Brutal Buckeye: Big Ten Preview

THE FAVOURITE

Ohio State

With no Big Ten Championship Game, there can be only one favourite. And with a team that many think will go to a National Championship, who could bet against the Buckeyes? With talent at almost every position, this team could be scary, scary good. Todd Boeckman’s a very good quarterback, and he’s got speed with Terrelle Pryor – something that Jim Tressel hasn’t threatened to use. Chris ‘Beanie’ Wells will crush the middle of defences, while OSU’s own ‘D’ is anchored by James Laurinitis, who is one of the best linebackers in all of college football. With a favourable schedule (apart from the home game against USC), there’s no reason why the Buckeyes shouldn’t be 8-0 in the Big Ten this year.

THE OUTSIDERS

Wisconsin

The Badgers’ backfield pairing of PJ Hill and Zach Brown is a pretty strong one, which should help them out a lot bearing in mind that no-one knows who’s going to replace the effective Tyler Donovan at quarterback. Travis Beckum’s one hell of a target at tight end. Expect the back-to-back Ohio State/Penn State match-ups to be monsters. If they can get through both of those unscathed, then Wisconsin might not just be about the Green Bay Packers anymore.

Penn State

With some of the best - and criminally underperforming – wide receivers (Derek Williams, Deion Butler, Jordan Norwood) coming back with a speedy quarterback in Darryl Clark, this could be best offensive Nittany Lions team since 2005. In a conference where speed is needed to keep it in the 21st century, the backfield have it in buckets with Evan Royster and running back Stefphon Green. So why aren’t they a favourite? First of all, they seem to suck on the road – and there are horrible travels to Ohio State and Wisconsin to think about. Then, there’s the injury to Sean Lee, which means that it’s going to be a streetfight (let’s hope not literally!) to see who’s going to come alongside Tyrell Sales at linebacker. Personally, I’d back Chris Colasanti.

Illinois

It’s been a while since we can put the words “Illinois” and “contender” together and not laugh our collective asses off. Well, after the 2007 season when they beat Ohio State AT the Horseshoe, beat Penn State and Wisconsin and so nearly beat Michigan, we’re not joking anymore. Juice Williams is a speedster at the quarterback position and Arrelious Benn (should Williams choose to pass) is a very good wide receiver. In defence, QBs pay much attention to Vontae Davis at cornerback. If you don’t, he’ll be running away with your thrown ball in seconds.

So why not Michigan?

First of all, there’s the matter of who’s left Ann Arbor. While Rich Rodriguez is coming in, he’ll be coaching his first year without Chad Henne, Mike Hart, Jake Long, Adrian Arrington and Mario Manningham. Ryan Mallett, who looked like a ready-made Michigan quarterback for 2008 http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifhas gone to Arkansas, leaving Michigan without an offence. And the defence isn’t too clever. You can always count on Michigan to surprise though, but if they beat Penn State in Beaver Stadium, Ohio State in Horseshoe, and Notre Dame in South Bend I’ll be shocked – and bow down to RichRod.

BEST OF THE REST

Iowa have GOT to improve. There I was thinking Jake Christensen might be a monster help to an appalling Iowa team that just can’t stop disappointing……Northwestern are going to continue being cannon-fodder…..and Purdue won’t be able to engineer a Jan 1 season, even though Curtis Painter and Greg Orton are two very, very good players. Michigan State and Indiana could yet surprise – Penn State know all about these two….


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Chris Wells (Ohio State)

On Bleacher Report I wrongly said he fumbled the ball too much last year. Well, I was wrong. I am going to right about this prediction though: Chris Wells will have a sensational year and be going to the NFL should he choose to leave in 2009.

Juice Williams (Illinois)

Great fun to watch out of the pocket. Although Ron Zook wants to make him a pocket passer, why doesn’t he let him just run the damn thing? After his performance at the Horseshoe last year, who could blame the coach for doing either?

Terrelle Pryor (Ohio State)

If he’s as good as advertised, we could see college football’s next Michael Vick. Having said that, if he loses his temper, we could have the college football version of the NFL’s Michael Vick. Anyways, this kid’s going to be good.

PJ Hill (Wisconsin)

The most solid running back Wisconsin has seen since Ron Dayne. Enough said.

GAMES TO WATCH

USC vs Ohio State (Sept 13)

The God of Football has invited us into His Version of Footballing Heaven months before His Bowl Season. Can’t wait to attend church on ‘Super Saturday’.


Ohio State vs Wisconsin (Oct 4)

This game will probably decide who’s going to the National Title game and who’s going to the Rose Bowl. Buckeyes fans had better be wary – Camp Randall’s not an easy place for their team to win.

Michigan vs Penn State (Oct 18)

If the Illinois game isn’t a “White Out” – and PSU are in contention – this one will be. Michigan’s at its weakest in years, and Nittany Lions are slavering at the bait.

Illinois vs Missouri (Aug 30)

One of the best non-conference match-ups of the year sees these two new giants of the Mid-West come together. Juice Williams and Chase Daniel (Missouri QB) should be as good as advertised, but will Illinois be able to stop Jeremy Macklin?

So who’s going to win it all?

Ohio State, of course. Wisconsin will go to a Rose Bowl and Penn State and Michigan State will get Jan 1 bowls.