Updated AUG 11, 2015 at 11:02a ET For much of 2014, it seemed like the Big Ten was going to get left out of the playoff altogether. Ohio State not only squeezed its way in, but the Buckeyes rolled to the national title. Now, Urban Meyer’s team isn’t just the overwhelming favorite to repeat, but it’s not far-fetched that the Big Ten could have two teams earn a playoff spot in 2015. That’s how talented Michigan State is. The Spartans are led by a talented senior QB in Connor Cook. They have both an experienced O-line and a fierce group of D-linemen. They can also win big points with the committee if they can knock off defending Pac-12 champ Oregon when the Ducks visit East Lansing in Week Two. The bad news for Mark Dantonio? MSU has to visit Columbus to face the Big Ten’s resident powerhouse, and Ohio State is loaded. The East also has two proud programs that I think will take big steps forward in 2015: Michigan under Jim Harbaugh and Penn State with James Franklin. Bob Shoop’s Nittany Lions D was superb last fall (PSU did hold Ohio State to under 300 total yards in a game that went into overtime) and should be even better led by its excellent D-line, anchored by DTs Anthony Zettel and Austin Johnson. Expect Christian Hackenberg to have a big year with a gifted crop of tight ends and more experience around him. …
Continue Reading: Feldman’s Big Ten picks: Buckeyes will cruise, but East bears watching
