Honestly, this year in the big ten could be as hard to predict as the last season. I think the buckeyes will win the conference, as they return most of the offense (besides the offensive line), and the defense returns almost everyone besides Vernon Gholston and Larry Grant from last years conference championship team.
With the addition of Tyrelle Pryor, who may only see limited time this year, the offense could possibly open a whole new playbook. However, Illinois is a school on the rise. With the return of Juice Williams and Arrelius Benn, the offense has the opportunity to be explosive.
The loss of Rashard Mendanhall could potentially hurt this opportunity, though. Also, Ron Zook has built the team up the right way: defense first. Illinois' defense was fantastic, but the loss of J Leman will really hurt them.
I think Wisconsin and Penn State will be the next runners up in the conference, simply because they are consistently good. Joe Pa always has the Nittany Lions ready to go, no matter how much talent the team has.
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Bret Biliema is the new kid on the block, and has looked impressive in his first two seasons as the badgers head coach, and the size of the monster O-line at Wisconsin always gives them a chance to win.
Michigan appears as if they will have a down year, as Rich Rodriguez tries to implement his new offense. I've learned never to count them out, though. The lack of a quarterback will hurt (thanks to Jim Tressal), but i think Kevin Grady should step in nicely at running back ( i dont think he'll ever be able to replace Mike Hart, but he is certainly a good back.)
Iowa may suprise people with Christiansen at qb, but i think his year to shine will be next year. Michigan State has a problem without Drew Stanton, but i always felt he was over rated. However, with John L. Smith gone, they may actually finish in the top half of the big ten.
Purdue doesn't have a lot to talk about, especially lacking Dorien Bryant. Joe Tiller should never be underestimated as a coach, though.
Indiana will be competitive with Kellen Clemons, but losing James Hardy may force him to run more than throw. Although, he is certainly capable of making big plays on the ground.
Minnesota and Northwestern have very little to talk about, and thats why i think they'll finish 10th and 11th, respectively.
My pick for the conference standings goes as follows: 1. Ohio State 2. Illinois 3. Wisconsin 4. Penn State 5. Iowa 6. Michgan 7. Michgan State 8. Purdue 9. Indiana 10. Minnesota 11. Northwestern
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5 months ago
Nice research.
Stanton is two years removed from MSU as Brian Hoyer led the attack last fall and will again this year.
Who the hell is Kellen Clemons?
5 months ago
I agree. God Bless Terry Hoeppner.
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