Hoosier Huddle's 2021 Big Ten Bowl Projections Version 1.0

Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

With the season just underway, these projections are nothing more than educated guesses with very little information to guide us. That being said, it’s fun to look forward to the potential options for the Indiana Hoosiers and other Big Ten squads.

A few notes to kick off the projections: the top four teams, according to the College Football Playoff selection committee, will be selected and placed into the Cotton Bowl and Orange Bowl for the semifinal contests. The winners will meet in the College Football Playoff National Championship in Indianapolis on January 10.

This means the Rose Bowl returns to the traditional Big Ten versus PAC-12 matchup.

I do not have any Big Ten teams in the College Football Playoff. Both Ohio State and Iowa could end up proving me wrong. For now though, I’m going with both schools in a New Year’s Six bowl but neither in the playoff.

Rose Bowl – Iowa vs. UCLA

I am projecting the Oregon Ducks into the College Football Playoff so the second-place PAC-12 school goes into the Rose Bowl. UCLA has really impressed me (plus, who else are you taking from this conference?) and I think they could go 10-2 or 11-1 as long as they continue to progress. The Iowa Hawkeyes have as impressive a resume as nearly anyone through two weeks. Their defense is nasty and the offense appears solid enough to compliment it.

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl – Ohio State vs. Texas A&M

The Buckeyes need to improve some, no question about that. If their defense does not get corrected some, they will not be playing in a New Year’s Six bowl. CJ Stroud appears to be a step down from what they’ve had the past few seasons as well. That being said, I have them as an at-large selection against the Texas A&M Aggies.

VRBO Citrus Bowl vs SEC – Penn State vs. Florida

Penn State certainly looks better than they did a season ago, particularly on defense. The Florida Gators are likely going to be turning over the quarterback position to the dynamic Anthony Richardson sooner rather than later. As long as his hamstring injury clears up quickly, I think the Gators could have a floor of the Citrus Bowl and the potential to achieve even greater things.

Outback Bowl vs SEC – Michigan vs. Kentucky

While I do not trust Kentucky’s defense right now, their offense has really turned into a fun watch. It’s unclear what exactly Michigan is but I do believe it is safe to assume they have improved from a year ago and they might be able to reach eight or maybe nine wins. I don’t think they have dynamic playmakers on offense to climb much higher.

SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl vs. PAC-12 – Indiana vs. Colorado

The PAC-12 bowl selection process is a bit murky and it’s unclear where exactly the Las Vegas Bowl fits in but this appears to be fourth or fifth bowl for the conference. I have the Buffaloes behind Oregon, UCLA and Arizona State and competing with USC and Utah for this spot. I still have IU projected at 7-5 with a shot at 8-4. What happens this weekend is obviously going to be an indicator for this season’s potential outcomes.

TransPerfect Music City Bowl vs. SEC – Maryland vs. Arkansas

The Terrapins appear to have the same speed and firepower they’ve always had on offense but it’s very possible they have improved on defense enough to make it pay off with some wins. The opening week victory over West Virginia was a great statement for the Terrapins. Arkansas hammered Texas and Sam Pittman’s crew could be in store for a seven-win campaign.

New Era Pinstripe Bowl vs. ACC – Wisconsin vs. NC State

Man, I wish IU was in the Big Ten West. We finally get to our second team from that division as the Badgers slot into the Pinstripe Bowl against a talented NC State squad. 

Guaranteed Rate Bowl vs. Big 12 – Purdue vs. Kansas State

The Boilermakers squeak into a bowl game at 6-6 in my projections. I do think the defense has improved under their new defensive coordinator(s). Losing Zander Horvath for an extended period of time is going to hurt the offense though. KSU was one of my sleeper picks for the season but they appear to have lost their quarterback and that is a major blow. I still think they are solid enough to go bowling though.

Redbox Bowl vs PAC 12 – Michigan State vs. Utah

The Spartans reach a bowl game in year two under Mel Tucker. If this happens, it would be a nice accomplishment for MSU.

Quick Lane Bowl vs. MAC – Minnesota vs. Toledo

I don’t really know what Minnesota is just yet. They got a lot of credit for hanging with Ohio State but I was not too impressed and they lost Mohamid Ibrahim for the season. Last week, they struggled mightily with Miami (OH).