2009 Big Ten Preview And Predictions

(Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

So far we have discussed the ACC and the Big East in our previews and predictions. Now we will move on to a conference that has been battered publicly.

That’s right its Big Ten time. The last three seasons have been brutal to the Big Ten as far as the BCS games have gone.

Since the 2006-2007 seasons the Big Ten is 0-6 in BCS games. Furthermore the overall bowl record for Big Ten in the same time period is 6-16.

That is right a woeful 6-16 and still fans of the Big Ten are upset that their teams do not get national respect. During the same time period the SEC is 5-1 in BCS games and 19-7 overall with 3 National Championships. 

The Big Ten lost in two of the three national championship games won by the SEC. Well, Ohio State lost two national championship games taking a huge hit in the eyes of the nation.

So the idea nationally that the Big Ten is overrated or an inferior conference is justified to a point. When your flagship programs of Penn State, Ohio State, and Michigan are getting smacked around come bowl time it hurts.

So when I say this season means a lot to the Big Ten as far as national perception goes I really mean it. The Big Ten not only has to beat teams out of conference in the regular season. They have to do it in the post season.

The bowl season is what most people remember. To add to the bowl problem the Big Ten cannot afford to keep losing to teams from lesser conferences.

I feel like the Big Ten will be a two horse race between Penn State and Ohio State. The problem is that both teams have questions that have to be answered before the bowl selections are announced.

So here is my Big Ten preview and predictions in alphabetical order.

Illinois Fighting Illini: Prediction 9-3

This could be a turning point in Ron Zook’s tenure at Illinois. After a Rose Bowl appearance in 2007 what followed in 2008 had to make Illini fans wonder if Florida fans were right about Zook.

Sure he can recruit like crazy but, can he coach the talent he gets to Illinois into a winning team year in and year out. If Zook does not have a good 2009 he could be on the hot seat before seasons end.

One reason Zook will be expected to have a good season is the players returning this season namely Juice Williams at quarterback. The offense should be the strength of this team and will be better if Williams becomes a better passer.

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