MSU gets early recognition by preseason writers poll

It’s a weird time in the college football schedule. Players are on a break, but just about every team across the country is all but set for the start of the season. Which leaves a perfect gap for 2018 season predictions!

Cleveland.com conducted a poll of their own among 28 Big Ten writers. The results – Michigan State was one of only three teams to receive a vote to win the Big Ten.

First place votes:

Ohio State Buckeyes 14

Wisconsin Badgers 13

Michigan State Spartans 1

Sure, it’s only one vote, likely by a half-drunk reporter. But hey, it still counts! That same voter has MSU heading to the College Football Playoff. Only one other voter had Michigan State winning the Big Ten East.

Overall, the Spartans were voted to finish second in the Big Ten East, narrowly edging both Penn State and Michigan. Not surprisingly, there is a huge drop-off after the top four teams.

In the other half of the conference, Wisconsin was the clear choice for the top spot. The Badgers are followed by Iowa and Northwestern.

Big Ten East

1. Ohio State (191.5 points, 23.5 first-place votes)
2. Michigan State (142 points, 2 first-place votes)
3. Penn State (141.5 points, 1 first-place vote)
4. Michigan (140.5 points, 1.5 first-place votes)
5. Maryland (75.5 points)
6. Indiana (60 points)
7. Rutgers (33 points)

Big Ten West

1. Wisconsin (196 points, 28 first-place votes)
2. Iowa (155 points)
3. Northwestern (138 points)
4. Nebraska (104 points)
5. Purdue (98.5 points)
6. Minnesota (64.5 points)
7. Illinois (28 points)

It’s a relatively small selection of writers, but theoretically it should be the writers who know the Big Ten teams the best.