WhatIfSports 2016 Big Ten preview: Projected standings and game-by-game predictions
Three Storylines
Can Michigan State and/or Iowa Return to the Big Ten Championship?
Wisconsin and Ohio State met in the Big Ten Championship in 2014, but neither program was able to navigate back to Indianapolis last season. Instead, Michigan State and Iowa duked it out in what was essentially a play-in game for the College Football Playoff. Now the Spartans and Hawkeyes will attempt to repeat in their respective divisions.
Jim Harbaugh's Second Year at Michigan
Michigan's 10-3 record in 2015 was capped by a 41-7 Citrus Bowl win over the Florida Gators. The season was all the more successful considering the 5-7 campaign that preceded it. If Harbaugh can maintain Michigan's upward trajectory, it won't be long before they're naming streets after him in Ann Arbor.
Is Ohio State Playoff-Worthy?
Despite just one defeat in 2015, a 17-14 loss to Michigan State, the Buckeyes were denied a chance to defend their 2014 College Football Playoff title. The culprit was a non-conference schedule that was highlighted by a 6-6 Virginia Tech squad. Ohio State's 2016 schedule features a showdown with Oklahoma, the AP's preseason No. 3 team, in a game that could serve as the Buckeyes' marquee victory.
Three Players to Watch
QB J.T. Barrett, Ohio State
The Buckeyes sent a number of players to the NFL, including quarterback Cardale Jones, running back Ezekiel Elliott and QB-turned-receiver Braxton Miller. The keys of the offense now belong to Barrett, who led the Big Ten in total offense in 2014 before splitting time with Jones last year.
RB Saquon Barkley, Penn State
A 1,000-yard season is always an impressive benchmark for a freshman running back, but even more so when it's accomplished on 182 carries. Barkley averaged 5.9 yards per rush in 2015 as he totaled 1,076 yards and eight total scores. With quarterback Christian Hackenberg now in the NFL, Penn State will turn to Barkley early and often.
RB Justin Jackson, Northwestern
Jackson has rushed for 2,606 yards and 15 touchdowns in two seasons at Northwestern. His 1,418 rushing yards last season ranked second behind Ohio State's Elliott in the conference. However, after scoring 11 total touchdowns as a freshman, Jackson found the end zone just five times last season.
Three Games to Watch
Ohio State @ Oklahoma: Saturday, September 17
An opponent the caliber of Oklahoma was sorely missing from Ohio State's 2015 schedule, but a loss to the Sooners won't do the Buckeyes any favors in their quest to return to the College Football Playoff. The two powerhouse programs have only met twice before, a 29-28 Oklahoma victory in 1977 and a 24-14 Ohio State win in 1983.
Michigan @ Iowa: Saturday, November 12
Iowa has a favorable schedule in 2016. The Hawkeyes avoid Ohio State and Michigan State, while playing Michigan at home. The Wolverines are Iowa's only opponent ranked in the preseason Top 25. A loss to Michigan won't make or break Iowa's season since the schools are in different divisions, but a win would go a long way in qualifying the Hawkeyes for a major bowl.
Michigan @ Ohio State: Saturday, November 26
One of the best rivalries in college football has been dormant for a number of years, as the Buckeyes have won 11 of the last 12 meetings. Under Harbaugh, Michigan finally appears to be awakening from its slumber. With the game in Columbus, the Wolverines will have a hard time capturing their first win over Ohio State since 2011, but it seems inevitable that the two schools will be trading wins and losses again soon.
To view a team's game-by-game predictions, select the school below:
| 2016 Illinois Fighting Illini | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Week | Opponent | Win% | Avg Score |
| 1 | Murray State Racers | 95.0 | 44.9-7.4 |
| 2 | North Carolina Tar Heels | 25.7 | 23.8-32.0 |
| 3 | Western Michigan Broncos | 50.5 | 29.5-30.4 |
| 5 | @Nebraska Cornhuskers | 42.6 | 26.6-28.6 |
| 6 | Purdue Boilermakers | 54.5 | 27.7-26.9 |
| 7 | @Rutgers Scarlet Knights | 53.5 | 28.6-27.2 |
| 8 | @Michigan Wolverines | 26.7 | 22.6-30.1 |
| 9 | Minnesota Golden Gophers | 40.6 | 25.4-27.1 |
| 10 | Michigan State Spartans | 32.7 | 22.7-28.4 |
| 11 | @Wisconsin Badgers | 36.6 | 24.1-26.5 |
| 12 | Iowa Hawkeyes | 31.7 | 23.5-29.5 |
| 13 | @Northwestern Wildcats | 45.5 | 23.5-26.2 |
| 2016 Indiana Hoosiers | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Week | Opponent | Win% | Avg Score |
| 1 | @FIU Golden Panthers | 60.4 | 29.4-25.8 |
| 2 | Ball State Cardinals | 65.3 | 33.6-29.8 |
| 4 | Wake Forest Demon Deacons | 47.5 | 27.7-27.4 |
| 5 | Michigan State Spartans | 23.8 | 24.5-30.5 |
| 6 | @Ohio State Buckeyes | 37.6 | 25.9-29.7 |
| 7 | Nebraska Cornhuskers | 30.7 | 26.0-33.0 |
| 8 | @Northwestern Wildcats | 44.6 | 25.5-27.3 |
| 9 | Maryland Terrapins | 46.5 | 27.7-29.7 |
| 10 | @Rutgers Scarlet Knights | 51.5 | 31.5-28.6 |
| 11 | Penn State Nittany Lions | 47.5 | 27.6-30.2 |
| 12 | @Michigan Wolverines | 27.7 | 23.5-32.3 |
| 13 | Purdue Boilermakers | 56.4 | 30.4-27.5 |
| 2016 Iowa Hawkeyes | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Week | Opponent | Win% | Avg Score |
| 1 | Miami (OH) RedHawks | 85.1 | 33.6-20.9 |
| 2 | Iowa State Cyclones | 70.3 | 29.4-20.7 |
| 3 | North Dakota State Bison | 95.0 | 47.9-8.9 |
| 4 | @Rutgers Scarlet Knights | 69.3 | 30.7-23.0 |
| 5 | Northwestern Wildcats | 55.4 | 24.2-21.9 |
| 6 | @Minnesota Golden Gophers | 62.4 | 26.8-22.5 |
| 7 | @Purdue Boilermakers | 75.2 | 31.1-22.5 |
| 8 | Wisconsin Badgers | 48.5 | 24.5-23.4 |
| 10 | @Penn State Nittany Lions | 57.4 | 25.6-24.5 |
| 11 | Michigan Wolverines | 36.6 | 22.8-25.7 |
| 12 | @Illinois Fighting Illini | 68.3 | 29.5-23.5 |
| 13 | Nebraska Cornhuskers | 52.5 | 26.5-24.7 |
| 2016 Maryland Terrapins | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Week | Opponent | Win% | Avg Score |
| 1 | Howard Bison | 95.0 | 46.0-8.1 |
| 2 | @FIU Golden Panthers | 60.4 | 30.2-26.3 |
| 3 | @UCF Knights | 69.3 | 30.1-24.1 |
| 5 | Purdue Boilermakers | 61.4 | 29.2-26.1 |
| 6 | @Penn State Nittany Lions | 43.6 | 26.0-27.4 |
| 7 | Minnesota Golden Gophers | 42.6 | 25.0-26.6 |
| 8 | Michigan State Spartans | 27.7 | 22.4-27.9 |
| 9 | @Indiana Hoosiers | 53.5 | 29.7-27.7 |
| 10 | @Michigan Wolverines | 22.8 | 22.3-31.7 |
| 11 | Ohio State Buckeyes | 31.7 | 24.1-29.1 |
| 12 | @Nebraska Cornhuskers | 39.6 | 25.0-29.5 |
| 13 | Rutgers Scarlet Knights | 59.4 | 28.5-26.2 |
| 2016 Michigan Wolverines | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Week | Opponent | Win% | Avg Score |
| 1 | Hawaii Rainbow Warriors | 80.2 | 34.0-20.2 |
| 2 | UCF Knights | 88.1 | 35.1-19.1 |
| 3 | Colorado Buffaloes | 75.2 | 31.2-23.0 |
| 4 | Penn State Nittany Lions | 64.4 | 28.9-24.1 |
| 5 | Wisconsin Badgers | 64.4 | 28.2-23.5 |
| 6 | @Rutgers Scarlet Knights | 73.3 | 32.9-21.3 |
| 8 | Illinois Fighting Illini | 73.3 | 30.1-22.6 |
| 9 | @Michigan State Spartans | 55.4 | 26.7-25.3 |
| 10 | Maryland Terrapins | 77.2 | 31.7-22.3 |
| 11 | @Iowa Hawkeyes | 63.4 | 25.7-22.8 |
| 12 | Indiana Hoosiers | 72.3 | 32.3-23.5 |
| 13 | @Ohio State Buckeyes | 43.6 | 24.2-26.9 |
| 2016 Michigan State Spartans | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Week | Opponent | Win% | Avg Score |
| 1 | Furman Paladins | 95.0 | 46.1-8.9 |
| 3 | @Notre Dame Fighting Irish | 52.5 | 28.5-28.2 |
| 4 | Wisconsin Badgers | 54.5 | 25.4-23.7 |
| 5 | @Indiana Hoosiers | 74.3 | 30.5-24.5 |
| 6 | BYU Cougars | 56.4 | 27.0-25.0 |
| 7 | Northwestern Wildcats | 57.4 | 24.1-21.3 |
| 8 | @Maryland Terrapins | 70.3 | 27.9-22.4 |
| 9 | Michigan Wolverines | 44.6 | 25.3-26.7 |
| 10 | @Illinois Fighting Illini | 67.3 | 28.4-22.7 |
| 11 | Rutgers Scarlet Knights | 72.3 | 29.3-21.7 |
| 12 | Ohio State Buckeyes | 51.5 | 25.3-24.5 |
| 13 | @Penn State Nittany Lions | 64.4 | 28.3-24.4 |
| 2016 Minnesota Golden Gophers | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Week | Opponent | Win% | Avg Score |
| 1 | Oregon State Beavers | 56.4 | 26.8-25.6 |
| 2 | Indiana State Sycamores | 95.0 | 48.3-6.5 |
| 4 | Colorado State Rams | 58.4 | 30.4-27.1 |
| 5 | @Penn State Nittany Lions | 35.6 | 26.4-28.8 |
| 6 | Iowa Hawkeyes | 37.6 | 22.5-26.8 |
| 7 | @Maryland Terrapins | 57.4 | 26.6-25.0 |
| 8 | Rutgers Scarlet Knights | 63.4 | 30.5-25.7 |
| 9 | @Illinois Fighting Illini | 59.4 | 27.1-25.4 |
| 10 | Purdue Boilermakers | 61.4 | 31.4-27.4 |
| 11 | @Nebraska Cornhuskers | 46.5 | 25.8-27.9 |
| 12 | Northwestern Wildcats | 49.5 | 23.1-24.5 |
| 13 | @Wisconsin Badgers | 37.6 | 22.8-26.1 |
| 2016 Nebraska Cornhuskers | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Week | Opponent | Win% | Avg Score |
| 1 | Fresno State Bulldogs | 68.3 | 32.5-26.2 |
| 2 | Wyoming Cowboys | 73.3 | 33.5-24.7 |
| 3 | Oregon Ducks | 43.6 | 29.2-31.5 |
| 4 | @Northwestern Wildcats | 59.4 | 26.3-23.1 |
| 5 | Illinois Fighting Illini | 57.4 | 28.6-26.6 |
| 7 | @Indiana Hoosiers | 69.3 | 33.0-26.0 |
| 8 | Purdue Boilermakers | 74.3 | 32.5-23.9 |
| 9 | @Wisconsin Badgers | 51.5 | 24.8-25.9 |
| 10 | @Ohio State Buckeyes | 41.6 | 25.7-28.6 |
| 11 | Minnesota Golden Gophers | 53.5 | 27.9-25.8 |
| 12 | Maryland Terrapins | 60.4 | 29.5-25.0 |
| 13 | @Iowa Hawkeyes | 47.5 | 24.7-26.5 |
| 2016 Northwestern Wildcats | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Week | Opponent | Win% | Avg Score |
| 1 | Western Michigan Broncos | 50.5 | 27.0-25.4 |
| 2 | Illinois State Redbirds | 95.0 | 46.0-7.8 |
| 3 | Duke Blue Devils | 58.4 | 25.1-22.3 |
| 4 | Nebraska Cornhuskers | 40.6 | 23.1-26.3 |
| 5 | @Iowa Hawkeyes | 44.6 | 21.9-24.2 |
| 7 | @Michigan State Spartans | 42.6 | 21.3-24.1 |
| 8 | Indiana Hoosiers | 55.4 | 27.3-25.5 |
| 9 | @Ohio State Buckeyes | 35.6 | 21.2-26.2 |
| 10 | Wisconsin Badgers | 30.7 | 20.3-23.7 |
| 11 | @Purdue Boilermakers | 67.3 | 28.2-22.0 |
| 12 | @Minnesota Golden Gophers | 50.5 | 24.5-23.1 |
| 13 | Illinois Fighting Illini | 54.5 | 26.2-23.5 |
| 2016 Ohio State Buckeyes | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Week | Opponent | Win% | Avg Score |
| 1 | Bowling Green Falcons | 71.3 | 32.0-23.4 |
| 2 | Tulsa Golden Hurricane | 69.3 | 29.7-23.5 |
| 3 | @Oklahoma Sooners | 41.6 | 27.2-27.7 |
| 5 | Rutgers Scarlet Knights | 68.3 | 29.5-22.8 |
| 6 | Indiana Hoosiers | 62.4 | 29.7-25.9 |
| 7 | @Wisconsin Badgers | 57.4 | 26.5-22.9 |
| 8 | @Penn State Nittany Lions | 60.4 | 26.9-24.9 |
| 9 | Northwestern Wildcats | 63.4 | 26.2-21.2 |
| 10 | Nebraska Cornhuskers | 58.4 | 28.6-25.7 |
| 11 | @Maryland Terrapins | 68.3 | 29.1-24.1 |
| 12 | @Michigan State Spartans | 48.5 | 24.5-25.3 |
| 13 | Michigan Wolverines | 56.4 | 26.9-24.2 |
| 2016 Penn State Nittany Lions | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Week | Opponent | Win% | Avg Score |
| 1 | Kent State Golden Flashes | 72.3 | 30.4-21.8 |
| 2 | @Pittsburgh Panthers | 42.6 | 25.9-26.4 |
| 3 | Temple Owls | 58.4 | 27.5-25.1 |
| 4 | @Michigan Wolverines | 35.6 | 24.1-28.9 |
| 5 | Minnesota Golden Gophers | 64.4 | 28.8-26.4 |
| 6 | Maryland Terrapins | 56.4 | 27.4-26.0 |
| 8 | Ohio State Buckeyes | 39.6 | 24.9-26.9 |
| 9 | @Purdue Boilermakers | 68.3 | 31.9-24.6 |
| 10 | Iowa Hawkeyes | 42.6 | 24.5-25.6 |
| 11 | @Indiana Hoosiers | 52.5 | 30.2-27.6 |
| 12 | @Rutgers Scarlet Knights | 58.4 | 28.9-25.8 |
| 13 | Michigan State Spartans | 35.6 | 24.4-28.3 |
| 2016 Purdue Boilermakers | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Week | Opponent | Win% | Avg Score |
| 1 | Eastern Kentucky Colonels | 95.0 | 45.1-8.2 |
| 2 | Cincinnati Bearcats | 29.7 | 27.2-33.4 |
| 4 | Nevada Wolf Pack | 36.6 | 26.8-30.5 |
| 5 | @Maryland Terrapins | 38.6 | 26.1-29.2 |
| 6 | @Illinois Fighting Illini | 45.5 | 26.9-27.7 |
| 7 | Iowa Hawkeyes | 24.8 | 22.5-31.1 |
| 8 | @Nebraska Cornhuskers | 25.7 | 23.9-32.5 |
| 9 | Penn State Nittany Lions | 31.7 | 24.6-31.9 |
| 10 | @Minnesota Golden Gophers | 38.6 | 27.4-31.4 |
| 11 | Northwestern Wildcats | 32.7 | 22.0-28.2 |
| 12 | Wisconsin Badgers | 34.7 | 22.2-29.4 |
| 13 | @Indiana Hoosiers | 43.6 | 27.5-30.4 |
| 2016 Rutgers Scarlet Knights | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Week | Opponent | Win% | Avg Score |
| 1 | @Washington Huskies | 21.8 | 23.8-33.3 |
| 2 | Howard Bison | 95.0 | 44.7-8.2 |
| 3 | New Mexico Lobos | 50.5 | 28.2-28.3 |
| 4 | Iowa Hawkeyes | 30.7 | 23.0-30.7 |
| 5 | @Ohio State Buckeyes | 31.7 | 22.8-29.5 |
| 6 | Michigan Wolverines | 26.7 | 21.3-32.9 |
| 7 | Illinois Fighting Illini | 46.5 | 27.2-28.6 |
| 8 | @Minnesota Golden Gophers | 36.6 | 25.7-30.5 |
| 10 | Indiana Hoosiers | 48.5 | 28.6-31.5 |
| 11 | @Michigan State Spartans | 27.7 | 21.7-29.3 |
| 12 | Penn State Nittany Lions | 41.6 | 25.8-28.9 |
| 13 | @Maryland Terrapins | 40.6 | 26.2-28.5 |
| 2016 Wisconsin Badgers | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Week | Opponent | Win% | Avg Score |
| 1 | LSU Tigers | 40.6 | 23.8-27.7 |
| 2 | Akron Zips | 66.3 | 26.4-20.6 |
| 3 | Georgia State Panthers | 73.3 | 29.6-22.5 |
| 4 | @Michigan State Spartans | 45.5 | 23.7-25.4 |
| 5 | @Michigan Wolverines | 35.6 | 23.5-28.2 |
| 7 | Ohio State Buckeyes | 42.6 | 22.9-26.5 |
| 8 | @Iowa Hawkeyes | 51.5 | 23.4-24.5 |
| 9 | Nebraska Cornhuskers | 48.5 | 25.9-24.8 |
| 10 | @Northwestern Wildcats | 69.3 | 23.7-20.3 |
| 11 | Illinois Fighting Illini | 63.4 | 26.5-24.1 |
| 12 | @Purdue Boilermakers | 65.3 | 29.4-22.2 |
| 13 | Minnesota Golden Gophers | 62.4 | 26.1-22.8 |
