The Big Ten Preview
By Adam Barone The Big Ten conversation begins and ends with Ohio State. With most of last
season’s national championship runner-up team returning and the rest of
the conference making adjustments, the Buckeyes are the overwhelming favorite.
Wisconsin, Illinois, Penn State, Michigan State, and Michigan are still expected
to contend, likely in that order.
Illinois was the surprise team last year and their youngsters are growing up
quickly. Michigan State could be this year’s Cinderalla. Northwestern
and Indiana will more than likely continue to make you change the channel.
Sports handicapping requires research and preparation, so here’s an idea
of how Ace sees the Big Ten shaking out for your NCAA football betting in 2008:
Rising: Michigan State, Minnesota
Falling: Michigan
1. Ohio State: The Buckeyes return 20 starters, including
linebacker James Laurinaitis—possibly the nation’s best player.
The offense will be led by running back Chris Wells, a legitimate Heisman Trophy
candidate, and has no visible weakness.
Freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor gave us all a headache with his public inability
to choose a school. This fall he’ll start giving defensive coordinators
headaches on the field. If he gets 10-12 snaps per game in place of starter
Todd Boeckman the Buckeyes’ offense could be all but unstoppable. Don’t
be surprised to see them in a third straight national title game against a third
SEC team in Georgia.
2. Wisconsin: Seventeen starters return for Bret Bielema’s
crew. Their strength will clearly be their running game, with four quality backs
including P.J. Hill.
The Badgers will have a new starting quarterback, likely senior Allan Evridge,
but tight end Travis Beckum makes for a fantastic safety net.
They’ll look to their veteran offensive line and stable of tailbacks to
carry them. Injuries on defense could be a problem, especially up front.
If they can find a quarterback to manage the offense a top ten finish is a possibility.
3. Illinois: Head coach Ron Zook could be the best recruiter
in the nation. He could probably sell you a dead cat. His Illini lost Rashard
Mendenhall though, and only 13 starters are returning from last year’s
team, so he’ll be hoping that those recruits pan out.
The defense is young but talented at almost every position, but there are question
marks on offense. Quarterback Juice Williams will have to take the next step
in his development and lead the team. Someone will have to step up at running
back. Star receiver Arrelious Benn had shoulder surgery, which may be an issue.
4. Penn State: Seriously, how old is Joe Paterno? It seems
like he started coaching during World War I.
His Nittany Lions return five starters on the offensive line, and 16 overall.
They’re strong on both lines, which will take them a long way.
Quarterback Anthony Morelli is gone, but the new signal caller will have plenty
of weapons. Tailback Evan Royster and receivers Deon Butler and Derrick Williams
will be the heart of the team.
Linebackers Dan Connor (NFL) and Sean Lee (injury) were the Big Ten’s
top two tacklers last season and will be sorely missed.
5. Michigan State: This Spartans squad could be the breakout
team in the Big Ten in 2008. Running back Javon Ringer is one of the nation’s
best, and quarterback Brian Hoyer is underrated. Look for a breakout year from
Hoyer.
Wide receiver Devin Thomas went to the NFL, so someone will need to step up
and take his place. There’s also a lack of depth on both lines.
Don’t expect them to challenge Ohio State for the conference title, but
don’t be shocked if the Spartans make a bid for a New Year’s Day
bowl.
6. Michigan: The Wolverines have to adjust to an entirely
new offense with new head coach Rich Rodriguez replacing Lloyd Carr. Only 13
starters are returning from last season, as quarterback Chad Henne, tailback
Mike Hart, receiver Mario Manningham, and left tackle Jake Long are all in the
NFL.
Fortunately there’s a ton of talent on defense, as it will be expected
to carry the team as the offense grows. A lot of growth will be necessary, as
there’s literally no experience at quarterback and just one returning
starter on the offensive line.
Cornerback Donovan Warren is only a sophomore and could develop into a superstar.
Don’t expect too much from the Wolverines this season while Rodriguez’s
crew adjusts.
7. Iowa: Iowa has fallen into near obscurity since it won
the Big Ten in 2004. With the conference in a down year and Ohio State absent
from their schedule, this could be the Hawkeyes’ chance to regain the
spotlight.
There’s a ton of talent up front on defense, led by Mitch King and Matt
Kroul at tackle. Experience on offense is a strength, but not at running back,
where no one has ever carried the ball in college. Quarterback Jake Christiansen
will also have to find a go-to receiver.
8. Purdue: Purdue coach Joe Tiller has the perfect guy to
run his spread offense in quarterback Curtis Painter. He’s probably the
best quarterback in the conference, and could emerge as one of the best in the
nation.
Fourteen starters return in Tiller’s final season, including decent talent
and depth at the skill positions.
There are injury concerns on the offensive line and at defensive back, and a
lack of depth at linebacker.
9. Indiana: The Hoosiers aren’t as bad as you might
expect. They have 14 returning starters and great talent up front on defense.
The loss of receiver James Hardy will hurt, but there’s plenty of depth
on the outside. Marcus Thigpen should have a productive season, but will probably
struggle some with a young offensive line in front of him.
The secondary may be a problem with the loss of Tracy Porter and freshman Donnell
Jones taking his place.
This team has potential and could be called “underrated.” There’s
a good chance they’ll finish the season considerably higher in the conference
standings than they are on this list.
10. Minnesota: Tim Brewster’s team doesn’t have
a ton of talent, but is certainly capable of having a breakout year. Only four
starters are return on defense, 13 overall.
Sophomore quarterback Adam Weber is a star in waiting as he runs a capable spread
offense. Eric Decker will be his primary target, and is one of the conference’s
best receivers.
The defense, which neglected to show up last year, will need to take enormous
leaps forward under a new coordinator for Minnesota to have any chance of a
quality campaign.
11. Northwestern: Head coach Pat Fitzgerald has kept his alma
mater from embarrassment, but has a long way to go before the Wild Cats are
respectable.
Quarterback C.J. Bacher returns after a 3,600 yard season. The Cats were not
as successful in 2007 as that number might suggest.
The running game with tailback Tyrell Sutton needs to step up, and the defense
needs to keep games closer. Pressuring the opposing quarterback is a must in
2008, as they only accumulated 16 sacks in 2007. They’ll also need to
force more turnovers following a nine interception season.
Read up on the other conferences that Ace has previewed for 2008!
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