Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports For the first time in a few seasons, the Big Ten East does not have a clear-cut favorite. Most expect the losses to the NFL will impact Buckeyes and Spartans. The Wolverines have the hype, but have three difficult road games as well. The conference also begins a nine-game schedule giving us better cross-division games and potentially a few upsets. Expect to see smirks on Urban Meyer and Mark Dantonio’s faces as everyone outside of Ohio fawns over Michigan and picks them to win the Big Ten next month at the 45th Annual Big Ten Football Kickoff Luncheon. Amazing how a 10 win season equates to being back among the elite. Wake me when the Wolverines actually win a significant game. With the preseason magazines hitting the streets this week, it looks like a good time to break down the Big Ten East division. While the top half is strong, the middle is littered with teams that would struggle competing in the Conference USA let alone the Big Ten. Of course Indiana can score and Penn State can play defense, but great football teams can play on both sides of the ball. Just as the world needs ditch diggers, the East Division needs cellar dwellers. Maryland and Rutgers will remain in the basement in 2016. Here is a quick look at each team’s primary strength and weakness. Next: Ohio State
Continue Reading: Breaking Down the Big Ten East: Ohio State Still Favorite Despite Youth
