(Photo credit: Marcio Jose Sanchez, File/Associated Press)

It’s the time of year when everyone is giddy for football to truly begin in earnest – yes, I know we had “Week Zero,” which was a fun little aperitif but the real meat is on the table this weekend. My food metaphors may be all over the map but the point is, we’re all excited, okay? But without football really having started, all we get to look at are previews and power rankings and the like. So let’s look at some.

ESPN’s Bill Connelly took a strong stance with his Big Ten West Preview, narrowing the potential winner down to *checks notes* six teams.

Depending on how you feel about Jeff Brohm's ability to rebuild on the fly at Purdue for the second time in three years, you can make a pretty solid case for up to six West teams winning the division. (Sorry, Illinois.) Nebraska obviously has a fantastic young coach and potentially thrilling young quarterback.

Minnesota was actually both better and younger than Nebraska last year and flashed massive upside. Northwestern won the division in 2018 with smoke and mirrors, but Pat Fitzgerald has an endless supply of such. Wisconsin is Wisconsin. Iowa is Iowa.

Yeah, so somebody will win the Big Ten West. Also, is there anything more fence-sitting than “flashed massive upside”? What does that even mean? They looked like they could be good but kind of weren’t? It’s a neat way of saying you were right whether a team turns out to be good, bad or just mediocre. Predictions!

As for what Bill says about Purdue, he – like many people – seem to forget that Elijah Sindelar played a huge role in the 2017 season, including leading Purdue to bowl eligibility and an exciting bowl win all on a blown out knee. I get that at first glance the offense doesn’t look as amazing since David Blough left, but to think Sindelar can’t run Brohm’s offense as effectively is a little short-sighted. But this post isn’t about actual analysis – it’s about throwing spitballs.

Every game could be tight and emotionally fraught, and if the right offensive recipe doesn't quickly emerge, then something like an 0-5 or 1-4 start is on the table.

Of course, there aren't many sure losses either if Sindelar-to-Moore is powerful and the defense resumes its 2017 form.

So they could lose all their games or none of their games. Or maybe some combo. Thanks, Bill!

Over at Bleacher Report (I know, I know), the decisiveness is apparently contagious:

What a glorious disaster. Other than Illinois, six programs in the West have a reasonable chance to win the division.

Northwestern is the reigning champion, and Wisconsin is regularly a contender, but both teams have a dicey schedule. Nebraska has received a whole bunch of hype but needs to improve a horrid defense. Iowa's efficiency tends to vary dramatically. Minnesota and Purdue are rising programs but still unproven.

Be ready for a November filled with rapid changes in the West standings.

Everybody got that? What we know about the Big Ten West so far is that there will be games played in November.

One thing everybody can probably agree on, though, is that Jeff Brohm is one of the best coaches in the Big Ten….right? Well, according to College Football News, he’s at least…..top ten. Barely.

There’s Coach Brohm at number ten, a spot behind the Fleckster and three spots behind Scott Frost. Yes, Frost is at seven. Ryan Day is at eight because he “hasn’t done it yet.” But Scott Frost going 4-8 and getting de-pantsed for an entire season has apparently. Oh and you’ll love number 1.

To College Football News’ credit, though, they at least made a real prediction about Purdue. Six wins.

We’ll wrap up today’s session with a doozy. Our buddy Dustin Schutte of Saturday Tradition released his first power rankings. And, well, Purdue isn’t last….they’re ahead of Maryland and Rutgers. But that’s it. That’s right, he feels Purdue is the 12th best team in the Big Ten this year. Teams ahead of them include Illinois (11), Indiana (10), Nebraska (9) and Iowa (5). Do you know what those teams all have in common? I bet you do. Purdue worked them over last year. But yeah, I know, last year is last year. Maybe Jeff Brohm’s top 25 recruiting class will actually make the team worse. Hey, you never know.

Look, as usual, this is all in good fun. I kid because I love. College football, that is. However, I will say this – if Purdue turns out to be the 12th-best team I the Big Ten this year, I’ll wear a shirt that says “Dustin Schutte is my huckleberry.”

I’ve been looking for an excuse, anyway.