2008 College Football Preview - ACC/Big East/Big Ten

ophomore sensation running back LeSean McCoy, and after a disappointing 5-7 campaign in 2007, they look to build off their season-ending win over WVU and challenge the top two teams for the Big East crown.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights (7-5) – The loss of Ray Rice is a crushing blow to Rutgers’ running game, but the Scarlet Knights feature an impressive passing attack under senior quarterback Mike Teel, who is complemented by several standout receivers. Greg Schiano’s eighth season coaching Rutgers won’t be an easy one due to several tough non-conference opponents, however, Rutgers should go bowling for a fourth straight year.

Louisville Cardinals (6-6)
Connecticut Huskies (5-7)
Cincinnati Bearcats (4-8)
Syracuse Orange (3-9)

Big Ten (predicted order of finish and records)

Ohio State Buckeyes (11-1) – With so much experience and talent, the Buckeyes have a legit shot of reaching their third consecutive BCS title game. Getting there may require a victory in arguably the season’s best matchup, September 13th at USC. Jim Tressel returns twenty starters, including emerging quarterback Todd Boeckman and explosive running back Chris Wells, not to mention four starting offensive linemen and nine defensive starters for what might be the nation’s top team.

Illinois Fighting Illini (9-3) – One of the surprise teams of 2007, Illinois hopes to start quickly (an Aug. 30 win over Missouri would be ideal), and if they do, they will be there in the end. However, their conference schedule begins with games against Penn State and Michigan, and if they can weather that storm, Ron Zook’s team led by star quarterback Juice Williams should be able to capture nine or more wins, and challenge for a conference crown.

Wisconsin Badgers (8-4) – A consistent program year after year, Bret Bielema’s Badgers come into 2008 with uncertainty at the quarterback position, but look to overcome that problem with a monster season from power running back P.J. Hill. They also open with a rigorous conference slate, with Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State in succession. However they did go 7-0 at home in 2007, which is promising in a transition year for the Badgers.

Michigan Wolverines (7-5) – Michigan cannot be considered among the top conference contenders, due to the coaching change from Carr to Rodriguez, the gaping hole at the quarterback position, and the loss of five other players to the NFL. It is always possible that Michigan could surprise the nation with an eight or nine win campaign. However, this looks to be the beginning of a rebuilding stage for the Wolverines.

Penn State Nittany Lions (7-5)
Purdue Boilermakers (6-6)
Iowa Hawkeyes (5-7)
Michigan State Spartans (5-7)
Indiana Hoosiers (4-8)
Minnesota Golden Gophers (3-9)
Northwestern Wildcats (3-9)

ACC’s Top 10 Players

1) Cullen Harper, QB – Clemson, Sr.
2) Michael Johnson, DE – Georgia Tech, Sr.
3) James Davis, RB – Clemson, Sr.
4) Vance Walker, DT – Georgia Tech, Sr.
5) Aaron Kelly, WR – Clemson, Sr.
6) Victor Harris, CB – Virginia Tech, Sr.
7) Myron Rolle, S – Florida State, Jr.

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