A Conference Powerhouse Grows Stronger
The Big Ten has long been a battleground for college football supremacy, and 2024 promises to be no different. This year, the conference welcomes three powerhouse programs – USC, Oregon, and Washington – adding even more firepower to an already stacked lineup.
The Big Ten conference has long been a two-horse race, with Ohio State and Michigan battling it out year after year. But whispers of a changing order are getting louder. You have to rewind all the way back to 2016 to find the last champion not named the Buckeyes or Wolverines – that was Penn State. This year, the addition of three West Coast powerhouses – USC, Oregon, and Washington – throws gasoline on the already fierce competition. These teams bring not only talent but also a winning pedigree, potentially disrupting the established hierarchy.
West Coast Powerhouses Invade the Big Ten
USC Trojans: Fresh off back-to-back winning seasons (8-5 in 2023, 10-3 in 2022), the Trojans bring a potent offense and a hungry fanbase. Their presence instantly injects excitement into the conference.
The honeymoon phase is over for Lincoln Riley. After two seasons with a Heisman-winning QB in Caleb Williams (now slinging passes in the NFL), the pressure is on. Expectations in Southern California are ruthless, and an 11-3 record in 2022 and a disappointing 8-5 finish in 2023 haven't satiated the Trojan faithful.
Riley's offensive magic was heavily reliant on Williams' electric arm. Now, he faces the daunting task of finding a new signal-caller who can replicate that production. Can a less heralded QB run Riley's high-octane offense effectively? The bigger concern for USC might be on the other side of the ball. Riley's teams at Oklahoma were known for their offensive fireworks, but the 2023 Trojans boasted one of the worst defenses in the nation, ranking a dismal 118th in scoring defense. Can the new defensive coaches significantly improve this unit in just one year?
Oregon Ducks: The Oregon Ducks soar into the Big Ten after a dominant 2023 season, losing only to their conference champion rivals, the Washington Huskies, who were also the National Championship runner-up. Led by the dynamic Bo Nix, the Ducks boasted a high-octane offense that shredded defenses.
With Nix off to the NFL, Coach Dan Lanning faces the crucial task of finding his successor. Enter Dillon Gabriel, a talented transfer quarterback with a knack for making plays. Can Gabriel replicate Nix's production and keep the Ducks' offense hunting? His success will be a major factor in Oregon's Big Ten debut.
One advantage the Ducks bring to the new conference is a veteran offensive line. This experienced unit will be crucial in providing Gabriel with time to throw and opening running lanes for the backfield.
With a skilled receiving corps and a strong running game returning, Oregon has the potential to light up scoreboards across the Big Ten, making them a team to watch in this stacked conference.
Washington Huskies: The Washington Huskies enter 2024 facing a new reality. After a magical 2023 season that saw them soar to a 14-1 record and a National Championship runner-up finish, the program transitions into a significant rebuilding phase.
The departures are as impactful as they come. Star quarterback Michael Penix Jr. takes his talents to the NFL, leaving a massive hole in the Huskies' offense. Head Coach Kalen DeBoer, who orchestrated the team's meteoric rise, departed for the prestigious head coaching position at Alabama, replacing the legendary Nick Saban.
The Washington Huskies' 2024 schedule is a baptism by fire as they enter the Big Ten. While they open with a couple of tune-up games against Weber State and Eastern Michigan, things heat up fast when they face their rivals, the Washington State Cougars.
October and November become a brutal gauntlet for the Huskies. They'll face the Big Ten's traditional powerhouses – the punishing defense of Iowa, the high-powered Michigan, the glitzy firepower of USC, and the ever-dangerous Penn State.
The season finale throws another twist – a rivalry rematch against the Oregon Ducks. This late-season clash could have major implications for both teams' Big Ten standing and potential bowl positioning.
The Jocks
Ohio State Buckeyes: After a reign of Big Ten dominance, winning four consecutive championships from 2017-2020, the 2023 season saw the Ohio State Buckeyes come up just short again vs rival Michigan. The Michigan Wolverines snatched the conference crown. Now, with a bitter taste in their mouths, the Buckeyes enter 2024 with one burning mission: reclaim their place atop the Big Ten.
Ohio State isn't just reloading in 2024, they're re-arming. After a disappointing 2023 season, the Buckeyes are widely considered to boast the #3 overall recruiting class in college football. This influx of elite talent, coupled with returning veterans, creates a potent mix for a championship run.
The arrival of Will Howard, a talented transfer quarterback from Kansas State, throws a wrench into the QB competition. Howard brings much-needed experience to a position that sputtered in 2023. Will he unseat redshirt sophomore Devin Brown, a highly-touted freshman? This battle will be a key storyline to watch during training camp.
Despite the overall struggles in 2023, the Buckeyes' defense continues to be a force. Defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau remains a terrorizing presence, while lockdown cornerback Denzel Burke shuts down opposing receivers with ease. If the secondary can stay healthy and the linebackers develop, this unit has the potential to be an elite difference-maker.
The Ohio State Buckeyes navigate a schedule with a mix of opportunities and challenges in their quest to return to Big Ten glory. The season kicks off with a friendly home game against Akron, allowing the Buckeyes to find their rhythm before tougher opponents.
Key conference matchups include a trip to resurgent Penn State, a home battle against a disciplined Wisconsin team, and a crucial road game against the high-powered USC Trojans. These games will be a true test of the Buckeyes' mettle. The annual clash with rival Michigan remains a pivotal game, with both teams vying for conference supremacy.
Head Coach Ryan Day has his work cut out for him. He needs to resolve the quarterback battle, solidify the offensive line, and get the most out of his immense talent pool. A strong showing in 2024 could solidify his position as the architect of a new dynasty in Columbus. But a stumble out of the gate could raise questions about his ability to guide the Buckeyes back to the top.
Michigan Wolverines: The Michigan Wolverines sit atop the college football world after a perfect 2023 season, capped by a National Championship victory. They've achieved a historic three-peat in the Big Ten under the leadership of Coach Jim Harbaugh. However, Harbaugh's departure for the NFL this offseason ushers in a new era in Ann Arbor.
Another perennial powerhouse, Michigan will be a force to be reckoned with under a new head coach, Sherrone Moore. Their recent recruiting success, including the #16 recruit in 2024 and the #17 in transfer class in 2024, positions them for a strong run in the Big Ten in 2024.
Sherrone Moore, the former defensive coordinator, takes the reins as head coach. While Moore wasn't the offensive mastermind behind the Wolverines' success, he's likely to maintain a similar offensive approach, capitalizing on the talent remaining. His biggest challenge for Moore will be replacing the leadership and production of star quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who departed for the NFL. How Moore navigates the QB competition will be crucial for the Wolverines' offensive success.
The Wolverines won't have an easy road in 2024. They face a challenging non-conference slate and key conference matchups against rivals Ohio State and Penn State. How they handle this tough schedule will be a true test of their championship mettle.
The biggest question mark surrounding Michigan is whether they can maintain their dominance without Harbaugh. Coach Moore has a tough act to follow, but he has a talented roster and a strong foundation. The Wolverines' success hinges on finding the right quarterback, staying healthy, and navigating a brutal schedule.
Penn State Nittany Lions: A consistent contender, Penn State will be a thorn in the side of many teams. The Penn State Nittany Lions enter 2024 riding high after back-to-back 10 plus win seasons. The expanded 12-team College Football Playoff format might have benefitted no team more, potentially offering Penn State a new path to national glory.
Head Coach James Franklin has established Penn State as a consistent threat in the Big Ten. However, the Nittany Lions have struggled to overcome the hurdle of Ohio State and Michigan in recent years, falling short in crucial matchups.
The addition of powerhouse programs like USC, Oregon, and Washington to the Big Ten throws the conference landscape into disarray. While it presents exciting new rivalries, it also intensifies competition for conference titles and playoff spots.
Penn State under Head Coach James Franklin has become a model of consistency on the recruiting trail, consistently landing top-ranked classes. 2024 is no different, as they boast the #14 recruiting class in the nation.
This influx of talent is complemented by the return of starting quarterback Drew Allar, who impressed with 25 touchdowns last season. The addition of top wide receiver transfer Julian Fleming gives Allar a potent weapon in the passing game.
They kick things off with a road trip to West Virginia before returning home for back-to-back matchups against Bowling Green and Kent State. These games will allow them to refine their offensive and defensive schemes before facing tougher competition.
October brings the start of a challenging Big Ten schedule. They host Illinois and UCLA at home before a crucial road test against the high-powered USC Trojans and Wisconsin. These games will be a true test of the Nittany Lions' championship aspirations.
The remainder of the season features key divisional matchups against conference rivals. Games against Ohio State and potentially a resurgent Michigan will determine their positioning in the Big Ten.
While the early part of the schedule allows Penn State to build momentum, the back half is loaded with tough opponents. Their ability to navigate this challenging slate will be a key factor in achieving their ultimate goal: a Big Ten championship and a potential run at the College Football Playoff.
Traditional Powers Look to Rebound
Iowa Hawkeyes: The Iowa Hawkeyes are renowned for their stingy defense, consistently ranking among the nation's best. In 2023, they continued this tradition. However, their offensive struggles held them back. The Hawkeyes notched several victories thanks to their defensive prowess, but they never surpassed 22 points in a conference matchup. If Coach Kirk Ferentz can ignite some offensive production, Iowa could become a serious contender in the Big Ten.
The Hawkeyes boast a veteran defense, primed to be a force again. Can Iowa develop a more consistent scoring offense to complement their elite defense? The Hawkeyes face a challenging Big Ten slate, featuring road matchups against Minnesota, Ohio State, and Michigan State early on. November brings no respite, with clashes against Wisconsin and Nebraska looming.
Overall, the 2024 season hinges on Iowa's ability to find an offensive spark. If they can do that, their dominant defense makes them a team to watch in the Big Ten race.
Wisconsin Badgers: The Wisconsin Badgers, another Big Ten team known for their defensive prowess, finished the 2023 season with a respectable 7-6 record. Their calling card was a stellar defense, allowing a mere 19 points per game. However, their offense sputtered, averaging only 23.5 points.
Head Coach Luke Fickell is looking to change that narrative in 2024. He welcomes a highly-touted recruiting class, ranked #25 nationally, with the centerpiece being transfer quarterback Tyler Van Dyke from Miami. Van Dyke brings both talent and experience to an offense desperate for more firepower to compete with the Big Ten's elite.
The road won't be easy for the Badgers. They open with a couple of tune-up games before a colossal test in Week 3: hosting the mighty Alabama Crimson Tide. Week 4 brings another tough matchup on the road at Southern Cal.
However, a glimmer of hope emerges with a three-week stretch against Purdue, Rutgers, and Northwestern offering a chance to find their rhythm. The final stretch, though, is brutal. Penn State, Oregon, and Minnesota visit Camp Randall, while road trips to Iowa and Nebraska round out a daunting schedule.
The 2024 Wisconsin Badgers hinge on the development of their offense under Tyler Van Dyke. If they can find a consistent scoring punch to complement their elite defense, the Badgers could be a force to be reckoned with in the Big Ten.
Nebraska Cornhuskers: The Cornhuskers, with a passionate fanbase, will be eager to prove themselves against the conference's elite. The Nebraska Cornhuskers enter the 2024 season brimming with cautious optimism under Head Coach Matt Rhule. After falling short of expectations last year going 5-7 with a 3-6 big ten record Rhule has a potentially transformative weapon at his disposal: freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola, a five-star recruit considered one of the nation's best quarterbacks.
The arrival of Raiola injects a much-needed spark into the Cornhuskers' offense. His talent and leadership could be the missing piece for a team desperate for offensive production. Nebraska boasts a dominant defense, ranking 11th nationally in 2023. With key players returning, this unit should be a force again.
The Cornhuskers have a manageable early schedule, allowing Raiola time to adjust to the college game. This could build momentum for tougher matchups later in the season. Despite a strong running back group, the offensive line needs improvement to protect Raiola and create running lanes.
The Big Ten is a brutal conference, and Nebraska faces a daunting schedule later in the season, including a road trip to Ohio State in October. Can Rhules recruiting efforts lead the Cornhuskers back to Big Ten relevance?
The 2024 season will be a pivotal year for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Raiola's arrival brings excitement, but the offensive line needs to solidify. The defense should remain strong, and a favorable early slate offers a chance to build confidence. If Rhule can navigate the Big Ten gauntlet and get consistent production from Raiola, the Cornhuskers could surprise some folks. However, a lack of offensive line improvement or missteps by Raiola could result in another frustrating season for Nebraska fans.
A Wide-Open Race for the Top
With the addition of the West Coast powerhouses and the hunger of established teams, the 2024 Big Ten season promises to be a thrilling rollercoaster ride. Every game will be a battle, and the race for the conference title, and potentially the College Football Playoff, will be wide open. Buckle up, college football fans – the Big Ten is about to get even bigger and better!
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