Will it be Michigan or Ohio State in the Big Ten? Here’s a thought: How about neither?

As the conference seeks to put a team into the playoff for the first time in three years, the Sun-Times shares its predicted order of finish heading into 2019.

SHARE Will it be Michigan or Ohio State in the Big Ten? Here’s a thought: How about neither?
Iowa v Penn State

We’ve got Iowa and Penn State meeting in the Big Ten title game in Indy.

Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

As the Big Ten seeks to put a team into the College Football Playoff for the first time in three years, what’s the pecking order heading into 2019? The Sun-Times’ predicted order of finish (head-to-head tiebreakers in effect):

WEST DIVISION 

1. IOWA (9-3, 7-2 Big Ten)

Predictions: Quarterback Nate Stanley has his best season. It helps to have decent wide receivers to throw to. … A rivalry loss at Iowa State hurts, but clutch wins at Wisconsin and Northwestern make up for it.

Bottom line: The Hawkeyes’ offensive line happily pushes a blocking sled all the way to Indianapolis.

2. WISCONSIN (9-3, 6-3)

Predictions: Jonathan Taylor becomes one of college football’s top 10 all-time rushers before skipping his senior year. … Jack Coan isn’t able to hold off stud freshman QB Graham Mertz past the Michigan game, which the Badgers lose.

Bottom line: Another winning season in Madison. Rinse. Repeat.

3. NORTHWESTERN (8-4, 6-3)

Predictions: How does an upset of Nebraska in Lincoln sound? … Quarterback play is good enough, but former starter Clayton Thorson is missed. … Another late-season streak: Wildcats win their final five.

Bottom line: Isn’t it time Pat Fitzgerald’s name surfaced in some more coaching rumors?

4. NEBRASKA (9-3, 6-3)

Predictions: Sophomore QB Adrian Martinez sets himself up for a Heisman Trophy campaign in 2020. … A subpar defense has a few decidedly non-championship-like days. … Watch out for that league opener at Illinois. (Yes, really.)

Bottom line: Don’t forget how good the Huskers were throughout the second half of last season.

5. PURDUE (6-6, 4-5)

Predictions: The nonconference schedule is too tricky to navigate without a loss. … Rondale Moore doesn’t get as many total touches as he did in an amazing freshman season, but he’s still be the league’s most entertaining player.

Bottom line: The Boilermakers are a year away.

6. ILLINOIS (6-6, 3-6)

Predictions: You want to get nuts? Let’s get nuts — Illini start 5-0. But then the wheels come off. … Lovie Smith’s defense is one of the league’s worst again.

Bottom line: Any bowl will do.

7. MINNESOTA (4-8, 2-7)

Predictions: What, an early loss at Fresno State? … What, a loss at home to Illinois? … What, no more America’s sweetheart status for P.J. Fleck?

Bottom line: Somebody has to be the most disappointing team in the Big Ten.

EAST DIVISION

1. PENN STATE (11-1, 8-1)

Predictions: It’s the defense’s turn to lead the way in Happy Valley. … Linebacker Micah Parsons blows up into the breakout defensive star of the league. … Michigan or Ohio State? Ohio State or Michigan? Too many people are sleeping on the Nittany Lions.

Bottom line: It’s time to see some new blood in the playoff. (No, Jim Harbaugh, not yours.)

2. OHIO STATE (10-2, 7-2)

Predictions: QB Justin Fields is a step back from Dwayne Haskins. … A regular-season-ending victory at Michigan puts a smile on every last Buckeyes fan’s face.

Bottom line: Urban Meyer’s successor, Ryan Day, fails to deliver a division title. The Michigan thing works, though.

3. MICHIGAN (10-2, 7-2)

Predictions: Shea Patterson ascends to first-team all-league at QB. … How long is offensive coordinator Jim Gattis’ rope, really? Harbaugh’s impulse to simplify things eventually interferes.

Bottom line: Those friggin’ Buckeyes.

4. MICHIGAN STATE (7-5, 4-5)

Predictions: A defense led by Kenny Willekes and Raequon Williams up front keeps the Spartans in every game. … Where have all the offensive skill players gone? QB Brian Lewerke is just OK again.

Bottom line: Things don’t always end well anymore for Close Game U.

5. MARYLAND (4-8, 2-7)

Predictions: Virginia Tech transfer QB Josh Jackson has some exciting moments, but his own defense is his worst enemy. … Mike Locksley’s “dream job” doesn’t seem dreamy at all with Michigan, OSU, Nebraska and MSU all in November.

Bottom line: Happy recruitin’, Locks!

6. INDIANA (4-8, 1-8)

Predictions: Third-year coach Tom Allen can’t possibly lose any more in-state mojo to Purdue, can he? … A third straight Old Oaken Bucket loss to the Boilermakers won’t go over well at all.

Bottom line: Oh, well, at least there’s Rutgers.

7. RUTGERS (1-11, 0-9)

Predictions: Not one, not two, but three QBs see significant action. It’s not a good thing. … As Mr. T said: “Pain.”

Bottom line: Whose big idea was it to join this league, anyway?

The Latest
The man was found unresponsive in an alley in the 10700 block of South Lowe Avenue, police said.
The man suffered head trauma and was pronounced dead at University of Chicago Medical Center, police said.
Another federal judge in Chicago who also has dismissed gun cases based on the same Supreme Court ruling says the high court’s decision in what’s known as the Bruen case will “inevitably lead to more gun violence, more dead citizens and more devastated communities.”
Women make up just 10% of those in careers such as green infrastructure and clean and renewable energy, a leader from Openlands writes. Apprenticeships and other training opportunities are some of the ways to get more women into this growing job sector.
Chatterbox doesn’t seem aware that it’s courteous to ask questions, seek others’ opinions.