CHICAGO — In the past, preseason rankings and awards have unequivocally included the Michigan Football team.
But for the second year in a row, Michigan is no where to be found on the Big Ten media’s preseason awards list. And for just the second time since 1997, the Wolverines are not ranked in the Big Ten’s preseason top two. Ohio State was the media’s pick to win the conference crown.
Preseason national rankings will not be released for another few weeks, but after last season’s 3-9 campaign, the Wolverines’ chances of cracking the preseason Top 25 are pretty grim. Since 1969, Michigan has missed the National Top 25 ranking just twice — 1969 (former Michigan coach Bo Schembechler’s first season in Ann Arbor) and 1985 (following 1984’s 6-6 campaign).
The media selected Buckeye quarterback Terrelle Pryor the preseason offensive player of the year. The sophomore quarterback was last season’s Big Ten freshman player of the year with an 8-1 starting record. Penn State was selected to finish second, and Michigan State, after last season’s 9-4 campaign was selected third. The media tabbed Spartan linebacker Greg Jones as defensive player of the year.
Preseason Conference Favorites
1. Ohio State
2. Penn State
3. Michigan State
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year
Ohio State Quarterback Terrelle Pryor
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year
Michigan State linebacker Greg Jones