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Big Ten football standings predictions for the 2023 season

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 12: A detailed view of a Big Ten end zone pylon seen before the Illinois Fighting Illini and Michigan Wolverines game at Memorial Stadium on October 12, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 12: A detailed view of a Big Ten end zone pylon seen before the Illinois Fighting Illini and Michigan Wolverines game at Memorial Stadium on October 12, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JULY 26: A Rutgers Scarlet Knights helmet is seen at Big Ten football media days at Lucas Oil Stadium on July 26, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JULY 26: A Rutgers Scarlet Knights helmet is seen at Big Ten football media days at Lucas Oil Stadium on July 26, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

No. 5 Rutgers Scarlet Knights (6-6 overall, 3-6 B1G)

  • Prediction

I think Rutgers is working their way back to relevancy one season at a time. It is an uphill battle for the program. They were able to finish 4-8 overall last season and 1-8 in the Big Ten. I see an improvement for the program in 2023.

While it won’t be a huge improvement, I could see the Scarlet Knights getting to 6-6 overall this season with a solid 3-6 finish in the Big Ten. I have Rutgers starting 3-0 with wins over Northwestern, Temple, and Virginia Tech. They could potentially start the season 6-2 due to a weaker schedule. But the final four games are tough, and I have Rutgers dropping all four of these contests to finish the season 6-6.

  • Reasoning

A big reason for the improvement from Rutgers is that I think the bottom of the Big Ten is pretty weak this season. Northwestern, Michigan State, and Indiana are all going to be bad. Rutgers got lucky and is facing all three teams in the first seven weeks. They also have a bad non-conference.

Rutgers should have an improved defense in 2023 as well. They struggled last year, giving up 31.3 points per game, which ranked No. 103 in the nation. But Greg Schiano brought in a solid top 35 class of 2022 which should take a step forward this season. They are also getting back four out of the top six players in tackles, four out of the top six players in sacks, and three out of the five players who had an interception.

I’m not saying this is going to be a good Rutgers team, I just believe they will be able to find two more conference wins. They should be somewhat improved overall, and the Big Ten is weaker than last season. Look for the Scarlet Knights to be bowl-eligible in 2023.

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