Why does Booger McFarland pick Indiana as the best team in the Big Ten?

Booger McFarland says no Big Ten team is dominant, so he leans toward the team with the best coach, which he says is Curt Cignetti's Indiana. He also expects Ohio State to take a step back, because he doubts its injured starting quarterback plays again this season. He ranks UCLA under Bob Chesney close behind for its physical, run-first identity.

McFarland notes Cignetti has been openly frustrated with quarterback Josh Hoover.
He praises Chip Kelly's Northwestern for its many inside running plays.
He likes Minnesota but doubts it has the top-end talent to compete with Indiana, Ohio State and UCLA.

Source: our own transcription of the episode. The full conversation is on Pardon My Take (2026-10-28). Read the whole episode summary →

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