The 2023 B1G East is loaded with Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State. The winner most likely will be decided when the Buckeyes travel to Ann Arbor to play the Wolverines on November 25.

The rest of the the bunch, Michigan State, Rutgers, Maryland, and Indiana will most likely not finish in the top 3 but can play spoiler in the East.

Here is a breakdown of the top 3 teams, Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State:

Michigan – the defending back-to-back B1G Champions are loaded. Michigan does have to travel to Happy Valley to play the Nittany Lions but The Game vs. Ohio State is in Ann Arbor.

The Wolverines offense returns QB J.J. McCarthy who played extremely well late last season while the two-headed running back monster of Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards also returns.

The Michigan defense returns 7 starters and has some young talent that is ready to step up and contribute like cornerback Will Johnson.

Ohio State – Coach Ryan Day is the “Quarterback Whisperer” and one can point to the first seasons of Justin Fields and CJ Stroud as proof. Day will once again be tasked with preparing a new QB in Kyle McCord who will need to manage a high potent offense

The Buckeyes wide receivers with Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka might be the best in college football. The running game brings back TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams.

The defense should be better in the second season under DC Jim Knowles. The transfer portal has been used to specifically address this unit.

The schedule for Ohio State has Penn State at home but a trip to Ann Arbor could prove to make-or-break the Buckeyes season.

Penn State – no one will be more happier than Penn State when the B1G does away with divisions but that’s not happening this year. The Nittany Lions are just 3-9 in the last 6 full seasons against Michigan and Ohio State.

James Franklin’s offense will have 5-star QB Drew Allar under center. The backfield of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen is formidable. The offensive line with future NFL pick Olu Fashanu should be improved.

The weakness for the Nittany Lions on offense is their wide receiver corps. Penn State lost Parker Washington and Mitchell Tinsley but are hoping Kent State transfer Dante Cephas can be the guy.

The defense in Happy Valley has to replace secondary studs, Joey Porter Jr. and Ji’Ayir Brown but DC Manny Diaz should have a strong linebacker unit to rest his hat on.

Penn State has to travel to Columbus but gets the Wolverines at home.

The B1G East race looks like a 3-headed monster once again. Look for The Game to make the deciding difference.

*photo courtesy of The Columbus Dispatch*