Minny gets the crossover cakewalk this year.
Nebby's back-to-back away night games won't be a picnic, but they're probably losing to tOSU regardless.
We also go back-to-back aways, but the 2nd one is Purdue, so not terrible.
I'd rank em like this:
Minny
...big drop...
Nebby
Iowa
Illinois
Northwestern
...death row...
Wisconsin
*Note: didn't look up Purdue b/c it's Purdue.
Schedule definitely plays a factor. It did last year for Iowa. Once the Hawks knocked off Wisky, it had a clear path to the title.
Iowa - more difficult as Michigan at home, at Penn State are added. But Iowa does get Rutgers, and gets Nebraska, Wisconsin and Northwestern at home. If Iowa wins those 3 home games, it will be in good shape.
Nebraska - will be heavily favored in all 4 home games, but plays at NW, at Iowa, at Wisconsin, @Ohio State.
Northwestern - has to go to Ohio State, to MSU, to Iowa.
Minnesota - Gophers have their chance to make hay. Can they win games like @PSU, @Wisconsin, @Wisconsin, plus home with Iowa? Or at least go 2-2 in those games?
Wisconsin - @MSU, @Michigan, @Iowa, home with OSU and Nebraska. Badgers defense will be good, but the schedule is brutal (also play LSU in non-con).
Illinois - people talking of Illini as darkhorse with Lovie. Don't see it. Play @Michigan, home with Michigan, plus the other west teams. Not a deep enough team right now.
Purdue - doesn't matter. Purdue is bad.
Iowa is in a decent place in terms of schedule. If Beathard stays healthy, Iowa should be playing for the West division title in the finale with Nebraska.
