86
ILLUSTRATED VOLUME 24, ISSUE 6
f
F O O T B A L L : 2 0 1 4 B I G T E N P R E V I E W
BY ALAN KARPICK
AKarpick@GoldandBlack.com
I
t won't be a rematch in the Big Ten
title game.
Because it can't be. With the new East/
West divisional alignments, Ohio State
and Michigan State may have to settle
the dispute of which is the Big Ten's top
team before the conference champion-
ship game as both come from the new
East Division.
Michigan State has the more favorable
schedule with Ohio State, Michigan and
West Division contender Nebraska all
coming to East Lansing. The Nov. 8 showdown with
the Buckeyes will be a game circled on just about ev-
eryone's calendar that follows Big Ten football.
"At this point, I'm leaning towards Michigan State,"
Big Ten Network analyst Tom Dienhart said. "Defen-
sively, they lose six starters, but I will give defensive
coordinator Pat Narduzzi the benefit of the doubt.
They have a good line, offensive balance and Rose
Bowl MVP Connor Cook back."
BTN lead studio analyst Gerry DiNardo tends to
agree.
"Michigan State has the chance to be the new Or-
egon," he said. "They have a chance to do what the
Ducks have done in recent years, and move from a
regional program to a national program. If they can
sustain a high level of success this year, they might be
next in line on the national stage."
Though leaders may stand out in the East, it seems
TWO-TEAM RACE?
Ohio State, Michigan State look to be favorites
Wisconsin
Melvin Gordon's 7.8 yards per rush attempt in 2013 was one
of the best ever in Big Ten annals.
Ohio Srate
A true dual threat quarterback, Braxton Miller could become
the first player in Big Ten history to win the Silver Football
three times.
