2021 Big Ten Bowl Projections

While the Big Ten has been dominated by Ohio State in recent years, the conference has still been represented well among the slate of bowl games. In 2021, things should be no different. Jerry Palm of CBS Sports projects the matchups for each bowl game, here’s what he projected for the Big Ten.

The College Football Playoff Contenders

Ohio State Buckeyes: Cotton Bowl vs. Clemson. Last season, Ryan Day’s Buckeyes made it all the way to the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship. Now, the long road back begins. According to Palm, they have a chance to do so.

Wisconsin Badgers: Rose Bowl vs. Oregon. For Wisconsin, Palm predicts a rematch against Oregon in the Rose Bowl. The game has been home to two heartbreaking losses to the Ducks over the last decade, can Paul Chryst’s squad avoid a third?

Iowa Hawkeyes: Citrus Bowl vs. Florida. After a rough start to last season, Kirk Ferentz got the ball rolling in Iowa. Now, he’s looking to build on the momentum his team gained at the end of 2020. Palm believes that it’s enough to get them a date with Florida in the Citrus Bowl.

The Rest of the Big Ten

Penn State Nittany Lions: Outback Bowl vs. Kentucky. Back in 2019, James Franklin’s squad lost to Kentucky in the Citrus Bowl. Fast forward, Palm believes the Nittany Lions have a shot at revenge, matching the two schools up in the Outback Bowl.

Indiana Hoosiers: Las Vegas Bowl vs. Arizona State. Perhaps no team played above their projection more than the Hoosiers in 2020. Still, they finished the season with a loss in their bowl game. Now, Palm believes they’ll get a chance to go home with a trophy in the Las Vegas Bowl. 

Michigan Wolverines: Music City Bowl vs. Missouri. Can Jim Harbaugh return Michigan to prominence? Well, the first step is a return to respectability. According to Palm‘s bowl projections, that happens this season, as they get to the Music City Bowl.

Northwestern Wildcats: Pinstripe Bowl vs. Pittsburgh. If you took a time machine back to 2016, the same matchup in the Pinstripe Bowl would take place. Alas, if it happens again in 2021, questions may begin to arise on if Palm has been working with Dr. Emmet Brown.

Minnesota Golden Gophers: Guaranteed Rate Bowl vs. Kansas State. According to Palm, PJ Fleck gets the Golden Gophers back on track in 2021. A matchup against Kansas State in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl may not scream success, but it’s the small victories.

Nebraska Cornhuskers: Quick Lane Bowl vs. Toledo. While Scott Frost has much bigger aspirations in Nebraska than the Quick Lane Bowl, this would be his biggest accomplishment since returning to Lincoln. Palm believes he can do it, now it’s up to Frost to get the job done.

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