Big Ten football: Predicting the final 2022 standings

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PHOENIX, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 28: Quarterback Tanner Morgan #2 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers throws a pass during the first half of the Guaranteed Rate Bowl against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Chase Field on December 28, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

3. Minnesota

In the Gophers’ last two full-length seasons, Minnesota has gone 11-2 and 9-4. For Minnesota football’s standards, these seasons have been significant successes, and PJ Fleck plans on keeping his program at this level.

Minnesota’s Big Ten East matchups are not favorable (at Penn State in the white-out and at Michigan State), but they get Iowa at home and have a shot at Nebraska and Wisconsin. Until Frost puts together a winning season in Lincoln, I’m taking Minnesota against Nebraska and other challenging teams such as Purdue, Northwestern, and Colorado.

Record: 8-4, losses at Penn State, Michigan State, Iowa, and at Wisconsin

4. Purdue

Purdue football is coming off one of the better seasons in program history. In 2021, the Boilermakers finished with a 9-4 record following a narrow victory over Tennessee in the Music City Bowl.

Now, with much of their talent returning on both sides of the ball, Jeff Brohm and Purdue look to have a shot at the Big Ten West for the first time ever — possibly eying the school’s first Big Ten title since Drew Brees was under center.

Purdue’s downfall comes where it usually does: the Boilermakers lack talent; more specifically, big-play talent. Although quarterback Aidan O’Connell is returning for a sixth season, Purdue has lost its top playmakers on offense and defense and will need to reload with lesser talent. This has raised many questions about the sustainability of Purdue’s recent success.

Record: 8-4, losses against Penn State, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin

5. Nebraska

Since the hiring of Scott Frost — who was proclaimed the savior of Husker football — Nebraska has failed to break five wins. Although Nebraska played up to the level of their opponents last season, the Huskers finished 3-9 for their second-straight three-win season.

In the coming year, Scott Frost’s job will be on the line in Lincoln. Although the program’s former quarterback was not given much to work with since being hired, not being able to reach .500 by year five is a firable offense.

Although Nebraska has more talent and a better-looking roster this year, the schedule does not get any easier. If there are massive improvements made on offense and defense, I could see Nebraska finishing with a decent record, but until it proves itself, it’ll barely get the benefit of the doubt.

Record: 6-6, losses against Oklahoma, Purdue, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa

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