Just because it’s April, doesn’t mean we can’t talk college football. The NFL steals all the headlines during the offseason, so let’s look ahead to the 2014 Big Ten football season.
Yesterday brought us the annual Big Ten teleconferences for each team. Coaches players from each team answered questions from the media and it got our juices flowing with excitement for football this Fall. In case you missed it, the Big Ten is going to have 14 teams this Fall (have fun explaining that to your five-year-old nephew).
With Rutgers and Maryland joining the mix, the divisions needed to be aligned better for geographical purposes. Some teams drew the short stick, while others lucked out.
ICYMI: @B1Gfootball divisional alignment » pic.twitter.com/zbX0v8d9in
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) April 11, 2014
The clear winner: Wisconsin
Wisconsin is already a consistent force in the B1G with its huge offensive line, great running game and tough defense. At the moment, its toughest divisional opponents are Iowa and Nebraska, who are still getting their feet wet in the conference after joining in 2011. Let’s not kid ourselves, neither Iowa or Nebraska are the dominant programs they once were.
The Badgers are the odds on favorite in the West division. Photo: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
Another team that could benefit from the new divisions is Minnesota. Not having to face Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State annually helps any team in the West, but specifically teams like Minnesota, who appear to be steadily improving under head coach Jerry Kill. Goal number one for any team in the West is to win the division. From there, the task of beating the Eastern division winner will likely be difficult. Because that team likely be the Wolverines, Buckeyes or Spartans.
Jerry Kill has the Gophers going in the right direction. Photo: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The losers in all this: Rutgers and Maryland.
As mid-tier college football programs, good luck breaking through in the Big Ten when having to face “the big three” in the East. Don’t forget about Penn State, who we’re showing some signs of promise under Bill O’Brien, before O’Brien left for the NFL to coach the Houston Texans.
The case can be made that Rutgers and Maryland get better exposure in the Big Ten, which should help with recruiting. But what if they lose regularly? Will that be beneficial? Not likely.
Is it football season yet?
Photo: Rob Foldy, USA Today