How are Nebraska, Penn St, and Minnesota substantially better than Iowa and Michigan?
I don't know if they're much better than Iowa and Michigan. I honestly don't know if Michigan St is that much better than "tier 3" teams either.
As for Michigan, who do they have at quarterback? Any proven winners? Their OL has been a joke, like the worst in the B1G, but if that gets turned around, they could do some damage. They have talent, some of that overrated talent, but it's all about what you think Harbaugh can do Year 1. Can it be a big turnaround? I'm inclined to say it won't be, but that's arguable. Who are their threats? Rebuilding time.
Iowa, I can't think of many names that are threats and they lose solid players on both sides of the line. And while Iowa still has an easier schedule, it's definitely harder than last year with Wisconsin, Northwestern, Nebraska on the road. And Minnesota beat Iowa last year like a rented mule, but they get Minny at home. The schedule alone may put Iowa in a lower tier in the eyes of pre-season analysts. And is Iowa's QB as experienced as others coming in next year? Are they hurt by depth?
Penn State was young at positions last year and they will have more depth this year. Anthony Zettel is rated by most pre-season magazines as the best DT in the B1G. Hackenberg, fair or not, is still rated highly in the eyes of many "experts." PSU is another team who's OL was a joke. Like Michigan, if that can be turned around, they could do some damage this year. It also doesn't hurt that they pushed Ohio St to the max last year and won their bowl game. Many saw them as an improving team that get many players back next year.
Nebraska does get their QB back. And while he's far from great, he's still won a lot of games in the league. Demornay Pierson-El was a Freshman All-American last year and is easily one of the most dynamic players in the conference. He's a game-changer type player on both offense and special teams. Jordan Westerkamp is also one of the better WR's in the conference. DT Maliek Collins is pre-season 1st team All-B1G and many see him as the best DT in the league along with Zettel; he's a projected 1st round draft pick coming out after this season. The other DT, Vincent Valentine, is also seen as one of the league's best. The entire DL is back, as well as most the OL. Cornerback is loaded and has one of the B1G's best in Daniel Davie. Nebraska's concerns lie with the linebackers (2/3 will be former starters, but one of them likely will be true freshman Dedrick Young) and the safety position. Nate Gerry is very solid at one safety position, but the other is up for grabs with nothing proven. The lack of depth at both Linebacker and Defensive End, is also concerning. Running Back there is some experience coming back, but nothing eye-opening or a threat as of right now. I could see Nebraska's defense being improved from last year, but the offense taking a step back. 8-5 type season. OOC schedule has BYU and @Miami on it as well.
Minnesota is a big question mark in my eyes. Kill has done a great job moving them in the right direction, but they lost some quality, no doubt about it. I don't see them higher than 3rd in the West this year.
My question to you is how is Iowa/Michigan on the same level this upcoming season in your eyes?
