Big Ten Football: 2016 season preview and predictions

ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 28: Head coach Urban Meyer of the Ohio State Buckeyes shakes hands with head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines after a 42-13 Ohio State win at Michigan Stadium on November 28, 2015 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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Jan 1, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Clayton Thorson (18) passes the ball against the Tennessee Volunteersin the second half at the 2016 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Tennessee defeated Northwestern 45-6. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

Northwestern is the biggest dark horse to win the conference

While Iowa captured the hearts and minds of America, Northwestern quietly racked up a 10-2 record last year. They’ll be returning a lot of their starters this year, and are in pole position to win the West if they can beat Iowa.

The Hawkeyes are still projected to come out on top in the West. But with CJ Beathard and Desmond King being household names now, they’re no longer going to sneak up on anyone. Iowa is also the only West team that’s ranked, which makes them the clear-cut favorites to get back to the championship game.

But in the Big Ten West, Northwestern is the best team that can knock them off. Nebraska and Wisconsin have very tough schedules; the latter’s is arguably the hardest in the country. Minnesota could be another team to watch out for, especially if Mitch Leidner takes his game to the next level, but they don’t have the defensive depth that Northwestern does.

The biggest reason why they went 10-2 was because of their defense led by Anthony Walker, one of the best linebackers in the conference. Justin Jackson is also a top running back, and can help take the pressure off of Clayton Thorson, who posted good – but not great – stats last year.

While asking Northwestern to win the whole thing is a long shot, it can be done, especially if the teams in the East beat each other up, as expected. Remember, it took Michigan State a last minute touchdown to actually beat Iowa in the Championship Game last year. It’s not crazy to think that Northwestern, or any team out of the West, could push the East winner like that again.

Next: Most overrated team in the conference