Michigan Football picked 2nd behind Ohio State in Big Ten media poll
The Big Ten preseason media poll is out and no surprise, Michigan football is picked second to Ohio State in the Big Ten East.
Believe it or not, but Big Ten Media Days start this week and that means, in addition to interviews and sound bites, we get preseason polls.
And the media poll for the Big Ten has already been released according to Nebraska reporter Sean Callahan. At least it’s the polls for both divisions, the championship prediction wasn’t released but it’s safe to assume who everything thinks will win the Big Ten in 2022 — Ohio State.
The preseason Big Ten poll is out. #Huskers come in 5th.
— Sean Callahan (@Sean_Callahan) July 25, 2022
WEST
1. Wisconsin (31 first-place votes)
2. Iowa (3)
3. Minnesota (2)
4. Purdue
5. Nebraska
6. Illinois
7. Northwestern
EAST
1. Ohio State (36)
2. Michigan
3. Penn State
4. Michigan State
5. Maryland
6. Rutgers
7. Indiana
Why Ohio State, not Michigan is the favorite
The Buckeyes are going to be a preseason top-three team in the AP poll and deservedly so with CJ Stroud back at quarterback and an offense that should be the best in college football.
Accordingly, the Big Ten media members gave Ohio State the unanimous pick of first place in the Big Ten East. Michigan football is the defending champion and finished second. Penn State was third followed by Michigan State, Maryland, Rutgers, and Indiana.
Another factor to consider is where “The Game” is going to be played this season. It was the deciding game in the Big Ten East race a year ago and it was played in Ann Arbor, on a snowy day.
Playing the game in Columbus is a definite advantage for Ohio State, which hasn’t lost to Michigan football inside the Horseshoe since 2000 when Drew Henson started at quarterback and Anthony Thomas was the starting running back.
The Wolverines knocked off Ohio State and earned a share of the Big Ten championship that year, but it’s been heartbreak ever since including in 2006, 2016, and 2018 when Michigan and Ohio State essentially played for the Big Ten title (Michigan lost all three times).
The hope from Michigan fans is that the game will be for the East division title again, although Michigan State and Penn State will have something to say about that.
On the West side of things, Wisconsin is the preseason favorite followed by Iowa and Minnesota. Then it’s Purdue, Nebraska, Illinois, and Northwestern.
dark. Next. 3 concerns for Michigan going into 2022
Big Ten Media Days kick off tomorrow. Michigan will have Cade McNamara, Erick All, Mazi Smith, and DJ Turner representing the Wolverines.