Breaking down the Big Ten West
Pregame editor Pete Ruden studied the Big Ten West and found the Hawkeyes topping the standings.
Kinnick Stadium is seen fom the north end zone at Iowa Football Media Day on Friday, August 9, 2019.
August 27, 2019
Iowa
2018 record: 9-4 (5-4)
Predicted 2019 record: 9-3 (6-3)
Head coach: Kirk Ferentz (21st season, 152-101)
Quick fact: Nate Stanley ranked second in the Big Ten with 26 passing touchdowns last season, trailing only Ohio State’s Dwayne Haskins’ 50.
Season outlook: The Hawkeyes aren’t playing the easiest schedule, but a third-year starter under center paired with two early draft picks on the offensive line helps. Oh, and they boast a potential top-five draftee in A.J. Epenesa on the defensive line as well. He led the Big Ten with 11 sacks in 2018 despite not starting.
Nebraska
2018 record: 4-8 (3-6)
Predicted 2019 record: 8-4 (5-4)
Head coach: Scott Frost (second season, 4-8)
Quick fact: Nebraska was outscored by 56 in its first three games last season, but outscored opponents by 9 in its last three.
Season outlook: Improving quickly from 4-8 isn’t easy, but Adrian Martinez isn’t a freshman anymore, and the same injuries aren’t likely to strike twice. Expect a turnaround from the Huskers, even if it doesn’t get them to Indianapolis.
Wisconsin
2018 record: 8-5 (5-4)
Predicted 2019 record: 8-4 (5-4)
Head coach: Paul Chryst (fifth season, 42-12)
Quick fact: Wisconsin’s worst finish in the Big Ten West under Paul Chryst is tied for second.
Season outlook: Alex Hornibrook is gone, but Jack Coan – recently named the Badgers’ starting quarterback — has experience starting. Wisconsin faces a wringer of a crossover schedule with Michigan, Ohio State, and Michigan State, but with Jonathan Taylor in the backfield, anything is possible.
Purdue
2018 record: 6-7 (5-4)
Predicted 2019 record: 7-5 (5-4)
Head coach: Jeff Brohm
Quick fact: Rondale Moore led the conference in receptions (114), receiving yards (1,258), and tied for the lead in receiving touchdowns (12).
Season outlook: The Boilermakers are entering the season without a quarterback controversy and with an explosive offense. Purdue is simply too talented on that side of the ball to be worse than last season.
Northwestern
2018 record: 9-5 (8-1)
Predicted 2019 record: 7-5 (5-4)
Head coach: Pat Fitzgerald (14th season, 96-70)
Quick fact: The top two Big Ten tackle leaders in 2018 were both Wildcats: Blake Gallagher (127) and Paddy Fisher (116).
Season outlook: Northwestern starts the season with a tough matchup against No. 25 Stanford. If former five-star prospect and Clemson transfer Hunter Johnson takes over completely, however, this ranking could change very quickly.
Minnesota
2018 record: 7-6 (3-6)
Predicted 2019 record: 6-6 (3-6)
Head coach: P.J. Fleck (third season, 12-13)
Quick fact: Minnesota quarterback Zack Annexstad posted two career-highs against Iowa last season: passing touchdowns (3) and interceptions (3).
Season outlook: Zack Annexstad’s foot injury doesn’t help Minnesota’s case this season, especially when the Gophers close the season with Penn State, Iowa, Northwestern, and Wisconsin.
Illinois
2018 record: 4-8 (2-7)
Predicted 2019 record: 2-10 (0-9)
Head coach: Lovie Smith (fourth season, 9-27)
Quick fact: Illinois finished last in the Big Ten West last season despite ranking second in the conference with 2,916 rushing yards.
Season outlook: Lovie Smith and Company may need to prepare for their third last-place finish in the Big Ten West in a row. After Illinois’ nonconference schedule, things could go downhill fast.
