2016 BIG 10 XC Predictions

By: Garrett Zatlin

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BIG 10's
Finish	Name	University
1	Morgan McDonald	Wisconsin
2	Aaron Baumgarten	Michigan
3	Malachy Schrobilgen	Wisconsin
4	Connor Mora	Michigan
5	Ryan Robinson	Michigan State
6	Jason Crist	Indiana
7	Matthew Schwartzer	Indiana
8	Evan Stifel	Ohio State
9	Sherod Hardt	Michigan State
10	Dylan Lafond	Illinois
11	Matt Welch	Minnesota
12	Connor Herr	Michigan
13	Joe Hardy	Wisconsin
14	Ben Veatch	Indiana
15	Jesse Reiser	Illinois
16	Timothy McGowan	Penn State
17	Obsa Ali	Minnesota
18	Colin Abert	Penn State
19	Jaret Carpenter	Purdue
20	Olin Hacker	Wisconsin
Team Scores
Projected Finish	Team	Projected Score
1	Michigan	71
2	Wisconsin	78
3	Indiana	87
4	Michigan State	105
5	Minnesota	147
6	Illinois	158

Unsure if racing: Ben Flanagan (Michigan)

Individual

Although Wisconsin has had it's troubles as a team, one thing that will never change is their ability to produce some of the best individuals in the nation. Morgan McDonald is certainly one of them after his 3rd place finish at the Wisconsin Invite. He was dominant on the track this past spring and it looks like that fitness has transferred over to cross country. He will definitely be the favorite to win the individual title, but not without guys right on his heels.

Aaron Baumgarten is coming off of an excellent race of his own. He finished 8th at Pre-Nats which complimented his 3rd place finish at Roy Griak very nicely. Baumgarten is a grinder and is willing to make the pace hard. That racing style may be enough to shake McDonald's kick.

Malachy Schrobilgen should also be in consideration for the title, but I have my concerns. I expected Schrobilgen to be around the top-10 at the Wisconsin Invite, but he pulled out due to dehydration. Considering his issues last year, this isn't a great sign. I still think he's one of the top runners in the nation, but he needs to actually cross the line with a decent result. 

Team

It may be a new year, but it's still another battle between Michigan and Wisconsin for the title. The title could really go either way, but I'm giving it to Big Blue. Both squads have awesome low-sticks that will keep them competitive and separate them from other teams in the field. Their depth, on the other hand, is a little questionable.

Michigan is currently relying on a few guys that are new to the conference and new to the varsity scene. Meanwhile, Wisconsin didn't see thrilling performances from Olin Hacker or Zack Snider at the Wisconsin Invite. Their youth at a conference championship could leave Wisconsin vulnerable and I don't know if the Badgers have enough backup if one of those two were to have a bad day.

But at the end of the day, the biggest factor separating Michigan from Wisconsin is Ben Flanagan. The Canadian senior has yet to run this season and was expected to the top guys for the Wolverines the year. If Coach Sullivan decides to unleash Flanagan at BIG 10's, then I can't see how Wisconsin will win.