Big Ten Football Predictions
July 2, 2008
In Big Ten country, the SEC is a three-letter word they get tired of hearing. All the typical talk about conference supremacy has become tiring for league coaches. The perception around the country is that the Big Ten doesn’t hold up well against teams of the tough South, or the high-octane offenses of the West. But Ohio State has been to the national title game in three of the past six seasons, and the fact is when the smoke clears at the end of the year the conference is well-represented in the polls. The Buckeyes look primed for another National Title shot as you can see with our 2008 Big Ten predictions below.
1.) Ohio State
With most of the 2007 team back, and much of the Big Ten reeling, the Buckeyes are huge favorites to win the conference. A likely early-season loss at USC could limit title talk for Tressel’s squad though. This is clearly the best team the Big Ten has to offer, but as far as how well the Buckeyes stack up against the rest of the country is the big question experts will have to wait to answer.
2.) Wisconsin
Bret Bielema is quickly gaining respect as a terrific motivator in Badger country. The search for a quarterback continues, and no one of Tyler Donovan’s caliber is available. Among a group of five second-tier clubs, the Badgers have the most talent returning, thus prompting us to take Wisconsin as a No. 2 finisher in the conference.
3.) Illinois
These young prospects have grown up to become polished players. The loss of Rashard Mendenhall will disrupt the growth of what was a balanced attack on offense. This clearly isn’t the same BCS team it was a year ago, but that statement is true across the Big Ten.
4.) Penn State
Joe Pa’s club has more playmakers on both sides of the ball this season. But linebacker Sean Lee’s springtime blown knee is heartbreaking for their defensive leader. The schedule might be the biggest obstacle for the Nittany Lions to overcome, much tougher than it was a year ago.
5.) Michigan
Rich Rodriquez will bring some much-needed energy to the team, but his offensive philosophy will be a major transition. The cupboard is pretty bare by Big Blue standards, and a fresh start in more ways than one. Not getting Terrelle Pryor signed was devastating as they watched this QB sign with their biggest rival, the Ohio State Buckeyes. Wolverine fans will need to be patient because a change won’t happen overnight.
6.) Michigan State
The best QB nobody wants to talk about, and rising defenders few have heard of is what makes the Spartans a dangerous team heading into their 2008 campaign. The Spartans get involved in too many shootouts, which is never a good thing. Can they be this year’s Illinois? Yeah, we could definitely see that from Mark Dantonio’s squad.
7.) Iowa
The Hawkeyes are loaded at receiver and defensive tackle, two key spots every winning program needs. The Hawkeye ground game has been tougher to find than Waldo recently though. This team should never be taken lightly, but can neither be considered a serious title contender in the Big Ten.
8.) Purdue
Senior Curtis Painter is becoming one of the country’s top passers. But Painter lost most of his targets, and the Boilermakers are still looking for able bodies to protect him. Joe Tiller’s last season in West Lafayette won’t be his fondest, but at least his players will try and send him out with a bang.
9.) Indiana
People in Bloomington are finally starting to talk about football in a good way. How important is one wide receiver? Ask Hoosiers’ QB’s around midseason when James Hardy is no longer around. Last year’s magic could dissolve into this year’s misery.
10.) Minnesota
This young squad gained experience last season, albeit painfully, and now seems ready to win some more ball games. The Gophers still have plenty of questions on both sides of the ball. Anything will be viewed as an improvement over last season, yes anything.
11.) Northwestern
Pat Fitzgerald heads into his third season as coach, and QB C.J. Bacher returns after a 3,600-yard season throwing the ball. The passing game put up those numbers because it simply had to throw that much by playing from behind in nearly every game. We don’t expect the Wildcats’ determined coach to stay satisfied here for long, but it will be tough to finish out of the bottom of the barrel in Big Ten play in 2008.
