Before the football season all three writers for Buckeyes Wire sat down and had a fantasy football draft, where we were only allowed to select players from the Big Ten. The team (and writer) with the most points total at the end of the season would be crowned champion.

It seemed like a good idea at the time, but limiting the draft to just 14 teams made the draft much harder than most would think. If you have any interest in watching the draft unfold you can watch it here. Unsurprisingly our noble leader at the site, Phil Harrison, took home the championship, while Mark Russell earned second place, and I, unfortunately, ended the season last.

Even if you are not interested in college fantasy football, it is still interesting to reflect back on the statistical expectations versus the reality that occurred. We will dive into what went right and what went wrong with each team.

Phil Harrison

Top Scorers

QB- C.J. Stroud, Ohio State

RB- Kenneth Walker III, Michigan State

WR- Jahan Dotson, Penn State

TE- Jeremy Ruckert, Ohio State

K- Jordan Stout, Penn State

DEF- Wisconsin

What went right

Drafting C.J. Stroud from Ohio State with the second overall pick was a bit risky considering he threw for exactly zero collegiate passes prior to this season, but it paid off in a big way as Stroud was the highest scoring quarterback in the league. Our leader also wisely selected Kenneth Walker III, from Michigan State in the 13th round. He was the second to last running back snagged and was the highest scoring back in gthe Big Ten. Oh and he added another top scorer in the Wisconsin Badger defense, which was the top scoring defense and was the last one drafted.

What went wrong

Mr. Harrison took Stephen Carr from Indiana in the third round with the eighth overall selection and this was an eyebrow raiser at the time, but the former USC Trojan had undeniable potential in what was supposed to be a potent Hoosier offense. Much like the rest of the Indiana offense, Carr was below average and was Phil’s third best option at running back.

Josh Keatley

Top Scorers

QB- Noah Vedral, Rutgers

RB- TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State

WR- David Bell, Purdue

TE- Payne Durham, Purdue

K- Jake Moody, Michigan

DEF- Iowa

What went right

The tenth running back taken was in the 12th round and it was the dynamic TreVeyon Henderson from Ohio State, who finished as the second leading scoring back behind Walker. Snagging the Iowa defense in the ninth round and the second defense in the draft was a great move considering the Hawkeyes strong defense was the second highest scoring.

What went wrong

Where to start? I was dead last for a reason and it starts with the Master Teague III (Ohio State) selection at fourth overall. His lack of usage was so low he didn’t even finish the season on a roster. If that wasn’t enough the next running back I selected was the overrated, overhyped and underused, Jalen Berger from Wisconsin wo was taken ninth overall and like Teague didn’t finish the season on a roster. Oh and one more horrendous pick was the very next pick, yeah I swung and miss on my second, third and fourth picks. Michael Penix Jr. from Indiana was unable to stay healthy.

Mark Russell

Top Scorers

QB- Taulia Tagovailoa, Maryland

RB- Braelon Allen, Wisconsin

WR- Garrett Wilson, Ohio State

TE- Peyton Hendershot, Indiana

K- Noah Ruggles, Ohio State

DEF- Ohio State

What went right

While the rest of us were roaming the waiver wire on a frequent basis, Mark was Mr. Steady at two key positions, Peyton Hendershot from Indiana was the fourth tight end off the board and didn’t get taken until the 13th round, but he was the highest scoring tight end by a long shot. Mark also nailed the kicker slot as he snagged the highest scoring kicker in Noah Ruggles from Ohio State off the free agency pile after the draft. Three kickers were taken during the draft and all scored less points.

What went wrong

While the rest of the league’s worst picks were the result of stupidity, Mark got hit with the injury bug as the number one overall selection in Mohamed Ibrahim from Minnesota was only healthy for one full game. His next upsetting pick was Ty Fryfogle from Indiana and as we discussed with both my Penix pick and Phil’s Carr pick anyone from Indiana was a disappointment.