Big Ten Football: 20 burning questions for August 2019
By Ryan Kay
18. What offense in the Big Ten East is being overlooked?
Michigan’s receivers can have an incredibly productive season if they can all stay healthy and capitalize on a fast-paced offensive system.
The two main returners for the Wolverines, Donovan Peoples-Jones and Nico Collins, combined for just under 1,300 yards and nearly 15 touchdowns last season. One receiver who could out put up those type of numbers this season is Tarik Black who looks to have a breakout season after battling injuries.
Michigan also has depth at the receiver positions with Ronnie Bell, Giles Jackson and Mike Sainristil.
The Wolverines have a good mix of receivers for this season and with new offensive coordinator Josh Gattis’ new offense, the sky is the limit for them this season.
17. Which coach going into the season is most underrated?
Northwestern’s Pat Fitzgerald gets the nod here. His overall record of 96-70 as head coach of the Wildcats is not overly impressive but since 2008, he has lead Northwestern to five seasons with nine or more wins and with three of those years being 10-win campaigns.
Last season, he led the Wildcats to Big Ten West division title.
Winning in Evanston is not easy but Fitzgerald has built a solid program at Northwestern. He has won three straight bowl games for the Wildcats and four of the last five. Since 2008, Northwestern have been to nine bowl games under his leadership.
Fitzgerald looks to lead the Wildcats to back-to-back Big Ten West championships with former five-star recruit and Clemson transfer quarterback transfer Hunter Johnson heading the offense.
They will be tested early with a season opener at Stanford and even though many other Big Ten coaches get more hype and attention, Fitzgerald has been undervalued and under-appreciated for too long. If he can get the Wildcats back to Indianapolis for the Big Ten Championship, he might finally get the recognition he deserves.