Big Ten Predictions: Best, Worst and Likely Scenarios for All of the Teams

The Big Ten is going to be a very competitive division during the 2012 NCAA football season. The Big Ten is the home of seven very good football teams. With Ohio State banned from playing in the championship game and any bowl games, that opens up the door for the other six teams. Here is a look at the best, worst and likely scenarios for all 12 teams in the Big Ten.

Ohio State

Best Case Scenario:

Record: 12-0

Braxton Miller explodes for a stellar sophomore year with the help of top receivers Devin Smith and Corey Brown. The defense, led by the conference's best defensive line and defensive backs, causes trouble for teams such as Michigan State, Wisconsin and Nebraska.

Worst Case Scenario:

Record: 7-5

Urban Meyer is unable to bring the team together in his first year. Braxton Miller is able to make some plays, but the lack of a strong running game holds the team back. The defense does well, lead by DE John Simon, DT Johnathan Hankins, and S CJ Barnett, but is exposed by offensive loaded teams such as Michigan.

Likely Scenario:

Record: 11-1 (7-1)

If Ohio State weren't banned from the postseason, they would give Wisconsin a great fight for the Leaders Division Title. Ohio State could be playing in a BCS Bowl this season, but sadly won't. Braxton Miller should do a lot better than his 2011 season, which was plagued by program instability, and the defense shall be a tough unit to go up against. The defense comes up big, especially in their final win against Michigan.

Wisconsin

Best Case Scenario:

Record: 12-0

Wisconsin survives an early scare at Nebraska and doesn't lose momentum winning at home against Michigan State and Ohio State. Running back Montee Ball helps ease the pressure on transfer quarterback Danny O'Brien and both put up top numbers, possibly Heisman-worthy. The team doesn't let anyone stop them on their path to the BCS National Championship. 

Worst Case Scenario:

Record: 9-3

The loss of 10 starters, including Russell Wilson, takes a toll on the Badgers. Montee Ball is able to put together a great season, but not as good as his 2011 season (1,923 rushing yards, 33 rushing TDs, 526 receiving yards, 6 TDs). Danny O'Brien has trouble integrating into coach Bret Bielema's system, but still has a respectable year. Wins against Penn State and Illinois are enough to secure their spot in the Big Ten Championship game. 

Likely Scenario:

10-2 (6-2)

Wisconsin will have some tough games against Michigan State, Ohio State, and Nebraska. Lucky for them, two are at home. With Ohio State ineligible to compete in the Big Ten Championship, look for Wisconsin to win Leaders Division in 2012, with Montee Ball and the offensive line (highlighted by Jacob Pederson and Travis Frederick) helping ease the pressure on Danny O'Brien.

Penn State

Best Case Scenario:

Record: 10-2

Coach Bill O'Brien's new offensive scheme works wonders, turning Silas Redd, Justin Brown, Kevin Haplea and Kyle Carter into true offensive threats. The supporting cast around Matt McGloin takes a lot of pressure off of him and he is able to win games, even close ones, especially thanks to the stellar defensive play led by their elite linebacking core.

The Nittany Lions are 10-1 going into their final game against a 9-2 Wisconsin, with the winner taking the Leaders Division.

Worst Case Scenario:

Record: 5-7

Coach Bill O'Brien is unable to unite his very talented roster. The run game isn't enough to make up for the inconsistency of Matt McGloin, who is unable, to shake off the pressure in close games against Virginia, Illinois, Purdue and Ohio State. The defense is solid, with great play from Malcolm Willis, Gerald Hodges and Jordan Hill, but not enough to make up for the offensive woes.

Likely Scenario:

8-4 (4-4)

Penn State will be the wild card because the team is going through a re-imaging under new head Bill O'Brien. They could potentially be playing against Wisconsin for the Leaders Division Title in the final week, but the road there will be tough with games at Virginia, Purdue, Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska.

Keep your eye on the Nittany Lions to either be a threat to win the conference or a threat to stop teams from winning the conference. 

Illinois

Best Case Scenario:

Record: 9-3

The experienced roster (14 returning starters) makes wonders happen. Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase has a career year even with the lack of major receiving threats. The defense doesn't falter, with a great defensive line that helps the team, especially in their win over Penn State to lead them to Madison with a 5-0 record. The winner most likely walks away with the path to a Leaders Division Title.

Worst Case Scenario:

Record: 5-7

The poor depth at running back and wide receiver put enormous pressure on Scheelhaase and the offensive line, led by center Graham Pocic. The team loses a heartbreaker to a good Louisiana Tech team. This triggers a downfall for the Fighting Illini, in what could be a great season.

Likely Scenario:

Record: 7-5 (3-5)

Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase will not good be enough for this team to win football games. The lack of talent at running back and receiver will put a lot of pressure on Scheelhaase to make plays that he simply can't, which is a shame because he is one of the best quarterbacks in this conference.

They will rely on their defense to keep them in games. Winning will fall on the shoulders of great defensive players such as DE Michael Buchanan, DT Akeem Spence, CB Terry Hawthorne, and LB Jonathan Brown. If the defense can hold up, the team will be very competitive, especially in two critical games at Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio State that could decide the fate for the Fighting Illini in 2012.

Purdue Boilermakers

Best Case Scenario:

Record: 7-5

Their experience alone is enough to earn seven wins and bowl eligibility. The offense, which lacks any major threats besides WR Antavian Edison, struggles to make a name for themselves in the conference. The defense plays spectacularly and is the real reason they are able to win games, keeping things very close especially between the Boilermakers and Notre Dame, Iowa and Illinois.

Dwayne Beckford keeps the defense united and strong throughout the entire season, but their play isn't enough for the team to compete with the rest of the conference.

Worst Case Scenario:

Record: 4-8

Offensive linemen Trevor Foy and Peters Drey play well and give Caleb TerBush time to make plays, but the lack of offensive playmakers keeps the offense from being successful. The defense plays great as expected, but with games at Iowa, Notre Dame, Illinois and Ohio State, the Boilermakers falter often.

Likely Scenario:

Record: 5-7 (2-6)

The Boilermakers could very well win six games and qualify for a bowl game in 2012, but the lack of offensive talent will put a lot of pressure on their defense to keep games close. With three straight games against Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio State midway through the season, the Boilermakers may be looking at a tough road to bowl eligibility.

Indiana

Best Case Scenario:

Record: 3-9

The Hoosiers are able to land Scout.com Top 200 prospects Elijah Daniel (DE), Laquon Treadwell (WR) and Travon Chapman (QB) after a lost season. The Hoosiers start the season 3-0 and almost pull out a victory at Northwestern.

The next eight games are too much for the Hoosiers with a brutal schedule that includes Michigan State, Ohio State and Wisconsin.

Worst Case Scenario:

Record: 2-10

The Hoosiers are unable to land any major prospects and start off the season with close games against the University of Massachusetts and Ball State, losing one or both of them. They begin their tough conference schedule with a 1-2 record. The presence of running back Stephen Houston isn't enough to save the season.

Likely Scenario:

Record: 3-9 (0-8)

The Hoosiers do not have a great team. They have 15 returning starters, but they rank among the worst in the division at most positions, with RB Stephen Houston and DT Adam Replogle being the team's best players on offense and defense respectfully. They should be able to win their first three games, but coach Kevin Wilson will not be able to take them to a bowl game in 2012.

Michigan State

Best Case Scenario:

Record: 12-0

The loss of former QB Kirk Cousins doesn't phase the Spartans. Led by the best defense in the Legends Division, Michigan State's offense is able to operate with very little pressure to have to put up points.

The team rallies behind QB Andrew Maxwell as they open the season with a victory over Boise State. The Spartans cruise to close victories at home against Notre Dame and Ohio State. The defense plays the best all season, as the Spartans win two games back-to-back on the road against Michigan and Wisconsin. Michigan State goes on to play in their first BCS National Championship game.

Worst Case Scenario:

Record: 6-6

The loss of former QB Kirk Cousins phases the Spartans big time, as successor Andrew Maxwell can't help the Spartans compete at the same level. The pressure on defensive stars DE Will Gholston, DE Marcus Rush, LB Denicos Allen and LB Max Bullough is too much too stop strong opposing offenses such as Ohio State, Nebraska and Michigan. Head coach Mark Dantonio is able to keep the team bowl eligible, but knows this team was capable of a lot more.

Likely Scenario:

Record: 10-2 (6-2)

The Spartans are by far the best defense in the Legends Division, and second best in the entire Big Ten. They will cause a lot of teams trouble, including Michigan and Nebraska, the two teams that could potentially stop them from winning the Legends Division. The winner of their game against Nebraska will most likely decide who wins the division, with the favorite being Michigan State to play Wisconsin for the Big Ten Championship.

Nebraska

Best Case Scenario:

Record: 12-0

The Cornhuskers 14 returning starters keeps the team in unison. They keep their rhythm all year round as Taylor Martinez expands on his success the season before, even outplaying Denard Robinson when Nebraska plays Michigan. Safety Daimion Stafford helps the defense squeak by Ohio State and Wisconsin. Taylor Martinez's performance against Michigan State solidifies their spot as the best team in the Big Ten on route to a spot in the BCS National Championship game.

Worst Case Scenario:

Record: 8-4

Nebraska starts off hot, but immediately cools down with losses to Wisconsin and Ohio State. Montee Ball runs all over the Wisconsin defense, dropping them to 4-1. Although a great balance of both offense and defense, Ohio State is better, and hands them another loss to drop the Cornhuskers to 4-2.

Losses to Michigan and Michigan State further destroy the team's hope of making a run for the Big Ten title, as the team wonders how they let a great opportunity slip through their hands.

Likely Scenario:

Record: 10-2 (6-2)

The Cornhuskers have one of the best overall teams, with a great offense and defense. Quarterback Taylor Martinez is poised to have a great year with the support of running back Rex Burkhead and wide receiver Kenny Bell.

Meanwhile, defensive end Cameron Meredith and safety Daimion Stafford will look to give a number of teams trouble scoring. Luckily, they get to play Wisconsin and Michigan at home, two games they should be able to win.

If they can pull off a win at Ohio State or Michigan State, the Legends Division will be their own. If not, they will open the door for Michigan and Michigan State to battle each other for a spot in the Big Ten Title game.

Michigan

Best Case Scenario:

Record: 11-1

Michigan welcomes Alabama to Ann Arbor to start the 2012 season. The game will be the only loss that Michigan suffers all season. The close defeat will be a true testament to how good this team is.

Denard Robinson has a Heisman-worthy season thanks to the support of WR Roy Roundtree and RB Fitzgerald Toussaint. The defense will slack leading to games with a lot of scoring. Michigan could potentially average over 35 points per game on their way to the Legends Division Title, Big Ten Title and a Rose Bowl victory.

Worst Case Scenario:

Record: 7-5

The toughest schedule in the Big Ten takes its toll on the Wolverines. The wear and tear of strong football teams breaks down Michigan as they suffer defeats at home and on the road, especially at Notre Dame, Nebraska and Ohio State. The 7-5 record doesn't accurately display the Michigan Wolverines, and they easily win their postseason bowl game by a margin of 50 points.

Likely Scenario:

Record: 8-4 (6-2)

Michigan is extremely talented on the offensive side of the ball. They are home to the best quarterback and receivers in the Big Ten, with a top offensive line and ground game. Their defense is also very good, but will give up a fair amount of points.

Thankfully, the offensive unit led by Denard Robinson will respond with a number of scoring drives to make a lot of the games shootouts. Their tough schedule will hurt them with critical, yet close, losses to Alabama, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Nebraska. If there is one team that should be playing in a BCS bowl game that won't, it will be the Wolverines.

Iowa

Best Case Scenario:

Record: 10-2

They are the surprise story of the Legends Division. Most people give the title to Michigan, Michigan State or Nebraska. The Hawkeyes go 9-2 and beat Nebraska at home in the final game of the season to go to the Big Ten Championship.

Quarterback James Vandenberg and wide receiver Keenan Davis put together a deadly combo that gives defensive backs a tough time as they lead their team to a 10-2 record and a spot in the title game

Worst Case Scenario:

Record: 8-4

As great as they are, they are unable to compete against the top teams in the Big Ten. The loss to Penn State at home is crippling and proves that the Hawkeyes' Cinderella story won't come to be.

The lack of great play on defense holds the Hawkeyes back from exploding in games. They finish with an 8-4 record, wishing they could have a few games back, especially the one against Penn State.

Likely Scenario:

Record: 9-3 (5-3)

The Hawkeyes have a lot of potential and could be a huge surprise from the Big Ten. Kirk Ferentz is by far the best coach in the Big Ten and if anyone can bring a team together, it is him. If there is a team that people won't be watching, it is Iowa. Michigan, Michigan State and Nebraska should not let them fly under their radar, or Iowa may prevail in their match-ups against the three.

Northwestern

Best Case Scenario:

Record: 5-7

Kain Colter and Demetrius Fields keep the team competitive, but not enough to take the team back to a bowl game. They don't support a great offense or defense, while their special teams is among the best in the Big Ten, but special teams doesn't win games. They aren't the worst at anything, but their below-average team won't be able to stop teams like Michigan State, Iowa, Michigan and Nebraska from beating them.

Worst Case Scenario:

Record: 2-10

Kain Colter and Demetrius Fields don't click at all. Surrounded by no one, safety Ibraheim Campbell will struggle to keep the defense from falling to the stronger offenses of Nebraska, Michigan and Illinois, resulting in the worst record of the Legends Division.

Likely Scenario:

Record: 4-8 (3-5)

Northwestern is burdened with a tough schedule, opening up the season with games at Syracuse and against Vanderbilt and Boston College. They could potentially start off the season at 0-3.

The defense and offense are nothing special. The fact they are returning only 10 starters is going to stop the team from finding their rhythm, especially with the loss of QB Dan Persa and WR Jeremy Ebert. Kain Colter and Demetrius Fields are good players, but won't be able to take the Wildcats back to a bowl game.

Minnesota

Best Case Scenario:

Record: 6-6

MarQueis Gray has a great season, making Minnesota looking a lot better than they are. Minnesota starts off 4-0 with a great win against Syracuse, but their holes become exposed when they enter conference play. They are able to defeat Northwestern and Purdue, but stand no chance against the rest of the Big Ten.

Worst Case Scenario:

Record: 3-9

MarQueis Gray is unable to support his entire time. The lack of anyone but CB Troy Stoudermire isn't enough to keep them competitive in games. The team starts off 3-0, but loses to Syracuse, starting the beginning of the end for the Golden Gophers.

Likely Scenario:

Record: 4-8 (0-8)

MarQueis Gray is a top 25 quarterback. Sadly, he plays for Minnesota. Imagining him pulling an RG3 or a Cam Newton is highly unlikely, because while those two were surrounded by good teams that they made great, Gray is surrounded by a bad team that he can make average.

They are returning 15 starters, but the experience and Gray won't be enough, as Minnesota has no real supporting cast to give Gray the chance to win most football games.