Big Ten football: Predicting the final 2022 standings

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ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 23: Ryan Hilinski #12 of the Northwestern Wildcats plays against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 23, 2021 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

6. Northwestern

Northwestern is the most challenging and frustrating team to try and predict in the Big Ten West. In 2021 the Wildcats went from division champs (2018 and 2020) to worst in the West, so getting a read on Pat Fitzgerald’s squad can be very difficult.

That being said, last year was a disaster, and assuming 2022 will be any different would be too hot of a take for my liking. Northwestern football is less funded with facilities, less talent, and fewer fans. Even though I think it would be awesome to see NU rebound, I doubt it will happen.

Record: 3-9; losses to Nebraska, Duke, Penn State, Wisconsin, Maryland, Iowa, Ohio State, Minnesota, and Purdue

7. Illinois

Illinois was not that bad in 2021 — the team finished 5-7 — but has not been trending in a positive direction for a long time. Coming into this year, I have similar expectations for Illinois as I do for Northwestern, which earns them the last spot in my Big Ten West standings.

Bret Bielema took over at Illinois as head coach in 2020 and has not produced many results. Although the Fighting Illini beat a banged-up Penn State squad in more overtimes than I care to count last season, Illinois football isn’t scaring anyone heading into 2022.

Record: 2-10; losses to everyone except for Wyoming and Chattanooga

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