Big Ten Preview
With the Big 10 this year, I’m not sure it’s a matter or who’s going to win it, but who is going to finish second. And the better question is, who’s finishing third. I feel like Ohio State is the class of the Big 10 and Penn State is right behind them holding down second.
1. Ohio State – Last year it seemed like no one wanted to be in the Championship game and Ohio State possibly made it in a year earlier than they should have with this team by sneaking in. The addition of Terrelle Pryor is a bonus and if Tressell is smart, he’ll use him like Florida used Tebow as a freshman. Prediction 11-1, 7-1
2. Penn State – Even with the loss of Sean Lee for the season in the spring, this team returns 9 starters on defense and 9 on offense. The biggest holes are at RB and QB, where they lose a ton of experience. They have to go on the road to face Ohio State, Iowa, and Wisconsin though. Prediction: 10-2, 6-2
3. Illinois – Illinois jumped onto the scene last year and Ron Zook finally make people take notice again of the Fighting Illini. The loss of Mendendall to the NFL hurts, but I think Juice will have a big year in his absence. It’s tough to pick them to match their nine wins of last year, but the way the schedule works out, I think it’s possible. Prediction: 9-3, 6-2
4. Wisconsin – Classic Big Ten football this year for the Badgers as they will live and die based on their ability to run the ball and play defense. This team will only go as far as PJ Hill can carry them. Which will be about 9 wins. 9-3, 5-3
5. Northwestern – The Wildcats are my surprise team in the Big 10. I know they have new coordinates calling the shots, but I like the talent on this team and they have the schedule to make an impact.
6. Iowa – Here’s where the bunching starts. Starting about 6th, I see several teams that are all about equal. I have the Hawkeyes here because of the talent they have returning on offense. Not facing OSU or Michigan gives the Hawkeyes a great chance for their first winning season in 3 years and anything short of going bowling will be a disappointment for this team.
7. Michigan – Hard to pick UM at 7th in the Big 10 but with all the losses (only 10 returning starters, including just 3 on offense), it’s hard to imagine them making too much of a splash in Rodriguez’s first year. They will be lucky to squeak into a bowl this year.
8. Purdue – I almost switched Purdue and Iowa as I think the Boilermakers will want to do well in Tiller’s last season, and I think Painter, Sheets, and Orton each have like 8 years experience. But they only return 2 of their top 7 tacklers from a defense that was mediocre at best. It’d be nice to see them finish in a bowl, but it’ll be tough.
9. Michigan State – It’ll be another long season for the Spartans as I don’t see them matching last seasons 7 win total. A bowl game would be considered a huge success for this team, but I just don’t see it.
10. Minnesota – Gopher fans will be glad to see I’m not picking the Gophers dead last this season. I think this team surpasses their 1 win season of a year ago, but I don’t look for more than 5. I look for them to pull at least one major upset, maybe Michigan or Wisconsin and if the cards fall right they could go bowling. If not this year, I think they are definitely in a bowl next year.
11. Indiana – It pains me to pick the Hoosiers here as I do consider myself a fan. They do get their start QB Kellen Lewis back after being suspended in the spring and they are tough up front defensively, but I don’t see them matching last years 7 wins. I just hope the Hoosiers stick with coach Lynch through this tough season as I think good things are in store in the long haul for the Hoosiers with him as coach.