Predicting how Big Ten football could look with the expansion to 20 teams

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JULY 27: A Maryland Terrapins helmet is seen at Big Ten football media days at Lucas Oil Stadium on July 27, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Big Ten East (B1G East)

Maryland Terrapins

An obvious choice to have in the B1G East would be the Maryland Terrapins. They were once a new program to the conference, but they are old news new.

Maryland would take on divisional opponents in Rutgers, Penn State, Michigan, and Michigan State. Since they are new-ish, they don’t have a ton of Big Ten rivalries. But the Terrapins could use one of the four random conference games to protect a rivalry against Clemson. Since 1952, the two teams have played 62 times. This former ACC rivalry could be renewed.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Joining the Big Ten with Maryland in the past 20 years was the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. They haven’t been too worthy of the Big Ten since joining, but they do seem to be improving some.

Rutgers would be playing Maryland, Penn State, Michigan, and Michigan State in the division. The Scarlet Knights don’t have big rivals, but they do play Penn State in the division, which is probably their biggest.

Penn State Nittany Lions

I think the Penn State Nittany Lions would have a say in who wins the B1G East. Penn State has been atop the Big Ten for quite a long time, and they would fare well in this division.

The divisional games for Penn State would include Maryland, Rutgers, Michigan, and Michigan State. Maryland is already in the division, so that rivalry is set. I think the Nittany Lions could use one of the four random conference games to protect their rivalry with Michigan State. They play for the Land Grant Trophy.

Michigan Wolverines

The class of the B1G East would be the Michigan Wolverines. They have a solid chance to win the national title this season, and they would tear up the B1G East.

Michigan would be playing Maryland, Rutgers, Penn State, and Michigan State (Paul Bunyan Trophy). The rivalry against Michigan State would remain intact. The Wolverines would use one of the four random conference games to protect the Ohio State rivalry.

Michigan State Spartans

Michigan State is the final team in the B1G East. The Spartans had a great season a couple of years ago but have dropped off dramatically since.

The Spartans would be playing Maryland, Rutgers, Penn State (Land Grant Trophy), and Michigan (Paul Bunyan Trophy) every season. The rival against Penn State and Michigan would remain solid. I think there is a chance that the Spartans would use one of the four random conference games to protect the rivalry against Indiana. They play for the Old Brass Spittoon.

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