Writing Illini
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 15
Next
Apr 15, 2023; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin walks off the field following the competition of the Blue White spring game at Beaver Stadium. The Blue team defeated the White team 10-0. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2023; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin walks off the field following the competition of the Blue White spring game at Beaver Stadium. The Blue team defeated the White team 10-0. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions (9-3 overall, 6-3 B1G)

  • Prediction

The top four teams in the Big Ten East in 2023 are going to be insane. I think this is going to be a tough side of the conference to crack, and finishing in fourth, I have the Penn State Nittany Lions.

Penn State is going to have another solid season, but they will struggle against a few teams. I have them finishing 9-3 overall and 6-3 in the Big Ten. The only losses for the Nittany Lions would be on the road against No. 3 Ohio State, on the road against Maryland, and at home against No. 2 Michigan.

  • Reasoning

I think Penn State has a good team still, but they could take a bit of a step back in 2023. Their quarterback from last season, Sean Clifford, is now in the NFL. His absence is sure to hurt their offense.

A solid running attack from Nicholas Singelton should keep the Nittany Lions afloat and in every game they play. I look for him to have a big year and be the reason they win a lot of games.

The defense will be a big reason why Penn State gets to nine wins. They would only give up 18.2 points per game in 2022, which ranked No. 9 in the nation. They are returning most of the defensive talent as well. Four out of the top six in tackles, five out of the top six in sacks, and five out of the top six in interceptions are all back in Happy Valley. This should be a competitive team.

Home/Illinois Football