Who are Big Ten’s three disappointing teams?

The Ohio state football team is clearly one of Big Ten’s most impressive teams. What are the three sets of disappointments?

When I started thinking about this article, one team jumped right away. The other really wasn’t that hard to decide either. There were a few I considered for my third choice, but after some thought it became clear who I should choose. The two should be much better than they have been, while the thirds lost the opportunity to move the program forward. These are my disappointing teams in ten.

Michigan – This is way too easy and obvious. To say they are disappointing is a huge understatement. Led by Jim Harbaugh, the Wolverines have won one bowl game and won only two of the top ten teams. Recruitment has not been a problem. Michigan has twice had the top ten recruitment categories and one of the top five. Recruitment success has certainly not moved to the field. Player development in Michigan is obviously a problem and is the most egregious quarterback. They have lost at least four matches in the last three of the four seasons. Wolverines is one of the most prominent programs in Big Ten. When they are good, it is well reflected in the conference. They haven’t been that good under Harbaugh, and there’s no excuse for that.

Nebraska – I didn’t choose Cornhuskers because they hired a high-profile coach who created a lot of sparkling wine and expectations for the program. I chose them because they’ve recruited better than anyone in their own division over the last four to five years, but haven’t gotten close to playing in the conference championship game. They are ranked in the top 25 twice and in the top twenty in recruitment categories. Head coach Scott Frost inherited talent (not much, but some) when he arrived in 2018, and has recruited talent since he’s been there, but you never know that by looking at Huskers ’fieldwork. After a 9-4 record in 2016, they are 16-28. Frost is only 12-20 in his three seasons, and countless players have switched from the program. Just like Michigan, player development is not good in Nebraska. Wisconsin, Iowa and now Minnesota are doing more with lower-rated recruiters.

Purdue – When Jeff Brohm took over as head coach in 2017, Boilermakers had won just nine games in four seasons. Brohm led them to the winning tip and bowl in the first year. In 2018, Purdue won three ranked teams in the regular season, including the Ohio State Football Team blast.

Most believed that the program had taken a very big step towards a team that needs to be counted on in the years to come. Then came the ugly bowl loss to Auburn when Brohm’s team seemed unprepared and interested. Things have not been good since. Instead of using the Buckeyes profit as a springboard for bigger and better things, the boiler makers are only 6-12 in the last two seasons. Purdue is on this list because they give a golden opportunity to slip the program forward.

It’s my choice for Big Ten’s disappointing teams. The two should be better than they are, while the third lost the opportunity to improve. Think how much better a conference would be if only two of these teams were where they should or could be?

I do not expect a major improvement, if any, in 2021.