Out on a Limb: Five Bold Big Ten Predictions

Here are some risky predictions that could make me look like a football genius—or someone who should write about cricket.

5) Illinois will beat Missouri.

Missouri is the most overrated team in the preseason.  Their true colors were exposed in the Big 12 championship game when they lost to Oklahoma 38-17.  A top 25 team?  Sure.  A top 10 team?  Not so sure.

I don't think Illinois will be as good as last year, but they should squeak past Mizzou.

4) Penn State will surprise everyone.

It seems that when everyone counts out PSU (no quarterback, off-field issues) that's when they shine (remember the surprising 2005 season: A last-second loss to Michigan kept them out of the national championship game).  They certainly have the tradition, the coaches, and the talent (especially on their O- and D-lines) to compete.

3) By October, Terrelle Pryor will be a starter.

Only if Todd Boeckman continues to play like he did in the last three games.  To be honest, his performances in the first 10 games gave me willies.  YouTube his long passes.  Most of them were a bit underthrown where the receivers had to slow up or come back to the ball.  If the defensive backs had blanket coverage, they would have been certain interceptions.

Don't get me wrong, I'd rather have Boeckman in there.  He has the experience and the maturity, but his game has to improve.

2) Big Ten respectability is still (at least) a year away.

Even if Ohio State (or another Big Ten team) wins the national championship, the world will still be down on the conference.

But with the near-future eras of RichRod at Michigan and Terrelle Pryor at Ohio State, plus upstart programs like Michigan State and Illinois and stronger future schedules (not to mention throwing Wisconsin and Penn State into the mix), the Big Ten will return to prominence.  Just don't expect it this year (or maybe even next).

1) The Ohio State/Michigan game will be close.

By the time they meet, Ohio State should be undefeated (at least in conference play), and Michigan will be slightly above 500.  But that's what makes this rivalry so great: The better team doesn't always win.

Add to it the fact that in the history of these games, new coaches seem to upset the favored team.  Bo did it in 1969 against a highly favored Woody team, and Tress did it in 2001.  Will Rodriguez do it in 2008?

It would go against every fiber of my being to predict a Michigan upset, but I do think it will be come down to a field goal—which will only add to this rich, storied rivalry.