WESTERN MICHIGAN

The last time the Broncos averaged over 40 points per game was in 2016 when they went undefeated in the regular season before losing to Wisconsin in the Cotton Bowl. However, that team played at Northwestern and at Illinois. This team plays road games at Michigan and at Pittsburgh, and hosts San Jose State. Compared to 2016, it’s a tough stretch. The 2016 team had a good defense that allowed just under 20 points per game. This 2021 defense should improve with nine plus defensive starters back, but it’s a challenging ask when dealing with Michigan and Pitt. Either way, if the Broncos defense improves at the right moment, they could be in line to win the MAC conference this time.

MIAMI (OH)

It feels like 2019 because I picked this team that year to take advantage in the East division. Guess what, they did and won the conference championship. I expect them to do it again. This time, there’s no questions at quarterback because Brett Gabbert and A.J. Meyer are now reliable starters. The Redhawks’ defense should be as good as the 2019 version, especially since some players returning played in that title game. The kicking unit should be in their favor with punter Dom Dzioban finishing second in the conference with a punting average of 42.7. It’s likely Miami will start 1-3 again like 2019, but they will compete for the division title again.

IOWA

The Hawkeyes have high expectations even though Wisconsin is favored to win the West. They may have the offense to do it this year after quarterback Spencer Petras picked up his game in the last five games of the season. It should be enough to move forward and challenge the conference itself. The issue could come from both fronts, but they should eventually come together. The other issue is the schedule. They already play Indiana in Week 1 and go to Ames to face their rising elite rival, Iowa State. Then the rest of the Big Ten schedule gets tricky. They face six of their last seven opponents that they either had close shaves with or lost to. Say whatever you want about Nebraska, but they’re no joke either in this rivalry game. Their last three meetings ended by six points or less. If Iowa’s offense can capitalize on what a defense gives them consistently, they can beat Wisconsin and win the West division.

RUTGERS

This is questionable on Rutgers being the underrated team but I’ll take my chances because coach Greg Schiano is reviving this program. What made Rutgers successful last season? Turnovers. It was the one thing that started the turnaround. If anyone watched them against Michigan State, Indiana, Ohio State, and Michigan, there was something about Rutgers that was worth watching. They were fun, more competitive, and had a new attitude. What’s the likely chance they win more than three games this time? It’s hard to say but I’ll give them a chance. Their next turnaround though is stopping the run and making overall improvements on offense. They return 18-plus starters on both sides, so make it fun and make it happen!