So, here's how I think the Big Ten will play out this year.

1. Ohio St 11-1 (7-1)
With 20 returning starters and the top HS recruit in Terrelle Prior; the Buckeyes are destined for their third consecutive National Title appearance.

2. Wisconsin 10-2 (6-2)
The Badgers struggled on defense last year due to injuries. Well, those guys are back and the Badgers are eying a Big 10 title.

t3. Penn St 9-3 (5-3)
Even with all the struggles on and off the field, the Nittany Lions should surprise some people in 2008.

t3. Michigan St 8-4 (5-3)
Coach Mark Dantonio has the Spartans going in the right direction. MSU could be 7-0 when the Buckeyes head to East Lansing.

t3. Purdue 7-5 (5-3)
Senior QB Curtis Painter should lead the Boilermakers to a late December bowl game.

6. Illinois 7-5 (4-4)
With a tough schedule and no Mendenhall, look for the Illini to take a small step back.

t7. Michigan 6-6 (3-5)
UM lost too much on the offensive side of the ball to compete with the upper-echelon of the Big Ten this year.

t7. Northwestern 7-5 (3-5)
If the Wildcat defense can improve, CJ Bacher and Co. will be bowling in ‘08.

9. Iowa 6-6 (3-5)
Kirk Ferentz needs a big year to get off the hot seat; but even with fifteen returning starters, the schedule is just too tough to do any serious damage.

10. Minnesota 4-8 (2-6)
The Gophers want to put 2007 behind them, so any improvement has to be considered a success.

11. Indiana 5-7 (1-7)
The Hoosiers defense is just awful, and with no James Hardy lining up at wide-out, the Hoosiers need to chalk up as many W’s as possible during the non-conference.

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