Where Will the Big Ten Teams Finish?

Illinois: After a surprise trip to the Rose Bowl last season, football is exciting in Champaign.  The win in Columbus was no fluke, and the Fighting Illini will want to be back for more in their 2008 campaign.

Although the loss of star running back Rashard Mendenhall may hurt the running game, Juice Williams has matured into a balanced QB who will be able to lead Illinois into a bowl game in 2009.

Finish: Second

Indiana: Last season's bowl game was a success, but don't count on anything special happening in Bloomington.  The Hoosiers will be hurt on the offensive end with the loss of wide receiver James Hardy, who made an early departure to the NFL.

The only bright spot of the 2008 season is the absence of Michigan and Ohio State from the schedule. They held the Hoosiers to a combined six points in 2007.  

Finish: Ninth

Iowa: The 2008 will not be a positive one for the Hawkeyes.  Just five years ago, Iowa was one of the nation's premier programs on par with perennial powerhouse such as USC and fellow conference mates Ohio State.

However, something went wrong, and the Hawkeyes have not been able to recapture the glory in Iowa City.  Iowa does not have a difficult non-conference schedule, so a bowl game may be in reach in the 2008 campaign.

Finish: Fifth

Michigan: Let's face it. This will be a "refurnishing" year for the folks from Ann Arbor. They are by no means rebuilding as they have many blue chip players that programs across the country would kill for.

Rich Rodriguez will just need a year to move in his signature "spread" offense that worked for years down in Morgantown.  A conference championship may be asking too much from the Wolverines, but expect them to be able to compete with any team in the nation. 

Finish: Fourth

Michigan State: Like Indiana, the Spartans will have a tough time after losing their prized wide receiver to the NFL.  In 2007, Devin Thomas was an 1,000 yard receiver as well as the Big Ten's all time leader in kick return yards (1,135).

Michigan State has no wide receiver capable of replacing him and with no promises around the running and passing game, the Spartans offense will the flair experienced of prior seasons.

Add this to a tough non-conference schedule which includes Cal and Notre Dame, the upcoming season doesn't look too bright in East Lansing. 

Finish: Eighth

Minnesota: Northwestern is no longer the weakest team in the conference.  After losing many pieces of an already dismal one-win team the Gophers really have nothing to look forward to in the 2008 season.

The only bright spot is the rivals.com rated No. 17 recruiting class in the country. Minnesota might as well wait until 2009, when they welcome a new 50,000-seat outdoor stadium and have time to add another strong recruiting class. 

Finish: 11th

Northwestern: After beating Illinois in the 2007 regular season finale, Northwestern might be able to make some noise among the elite members of the conference.  If the Wildcats can work out their fourth-quarter kinks, they will be able to emerge victorious in many competitive games.

If their defense can hold its own, running back Tyrell Sutton can lead the offense and bring a bowl game back to Evanston.  

Finish-10th

Ohio State: Two National Championship Games.  Zero victories.  The Buckeyes only have one thing on their mind in 2008.  To make it to that National Championship game, and to win it.

Anything else will be a bust for Jim Tressel's squad. Led by Beanie Wells on offense and James Laurinaitis on defense, there are no holes on either side of the ball.

Expect the Buckeyes to make it back to the last game of the season. Don't forget the addition of quarterback threat, Terrelle Pryor, who chose Columbus over Ann Arbor.

Finish: First

Penn State: In what could be Joe Paterno's last year as Penn State's coach, the Nittany Lions may have trouble matching their nine-win campaign from the 2007 season.

Penn State's defense is back and almost as strong as ever.  However, they lack a sturdy quarterback to fill the shoes of Anthony Morelli.

If they can fill that position, which will be extremely difficult, they can compete with anybody in the conference. 

Finish: Seventh

Purdue: If the Boilermakers defense can step up in 2008, they will be able to shock the conference along with the entire country.  Purdue boasts arguably the best quarterback in the Big Ten in Curtis Painter and their backfield is almost as impressive.

However, they are shallow at the wideout position after losing Painter's top two targets. College football fans should look forward to the showdown against Oregon which will be able to prove if the Boilermakers are contenders.

Finish: Sixth

Wisconsin: Madison is home to the nation's second-longest home winning streak.  This brings importance, as their three toughest Big Ten opponents, Ohio St., Illinois and Penn State all travel Camp Randall Stadium.  

The Badgers are consistent across the board and should be able to challenge the Buckeyes and the Illini for the conference title. First, they have to get by WAC power Fresno State.

If they can do that, as well as tackling the top Big Ten programs, they could be headed to Pasadena.

Finish: Third

Conference Winner: Ohio State

It would be great to see another team win the conference, but there is a reason the Buckeyes will be headed to their third straight national championship.

Player of the Year: Chris "Beanie" Wells 

The strongest part of the strongest team in the country.

Freshman of the Year: Terrelle Pryor 

The highly prized recruit will be felt throughout the state of Ohio