The Badgers, Hawkeyes and Wildcats have all been shutout in being the first West division team to win the Big Ten title outright, since the East-West mix originated in 2014.
Iowa and the Big Ten pecking order:
The Hawkeyes' offense sadly was AWOL most of the season, despite the 10-3 season and the Rimington Award winner.
Army-Navy is today.
Iowa and the Big Ten pecking order:
- Michigan - champions of the Big Ten in 2021, as Jim Harbaugh's restructured contract paid dividends, as the Wolverines become 3rd B1G program to reach the CFB Playoff at 12-1.
- Ohio State - won the first CFB Playoff in 2014, and since Ryan Day became coach has only lost one B1G game, but only 10-2 on 2021 season!
- Wisconsin - the Badgers haven't won the West over the past two seasons, but lead with 50% of the division titles, since the West was won & will likely be front-runner again in the West for 2022, despite the 8-4 season this year!
- Purdue - Simply, the Boilermakers (8-4) under Jeff Brohm have had the Hawkeyes number over the past 5 seasons, with exception being the 2019 Homecoming win for the Hawkeyes. This year's HC loss was simply ugly at Kinnick, as Brohm hits his highest mark in 5 seasons in West Lafayette!
- Iowa - while Iowa took care of business in the regular season against the East, the fact Wisconsin & Purdue continue to be thorns for the Hawkeyes is a concern heading into 2022. Hawks at 10-3, and hopefully get to 11 in the Citrus!
- Michigan State - the Hawks beat the Spartans in Year 1 under Mel Tucker 49-7, but the 2021 season was an outstanding turnaround at 10-2.
- Minnesota - PJ Fleck and the Golden Gophers finished 8-4, but more importantly beat Wisconsin in Minneapolis for the first time, since 2003.
- Penn State - the Hawkeyes have pulled off back to back wins over James Franklin's Nittany Lions, finishing a pedestrian 7-5. Manny Diaz becomes their new DC, and QB Sean Clifford is coming back for his super senior 6th season in 2022!
- Illinois - Bret Bielema rode the senior laden Fighting Illini to an impressive 5-7 record in Year 1!
- Nebraska - Scott Frost gets to Year 5, with his restructured contract, and a 3-9 record. With Jim Harbaugh's success in 2021, will the Huskers finally find some mojo of their own in Lincoln?
- Maryland - both the Hawkeyes & the Wolverines took down the Terps soundly in College Park in 2021, but Mike Locksley found a way to finish 6-6 in Year 3!
- Rutgers - Greg Schiano went from 3-6 to 5-7 overall in Year 2 back in New Brunswick! The Scarlet Knights will host the Hawkeyes in 2022, replacing PSU as Iowa's annual East opponent pairing!
- Northwestern - since 2018, Pat Fitzgerald has 2 West titles & 2 last in the division finishes, as the Wildcats close out season 3-9. But, beware in 2022 as the look for another feast year!
- Indiana - Tom Allen's Hoosiers opened 2021 season ranked & perceived ready for Kinnick. The Hawkeyes dismantled IU, who only finished 2-10 in '21.
The Hawkeyes' offense sadly was AWOL most of the season, despite the 10-3 season and the Rimington Award winner.
Army-Navy is today.
