Midseason Grades of Big Ten Football Teams: Who’s Leading and Lagging
- Indiana has emerged as a surprise contender in the Big Ten under new coach Curt Cignetti, projected as the 11-seed in the College Football Playoff.
- Penn State is currently ranked third in the AP poll, with significant matchups on the horizon, while Illinois has achieved notable ranked wins.
- The season has shown a mix of strong performances and disappointments among teams, indicating a highly competitive landscape in the conference.
In the United States, the Big Ten football conference is experiencing a competitive season as teams reach the midseason mark. Indiana, under new coach Curt Cignetti, has emerged as a surprise contender, currently projected as the 11-seed in the College Football Playoff model. Their upcoming game against Nebraska is seen as a crucial test for their title aspirations. Meanwhile, Penn State has exceeded expectations, ranking third in the AP poll, and is gearing up for a significant matchup against Ohio State. Illinois has also made headlines with two ranked wins, marking their best performance since 2007. Ohio State, despite a recent loss to Oregon, remains a strong contender, while Iowa has improved offensively. Conversely, teams like Michigan and USC are struggling, with Michigan facing disappointment after losses to Texas and Washington, and USC's inconsistent performance leaving them below expectations. The season's developments highlight the shifting dynamics within the conference, with several teams vying for top positions and others fighting to regain their footing.