Welcome to a new episode of the Land-Grant Podcast Network’s I-80 Football Show. In this show, we drive down I-80 to talk about all things Big Ten football. This is the only Big Ten podcast that covers all 18 teams. After each action-packed week, we’ll give you a rundown of all the games in the conference and take a look at the matchups, storylines and players to watch for in the next week. My name is Jordan Williams and my co-host is Dante Morgan.
In his two previous jobs at Temple and Baylor, Matt Rhule went from 2-10 and 1-11 in his first season to 10-3 and 11-3, respectively, winning conference championships at both stops. Nebraska wasn’t as successful in rebuilding, so Rhule went 5-7 in year one and finished the season with four losses, three by field goal and the fourth by overtime touchdown. Rhule brings back a top-50 defense and a five-star quarterback who, in an ideal world, wouldn’t lose the ball as often as he did last season, which led to them finishing 129th in turnover margin at -17. Nebraska should be good in 2024, and they have a relatively easy schedule. Could we see a nine-win Nebraska, or will they continue to lose close games and cause more disappointment?
Iowa continues to be the most consistent and therefore least interesting program in the country. Tell me if you’ve heard this before: They’ll have a great defense led by a star secondary, but their offense will be bad. Iowa could be a spoiler in the College Football Playoff, though, because with their game plan and defense, they could easily contend for a fourth Big Ten playoff spot if they go 9-3 or 10-2. It may be unlikely, but no one wants to face Iowa in a playoff game in December.
Despite the lack of attention, Michigan is without a quarterback, has lost most of its offensive line, and its most impactful players on defense. The good news is that they still have arguably their most talented players on defense in cornerback Will Johnson and defensive tackles Kenneth Grant and Mason Graham. Michigan already wants to run the ball, but without a quarterback who can make big plays when needed, Michigan can go anywhere from 7-5 to 9-3. It’s time to find out how good Sherrone Moore is as a coach.
Penn State will make the playoffs. If they miss the playoffs, it will be because they go 3-4 losing games. If they lose 3-4 games, it’s time to let James Franklin go. Penn State may be playing third fiddle to the top of the standings again, but this year third place should be enough for a top-eight berth and a home game in the first round of the playoffs. Penn State lost some talented players and will need to rebuild their secondary, but they are still led by Drew Allar, Nick Singleton and Kayton Allen. They should also have a scary pass rush again with Dani Dennis-Sutton and Abdul Carter moved to defense. With only Ohio State on their schedule besides Michigan and Oregon, Penn State has a chance to get to 11-1. Don’t screw it up, James Franklin.
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