5. Minnesota Golden Gophers
Be Excited About … a passing game that’s the real deal. Tanner Morgan is going to be among the nation’s most efficient quarterbacks again, Rashod Bateman will be one of the nation’s best receivers again, and Chris Autman-Bell will have a massive year with a bigger role.
Be Concerned About … the defensive front that couldn’t get into the backfield enough. The sacks were there from time to time, but there weren’t enough tackles for loss. It’s a decent defensive front seven, but there aren’t any brand-name stars to get excited about … yet.
The Season Will Be Successful If … the Gophers do it all again. They might not have enough to win the West, and there won’t be an easy non-conference slate to fatten up on like they did last season, but PJ Fleck’s program has to prove that 2019 wasn’t a quirk.
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4. Wisconsin Badgers
Be Excited About … a defense that’s going to be KILLER. Fourth in the nation last year, the Badger D is about to be every bit as strong as long as the pass rushers emerge right away. The secondary and front three will be as strong as any outside of what Ohio State and Michigan are bringing.
Be Concerned About … the running backs?! Nah, but it’s going to be asking a lot of star recruit Jalen Berger to be Jonathan Taylor right away. The downfield passing game needs to open things up a bit more after averaging fewer than 12 yards per completion.
The Season Will Be Successful If … the Badgers win the Big Ten West again. There won’t be enough in the bad to take down whatever comes out of the East, but it’s Wisconsin. It’s supposed to play for the Big Ten title.
3. Michigan Wolverines
Be Excited About … the running backs and receivers are going to be terrific. Nico Collins is as potentially good as any receiver in the conference, and Zach Charbonnet leads a great group of backs. The D that finished 11th in the nation should be every bit as strong.
Be Concerned About … the quarterback play. It’s not asking for too much of an upgrade after the Shea Patterson era, but Joe Milton and Dylan McCaffrey have to prove it. The Michigan passing game shouldn’t be hitting just 56% of its passes like it did last year.
The Season Will Be Successful If … Michigan beats Ohio State. A Big Ten title would be nice, and a trip to the College Football Playoff wouldn’t be without its charm, but … beat Ohio State already. As long as the Wolverines are at least going into that final weekend against the Buckeyes with the puck on their stick for a shot at the Big Ten East, that’s realistically good enough – even if it’s really not.
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2. Penn State Nittany Lions
Be Excited About … a defensive front seven that’s going to be something sensational. There aren’t any major holes on a team good enough to win the Big Ten – it gets Ohio State in Happy Valley – but whatever problems there are will get covered up Micah Parsons, Shaka Toney, and the guys up front. Okay, but …
Be Concerned About … a defense that finished seventh in the nation in sacks, but didn’t do enough to help the pass defense down the stretch. The Nittany Lions were hit for 252 yards per game including 339 or more in three of the last four games.
The Season Will Be Successful If … the Nittany Lions win their second Big Ten title in the last five years under James Franklin. If the quarterback play can be a little better, and the passing game can be a little stronger, it’s all there to put together a huge year and – maybe – finally get to the College Football Playoff.
1. Ohio State Buckeyes
Be Excited About … the offensive line. Oh sure, the defense is great again, Justin Fields is sensational, and the holes left by all the guys off to the NFL will be quickly filled – maybe – but it’s the offensive front that will make it all go. Under-loved throughout last season, it’s going to be a rock again.
Be Concerned About … Chase Young, Jeff Okudah, Damon Arnette, JK Dobbins, and the ten Buckeyes who were drafted by the next level types. The Big Ten-only schedule isn’t bad outside of a trip to Penn State – missing the trip to Oregon is huge – but losing all that talent hurts no matter who you are.
The Season Will Be Successful If … the Buckeyes play for the national title. There’s going to be a whole lot of awesome on the other side of the field in the College Football Playoff National Championship no matter who gets there. After coming so close to playing for the whole ball of wax, getting on the biggest stage will be the proverbial next step forward.
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