As far as predictions go, I think one of the major things to look at considering the covid pandemic is coaching changes. That cannot be overlooked. And not just head coaches, coordinators just as much. It takes time and practice to build a cohesive program and there is no cheating it or faking it. So when there is a new guy heading up a program or a unit, you have to believe there will be some growing pains and will at best result in a limited playbook, at least early on.
Some notes on that:
Ohio State:. Last year they had a dynamic offense, sure, but it is their defense that dominated. That defense pretty much loses all the starters and they lost the coordinator as well.
PSU:. They are replacing the offensive coordinator with Minnesota's ex coordinator.
MSU:. New head coach. Tough time to be a new head coach with a lot of losses on both sides of the ball.
Minnesota:. New offensive coordinator, and on top of that, co-coordinators. One of the guys has been on flecks staff and called the plays in the bowl game, but the other is a new hire from Nevada and will now call plays. Wierd dynamic there and considering that Fleck had relied on his last guy for the last 7 years, this is new for everyone involved. Considering they lose a lot of their defense, they cannot afford to take a step back on offense.
Indiana:. Loses both offensive coordinator and special teams coordinator.
NW offensive coordinator and Purdue defensive coordinator:. Not as big of losses here because they both sucked so bad at those sides of the ball anything would be an improvement. Hard to believe though that they can go from zero to great or even good in such a condensed time.
