For about decade, no one dared to question the hallowed ground of the SEC West as college football’s premier division. It’s time to question it. Those wearing the boxing gloves and applying the body shots come from the most unlikely contender: The Big Ten. Believe it. The Big Ten’s East Division has a legitimate shot to be the best division in college football, thanks in part to Coach Urban Meyer and Ohio State slaying the SEC’s top dog, Alabama, in a College Football Playoff semifinal on New Year’s Day. It’s strange how one game and one big victory can change mindsets and opinions. But that’s the reality now. Until defeating the Crimson Tide, the Buckeyes (save for a win over Arkansas in the 2011 Sugar Bowl, a win that was later vacated because of NCAA violations) had never beaten an SEC team in a postseason game. Advertisement In a span of three hours on Jan. 1, the Big Ten went from many saying it did not belong in the CFP field, and Ohio State being a big underdog to Alabama, to erasing years of frustration, and paving the way to an unlikely national championship by the Buckeyes. Expect Ohio State to be the big favorite and preseason No. 1 when the polls are released. That’s not a secret. However, the Buckeyes can’t do it alone in the Big Ten East. Michigan State finished last season 11-2, and with a win over Baylor in the Cotton Bowl, and is expected to be a top 10 team again in 2015. The wild-card teams are Michigan (5-7 in 2015, but expected to be improved this season) and Penn State. If Coaches Jim Harbaugh and James Franklin, respectively, can take the next step in turning each program around, the Big Ten East can have something really special this season. Another big factor is the state of Big Ten quarterbacks. Cardale Jones of Ohio State, Connor Cook of Michigan State and Penn State’s Christian Hackenburg are projected first-round picks for the 2016 NFL draft. The talent is there for all three at football’s most important position…
Continue Reading: Mark Podolski: Look out, SEC West; Big Ten East ready to be No. 1 conference in college football
