Big Ten football power rankings: Post-spring 2023 edition

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) high fives fans as he exits the field after the Michigan defeat Northern Illinois 63-10 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021.jj mccarthy happy
Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) high fives fans as he exits the field after the Michigan defeat Northern Illinois 63-10 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021.jj mccarthy happy /
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Purdue Boilermakers head coach Ryan Walters watches during Purdue football practice, Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind.Harrisonmccbb041823 Am06326
Purdue Boilermakers head coach Ryan Walters watches during Purdue football practice, Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind.Harrisonmccbb041823 Am06326 /

The hire of Ryan Walters was a smart one for Purdue, replacing Jeff Brohm who left suddenly for his alma mater (Louisville). Now he has the tough task of following up a Big Ten West title season.

Walters does bring in Hudson Card at quarterback which is intriguing because he was once thought to be the future of Texas and Devin Mockobee should be a 1,000-yard rusher this year.

We’ll see if the defensive-minded coach improves that side of the ball which has been a weakness for years in West Lafayette.

Everyone and their mother is down on Michigan State and Mel Tucker after a disappointing 5-7 season in 2022 after finishing 11-2 in 2021.

The Spartans regressed offensively and remained mediocre defensively and dropped a heartbreaking home game to Indiana to essentially end all bowl hopes. They also lose Payton Thorne to Auburn, Keon Coleman to Florida State, and Jayden Reed to the NFL draft.

I do, however, think that this team has plenty of talent to be able to surprise some people but that 2023 schedule is brutal. Michigan State should be slightly better offensively, especially in the run game with an improved backfield and offensive line. Defensively, any improvement will be welcomed.