Welcome back to another year of Big Ten Superlatives. What do we do here – and have done since 2022? Well, we keep track of the best, the worst, and the most Iowa things each week in conference play. Any other questions? If so, like Curt Cignetti would say, “Google me.”
No Big Ten teams were in action in Week 0, but there are four Big Ten teams set to first take the field on Thursday night. Before that happens, let’s take a (top-heavy) look at some storylines ahead of his long-awaited college football
season.
Biggest Win of Offseason: Knowles to PSU
I’ve been accused of “not being homer” enough in the past. But, here was a statement from the Nittany Lions in the offseason. Penn State showed its desire to win now by ponying up a huge salary to Jim Knowles, regarded as the best defensive coordinator in the game and architect of last year’s stifling national champion Ohio State defense. The Knowles hire was just part of Penn State’s series of wins that came after its semifinal loss.
Biggest Loss of Offseason: Ohio State players/staff…BUT
Win a national title and you’re likely willing to handle anything in the next few years – including a fine in the tens of millions. Well, Ohio State didn’t beat Michigan, but they bludgeoned everyone after that on their way to a national title that many expected this time last year. It did come with losses, like the aforementioned Knowles and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly…and a whole lot of big-time players that helped Ohio State rebound from two regular season losses to claim the first national title in the expanded playoff era. Oh. We won’t feel sorry for the Buckeyes, who do still have highly recruited players at just about every position.
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
Speaking of – the best offensive NFL prospect on any college football team will be playing this year and next in Columbus. As a freshman, Smith caught 76 passes for better than 1,300 yards and 15 touchdowns. He was relatively quiet against Penn State, but he’s the best wide receiver talent to come through Columbus – and that includes guys like Marvin Harrison, Jr., Chris Olave, and Garrett Wilson.
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Caleb Downs, Ohio State
In 2023, Downs was named SEC Freshman of the Year at Alabama. Last year, he was a unanimous All-American for the Buckeyes. From a Penn State perspective, he helped limit Tyler Warren in that heartbreaking 20-13 loss at Beaver Stadium. Well, he’s back and there’s some defensive Heisman buzz and belief that he might be the best defensive player in all of college football.
Preseason Newcomer of the Year: Bryce Underwood, Michigan
Can he live up to the hype? Well, let’s find out. Underwood is a hometown kid, who came backed off an initial commitment to LSU because of…well… reason$$$. Michigan endured an up-and-down season, but beat some good teams, without any sort of decent quarterback play. If Underwood can help the Wolverines get back to the postseason, he will get a lot of national attention.
Non-Conference Game of the Year: Texas at Ohio State
It’s Big Noon time as always in Columbus. This is a rematch of last year’s playoff semifinal and the Week 1 winner will likely head into Week 2 as the No. 1 team in country (unless voters are impressed by Penn State’s 84-0 win against Nevada). It’s the first time the teams have played in Columbus since the famed 2005 Texas squad survived thanks to a dropped pass in the end zone. Be sure to have this one turned on at your tailgate on Saturday.
Conference Game of the Year: Penn State at Ohio State
My peers and I gave our season predictions for Penn State. All but Eli said the Lions are going 11-1 and most of us, myself included, predicted that loss to be at Ohio State. Penn State’s losing streak against the Buckeyes is well publicized. Could this be the first of two meetings?
Most Big Ten West Thing of the Year: Coaching Questions
Look, I miss the Big Ten West. I miss the 8-4 teams with a bunch of 17-14 wins winding up in Indy to play a legitimate football team. Well, no I really don’t. But about these guys. Luke Fickell? Could he be on the hotseat? Kirk Ferentz? What about him? How about the “new” west teams? Any chance that Lincoln Riley stalls again without a Heisman quarterback?
Most Iowa Thing: Can the offense continue its hot streak?
Speaking of the Hawkeyes, we have to pay real attention to them this season with Penn State set to head to Kinnick in October. So, last time we saw Iowa on the schedule, the Lions buried them and Brian Ferentz’s offense. Well, he was replaced last year and Iowa scored some points – although a lot of those “breakout” performances came against the dregs of the league. Now, Iowa turns to a former two-time national champion and the player of the year at the FCS level with Mark Gronowski taking over at quarterback.
What We’re Looking Forward to the Most: Getting this whole thing started
There’s little better in the world than a 3:30 p.m. national television kickoff. It takes me back to my childhood watching Penn State as they first joined the Big Ten. It’s a great week and it’s good to be back in the familiar rhythms of college football in the fall.
