Big Ten Divisions: Ranking Order of Finish in Newly-Aligned Big Ten
The Big Ten's announcement of the divisional format Wednesday night offered the first official glimpse at how the conference will be shaped going forward.
Now it's time to predict how it will play out on the gridiron.
Throughout the post-expansion process, Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany repeated the Big Ten's desire to protect old rivalries in the new format, which worked better in some cases than in others.
Most notably, Iowa will no longer have a protected rivalry game with Wisconsin. Instead, the Hawkeyes will meet cross-divisional foe Purdue every season going forward.
Despite being separated, Ohio State and Michigan will continue to square off annually on the final game of the regular season.
That's the good news.
The bad news is the possibility of a rematch the very next week in the Big Ten Conference Championship game.
With this new format set to begin in 2011, here's a very early look at how the teams might finish in the first season of divisional play.
Desmond Howard Division No. 6: Minnesota
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Minnesota's schedule isn't overly daunting but the Gophers will need to replace one of the better quarterbacks in school history in Adam Weber.
Head coach Tim Brewster has done an excellent job of improving Minnesota's team speed, but has yet to make much headway on the recruiting front despite the lure of the brand new outdoor stadium.
Until the Gophers show they can win on a consistent basis, it's difficult to expect them to escape the basement of what should be a competitive division.
Archie Griffin Division No. 6: Illinois
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Barring a miracle, embattled Illinois head coach Ron Zook isn't likely to return in 2011.
Predicting the outcome of the Illini's season will be difficult without knowing who will coach the team and which players will transfer.
But given the depressed state of the program, it appears likely that the Illini will be at or near the bottom of their unnamed division in the Big Ten.
One thing that will help whoever is coaching Illinois next season is the schedule. The Illini open the season with five consecutive home games before traveling to Indiana on October 8.
Desmond Howard Division No. 5: Michigan
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There is simply too much uncertainty surrounding the Michigan program right now to predict much improvement to take place in the near future.
Big Blue will be back, but maybe not quite yet in 2011.
If he manages to save his job, Rich Rodriguez still needs to save his defense, which will be thin and inexperienced this season and possibly going into next season as well.
There is enough talent on the offensive side of the ball to make a six-win season a possibility, but Michigan could have tough sledding in what figures to be a solid division.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Archie Griffin Division No. 5: Indiana
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The Hoosiers could surprise many this season, thanks to a potent offense and a very easy schedule.
The success might not carry over to next season, however.
Indiana will lose senior quarterback Ben Chappell and might have to talk talented underclassman receivers Tandon Doss and Damarlo Belcher out of entering the NFL Draft.
The Hoosiers should return running back Darius Willis in 2011 and will likely have an improved defense, but it will be difficult to surpass its divisional foes in the standings.
No. 4 Desmond Howard Division: Northwestern
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Northwestern is consistently one of the more underrated teams in the Big Ten and even nationally in some case.
Next year could be no different.
For the moment, it's difficult to know what kind of weapons Pat Fitzgerald will run out onto the field in 2011.
The Wildcats will need to replace dual-threat quarterback Dan Persa and star linebacker Quentin Davie.
As always, Northwestern will likely keep Big Ten foes on upset alert next season. It's just difficult to pick them to finish in the top half of the division.
No. 4 Archie Griffin Division: Purdue
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Danny Hope has the Purdue program heading in the right direction and should have talented quarterback Robert Marve back for 2011.
Hope has assembled a nice collection of young players on both sides of the ball. Despite losing star receiver Keith Smith, highly-touted O.J. Ross should be ready to pick up the slack next season.
The defense could go through some growing pains and won't have anyone capable of commanding the attention of senior Ryan Kerrigan, who makes his teammates better by drawing double teams.
Purdue's fate will rest largely in the hands of its offense next season.
No. 3 Desmond Howard Division: Michigan State
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Michigan State isn't likely to repeat its poor performances in close games again this season, which should generate considerable optimism heading into next year.
The Spartans will return quarterback Kirk Cousins and should be a deep team on both sides of the ball under Mark Dantonio.
The schedule might be the only thing preventing the Sparty from moving finishing in the top two of the division: Road games against Ohio State, Nebraska and Iowa mark three likely losses.
No. 3 Archie Griffin Division: Wisconsin
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Wisconsin is in great shape heading into this season, but like most Big Ten teams, the Badgers will face questions heading into next season.
The offense will be without steady quarterback Scott Tolzien and could lose star John Clay to the NFL.
Points aren't likely to be at a premium for the Badgers.
A schedule loaded with home games will help Wisconsin win or eight or nine games, but Penn State and Ohio State might be a tad better equipped to win the division.
No. 2 Desmond Howard Division: Iowa
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Ricky Stanzi might drive Iowa fans crazy, but his abilities to overcome mistakes and produce wins is difficult to ignore.
With Stanzi entering his senior season, the Hawkeyes will look to James Vandenberg or highly-touted freshman A.J. Derby to lead the team in 2011.
Iowa should have solid depth on both sides of the ball but will need to replace three out starters on the defensive line, including All-American Adrian Clayborn.
Kirk Ferentz will have his work cut out for him next season.
No. 2 Archie Griffin Division: Ohio State
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It's difficult to predict the Buckeyes will be toppled from the top of the Big Ten until it actually happens.
However, it could happen this season and possibly next season if Terrelle Pryor decides to leave early for the NFL.
Ohio State's overall depth is difficult to match and will ensure a finish in the top two of its division.
Even if Pryor doesn't return, the Buckeyes should have a productive offense led by a dynamic running game.
Ohio State will return to its dominating ways in short order, but 2011 could be a bit of a transition year.
No. 1 Desmond Howard Division: Nebraska
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Like Iowa, Nebraska will have plenty of questions entering the 2011 season.
The Cornhuskers will also have a huge target on their backs in the Big Ten.
The winner of the Desmond Howard Division might not be decided until the final game of the regular season, when Nebraska hosts Iowa on November 26.
The Huskers should be a better offensive team in 2011 but the defense will need to replace shut-down cornerback Prince Anukamara, defensive end Pierre Allen and possibly star defensive tackle Jared Crick, if he decides to turn pro.
If the Huskers don't win the division, they will certainly be very near the top.
No. 1 Archie Griffin Division: Penn State
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Penn State could struggle in 2010, but the early hardships might give way to a rosy 2011 season.
It starts at quarterback, where talented freshman Robert Bolden appears to be the signal-caller of the future.
Bolden was named a surprise starter Wednesday and should overcome any growing pains in Galen Hall's offense this season.
With plenty of young players ready to blossom, the Nittany Lions should be a force in the Big Ten next year.
Let the madness begin.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
