• Have something to say? Register Now! and be posting in minutes!

2018 Big 10 Preview thread (AKA: "Let's tone it down a little bit, Nebraska fans")

Who will emerge from the Big 10 East as champion?

  • Ohio State

    Votes: 13 54.2%
  • Penn State

    Votes: 3 12.5%
  • Michigan

    Votes: 5 20.8%
  • Michigan State

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • It doesn't matter, Wisconsin will defeat the winner in December anyway.

    Votes: 3 12.5%

  • Total voters
    24
  • Poll closed .

Dolgevillefootballfan

Well-Known Member
4,299
897
113
Joined
Jun 10, 2014
Location
Dolgeville, New York
Hoopla Cash
$ 891.00
Fav. Team #1
Fav. Team #2
Fav. Team #3
So this year, the Big 10 will have a strong collection of powerhouses all looking to kill each other just for a national title... just like it was a few years ago in the Southeastern Conference (over there right now, I only see 3 contenders).

But in this conference, I see around 5! And there's also a lot more intriguing pieces to the puzzle, like Maryland wanting better luck, Iowa and Northwestern wanting to spoil the party, and... whatever "bromance" Nebraska is having right now with their new coach.

Go ahead and share your thoughts! Me, I'll start with mine very shortly...
 

kburjr

Well-Known Member
28,534
6,996
533
Joined
Dec 2, 2014
Location
exiled in Illinois
Hoopla Cash
$ 1,000.00
Fav. Team #1
Fav. Team #2
Fav. Team #3
The B1G is going to rake in some serious dollars in the bowl games. Should place at least 4 teams, if not 5, in the New Years 6 games.
 

Dolgevillefootballfan

Well-Known Member
4,299
897
113
Joined
Jun 10, 2014
Location
Dolgeville, New York
Hoopla Cash
$ 891.00
Fav. Team #1
Fav. Team #2
Fav. Team #3
Penn State

The first preview segment for the Big 10 Conference: The Penn State Nittany Lions

Last season: Over in "Happy Valley", the magnificent run that James Franklin is currently on continues. They did have 2 losses, but those were by a combined 4 points. In fact, Trace McSorley and Saquon Barkley helped Penn State grab a new, shiny Fiesta Bowl trophy with an 11-2 mark. Will the joyride continue? I don't know...

Bad news: I mean, replacing playmakers like Saquon and WR DaeSean Hamilton will not be easy. Neither will be finding a new kicker. But the biggest worry might be on the defense; only 3 starters return on that side of the ball.

Good news: However, Penn State DOES return some experience on the secondary, so maybe that unit won't be a problem. And for the first time in years, Penn State might actually have a O-line that's GOOD. That'll be worth it's weight in gold for a returning Trace McSorley.

2018 X-factor: New offensive boss Ricky Rahne- So, Joe Moorhead is gone. But his replacement Ricky Rahne DID help the Nittany Lions win that Fiesta Bowl, so maybe that Penn State offense won't miss a beat.

Key games:

Big 10 East Gauntlet:

9/29 vs. Ohio State (The gauntlet officially begins in Happy Valley, as two bitter rivals square off once again. And don't forget: The last 2 games between Penn State and Ohio State had been EPIC.)
10/13 vs. Michigan State (Actually, losing to Ohio State didn't kill Penn State's playoff chances. No, that died the very next week when Michigan State shocked McSorley and company.)
11/3 @ Michigan (By this time, Michigan will be either one of 2 teams; a national title contender, or a team desperate squad looking for ANY sign of good news. Either way, this should be another interesting event.)
Other key games:
9/8 @ Pittsburgh (Like Lindy's magazine says, it's a little weird for these in-state rivals to play so early. But hey, at least they're playing.)
10/27 vs. Iowa (Iowa might be a squad that'll shock Penn State if they're not careful... just like they almost did last year.)
11/10 vs. Wisconsin (Penn State has had the Badgers's number as of late, but Wisconsin is dreaming of a national title as well [and could be on a roll by the time this game comes].)

Bottom line: I'll be honest right here: I have Penn State with the worst odds to come out of the Big 10 gauntlet as champions. But they DO have Trace McSorley for one more year and the great James Franklin on the sideline, so if newcomers emerge on defense then the Nittany Lions will be fine. It helps that they get the Buckeyes and Spartans at home.
 

MAIZEandBLUE09

Well-Known, and Feared, Member
23,505
2,817
293
Joined
Jul 2, 2013
Hoopla Cash
$ 1,000.00
Fav. Team #1
Fav. Team #2
Fav. Team #3
I think Penn State is going to dip a bit this year, 9/10 wins is what I'm predicting. I think MSU about the same, 9/10 wins. I'm predicting the division will be settled by the Mich/OSU game to finish the season.
 

7Samurai13

Funniest SH member
28,002
5,120
533
Joined
Jul 18, 2013
Hoopla Cash
$ 581.82
Fav. Team #1
Fav. Team #2
Fav. Team #3
I think Penn State is going to dip a bit this year, 9/10 wins is what I'm predicting. I think MSU about the same, 9/10 wins. I'm predicting the division will be settled by the Mich/OSU game to finish the season.
giphy.gif
 

Dolgevillefootballfan

Well-Known Member
4,299
897
113
Joined
Jun 10, 2014
Location
Dolgeville, New York
Hoopla Cash
$ 891.00
Fav. Team #1
Fav. Team #2
Fav. Team #3
Michigan State

Preview segment: The Michigan State Spartans

Last season: OH! So 2016 was just a little hiccup for Mark Dantonio and the Spartans. Turns out that all Michigan State needed was a little retooling, and BAM! They're right back to being a nuisance in the Big 10 as they turned a 3-win season in 2016 into a 3-loss season with a Holiday Bowl win to boot. And now, I'm getting a strange feeling that MSU is going to Indianapolis come December.

Good news: There's no other way to say this, so here goes. LJ Scott is back. Brain Lewerke is back. And so are 18 other starters ready to kick some butt.

Bad news: That being said, the O-line COULD do a better job at generating a push up front. Ditto for the front of the defense; can it get to the quarterback more often?

Key games:

Big 10 East Gauntlet:
10/13 @ Penn State (The Spartans ruined Penn State's playoff chances last year. Think Penn State would want to return the favor?)
10/20 vs. Michigan (

I'm predicting the division will be settled by the Mich/OSU game to finish the season.

Ya' hear that, Spartans? Them's fighting words!)
11/10 vs. Ohio State (Last time MSU played the Buckeyes, it ended 48-3. It was just rotten. So hopefully in East Lansing, we don't get that again.)
Other key games:
9/8 @ Arizona State (If MSU spends too much time laughing at Herm Edwards on the sidelines, they could get burned by the Sun Devil offense.)
10/6 vs. Northwestern (This one's on here for two reasons. First [as you probably guessed], it's right before the Nittany Lions and Wolverines. And secondly, remember that 3-OT from a year ago?)
11/17 @ Nebraska (And on that note, MSU must visit Nebraska right after that big game against the Buckeyes. Be careful!)

Bottom line: Quite a lot of hurdles that Michigan State has to deal with in 2018... Happily, they got a strong team to handle it all. I'll be buying a LOT of Spartan stock in 2018, and I'm expecting them to make a "New Year's Six" bowl at least. The November 10th game with Ohio State looms large, however.
 

Sgt Brutus

Goober
26,749
11,028
1,033
Joined
Nov 19, 2014
Location
Arizona
Hoopla Cash
$ 500.41
Fav. Team #1
Fav. Team #2
Fav. Team #3
Upset warnings for the conference: Purdue, Maryland, Northwestern, Minnesota

Lower wins than Vegas predicts: Nebraska, Iowa, Penn St

Please do something: Rutgers, Illinois
 

Dolgevillefootballfan

Well-Known Member
4,299
897
113
Joined
Jun 10, 2014
Location
Dolgeville, New York
Hoopla Cash
$ 891.00
Fav. Team #1
Fav. Team #2
Fav. Team #3
Rutgers

Preview segment: The Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Last season: Another rough 4-8 season. But at least there were some encourging signs as Rutgers came away with 3 conference wins.

Good news: In terms of depth, this is the best Rutgers has looked in a few years. The secondary is experienced, RB Raheem Blackshear is fast becoming a playmaker, and the Knights might have found it's QB of the future in Artur Sitkowski.

Bad news: Thing is, Artur's only a freshmen. And the O-line is a little shaky, so I don't know how effective Artur is truly gonna be. Also, the kicking game is untested.

Key games:
9/15 @ Kansas (The opener against Texas State will be easy. The next one at Ohio State will be HARD. So after those two, Rutgers must stand it's ground against a team desperate for a big win.)
9/29 vs. Indiana (All Rutgers need to get ready for this is the 41-0 beatdown Indiana gave them the last time.)
10/13 @ Maryland (This game [and the Illinois game before it] will be vital for Rutgers's survival in 2018. Why is that?)
11/3 @ Wisconsin (Because another miserable November could await them. After this nightmare trip to Madison they'll deal with Michigan, Penn State, and Michigan State in their final 3 games.)

Bottom line: I think you get the point; it's important for the Scarlet Knights to get off to a fast start. Rutgers fans will be expecting this gameplan for their team: Get as many wins as we can early on, then pray for a miracle in October and November.
But hey, let's give coach Chris Ash some credit. At least he's trying to survive in the cutthroat Big 10 East.
 

HuskerinBig10

Dad, World Traveler, Investor, college football
11,950
1,282
173
Joined
Jul 2, 2013
Location
western side of the B1G
Hoopla Cash
$ 436.36
Fav. Team #1
Fav. Team #2
Fav. Team #3
So this year, the Big 10 will have a strong collection of powerhouses all looking to kill each other just for a national title... just like it was a few years ago in the Southeastern Conference (over there right now, I only see 3 contenders).

But in this conference, I see around 5! And there's also a lot more intriguing pieces to the puzzle, like Maryland wanting better luck, Iowa and Northwestern wanting to spoil the party, and... whatever "bromance" Nebraska is having right now with their new coach.

Go ahead and share your thoughts! Me, I'll start with mine very shortly...

I would like to see what Nebraska fans you are talking about. If you are taking seriously the sarcastic posts from some about natty on a platter, then your intelligence is in question.

I have posted quite a bit on how Nebraska's schedule is the most difficult in the B1G. How Nebraska has new coaches. How Nebraska will have a QB that has never taken a college snap. How the O line lost its center and two tackles. How the linebackers are a bunch of fluff and three year starter Dedrick Young has never made one turnover. How the DBs will just about all be new. The Tight end will have never caught a pass in college. The running back will be new. The kicker is new.

The bright spot for Nebraska is Wide Receivers, the D line, and new coaches. The brightest spot will be the receivers. The Dline is really not that bright, but of the three groups on defense it is the best of the three, which isn't saying much based on last year's numbers.

If Nebraska does better than 3-9, then I will be shocked.
 
Last edited:

Dolgevillefootballfan

Well-Known Member
4,299
897
113
Joined
Jun 10, 2014
Location
Dolgeville, New York
Hoopla Cash
$ 891.00
Fav. Team #1
Fav. Team #2
Fav. Team #3
Maryland

Preview segment: The Maryland Terrapins

Last season: Stop me if you heard this one before, Maryland fans. Last year started off so well [with a win over Texas to start with], but then something happened and you guys finished with a rough 4-8 mark. ...Oh, you HAVE heard that before? Yeah, from my count that's the 5th time this decade it's happened to you, eh?

Good news: Another recruiting class in the Top 25 has buoyed hopes in College Park, and if [and that's a BIG "if"] Maryland stays healthy that talent will have a chance to shine. The O-line is deep, Ty Johnson headlines a strong group of RB's, and the secondary is solid.

Bad news: That defense... Last year it allowed UCF to beat the Terps at home, it gave up 62 points to Ohio State, and it gave up 66 points AT HOME to Penn State. The defense... must... improve. Like, now.

2018 X-factor: Quarterback health-
Maryland's quarterbacks has been hit the hardest by this recent injury plague around the team over the past couple of years. Now I've heard some good things about the new QB Kasim Hill, but whatever he's the starter or Tyyrell Pigrome is, they BOTH have to stay upright for Maryland to have any chance this time.

Key games:
9/1 vs. Texas [in Landover, MD] (Texas's defense is gonna be hard for Maryland to break. Yeah, just like last year, when the Terps won in Austin 51-41.)
10/13 vs. Rutgers (Now listen, Terrapins. Here's a 3-step plan to improve your standing in the Big 10. First, don't get embarrassed by the lowly Scarlet Knights again.)
10/20 @ Iowa (Step 2: Upset somebody from the middle tier of the conference to improve your confidence. Beating the Iowa Hawkeyes will do nicely.)
11/3 vs. Michigan State (And Step 3: Shock one of the "top-tier" monsters from your division to get everyone's attention. And here's your best chance; the Spartans might be looking ahead to their game with Ohio State here.)
11/24 @ Penn State (Oops! Make that a "4-Step" plan. And Step 4 is: Don't lose 66-3 to the Nittany Lions again.)

Bottom line: Take heart, Maryland fans! If your team stays healthy this year, they could be a surprise team in the Big 10. I see at least 6 wins for the Terps in 2018... maybe more if their defense gets better.
 

corn train

Have some of it
15,760
604
113
Joined
Mar 3, 2010
Location
AFSOC
Hoopla Cash
$ 76,445.38
Fav. Team #1
Fav. Team #2
Fav. Team #3
I don’t know why we’re being like this!
 

B_dub

Well-Known Member
14,340
3,795
293
Joined
Aug 7, 2015
Hoopla Cash
$ 547.19
Fav. Team #1
Fav. Team #2
Fav. Team #3
I think Penn State is going to dip a bit this year, 9/10 wins is what I'm predicting. I think MSU about the same, 9/10 wins. I'm predicting the division will be settled by the Mich/OSU game to finish the season.
Man, you like to live on the edge. I bet your the kind of guy that will check out in the “10 items or less” line with 11 items as well?
 

TrustMeIamRight

Well-Known Member
14,831
1,716
173
Joined
Apr 19, 2013
Hoopla Cash
$ 28.63
Fav. Team #1
Fav. Team #2
Fav. Team #3
I would like to see what Nebraska fans you are talking about. If you are taking seriously the sarcastic posts from some about natty on a platter, then your intelligence is in question.

I have posted quite a bit on how Nebraska's schedule is the most difficult in the B1G. How Nebraska has new coaches. How Nebraska will have a QB that has never taken a college snap. How the O line lost its center and two tackles. How the linebackers are a bunch of fluff and three year starter Dedrick Young has never made one turnover. How the DBs will just about all be new. The Tight end will have never caught a pass in college. The running back will be new. The kicker is new.

The bright spot for Nebraska is Wide Receivers, the D line, and new coaches. The brightest spot will be the receivers. The Dline is really not that bright, but of the three groups on defense it is the best of the three, which isn't saying much based on last year's numbers.

If Nebraska does better than 3-9, then I will be shocked.
3-9? Give yourself a little more credit than that. Frost will energize the team. I am not really sure about the defense at Nebraska, but your offense should be able to outscore more than 3 teams.
 

TrustMeIamRight

Well-Known Member
14,831
1,716
173
Joined
Apr 19, 2013
Hoopla Cash
$ 28.63
Fav. Team #1
Fav. Team #2
Fav. Team #3
IF Patterson can be the type of QB UM has been looking for. UM has a legit shot to do damage, as their defense returns almost everybody.
If Patterson struggles in a pro style — UM will look much the same. Though I will be interested to see if the offense makes some changes, as there is talk of RPO sets being added.

Between UM, MSU, PSU and OSU — it wouldn’t surprise me to see any of these teams win the division. The other side is a mockery — Wisconsin rolls that sad division.

OSU is obviously the favorite, as until they are unseated, they will continue to be the favorite. Going to be some great games to watch though!!
 

Dolgevillefootballfan

Well-Known Member
4,299
897
113
Joined
Jun 10, 2014
Location
Dolgeville, New York
Hoopla Cash
$ 891.00
Fav. Team #1
Fav. Team #2
Fav. Team #3
Nebraska

Preview segment: The Nebraska Cornhuskers

Last season: Completely unacceptable by Nebraska standards. They lost to a clown like Northern Illinois, their defense sucked, and they finished 4-8... just like the bad old days from 1956 to 1961. And yes, Mike Riley was fired too.
So in a conscious effort to make sure that NEVER, EVER happens again, the Huskers hired Scott Frost. Who just led UCF to a undefeated mark and a "national championship".

Bad news: Frost has a pretty big mess to clean up here. I mean, none of his quarterbacks have started a game yet, and there are a lot of worries about that defense's ability to get better. Oh, and once again the schedule is HARD.

Good news: The O-line has some experience behind it, and Stanley Morgan and JD Spielman might just be the best WR combo in the whole Big 10.

Key games:

Road games:

9/22 @ Michigan (It's Nebraska's first game against the Wolverines since 2013. And they've beaten them the last 2 times they've met. Look it up.)
10/13 @ Northwestern (More good news, Huskers! Northwestern could be all dinged up by the time you come to see them.)
11/23 @ Iowa (They must go to Madison. They have to go to Columbus. And to finish off the season, the Huskers must attempt to avenge 2017's 56-14 beatdown done by Iowa... in Iowa City.)
Other big games:
9/8 vs. Colorado (A heartwarming reunion of 2 former Big 12 rivals [and their first meeting since 2010]. And it's a lot more important to Nebraska than at first glance; just imagine the confidence boost that the Huskers offense will get if they win this.)
9/29 vs. Purdue (See above game.)
11/17 vs. Michigan State (...Okay, that's just not fair. Do the schedule makers have something against Nebraska, or what?)

Bottom line: One guy on this thread said "I'd be surprised if Nebraska doesn't finish 3-9". And he's a Nebraska fan! SHEESH!
...Well, I guess that means that the honeymoon is over for their "boy" Scott Frost and his staff. It'll take more than 1 season for his system to show real results, but if Nebraska finds a bowl berth this year, expect the "bromance" to flare up again in Lincoln.
 

Dolgevillefootballfan

Well-Known Member
4,299
897
113
Joined
Jun 10, 2014
Location
Dolgeville, New York
Hoopla Cash
$ 891.00
Fav. Team #1
Fav. Team #2
Fav. Team #3
Iowa

Preview segment: The Iowa Hawkeyes

Last season: Honestly, Iowa's 2017 season was a little strange for my taste. The Hawkeyes fell short against teams like Michigan State and Northwestern. They SHOULD have beaten Penn State, but choked it away at the very end. And worst of all, they lost on Senior Day against Purdue while being led by the 116th-ranked offense in the country.
But wait a moment! That offense DID have some moments: That exciting win over Iowa State, a bowl victory against Boston College, and whatever it was they did against the Buckeyes.

Good news: If Nate Stanley gets more consistent, he can be a dangerous QB in the Big 10. He'll certainly have help in WR Nick Easley and TE Noah Fant. And Iowa's secondary is just oozing potential.

Bad news: The run game might bog down Iowa's offense, and that starts with a worrisome O-line. As Lindy's says "An Iowa offense without an offensive line [at program standards] might as well be trying to play while walking on it's elbows". Oh, and also the RB position is thin and inexperienced.

Key games:

Old stand-by's:

9/8 vs. Iowa State (Iowa State's resurgence shocked a lot of people, ESPECIALLY those in Iowa City. Now we have BOTH of these teams having big plans for 2018.
...YES! This one's gonna be good! Hopefully as good as the 44-41 contest from a year ago.)
9/22 vs. Wisconsin (One of the earliest games going on this year in the Big 10 West... and arguably the biggest. Iowa needs to win this to have ANY shot at the division crown.)
10/6 @ Minnesota (Then, there's the annual "Floyd of Rosedale" contest...)
11/23 vs. Nebraska (...and the now-annual rivalry with the Huskers. Who Iowa has now beaten 4 out of the last 5 times.)
Other key games:
10/27 @ Penn State (This one looks hard, but it's not impossible; Penn State might be looking ahead to Michigan and Wisconsin here.)
11/10 vs. Northwestern (Most likely, this will decide the runner-up in the West.)

Bottom line: There are some holes that Iowa needs to fill to be a true Big 10 contender, but they're nothing that good coaching can't fix. Iowa fans should prepare for :yawn: yet another bowl trip, but if they want it to be on New Year's Day they DAMN well need to get the run game going.
 

rmilia1

Well-Known Member
44,428
10,422
1,033
Joined
Aug 30, 2011
Location
iowa
Hoopla Cash
$ 86,060.00
Fav. Team #1
Fav. Team #2
Fav. Team #3
3-9? Give yourself a little more credit than that. Frost will energize the team. I am not really sure about the defense at Nebraska, but your offense should be able to outscore more than 3 teams.
3-9 is optimistic imo. I've got them at 2-10
 
Top