Ohio State Football: Big Ten Preseason Predictions
By Alex Austin
Competitors in the Big Ten East
Indiana (7-5)
Indiana took a huge step forward last year, and this is the year to prove that they are able to hang with the big boys of the Big Ten. Michael Penix Jr. is going to need to be healthy in order for this team to reach their ceiling but the pieces are in place to be another surprise.
The difficulties will be that the Big Ten as a whole should be a lot better, so the caliber of team the Hoosiers will need to beat just went up. Also, after a breakout campaign, they will struggle sneaking up on anybody. For Indiana to win they will have to be ready for each team’s best shot.
Penn State (9-3)
Last year is a year that Penn State fans would like to forget. Going 4-5 is not something that the Nittany Lions do when James Franklin leads this team. Look for Penn State to jump back into the mix and return to their typical selves.
Road matchups against Wisconsin (to start the year) and Iowa will make it difficult for Penn State, (not to mention having to face Ohio State on the road) but much of the rest of the schedule is manageable. Getting Auburn in a down year is a lucky break and Penn State should be able to take care of business outside their three difficult road tests.