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Big Ten football power rankings: Post-spring 2023 edition

By Connor Muldowney

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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PHOENIX, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 27: Running back Braelon Allen #0 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs during the second half of the Guaranteed Rate Bowl against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Chase Field on December 27, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Badgers beat the Cowboys 24-17. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 27: Running back Braelon Allen #0 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs during the second half of the Guaranteed Rate Bowl against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Chase Field on December 27, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Badgers beat the Cowboys 24-17. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) /

Do I trust that Athan Kaliakmanis is going to lead Minnesota to a Big Ten West title? Not exactly, but I do believe that PJ Fleck gets the most out of his guys. Unfortunately, the Gophers had a disappointing three-game losing streak at the beginning of October a year ago that squashed any Big Ten title berth hopes.

Is this team that much better? I’m not so sure.

I do think the Big Ten West will be better this year so finishing third in the division wouldn’t be the worst thing. The run game may take a step back as well and the defense has a number of key defensive backs to replace.

A popular pick to win the Big Ten West this year will be Wisconsin, but I’m not sold on the Badgers just yet.

Yes, Luke Fickell is the best coach in the division already but he has to deal with a roster that came up short for the past couple of years.

Braylon Allen is a top-three running back in the conference but will he be enough to lead the offense with a brand new quarterback? I have decently high hopes for Wisconsin, but I feel like year one will be a 7-9 win season for Fickell.

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