Big Ten Football: 20 burning questions for August 2019
By Ryan Kay
9. If Alabama, Clemson could add a Big Ten player, who would it be?
Rondale Moore of Purdue would be the pick by both the Crimson Tide and the Tigers. There are many offensive and defensive players who could have been chosen, however, Moore is an electric and explosive multi-purpose player that separates him from other talented players like him. His numbers may not jump out at you but as a true freshman, he was the reason that Purdue went to a bowl game and is a surprise team that could win the Big Ten West this season.
Both Alabama and Clemson would absolutely love to have him on their team because he is a one-of-a-kind player who can do a little of everything.
8. Does the Big Ten deserve the preseason rankings, recognition?
Even though the AP preseason poll technically means nothing in terms of significance, the answer is yes, yes and yes.
5. Ohio State
7. Michigan
15. Penn State
18. Michigan State
19. Wisconsin
20. Iowa
24. Nebraska
The preseason poll will be validated when as many as eight teams could make the final Top 25 poll standings at the end of this season. The Big Ten has not had this much depth in years and if the conference has a strong showing in their non-conference games unlike last season, you can make a strong argument from top to bottom that the conference will be better than the SEC.
7. From each division, which teams will surprise (good or bad)?
Purdue in the Big Ten West and Penn State in the East. Both teams can do very well and have a top-three finish in their division or they can win seven games and disappoint many by underachieving. Each team has playmakers but also has questions at key positions like quarterback. Each team’s defense’s will determine if they can get to nine-plus wins or get into a mid-to-lower tier bowl game with seven wins.
6. Will the Big Ten have awful Week 3 like last season?
No, they will not.
After a shocking Week 2 upset of Purdue at the hands of Eastern Michigan last season, no one could have anticipated what would happen in Week 3.
Temple went out and dominated Maryland by a score of 35-14, Nebraska continued its downward spiral by getting upset by non-Power Five opponent Troy and another MAC team upset a Big Ten team when Akron took down Northwestern.
Moreover, Kansas, arguably the worst team in the Big 12, blew out Rutgers, scoring 55 points and Wisconsin, Illinois and Purdue each lost in Week 3, too. The Big Ten will not even come close to having another embarrassing non-conference week of play.