Noticed Lindy's College Football is now out so purchased at the local grocery store. Checker noticed Iowa not in the Top 10?
I think he was surprised, but other than 2003 and 2004, Iowa rarely is consistently a Top 10 program, except for Evy years.
Ohio State is ranked in the Top 4 ... reload, but consistently Michigan State is the program to beat lately in Big Ten.
Both Urban Meyer and Michigan have had some challenges with the Spartans, but Lindy's has MSU only #4 among B1G teams this preseason. Iowa is #15 nationally and ahead of #22 MSU.
Northwestern is ranked #28, followed by Nebraska and Wisconsin at #33 and #34, respectively.
The Big Ten race ultimately looks a little wide open, with every team entering 2016 with questions and holes to fill.
Jim Harbaugh will seek to be Bob Stoops, who caught lightning in a bottle as a sophomore head coach at OU. Harbaugh isn't a sophomore head coach, but he may act at times like a sophomore student, despite the NFL and college coaching resume.
A lot of love for Michigan's linebacker corp, despite basically three new players there. QB is the biggest question mark, but Wolvernies coaching staff is expected to walk a QB out over water and become a Top 5 or 10 program in 2016.
How will senior PK do handling both duties in 2016?
Michigan has a lot of senior leadership in 2016 and open with 5 straight home games in Ann Arbor, with fifth against Wisconsin the most challenging.
Ohio State has three starters back on both offense and defense. By the way, Michigan only has 5 starters back on defense.
Iowa has eight back to build around. MSU is like Michigan with 5, as well.
The top programs around the Big Ten have only two programs with 6 or more back as starters. Northwestern has 6, while Nebraska and Wisconson each have 5 and 4, respectively.
Of the also rans, Indiana and Purdue have 7 and 8, respectively.
Am I getting the feeling the Big Ten defenses may be down in 2016?
1. Does Ohio State open 2-1, then go on a terror, after loss in Norman to Oklahoma? But, in 4 years with Urban at helm in Columbus, it has been BCS title or bust, as Buckeyes have only one B1G title, in four years under Meyer.
2. Michigan returns 8 starters on offense, but QB and consistent running game need to continue to develop. Four hurdles in Big Ten are UW and road games at MSU, at Iowa and the game at OSU.
Is LB Jabrill Peppers the best OLB in college football, who will also play CB, S and one would assume RS, as well?
By the way, the top 2 inside LBs ranked by Lindy's are OSU's Raekwon McMillan and Northwestern's Anthony Walker. MSU's Riley Bullough and Illinois' (Cal transfer) Handy Nickerson, Jr. are #9 and #11, respectively.
All three top Big Ten LBs make up Lindy's all-American team in 2016. The 2nd unit is all-SEC.
Lindy's likes Iowa's Josey Jewell as #7 top OLB, though Iowa uses him inside. Wisconsin's Vince Biegel is #9.
So, despite the majority of programs losing defensive starters entering 2016, there is some talent returning.
MSU's Malik McDowell is rated #1 DT, while Iowa's Desmond King is top rated CB.
Depth will be a question throughout the Big Ten on defense. Both Michigan #2 and MSU #5 have Top 10 Defensive Lines. Iowa returns both starters at DT, unlike Michigan schools.
OSU has the highest rated LB corp (#3 nationally) in the B1G. Wisconsin, MSU and Michigan come in at #6, #7 and #9. The Wolvernies have three players, who are new starters at position per Lindy's.
Michigan's secondary ranks 6th ahead of #8 Iowa. Only two are returning starters compared to Iowa's 3 back. Iowa's loss of FS Jordan Lomax bigger question?
Defense wins championships the old saying goes. Very true, with Michigan State over Iowa in 2015.
Iowa beat Wisconsin 10-6, but outscored Illinois, Minnesota and Nebraska. Blew out Northwestern and Purdue. Defense did fuel much of it.
Michigan State beat Michigan 27-23, but not a lot of offense. Wins over Ohio State were 17-14 and 16-13.
Shootouts don't often favor Big Ten teams, as bowl games of MSU and Iowa showed.
Marquee non-conference games favor Big Ten opponents.
Northwestern opens Big Ten with Nebraska and at Iowa. The set up is not like Iowa '15, but in many ways it is.
Two of the three biggest games very early in the division. Rest of the division is all in November, with Wisconsin first.
By the way, Vince Biegel of Wisconsin is considered Big Ten's best. He had 8 last year, but Wisconsin's Joe Schobert has departed, along with his 9.5 sacks and 19.5 tfl. So, will Biegel be as effective?
It is going to be an interesting season.
3. Iowa ... what happens with special teams, receivers and pressure with Hawkeyes' pass rush?
4. MSU ... can Mark Dantonio reload?
As Lindy's says, there are semi-proven parts on this Spartans team. Could games vs. Wisconsin and Northwestern in East Lansing be thorns?
Iowa beat MSU in 2012, which was the Spartans only bad season in six years. In five of the past six seasons, Dantonio has had the Spartans near the top or on top of B1G.
Where does the consistency fall for the Big Ten in 2016?
Can Iowa and MSU meet again?
5. Northwestern ... has games at Iowa, at MSU and at OSU this season. A home date with Indiana is final cross-over B1G game.
Like Iowa and MSU, Northwestern is coming off a 45-6 loss to Tennessee in bowl game. Iowa fans remember the TaxSlayer.
6. Nebraska ... year 2 under Mike Riley? Is it Hayden Fry or Bob Stoops or something in between. Fry fell back after Year 2 at Iowa, while Stoops had his best season ever at OU.
The third game of the season is vs. Oregon and the B1G opener is at Northwestern. Huge two week swing and Iowa fans will have to grin and bear what comes from it.
Are the Cornhuskers back? Iowa hasn't won at Kinnick against Nebraska, since 10-6 season opener in 1981.
Kirk Ferentz was in his first season in Iowa City back then. Nebraska has three MNC, since Iowa's last win.
The internet was invented and opened up to the public, since then.
Oh, Nebraska travels to Northwestern, Wisconsin, Ohio State and Iowa this year. The last three are 3 of last 5 of season.
The O-Line is biggest question mark, though defensive front 7 may really be bigger question for Huskers.
7. Wisconsin ... many Iowa fans like Wisconsin '16 and they should with Iowa's head to head, since 2010. How good will the Badgers offense and defense be overall?
Only four starters return on each side. Second year staff, with new DC, since old moved to Baton Rouge. Badgers are scheduled to meet LSU in season opener in Green Bay. At MSU, at Michigan, vs. OSU, then at Iowa kicks off B1G season, with Nebraska and at Northwestern following ...
8. PSU ... new no-huddle offense for Nittany Lions in 2016 with new OC Joe Moorehead. By the way, Georgia beat PSU 34-17 last season, but new QB lead Nittany Lions scoring. James Franklin enters Year 3 and frankly I don't see a lot of good coaching.
New DL with one starter back. Special teams are struggling in kicking game for Nittany Lions.
9. Minnesota ... Lindy's called last year "a turbulent losing season" ... 8 wins is the goal again, with OSU and Michigan off schedule.
Of the original Big Ten teams, only the Gophers are program that has not played in a Rose Bowl. Actually, only Minnesota, Maryland and Rutgers have not played in a Rose Bowl in my lifetime.
10. Illinois ... begins a season again with a new coach with a late start, WR Mike Dudek out due to ACL and questions about depth. The Fighting Illini are likely a dangerous team, that can't be taken lightly?
Lovie Smith lacks number, but there are some players who can make plays. Just not enough of them, but they could pull a surprise or two?
11. Indiana ... this team could play a role of spoiler, if JC QB Richard Lagow can play. Nebraska and at Northwestern are two games Iowa fans should take interest in, but they open with MSU and at OSU, so how will they be af 0-2 hosting Huskers?
12. Maryland ... plays at Nebraska ahead of Iowa's Black Friday game. Games vs. Purdue, at PSU and Minnesota are early and the Terps warm Michigan up in Ann Arbor ahead of the prime time clash at Kinnick for Iowa.
13. Rutgers ... open B1G hosting Iowa as Chris Ash debuts as new head coach. Back 7 has plenty of questions on defense, along with consistent QB play. Jay Niemann was 1-1 vs. Iowa, while DC at NIU.
14. Purdue ... Iowa's hated black and gold rival in the B1G. The B1G home opener is vs. Iowa, after B1G road games at Maryland and at lllinois.
Could Purdue open 2-0 in Big Ten, after 1-7 last season?
They did win at Illinois in 2014, so maybe they can put something together, after a disappointing season, where coordinators were dumped.
Page 225 of Lindy's calls North Dakota State at Iowa one of the games under "The BIG Ones" as the Bison, not only have five straight FCS titles, they have won 5 straight over FBS programs with wins over Iowa State and Kansas State mentioned.
Where does Iowa fit in this storyline in 2016?
"Iowa is coming off an historic 2015. Sure, the margin of error is narrow, but the Hawkeyes still put together talent to withstand the Big Ten schedule, so it is not like the season was a fluke. Iowa has experience in a lot of the right areas - both lines - and the pieces are in place for another surge."
We shall see how it all plays out in 2016. Michjgan State has a decent schedule and the OSU-MSU game could be for a division again in 2016?
I would like to see a rematch in the B1G Championship Game in 2016.
It would be a first.
I think he was surprised, but other than 2003 and 2004, Iowa rarely is consistently a Top 10 program, except for Evy years.
Ohio State is ranked in the Top 4 ... reload, but consistently Michigan State is the program to beat lately in Big Ten.
Both Urban Meyer and Michigan have had some challenges with the Spartans, but Lindy's has MSU only #4 among B1G teams this preseason. Iowa is #15 nationally and ahead of #22 MSU.
Northwestern is ranked #28, followed by Nebraska and Wisconsin at #33 and #34, respectively.
The Big Ten race ultimately looks a little wide open, with every team entering 2016 with questions and holes to fill.
Jim Harbaugh will seek to be Bob Stoops, who caught lightning in a bottle as a sophomore head coach at OU. Harbaugh isn't a sophomore head coach, but he may act at times like a sophomore student, despite the NFL and college coaching resume.
A lot of love for Michigan's linebacker corp, despite basically three new players there. QB is the biggest question mark, but Wolvernies coaching staff is expected to walk a QB out over water and become a Top 5 or 10 program in 2016.
How will senior PK do handling both duties in 2016?
Michigan has a lot of senior leadership in 2016 and open with 5 straight home games in Ann Arbor, with fifth against Wisconsin the most challenging.
Ohio State has three starters back on both offense and defense. By the way, Michigan only has 5 starters back on defense.
Iowa has eight back to build around. MSU is like Michigan with 5, as well.
The top programs around the Big Ten have only two programs with 6 or more back as starters. Northwestern has 6, while Nebraska and Wisconson each have 5 and 4, respectively.
Of the also rans, Indiana and Purdue have 7 and 8, respectively.
Am I getting the feeling the Big Ten defenses may be down in 2016?
1. Does Ohio State open 2-1, then go on a terror, after loss in Norman to Oklahoma? But, in 4 years with Urban at helm in Columbus, it has been BCS title or bust, as Buckeyes have only one B1G title, in four years under Meyer.
2. Michigan returns 8 starters on offense, but QB and consistent running game need to continue to develop. Four hurdles in Big Ten are UW and road games at MSU, at Iowa and the game at OSU.
Is LB Jabrill Peppers the best OLB in college football, who will also play CB, S and one would assume RS, as well?
By the way, the top 2 inside LBs ranked by Lindy's are OSU's Raekwon McMillan and Northwestern's Anthony Walker. MSU's Riley Bullough and Illinois' (Cal transfer) Handy Nickerson, Jr. are #9 and #11, respectively.
All three top Big Ten LBs make up Lindy's all-American team in 2016. The 2nd unit is all-SEC.
Lindy's likes Iowa's Josey Jewell as #7 top OLB, though Iowa uses him inside. Wisconsin's Vince Biegel is #9.
So, despite the majority of programs losing defensive starters entering 2016, there is some talent returning.
MSU's Malik McDowell is rated #1 DT, while Iowa's Desmond King is top rated CB.
Depth will be a question throughout the Big Ten on defense. Both Michigan #2 and MSU #5 have Top 10 Defensive Lines. Iowa returns both starters at DT, unlike Michigan schools.
OSU has the highest rated LB corp (#3 nationally) in the B1G. Wisconsin, MSU and Michigan come in at #6, #7 and #9. The Wolvernies have three players, who are new starters at position per Lindy's.
Michigan's secondary ranks 6th ahead of #8 Iowa. Only two are returning starters compared to Iowa's 3 back. Iowa's loss of FS Jordan Lomax bigger question?
Defense wins championships the old saying goes. Very true, with Michigan State over Iowa in 2015.
Iowa beat Wisconsin 10-6, but outscored Illinois, Minnesota and Nebraska. Blew out Northwestern and Purdue. Defense did fuel much of it.
Michigan State beat Michigan 27-23, but not a lot of offense. Wins over Ohio State were 17-14 and 16-13.
Shootouts don't often favor Big Ten teams, as bowl games of MSU and Iowa showed.
Marquee non-conference games favor Big Ten opponents.
Northwestern opens Big Ten with Nebraska and at Iowa. The set up is not like Iowa '15, but in many ways it is.
Two of the three biggest games very early in the division. Rest of the division is all in November, with Wisconsin first.
By the way, Vince Biegel of Wisconsin is considered Big Ten's best. He had 8 last year, but Wisconsin's Joe Schobert has departed, along with his 9.5 sacks and 19.5 tfl. So, will Biegel be as effective?
It is going to be an interesting season.
3. Iowa ... what happens with special teams, receivers and pressure with Hawkeyes' pass rush?
4. MSU ... can Mark Dantonio reload?
As Lindy's says, there are semi-proven parts on this Spartans team. Could games vs. Wisconsin and Northwestern in East Lansing be thorns?
Iowa beat MSU in 2012, which was the Spartans only bad season in six years. In five of the past six seasons, Dantonio has had the Spartans near the top or on top of B1G.
Where does the consistency fall for the Big Ten in 2016?
Can Iowa and MSU meet again?
5. Northwestern ... has games at Iowa, at MSU and at OSU this season. A home date with Indiana is final cross-over B1G game.
Like Iowa and MSU, Northwestern is coming off a 45-6 loss to Tennessee in bowl game. Iowa fans remember the TaxSlayer.
6. Nebraska ... year 2 under Mike Riley? Is it Hayden Fry or Bob Stoops or something in between. Fry fell back after Year 2 at Iowa, while Stoops had his best season ever at OU.
The third game of the season is vs. Oregon and the B1G opener is at Northwestern. Huge two week swing and Iowa fans will have to grin and bear what comes from it.
Are the Cornhuskers back? Iowa hasn't won at Kinnick against Nebraska, since 10-6 season opener in 1981.
Kirk Ferentz was in his first season in Iowa City back then. Nebraska has three MNC, since Iowa's last win.
The internet was invented and opened up to the public, since then.
Oh, Nebraska travels to Northwestern, Wisconsin, Ohio State and Iowa this year. The last three are 3 of last 5 of season.
The O-Line is biggest question mark, though defensive front 7 may really be bigger question for Huskers.
7. Wisconsin ... many Iowa fans like Wisconsin '16 and they should with Iowa's head to head, since 2010. How good will the Badgers offense and defense be overall?
Only four starters return on each side. Second year staff, with new DC, since old moved to Baton Rouge. Badgers are scheduled to meet LSU in season opener in Green Bay. At MSU, at Michigan, vs. OSU, then at Iowa kicks off B1G season, with Nebraska and at Northwestern following ...
8. PSU ... new no-huddle offense for Nittany Lions in 2016 with new OC Joe Moorehead. By the way, Georgia beat PSU 34-17 last season, but new QB lead Nittany Lions scoring. James Franklin enters Year 3 and frankly I don't see a lot of good coaching.
New DL with one starter back. Special teams are struggling in kicking game for Nittany Lions.
9. Minnesota ... Lindy's called last year "a turbulent losing season" ... 8 wins is the goal again, with OSU and Michigan off schedule.
Of the original Big Ten teams, only the Gophers are program that has not played in a Rose Bowl. Actually, only Minnesota, Maryland and Rutgers have not played in a Rose Bowl in my lifetime.
10. Illinois ... begins a season again with a new coach with a late start, WR Mike Dudek out due to ACL and questions about depth. The Fighting Illini are likely a dangerous team, that can't be taken lightly?
Lovie Smith lacks number, but there are some players who can make plays. Just not enough of them, but they could pull a surprise or two?
11. Indiana ... this team could play a role of spoiler, if JC QB Richard Lagow can play. Nebraska and at Northwestern are two games Iowa fans should take interest in, but they open with MSU and at OSU, so how will they be af 0-2 hosting Huskers?
12. Maryland ... plays at Nebraska ahead of Iowa's Black Friday game. Games vs. Purdue, at PSU and Minnesota are early and the Terps warm Michigan up in Ann Arbor ahead of the prime time clash at Kinnick for Iowa.
13. Rutgers ... open B1G hosting Iowa as Chris Ash debuts as new head coach. Back 7 has plenty of questions on defense, along with consistent QB play. Jay Niemann was 1-1 vs. Iowa, while DC at NIU.
14. Purdue ... Iowa's hated black and gold rival in the B1G. The B1G home opener is vs. Iowa, after B1G road games at Maryland and at lllinois.
Could Purdue open 2-0 in Big Ten, after 1-7 last season?
They did win at Illinois in 2014, so maybe they can put something together, after a disappointing season, where coordinators were dumped.
Page 225 of Lindy's calls North Dakota State at Iowa one of the games under "The BIG Ones" as the Bison, not only have five straight FCS titles, they have won 5 straight over FBS programs with wins over Iowa State and Kansas State mentioned.
Where does Iowa fit in this storyline in 2016?
"Iowa is coming off an historic 2015. Sure, the margin of error is narrow, but the Hawkeyes still put together talent to withstand the Big Ten schedule, so it is not like the season was a fluke. Iowa has experience in a lot of the right areas - both lines - and the pieces are in place for another surge."
We shall see how it all plays out in 2016. Michjgan State has a decent schedule and the OSU-MSU game could be for a division again in 2016?
I would like to see a rematch in the B1G Championship Game in 2016.
It would be a first.
