By Elijah Silverman and Vasili Aggelis
Iowa: After a surprising loss to Purdue, the chances of Iowa winning the Big 10 are in doubt. Iowa no longer has to play a ranked opponent this season, helping their odds to claim a spot in the College Football Playoff. Their ability to do so depends on the play of their redshirt junior quarterback, Spencer Petras. Due to their loss against Purdue, Iowa will have to depend on other top teams in the Big 10, such as Ohio State and Michigan, to struggle and lose at least one more game.
Penn State: Due to their heartbreaking loss to Iowa, Penn State must prove their ability to overcome difficult circumstances. Before the end of the season, Penn State must face Ohio State, Michigan, and Michigan State, three top-10 teams in the conference. The Nittany Lions’ quarterback, Sean Clifford, suffered an injury against Iowa. His health will ultimately determine Penn State’s ability to make the College Football Playoff. In the meantime, Ta’Quan Roberson will continue to lead the Penn State offense.
Ohio State: Ohio State has had a premier football team for decades, and they have been a pain to their fellow teams in the Big 10. Their dominance over the Big 10 has diminished, as they are not playing as well as previous years. However, they have still played like a top team in the country. CJ Stroud, Ohio State’s quarterback, had a rough start to the season, but he is now playing like a Heisman candidate. With a talented quarterback and amazing depth, this squad still has a chance to go all the way.
Michigan: The Michigan Wolverines are back! Cade McNamara is having a good year as Michigan’s quarterback, and the two-headed monster at running back is extremely dangerous to opposing defenses. Michigan will continue to rely on Hassan Haskins and Blake Corum to get in the end zone. After a difficult win over Nebraska, the Wolverines are set to play Michigan State, Penn State, and Ohio State, their archrivals, before the end of the season. This schedule is incredibly difficult, but one must believe in Michigan.
Michigan State: Michigan State’s season can be summarized by one word: improvement. After numerous unsuccessful seasons, the Michigan State Spartans have been the surprise team of the Big 10. They have made great improvements in every place on the field. Due to the number of talented teams this season, one should not expect the Spartans to win the National Championship. On the other hand, there is always a chance! If not, Michigan State could find themselves playing in a New Year’s Six bowl.
Maryland: Taulia Tagovailoa, younger brother of Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa, is an amazing football player. Maryland’s quarterback has been exceptional all season, making them one of the best spoilers in the Big 10. Maryland’s competitiveness will be tested when they play three ranked teams in a span of three weeks. They have the ability to upset the likes of Penn State and Michigan and ruin their season. Don’t sleep on Maryland!
Alabama: Alabama does not play in the Big 10, but they are a big threat to the college football landscape. After their demoralizing loss to Texas A&M, they showed up and dominated Mississippi State . Even though I can’t stand to watch them, I would give them the best chance to win the National Championship.
