Big Ten Second-Half Predictions and Midseason Review

The 2017 college football season has reached the halfway point in the Big Ten, and it’s time to hand out midseason awards and make a few predictions for the second half of the year. With Ohio State, Penn State and Wisconsin each ranked inside of the top 10 of most polls, the Big Ten has strength at the top. The Buckeyes lost to Oklahoma in early September, but the offense seems to be finding its rhythm at the right time. It’s no secret Penn State has plenty of firepower on offense, as quarterback Trace McSorley and running back Saquon Barkley are two of the top players in the Big Ten. However, the defense has quietly dominated through the first seven weeks, limiting opponents to just nine points a game. Wisconsin has cruised to a 6-0 start and faces a favorable schedule into the second half of 2017. The Nov. 18 matchup against Michigan could be the only obstacle to an undefeated regular season for the Badgers. Michigan State is one of the nation’s biggest surprises at the midway point. Coach Mark Dantonio’s team has already exceeded (five) last year’s win total (three) and scored a win over rival Michigan in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines are once again dominant on defense, but the offense continues to struggle in the passing game.

 

Editors Mitch Light and Steven Lassan offer their up their picks for midseason awards and second-half predictions in the Big Ten. 

 

Big Ten Midseason Awards and Second-Half Predictions

 

Offensive Player of the Year

Steven Lassan	Mitch Light
Saquon Barkley RB, Penn State	Saquon Barkley RB, Penn State

 

Defensive Player of the Year

Steven Lassan	Mitch Light
Josey Jewell LB, Iowa	Josey Jewell LB, Iowa

 

Freshman of the Year (Offense)

Steven Lassan	Mitch Light
Jonathan Taylor RB, Wisconsin	Jonathan Taylor RB, Wisconsin

 

Freshman of the Year (Defense)

Steven Lassan	Mitch Light
Josiah Scott CB, Michigan State	Shaka Toney  DE, Penn State

 

Coach of the Year

Steven Lassan	Mitch Light
Mark Dantonio Michigan State	Mark Dantonio Michigan State

 

Coordinator of the Year

Steven Lassan	Mitch Light
Don Brown DC, Michigan	Don Brown DC, Michigan

 

Best Coordinator Hire of 2017

Steven Lassan	Mitch Light
Kevin Wilson OC, Ohio State	Jim Leonhard DC, Wisconsin

 

Newcomer of the Year (JUCO or Transfer)

Steven Lassan	Mitch Light
Nick Nelson CB, Wisconsin	Kendall Sheffield CB, Ohio State

 

Biggest Surprise Through Seven Weeks

Steven Lassan	Mitch Light
Michigan State	Michigan's Offense

 

Must-See Game of Second Half

Steven Lassan	Mitch Light
Penn State at Ohio State	Penn State at Ohio State

 

Projected Order of Finish

	Steven Lassan	Mitch Light
East
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
West
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Big Ten Title
	over	over