The Big Ten Preview
1 Michigan Wolverines: The clear-cut pre-season favorite, the Wolverines have ten starters returning, including QB Chad Henne, RB Mike Hart, and WR Mario Manningham. All three should end up All-Americans, with Henne and Hart in the thick of the Heisman race. They should improve upon their 29.2 PPG that they put up last season, though the problem could be the defense. Michigan lost LB LaMarr Woodley and DL Alan Branch to the NFL, leaving their fan base wondering how they will live up to last season's #1 ranked rush D. The big contests for Big Blue will come in the last two weeks of the season, November 10th at Wisconsin and November 17th at home against Ohio State.
2 Wisconsin Badgers: Though they lost OL Joe Thomas to the NFL, the Badgers have 16 starters returning to a team that went 12-1 a year ago. Head coach Bret Bielema seems to be the college version of Eric Mangini, in that he's young, and he came from virtually nowhere, yet he's quickly become one of the best and most respected coaches around. The offense will be centered around RB P.J. Hill, who had 311 carries for a conference leading 1569 yards, averaging 5.0 yards per carry with 15 TDs. Look for Hill to have another stand out season in 2007. The receivers are somewhat average on the outside, but include TE Travis Beckum inside, who totaled 903 yards receiving in 2006. The defense was #2 in the nation last season, allowing opponents only 12.1 points per contest. The question mark will be at QB, but a game manager is all that is required.
3 Ohio State Buckeyes: Eight players left for the NFL, including Heisman winner QB Troy Smith. The good news for the Buckeyes, however, is that they still have Sophomore RB Chris Wells and a fantastic offensive line. Todd Boeckman will likely be the starter at QB, though he'll have an inexperienced group at receiver. There are some big names on defense, including LB James Laurinaitis, DL Vernon Gholston, and CB Malcom Jenkins, possibly the conference's best DB. This is still THE Ohio State, so don't count them out.
4 Penn State Nittany Lions: This is going to be the season that QB Anthony Morelli will have to step up and lead the team. He has a great group of receivers, including WRs Derrick Williams and Deon Butler, and TE Andrew Quarless. RB Tony Hunt is now in the NFL, leaving uncertainty in the backfield. The defense returns LB Dan Connor, but the Lions are weak on both lines. If Morelli plays to his potential and the D is solid, this team could finish in the top 25.
5 Iowa Hawkeyes: On the positive side for Iowa, Ohio State and Michigan are absent from their schedule, which should help them improve significantly on their 6-7 overall record from a season ago. They have 14 starters returning, and both lines have some coming together to do, but should be fine. QB Drew Tate's departure seriously depletes the passing game, and the D will be dependent on the line getting pressure.
6 Illinois Fighting Illini: What makes the Illini stand out as the favorite at the bottom of the pack is Ron Zook's recruiting. He managed the conference's third best recruiting class this off-season, behind only Michigan and Ohio State. QB Juice Williams will need to improve over last season, and that shouldn't be hard, with new target, freshman WR Arrelious Benn, on the other end of his passes. The defense will have the same situation, having to step up as a unit, and will have help from some marquee freshmen like LB Martez Wilson.
7 Purdue Boilermakers: Purdue finished 8-6 last season, and come into this season with 20 returning starters. That's key for a team with a lot of talent at the skill positions, as everyone is a year older. The defensive front needs to get stronger and pressure the quarterback. Overall, Purdue could be the surprise team in the conference if QB Curtis Painter can settle in.
8 Northwestern Wildcats: 15 starters return for the Cats, including all their skill position players. There is a lot of depth at receiver, and with QB C.J. Bacher settling in for Pat Fitzgerald's team, the offense could be extremely potent. Both lines appear to be coming together, but there's a lack of depth on the offensive line. Overall, the Wildcats just don't have enough depth anywhere other than receiver.
9 Michigan State: New head coach Don Treadwell will have a tough job ahead of him, with a considerable amount of pressure and no real big names on his roster. Only 13 starters come back, with two decent runners in the backfield in Javon Ringer and Jehuu Caulcrick. Just like Northwestern, depth is an issue. The secondary has potential, but inexperience on both lines will be a problem.
10 Indiana Hoosiers: The Hoosiers are never good, and this season will be no exception. There is some talent on the offensive side, with WR James Hardy, QB Kellen Lewis, and KR/RB Marcus Thigpen. Fortunately the D line should be able to rush the passer, though the unit as a whole was terrible last season, giving up 32.8 points per game. This team will be a doormat again, as usual.
11 Minnesota Golden Gophers: The Gophers will be
anything but golden in the upcoming season, after somehow managing a
6-7 record last year. Only 5 starters return on offense, 14 overall.
RBs Amir Pinnix and Jay Thomas should be solid in the running game.
QB Tony Mortensen will be the new starter, with almost no depth at receiver.
The D line should be much improved, but the secondary is a concern.
8.2.08
-AB
Read up on the other conferences that Ace has previewed!
