FAVORITE TEAMS

The Big Ten conference was entertaining. What was interesting is the East division bombarding each other out of the playoffs, including Ohio State  which was surprisingly awful to an average Purdue that had the spirit and motivation of Purdue student, Tyler Trent. Penn State lost to Michigan, Michigan State, and Ohio State all in one fell swoop of the East division. Michigan State’s most returning roster did nothing but finish the season in disappointment. Michigan had the best opportunity to represent the Big Ten in the playoffs before Ohio State crushed those opportunities. Maryland was a win away from bowling, but they went 0-4 in November and nearly came away with an upset win over Ohio State. Indiana was the same, but fell flat early in October. Wisconsin took a step back this season, but managed to crush Miami in the bowl game for the 2nd straight time. Northwestern was the most underrated team in college football, and they won the West division and a bowl game. Minnesota went bowling in P.J. Fleck’s 2nd season and won. After Nebraska’s first 7 losses, they won 3 of the last 5. Quarterback Adrian Martinez and coach Scott Frost together shows a bright future for the Huskers. Iowa lost by 11 points or less to formidable teams. Rutgers and Illinois finished at the bottom of the Big Ten, period.

The Spartans had one of the most returning teams in college football next to Buffalo and Boise State, but it was less impressive. The defense played well (17.2 points allowed per game), but the offense was subpar (18.7 points per game). Quarterback inconsistencies, the lack of production on the offensive line, and LJ Scott not being 100% were the main reasons for the offense’s subpar season. They scored under 20 points in 7 of their 13 games, including scoring 7 or less in 4 of them. I’m unsure if Michigan State’s offense needed another season to improve, but that was by far the most disappointing season for one of the more returning offensive rosters.

Northwestern started 1-3 (including an upset loss to Akron) and was winless in non-conference play. In conference play, Northwestern was nearly unstoppable going 8-1 with one loss to Michigan. They upset #20 Michigan State, #20 Wisconsin, and #21 Iowa to steal the West division and play in the Big Ten championship. 13 of their 14 games played ended in wins and losses by no more than 14 points. Northwestern’s first three losses were due to quarterback Clay Thorson not being 100% healthy. He was their key to a successful season. The defense dipped in stats but were as good and as feisty as last season’s defense. The team may have finished with one win away from 10, but they had a solid and sneaky season as the UNDERRATED team in college football of 2018.