It is almost time to start the college football season, and with that comes predictions. Last season Wisconsin won the first ever Big 10 Championship game over Michigan State. This year’s Big 10 race could be one of the more entertaining in recent memory. With so many teams vying for the top spot it is hard to determine a favourite. But I am going to give it a shot with my preseason Big 10 power rankings.
- Michigan- In his first season in Ann Arbor Brady Hoke proved himself a miracle worker. He brought a program back from the dead in a season and led the Wolverines to their first BCS win since the 2000 Orange Bowl. Now with expectations high it is time to take the next step. The back seven is one of the most underrated in America, but the D-line loses some key pieces from last season. The real strength lies in the one two punch of Denard Robinson and Fitz Toussaint. The QB-RB duo are two of the most explosive players and should be able to run circles around a majority of the Big 10 defenses. If Michigan can pull a major upset over Alabama in week 1 they could be a legitimate national title contender this year.
- Wisconsin- Over the past three seasons the Big 10 has belonged to Wisconsin. Having found the hard-nosed running game, as well as winning the battle in the trenches, has been vital to the Badgers success. Montee Ball comes back with his eyes set on the Heisman after his record breaking 2011 campaign. His return should pave an easy path for Maryland transfer Danny O’Brien to learn the system. The defense will remain stellar, with no one being able to compete with Wisconsin up front on either sides of the ball. With an easier schedule that last year, including home games against Ohio State and Michigan State, another Big 10 title game looks likely.
- Michigan State-The Spartans just cannot catch a break. After being left out of a BCS game two years ago despite winning the Big 10, Michigan State almost won the inaugural Big 10 championship game. Unfortunately lightning didn’t strike twice and Wisconsin pulled out a narrow victory, getting revenge for the Hail Mary loss earlier in the year. With the loss of so many key pieces it may be hard to reach the stage for a third year in a row. QB Kirk Cousins and DT Jerel Worthy are both a distant memory and filling those spots will be difficult. But with 9 starters returning on defense, and RB Le’Veon Bell returning the Spartans could make a push at double digit wins.
- Ohio State- After last season’s experiment with Fickell exploded, athletic director Gene Smith made the smart move and hired Urban Meyer. The pairing of Meyer and sophomore QB Braxton Miler has fans raving, but there are some losses that could be detrimental. With Jordan Hall and Jake Stonebrunner missing some time, Miller could struggle to start the season. The defense remains in form with 9 starters returning, including Lineman John Simon. If Ohio State can get motivated to play despite no postseason they could challenge the top teams in the conference.
- Iowa- Kirk Ferentz’ squad is always hard to gauge. After just missing out on a Rose Bowl berth three years ago the Hawkeyes have fallen back into the middle of the Big 10. Look for Iowa to improve on their 7-5 record from the past two years. With James Vandenburg still under center the passing game has potential to be great. If the defense can step up their game and slow down the stronger Big 10 offenses look for Iowa to challenge for the Legend’s division.
- Nebraska- The hope this year for the Cornhuskers lies squarely on the shoulders of QB Taylor Martinez. With Rex Burkhead back alongside the 3rd year QB the running game looks to be one of the best in the nation. But until Martinez can improve his throwing motion, the offense will remain one dimensional and easy to stop. With the defense ravaged by the NFL Draft it could be another disappointing season for Bo Pelini. Unless he can fix these wholes look for Nebraska to struggle in its second year in the Big 10.
- Penn State- The Nittany Lions have two huge issues facing them heading into 2012. First, despite the hiring of Bill O’Brien, there is still no real answer in the passing game. Unless a QB can come out of the woodwork the offense will remain one dimensional and unable to produce. The second is the distraction placed on them by the Sandusky situation. The defensive talent of Penn State is hard to ignore, and Silas Reed is a very capable running back, but the negatives outweigh the positives. It could be another rough year in Happy Valley.
- Northwestern- Dan Persa going down last season may have actually been a blessing in disguise for Northwestern. Kain Colter stepped in for the record breaking QB and proved that there was life after Persa for the Wildcats. With Colter the offense won’t take a step back, but if the bowl winless streak is going to be broken then the defense needs to improve. The secondary was porous last season and lost 3 of 4 starters to graduation, so things could get even worse. Expect for Northwestern to make it to a bowl, but winning one might be too tall a task.
- Purdue- 15 guys are back and looking to improve on last year 7-6 campaign. Rob Henry’s return makes for a great QB battle and the tandem of Bolden and Shavers should be lethal. Kawann Short will be anchoring a very talented defense that could put Purdue back in a bowl game next season. While the level of talent for the Boilermakers is high, it is not high enough to run with the elite squads of the Big 10. Unless an upset can be pulled Purdue will remain in the bottom half of the conference this year.
- Illinois- After the offense fell apart midway through the season it is hard to see the Illini improving much. But if anyone can complete the task, it is new head coach Tim Beckman. At Toledo Beckman led some of the more dynamic offense’s in the country and looks to bring a little flair to Illinois. With Nathan Scheelhaase coming back Illinois could make major improvements after last season’s collapse. The defense may lose a little with Whitney Mercilus gone, but shouldn’t falter too much. Beckman has the coaching ability to lead this team places, but with a loaded Big 10 it may be hard this year.
- Indiana- I see a lot more potential in Indiana than most people do. Tre Roberson impressed me last season and if he can continue to improve may become one of the premier dual threat QB’s in the Big 10. With an incredibly easy non-conference sleight the Hoosiers could push to be bowl eligible this year. But until the defense can fix all the holes from last season this will not be a team that can compete. Indiana is still a year away but with a young team and a good coach in Kevin Wilson these Hoosiers may have a shot at a bowl this season.
- Minnesota- This could be another long year for the Golden Gophers. In Jerry Kill’s third year Minnesota will most likely remain at the bottom of the Big 10 standings. With a good amount of experience gone from one of the worst defense’s in the country the future is very bleak. The only real bright spot looking ahead is QB MarQueis Gray’s development. If he can continue on his upward trajectory then Minnesota could be decent again in 2013. But as things stand now, next season will be a hard one to watch for Gopher fans.
Wisconsin may not be as talented as MSU, OSU, Iowa, Nebraska, and Michigan, but they have an easy division giving them a clear run to the championship game. It’s going to be a battle in the Legends.
Wisconsin may not be as talented as MSU, OSU, Iowa, Nebraska, and Michigan, but they have an easy division giving them a clear run to the championship game. It’s going to be a battle in the Legends.
Just a suggestion; do some homework. You refer to Iowa’s Marcus Coker as “back from suspension.” He hasn’t been a part of the team for months and has, in fact, transferred. Your lack of diligence for a July 16, 2012 post puts your credibility in question and makes me wonder whether what you wrote about other teams is true.
Just a suggestion; do some homework. You refer to Iowa’s Marcus Coker as “back from suspension.” He hasn’t been a part of the team for months and has, in fact, transferred. Your lack of diligence for a July 16, 2012 post puts your credibility in question and makes me wonder whether what you wrote about other teams is true.