I wrote about how I saw the West playing out and I’ll use the same format to explain these picks as well. Please remember, however, that these predictions are only done this way because I truly hate your team.
Michigan
Losses: File not found
Why this could be right: It was right last year and probably should have been right in 2021. This is a better team in 2023 than either of the past two.
Why this could be message board material: I don’t think it can and if it is, I’ll assume I jinxed it for Michigan, which is a clear win for me.
How angry will this fanbase be: Somewhat angry, as they will somehow find a way to prove that I’m doubting them.
Ohio State
Losses: Notre Dame, Michigan
Why this could be right: While being the most talented team in the conference for the last decade or two, they still find ways to lose to teams they shouldn’t. Doesn’t that Notre Dame game seem similar to 2021 Oregon?
Why this could be message board material: They are talented enough to go 12-0 and win the national championship, but Day hasn’t stayed within two scores of Michigan since threatening to drop 100 on them.
How angry will this fanbase be: Incredibly angry. 10-2 for Ohio State is like 5-7 for every other fanbase. Understand how much of an insult this prediction is to them.
Penn State
Losses: Illinois, Ohio State, Michigan
Why this could be right: Isn’t it possible that we’ve jumped the gun a little bit on Penn State? Is it really out of the question for them to lose to West team on the road?
Why this could be message board material: What if Allar is the best QB Penn State has had in the last 20 years? What if their running back tandem is actually better than the duo in Ann Arbor? What if every bit of hype on Penn State actually comes to fruition?
How angry will this fanbase be: I’m gonna lose my Penn State followers on Twitter (or X or whatever it’s called now).
Maryland
Losses: Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan
Why this could be right: Taulia would probably need to carry Maryland like Bryce Young carried Alabama in 2022 x10. The skill players would have to not be as much of a drop off as some believe.
Why this could be message board material: Because its Maryland. Nine wins? What exactly was I thinking?
How angry will this fanbase be: Not at all.
Rutgers
Losses: Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio State, Iowa, Penn State, Maryland
Why this could be right: They went 5-7 last year and these are the teams that are likely to be favored over them.
Why this could be message board material: They could beat Iowa. It has crossed my mind and I am aware of what I’ve just let out into the universe.
How angry will this fanbase be: There is one or two that’ll expect 6 wins. The other three fans won’t be angry.
Michigan State
Losses: Washington, Maryland, Iowa, Rutgers, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio State, Penn State
Why this could be right: Typically, losing WR1 and QB1 isn’t a good thing, though a relative reset after a bad year may not be the worst thing in the world. I, however, believe that 2021 was the exception, not the rule, and this prediction relies on that to be true.
Why this could be message board material: Maybe Tuck really is coming.
How angry will this fanbase be: Oh I’m sure I’ll hear from Spartan fans.
Indiana
Losses: They only beat Indiana State, Akron, and Rutgers.
Why this could be right: History, outside of 2020, would support Indiana being bad. Who am I to question history repeating itself?
Why this could be message board material: Maybe Penix has a Heisman type se…oh, he’s at Washington. No, I’m pretty safe on this one.
How angry will this fanbase be: Not very. This isn’t a basketball prediction.
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