets hurt again? For now though the Buckeyes are definitely contenders for the Big 10.


Predictions: The opener at Navy is a tricky one, how will the defense prepare for the triple option? Ohio State had some issues with Navy when they hosted them a few years ago, I think Navy will challenge them again, but Ohio State will again win. The next game against Virginia Tech is another interesting one, but I see Ohio State winning it. Ohio State then beats in state Kent State easily, and also wins an interesting in state game over Cincinnati. Ohio State wins over the newcomers at Maryland and at home over Rutgers. They keep going winning a tricky road game over Penn State and winning at home over Illinois. Ohio State finally sees defeat losing at Michigan State. Ohio State wins out from there, winning at Minnesota, and at home over Indiana and rival Michigan.

Predicted Record: 11-1(7-1)

 

[BoiseStateFan27]

Penn State Nittany Lions


Preview: Penn State faces yet another season under sanction with no bowl eligibility, but that doesn't mean their short of talent on the team though. Last season saw Penn State have some good games(including upsetting Wisconsin), but also saw them get destroyed by Ohio State and surprisingly blown out by Indiana. Focus is difficult with no bowl game or conference title hopes, so they're quite erratic. Penn State also saw an offseason coaching change, losing Bill O'Brien but they managed to hire another great coach in James Franklin, this year they return some good starters too. Penn State will still be slightly erratic, but James Franklin is a good motivator so there will be less of it this year.

Predictions: Penn State opens with two non-power 5 conference teams that are actually quite challenging opponents in UCF and Akron. I see Penn State winning both, as well as winning at Rutgers, and at home against Northwestern to start 5-0. They suffer their first loss at Michigan, then lose at home to Ohio State. Penn State wins at home over Maryland, at Indiana and at home over Temple. Then suffers a random upset loss at Illinois before upsetting Michigan State at home.


Predicted Record: 9-3(5-3)

 

[BoiseStateFan27]

Purdue Boilermakers

Preview: Things are pretty bad for Purdue right now, that's the best way to sum it up, they are lacking talent in most places on the field, and quite simply are outmatched. Last year Purdue only won a single game a close 6 point win over Indiana State, who wasn't very good at the FCS level even. Purdue even lost 42-7 to Cincinnati, and 55-24 to Northern Illinois, now neither of these teams are bad, but it's still incredibly embarrassing for a Big 10 school to get blown out like this by any program in the American or Mac, Cincinnati basically treated them like an opening week scrub. Now on the more positive side, I think if given the chance Hazell can eventually start bringing Purdue in bowl games again, he did win 11 games in one season at Kent State after all. For this year though, the talent difference is still lacking Purdue will see a slight difference in the win column, but they will find it hard pressed to actually win a Big 10 game.


Predictions: Purdue has the schedule to start decently, they beat Western Michigan and barely get past Central Michigan to start 2-0, they put up a fight against Notre Dame like they always do in Indianapolis, Purdue loses their first game though in that one, they then win over Southern Illinois. The 3-1 start is the highlight of the year though, Purdue loses all the rest of the Big 10 games, at home against Iowa, at Illinois, home against Michigan State, at Minnesota and Nebraska, home against Wisconsin and Northwestern and at Indiana.

Predicted Record: 3-9(0-8)

 

[H2S]

OSU loses to MSU?... after last year's monumental humbling?...a ditto?...wow, that'd be awesome!

Nebraska loses to MSU?... would sorely test Husker Nation's reputation for having "classy fans."
Michigan loses to ND, MSU and OSU?... bye bye cHoke. brang on the next savior!

 

[BoiseStateFan27]

Rutgers Scarlet Knights


Preview: Last season was a major letdown for Rutgers as they regressed on defense, while their offense was still shaky at times. They ended up with a 6-6 record in the regular season which included being blown out by Houston, Cincinnati and UCF, and losing to an awful UConn team. Rutgers had a decent bowl showing as they put up a fight against what was considered a vastly superior Notre Dame team. This year Rutgers still could be looking at the same issues, but now they're in the Big 10 and the schedule will be a lot tougher than it was last year. With things looking how they are now, it's tough to see Rutgers returning to a bowl game, and a winless season in their first year in the Big 10 is very possible.

Predictions: Rutgers opens their season playing Washington State in Seattle, Washington State wins that one, Rutgers then wins over Howard, before losing their Big 10 opener at home to Penn State, and losing at Navy the following week. Rutgers wins at home over Tulane, but then hits a brutal stretch with game at home against Michigan, at Ohio State and Nebraska, and at home against Wisconsin. This stretch is a 4 game losing streak for Rutgers, and they keep it going as they're too beat up to win at home over Indiana, Rutgers limps to losses at Michigan State and Maryland to end a very tough year.

Predicted Record: 2-10(0-8)

 

[BoiseStateFan27]

Wisconsin Badgers

Preview: Wisconsin enters their second season under Gary Andersen, the first one was quite a success, Wisconsin was good throughout the year, they lost in controversial fashion to Arizona State, and were beaten by Ohio State, the only true blemish was a surprising upset loss to Penn State at home in the regular season finale, the loss in the bowl game was disappointing but Wisconsin played pretty well against a South Carolina team that everyone thought would blow Wisconsin out. This year Wisconsin somehow brought back star running back Melvin Gordon who is going to be a star for them, the schedule is favorable too, there's a tough opener in Houston against LSU, then a tricky home game against a strong mid-major in Bowling Green. The tail end of the Big 10 schedule is the toughest part after that.


Predictions: Wisconsin against LSU in the opener is very interesting, both teams are very strong at season openers, but LSU has had a lot of them(3 of the past 4 years) in these special neutral site openers against very strong opponents, it's pretty incredible that they have won them all. I'm going to ride that and say LSU wins this one, after that Wisconsin beats Western Illinois, and then plays Bowling Green, who I quite biasedly say will give Wisconsin a tough challenge but I will take off the homer glasses and still say Wisconsin wins. Wisconsin then continues with wins over USF, at Northwestern, home against Rutgers and Maryland, and at Purdue, these games will easy for them. Then Wisconsin finally gets some tougher competition, playing at home against Nebraska, which is key for the West division, Wisconsin wins that one, then gets a big road game against Iowa where I'm picking that they are upset by them, Wisconsin does finish strong winning at home over Minnesota.

Predicted Record: 10-2(7-1)

 

[BoiseStateFan27]

And now finally time for an overall look at the Big 10, feels like I've been on the Big 10 for a really long time. Big 12 previews start tomorrow!

East

1. Michigan State Spartans 10-2(7-1)
2. Ohio State Buckeyes 11-1(7-1)
3. Michigan Wolverines 8-4(6-2)
4. Penn State Nittany Lions 9-3(5-3)
5. Maryland Terrapins 6-6(2-6)
6. Indiana Hoosiers 4-8(2-6)
7. Rutgers Scarlet Knights 2-10(0-8)

West

1. Iowa Hawkeyes 11-1(7-1)
2. Wisconsin Badgers 10-2(7-1)
3. Nebraska Cornhuskers 9-3(5-3)
4. Minnesota Golden Gophers 7-5(4-4)
5. Northwestern Wildcats 6-6(3-5)
6. Illinois Fighting Illini 5-7(2-6)
7. Purdue Boilermakers 3-9(0-8)


Big 10 Championship: Michigan State over Iowa

 

[BoiseStateFan27]

I was very tempted to use this as the Big 10 logo

there's one of these for the Big 12 too

 

[BoiseStateFan27]

Time to begin the Big 12 with

Baylor Bears

Preview: The easy way to sum up last year was it was the best season in Baylor football history, Baylor opened with a ridiculous run, scoring 69 or more points in 5 of the first 6 games. They would roll off to a 9-0 start that included a very impressive 41-12 destruction of Oklahoma who later beat Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. Baylor had a bit of a sour end though, they had a meltdown at Oklahoma State and were blown out, then they lost their bowl game to heavy underdog UCF. One issue has seemed to remain, Baylor tends to struggle away from home, how will that affect them this year? That can be answered by one game, Baylor plays at Oklahoma on November 8th, Oklahoma is considered Baylor's biggest competitor for the Big 12, this game will determine it, Baylor also has to avoid losing any of their other road games. They certainly have the talent, they lost some good players on both sides, but also bring a lot of really good ones back, including Quarterback Bryce Petty.


Predictions: Baylor wins easily over SMU and Northwestern State to start out the year, and they are slightly challenged but still win at Buffalo. Baylor actually goes on a road winning streak, winning over Iowa State and surviving one against Texas. Baylor beats TCU and wins at West Virginia. Baylor then beats Kansas to get off to an 8-0 start before it all comes crashing down in a loss at Oklahoma. Baylor wins at home over Oklahoma State, beats Texas Tech in their rivalry game at Cowboys stadium and wins over Kansas State at home.


Predicted Record: 11-1(8-1)

 

[BoiseStateFan27]

One more for today

Iowa State Cyclones

Preview: Iowa State had for quite a few years now under Paul Rhoades been somehow making bowl games, despite being one of the more challenged programs in the Big 12. Unfortunately for them it fell apart last year, they lost to Northern Iowa from FCS and would start out 1-9 before winning the last two games to at least make the year feel a little less painful. Some changes happened and Paul Rhoades perhaps made one of the best coordinator hires of the offseason in hiring Mark Mangino as his offensive coordinator. It will be difficult to see them make much progress in their record this year, the schedule is very tough. The first 8 game are an absolutely brutal slate, Toledo is easily the worst opponent and they are a good team, even the FCS school in this stretch is really good, as they play North Dakota State who has been beating FBS opponents every year since 2009. The good news for Iowa State, they are the last FBS opponent to beat North Dakota State, but beating them this year will be a tough challenge. If Iowa State can get through that brutal stretch with some wins they could still go bowling but it won't be easy.

Predictions: Iowa State barely edges North Dakota State for a season opening win, but then Iowa State falls at home to Kansas State, at Iowa, at home against Baylor and at Oklahoma State. The home game against Toledo is the biggest break in a while and they win that one, then lose at Texas, and give Oklahoma a fight at home, which truly turns the corner for them. Iowa State then plays at Kansas in the battle of the fat men, Mark Mangino vs Charlie Weis, I seriously have never been so interested in an Iowa State vs Kansas game, Mangino proves to be the superior fat man and Iowa State wins, they continue a nice run as they upset Texas Tech at home, and beat West Virginia. They go on the road to TCU needing a win to make a bowl game, but Iowa State loses it, they still end with a good sense of progress and hope for next year.


Predicted Record: 5-7(3-6)

 

[BoiseStateFan27]

Kansas Jayhawks


Preview: Kansas football is where it typically is, struggling at the bottom of the Big 12. Last season was no different, Kansas was blown out in a lot of Big 12 games, but did have 3 wins. They beat their FCS opponent, won a messy game over Louisiana Tech, but got their best highlight in a while when they pummeled West Virginia 31-19. It was a result that finally gave Kansas a Big 12 win, and gave them a little hope. Unfortunately they're still Kansas and despite the efforts of the fat man Charlie Weis, Kansas still has the least talented team in the Big 12, maybe they could pull a surprise or two but I don't see it.

Predictions: Kansas opens the year by beating their FCS opponent Southeast Missouri State(that is a long name), Kansas then plays at Duke, which used to be a battle of conference cellar dwellers but this isn't the Duke of the old and Kansas loses this one, Kansas does win over Central Michigan though the following week. Kansas then enters the Big 12 schedule at home against Texas, who has a bye week before playing Kansas, they will have played UCLA as their most recent game, and Baylor and Oklahoma follow, plus last time Kansas hosted Texas they nearly beat them, so perhaps Texas overlooks them in this one, and only wins by two touchdowns. With that teaser out of the way, realistically one of Kansas' best chances for a Big 12 win comes the following week at West Virginia, unfortunately it is a tough place to play on the road, especially for Kansas so they lose that one. Kansas then loses to Oklahoma State at home and on the road to Texas Tech and Baylor. Kansas' next best realistic shot at a Big 12 win comes at home against Iowa State, who is also lacking in talent, but Mark Mangino is the superior fat man so Kansas loses that one. Kansas then finishes a winless Big 12 season losing at home to TCU, and at Oklahoma and Kansas State. So a rough year for Kansas, but we all certainly do hope they keep Charlie Weis another year, he gives us a reason to watch Kansas football.

Predicted Record: 2-10(0-9)

 

[BoiseStateFan27]

Kansas State Wildcats

Preview: Kansas State's season didn't get off to the best start last year, it opened with a loss to North Dakota State of FCS, but of course North Dakota State wasn't your usual FCS team. Kansas State was off to a 2-4 start though before things turned around and they only lost one game, a 10 point loss to Oklahoma after that. Kansas State ended on a strong note dominating Michigan in their bowl game. Now that Kansas State has gone through the struggles of last year they actually bring back a lot of good players, and of course Bill Snyder is still their head coach. Kansas State should surge towards the top of the Big 12, and have an outside shot at contending for the conference title.


Predictions: Kansas State starts out by beating Stephen F Austin and Iowa State before getting a bye week to prepare for a very interesting Thursday home game against Auburn, both teams have the bye week before this one and the two coaches are two of the best in the game, so it will be a very interesting to watch, Auburn does have the edge in talent so I say they win a close one. Kansas State then beats UTEP and Texas Tech before losing at Oklahoma. Kansas State wins at home over Texas and Oklahoma State, and wins on the road over TCU and West Virginia before returning home and beating Kansas, Kansas State loses the regular season finale at Baylor though.


Predicted Record: 9-3(7-2)