**2021 Previews: Athlon Sports Big Ten Predictions **

[Saunders]

Athlon Sports Complete Big Ten preview for the 2021 season

The road to the 2021 Big Ten Championship travels through Columbus once again, as Ohio State is Athlon’s pick to claim the league title. The Buckeyes are a heavy favorite in the Big Ten predictions for 2021 and another undefeated regular season should be within reach. Penn State and Indiana rank inside of the projected top 25 for 2021 out of the East Division, with Michigan, Maryland, Rutgers and Michigan State rounding out the predicted order of finish.

Wisconsin is Athlon’s projected champion of the West Division, followed by Iowa, Minnesota and Northwestern. Nebraska is predicted to reach a bowl game this year, while Purdue and Illinois round out the projected finish in the West.

https://athlonsports.com/college-football/big-ten-football-2021-predictions

East

1. Ohio State 13-0, 9-0 Big Ten

2. Penn State 8-4, 6-3 Big Ten

3. Indiana 8-4, 6-3 Big Ten

4. Michigan 7-5, 5-4 Big Ten
5. Maryland 6-6, 6-3 Big Ten
6. Rutgers 4-8, 2-7 Big Ten

7. Michigan State 4-8, 2-7 Big Ten

West
1. Wisconsin 9-4, 7-2 Big Ten

2. Iowa 8-4, 6-3 Big Ten

3. Minnesota 7-5, 4-5 Big Ten

4. Northwestern 7-5, 4-5 Big Ten

5. Nebraska 6-6, 4-5 Big Ten

6. Purdue 5-7, 3-6 Big Ten

7. Illinois 3-9, 1-8 Big Ten

Big Ten Championship: Ohio State over Wisconsin

5. Nebraska

The Cornhuskers hope for a breakthrough in coach Scott Frost’s fourth year at the helm. Nebraska doesn’t have a bowl appearance under Frost, but an experienced roster provides optimism for reaching six wins in 2021. 

Previewing the Offense

Strength: Quarterback Adrian Martinez hasn’t quite played up to his freshman level over the last two years. However, he’s entering his fourth year as the starter and key transfer portal additions at running back and receiver should help the offense get back on track. There’s also potential for an improved offensive line.

Concern: Nebraska’s scoring average has decreased from 30 points a game in Frost’s first year (2018) to 23.1 last year. Can Martinez get back on track? And how fast can the transfer additions turn the skill positions into a strength? The Cornhuskers have to do a better job at limiting turnovers (18 lost in ’20).

Previewing the Defense

Strength: Nebraska’s defense is on the right track going into 2021. After allowing 5.96 yards a play in 2019 (Big Ten-only games), this unit cut that total to 5.46 in ’20.

Concern: The Cornhuskers need to continue last year’s improvement in a big way for this program to reach a bowl. This defense also needs to do a better job at limiting big plays and creating more pressure (13 sacks last year) on opposing quarterbacks. Linebacker Will Honas is out indefinitely after a spring knee injury.

 

[Saunders]

Over/Under Win Totals
College football’s 2021 season is still a few months away, but it’s never too early to start placing wagers and bets on the DraftKings over/under totals for the Big Ten. It's Ohio State's conference to lose once again in '21, but a solid second tier of teams is in place with Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa and Penn State all projected as top 25 teams.Earlier this week, DraftKings Sportsbook released over/under win totals for all 14 teams in the Big Ten. While some of these predictions will evolve, below are Athlon’s early calls on whether to take the over, under or hold on a wager on the DraftKings odds.
https://athlonsports.com/college-football/big-ten-football-over-under-win-totals-draftkings-betting-2021

Nebraska

DraftKings O/U: 6

Can Scott Frost get Nebraska to a bowl game for the first time in his tenure? To reach six wins, the Cornhuskers have to get quarterback Adrian Martinez back on track and continue to progress on defense.

Early Call: Pass

If Nebraska rebounds on offense, six (or seven) wins are within reach. This program has just one season of more than six victories since 2015. Hitting six wins seems about right for the Cornhuskers in ’21.

 

[Undone]

Nebraska

DraftKings O/U: 6

As it stands today, I would take the under on an over/under of 6. Reason: Lack of talent, depth, and experience on offense (and that is not related to Martinez at all...aside from there being no real depth behind him).

 

[admo]

I put Indiana Hoosiers as #2 in the east.  Penn State #3 and slightly above Michigan.  

The West is really up for grabs.  Any combination of the top 5 could end up 1st & 2nd.

 

[Saunders]

Added projected records from the magazine.

 

[BartonHusker]

I’m in the belief outside of Wisconsin, the rest of the West is a toss up. I have us at 7-5 but it just as easily could be 5-7. 

 

[Husker in WI]

I’m in the belief outside of Wisconsin, the rest of the West is a toss up. I have us at 7-5 but it just as easily could be 5-7. 

I would regretfully put Iowa up there with them, but yeah. You know both of them will be solid based on their defenses and track record. Wisconsin has way more talent on offense but they have to put it together, even all things Covid considered their offense was miserable at the end of last year. For everyone else - including Nebraska - no one has any idea.