Big Ten Football Report Card 2024: penn State Punches National Championship Ticket, USC Faces Regression…

Big Ten Football Report Card 2024: Penn State Punches National Championship Ticket, USC Faces Regression

The 2024 season brought significant drama and excitement to the Big Ten Conference, as perennial contenders showcased their dominance while a few others struggled to meet expectations. Here’s a look at the key storylines and report card grades for each of the major teams:

Penn State: A+ After years of building under James Franklin, Penn State finally broke through and clinched a berth in the College Football Playoff National Championship. The Nittany Lions showcased an elite defense and a dynamic offense led by standout quarterback Drew Allar. Allar’s development into a top-tier QB helped fuel a high-flying passing attack, while the defense, anchored by linebacker Abdul Carter, stifled some of the best offenses in the country. Penn State’s win over Michigan in a tightly contested Big Ten Championship Game proved they were ready to compete at the highest level, and their national title aspirations are now a reality.

Michigan: A The Wolverines continued to dominate under head coach Jim Harbaugh, capturing another Big Ten East title. Michigan’s defense, led by a powerful front seven, was one of the nation’s best, and they remained an unstoppable force in the run game with Heisman-contending running back Blake Corum. However, they fell short against Penn State in the conference championship, and while they earned a spot in the College Football Playoff, a tough semifinal loss raised questions about their ability to contend for the ultimate prize.

Ohio State: B+ Ohio State entered the season as a CFP favorite but failed to live up to expectations. Despite a stellar offense led by quarterback Kyle McCord and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., the Buckeyes couldn’t seem to get over the hump in big games. A loss to Michigan in the regular season cost them a shot at a national title, though they remained a top-tier program and earned a respectable Rose Bowl victory.

USC: C- Joining the Big Ten in 2024, USC’s first season in the conference proved challenging. Despite the presence of Heisman-winning quarterback Caleb Williams, the Trojans struggled with consistency and defensive issues. Their inability to adjust to the physicality of Big Ten football led to a series of losses that relegated them to middle-of-the-pack status in the standings. The program faces significant questions about its future trajectory.

Illinois: B Bret Bielema’s Illinois squad exceeded expectations, riding a strong defense and a solid running game to a respectable bowl appearance. While not a contender for the Big Ten title, Illinois proved they can hang with top teams and has set a solid foundation for future success.

Overall, 2024 was a mixed bag for Big Ten teams, but the emergence of Penn State as a national contender was the headline of the season. With Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State at the top, the conference remains one of the most competitive in college football.