We're going to try something new this year.
Each week, we're going to take a trip around the Big Ten and look at those players, coaches, position groups that are trending the right way and those that are going in the opposite direction.
There's no clear-cut method to this just yet, so please be patient. It will certainly have an Ohio State flavor, and maybe some weeks are all related to the Buckeyes. But we want to keep an eye on the entire league, too. It's more fun that way.
Got it? Cool. Without any further delay, the first edition of Stock Up/Stock Down is here.
I hate making preseason predictions. You get literally nothing if you're right about something and if you're wrong you wind up with a Crying Jordan slapped on your face. There's no upside.
Alas, here we are.
To be clear, the following selections are just players, teams or position groups that a lot of people seem to be somewhat high (or low) on that I think will improve or decline their stock throughout the season. Some aren't being talked about enough and others I'm not as high on. Everybody will surely agree.
As mentioned above, we're going to switch things up every week. But whose stock am I buying before the season kicks off?
Sam Hubbard — Ohio State defensive end
Hubbard is entering his first year as a starter as Joey Bosa’s replacement on the Buckeyes’ defensive line. He’s a 6-foot-5, 266-pound former high school safety with freakish athleticism that is only scratching the surface of his potential. Hubbard is well-known around Columbus and somewhat known in the Big Ten, but this is a player who could pay off in a big way if you invest now. Hubbard is poised for a breakout 2016 season.
Saquon Barkley — Penn State running back
My pick to win Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year is the talented Nittany Lions’ running back. He kind of burst onto the Big Ten scene last year — his performance at Ohio Stadium was spectacular — but don’t be surprised to see Barkley become a household name by the end of the year. I’m not sure if Penn State will be any better than it was last year, but this kid is a stud and it’s perhaps even more impressive what he does when you think about the offensive line he runs behind and how...not great it is.
Michigan State
I probably shouldn’t since a step back from previous years seems likely, but I’ve learned my lesson when it comes to betting against the Spartans. It seems all the hype in the Big Ten is again surrounding Ohio State and Michigan while Michigan State is chilling in the corner having won two of the last three Big Ten championships. You can get the Spartans for a somewhat low price right now and based on previous results, that doesn’t seem like a bad move.
And whose stock am I selling?
Ohio State’s defense
At least right now. It’s not that I think Ohio State’s defense will be bad — I don’t — I’m just very hesitant to invest in a unit replacing eight starters. I’m particularly worried about the secondary where there are three new guys and a new coach. The Buckeyes’ defense will probably be fine in the long run, but I’d be surprised if it was as good as a year ago. As with any preseason predictions, though, I may change my mind once I actually, you know, see Ohio State’s defense on the field.
Corey Clement — Wisconsin running back
Clement is a talented runner who missed most of last season due to injury. Most have him pegged as one of the top at his position in the Big Ten, but I’m not completely sold just yet. Wisconsin also plays an absolutely brutal schedule so it wouldn’t surprise me if the Badgers weren’t in the Big Ten West race when it’s all said and done. Sell your stock in Clement in 2016.
Iowa
The Hawkeyes had a tremendous 2015 season, return a lot of talent and are one of the favorites in the Big Ten West. I’m not buying it. It’s hard for me to believe Iowa replicates the success it had last year and even though its schedule is favorable, the Hawkeyes will stumble in a few games unlike last season. Kirk Ferentz will still be named Big Ten Coach of the Year, though. This much we know.
