For what’s it’s worth. Another preseason BIG ranking system.
3. WISCONSIN BADGERS (13.3)
It's bounce-back time for the Badgers. ESPN's FPI projects Wisconsin with a 47.7% shot at getting to the league championship game this fall as division champs. It was not necessarily the Badgers' fault last season went awry, but the pandemic limited this team's player availability, wiped away several games and Wisconsin never found consistency. Three times last fall, the Badgers were held to a touchdown or less with empty possessions causing their defense to be on the field too long throughout the campaign. Getting back to the basics — with dominant offensive line play and a standout rushing attack — is the plan in 2021.
2. PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS (14.9)
With only a 10.5% chance of winning the Big Ten this season per ESPN's preseason projections, Penn State already has bulletin board material for this summer. The Nittany Lions deserve a ton of credit for not folding after a winless, disappointing start last fall. James Franklin had his locker room together despite off the field distractions and things out of his team's control and Penn State ended the campaign on a high note despite stumbling short of expectations. Maybe being ranked outside of the top 15 to start in 2021 will benefit Penn State wearing the cloak of anonymity so to speak. Franklin is confident this group will impress.
1. OHIO STATE BUCKEYES (20.5)
Surprisingly, ESPN's FPI is giving the Buckeyes only a 53% chance at winning the Big Ten this season and a 45% shot at reaching the Playoff. Here's where it really gets interesting for Ryan Day, whose teams brings back a wealth of talent, but loses projected Top 5 pick Justin Fields at quarterback. The early portion of fall camp will go a long way in determining the Buckeyes' new starter at the position since several players have shown flashes this spring. The preseason frontrunners in the Big Ten, Ohio State is hoping to get back to the national championship game.
