It’s that time of the year again. Big Ten media days kick off later this week, which means Cleveland.com organized an official unofficial Big Ten media poll to predict how things will end up this fall around the conference. To the surprise of nobody, Ohio State is a heavy favorite. A unanimous favorite, in fact. Penn State seems to be well respected around the conference’s media conglomerate, with the Nittany Lions picked to finish third in the Big Ten East, behind Ohio State and Michigan State, respectively.
Ohio State is very likely to be a preseason No. 1 in the major polls when they are released before the start of the season, so it is only natural to see the Buckeyes picked to win the Big Ten this season. Ohio State is equipped for another championship run and could realistically get through the upcoming season unscathed along the way to the College Football Playoff. History would suggest an undefeated run is unlikely, but even with one loss it might be difficult for any other team in the Big Ten East to reach the Big Ten Championship Game without a few other bounces going their way.
Penn State being picked third feels about right. If the offensive line does show some improvement this season, something I have gone to length to suggest should be a realistic expectation, then the offense should improve considerably. The defense will also tend to be reliable as well, and considering what else is around the division, a firm third place finish behind Ohio State and the Spartans should be considered likely.
It should be noted the Cleveland.com poll has not once correctly predicted the conference champion, with an asterisk next to last season’s poll. Ohio State was initially picked to win the Big Ten, but a re-vote conducted following the Braxton Miller injury tabbed Michigan State the conference favorite. So, technically, the Cleveland.com poll is 0-for-5 in picking a conference champion correctly.
Here is how the Cleveland.com poll stacked up, with first-place votes in parentheses:
EAST
1. Ohio State 280 (40)
2. Michigan State 240
3. Penn State 186.5
4. Michigan 163.5
5. Maryland 95.5
6. Rutgers 78
7. Indiana 76.5
WEST
1. Wisconsin 272 (32)
2. Nebraska 231.5 (5)
3. Minnesota 197 (3)
4. Iowa 158.5
5. Northwestern 125
6. Illinois 77
7. Purdue 59
Big Ten Championship
Ohio State over Wisconsin (32)
Ohio State over Nebraska (5)
Ohio State over Minnesota (3)
Big Ten Champion
Ohio State (40)
How do you think the Big Ten will stack up this season? Leave your own preseason picks in the comment section below.
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