College Football 2011: Terrelle Pryor Christens a New Big Ten Title Race
Prior to Pryor (I'll be here all night) leaving and Jim Tressel's resignation, Ohio State seemed a virtual lock for the Big Ten Conference title. The Buckeyes still have a shot at the crown despite the changes, but the Big Ten Leaders Division appears to be more open.
It'll be interesting to watch the conference all season as a new champion will be expected, but also to see the Buckeyes and Luke Fickell clean up the program.
And, even though there are 12 teams in the Big Ten (as much as I hate that), we at least don't have to worry about a three-way tie like 2010.
Therefore, here is what you now can expect from each team in the conference for the 2011 season.
Side note: Special bonus slide at the end provides you with the first-ever Big Ten championship game!
Illinois Fighting Illini
1 of 13
2010 Record
7-6 (4-4)
2011 Recruiting Class Ranks
Scout.com No. 38, Rivals Top 50 No. 42
2011 Outlook
Offensively, the loss of RB Mikel Leshoure hurts, but look for QB Nathan Scheelhaase to carry the Illini. In addition, RB Jason Ford should be a solid replacement as he scored seven TDs in 2010, and with WR A.J. Jenkins (56 balls, 746 yards, seven TDs) coming back, just beware.
Defensively, there's room to fill with DL Dorey Liuget and Clay Nurse gone, as well as LB Martez Wilson. However, a favorable schedule, combined with a respectable recruiting class will help.
2011 Record
8-4 (4-4)
Indiana Hoosiers
2 of 13
2010 Record
5-7 (1-7)
2011 Recruiting Class Ranks
Scout.com No. 54, Rivals Top 50 N/A
2011 Outlook
Losing their two best players (Tandon Doss, Ben Chappell) is what will cost the Hoosiers in 2011. And, although WR DaMarlo Belcher (78 catches, 832 yards, four TDs) is back, he won't be enough.
Defensively it's just as bad, but if DE Darius Johnson can improve on his 4.5 sack total, they may see some bright spots.
The schedule doesn't help either, because they get Sparty, Wisky and OSU all on the road.
2011 Record
4-8 (2-6)
Ohio State Buckeyes
3 of 13
2010 Record
12-1
2011 Recruiting Class Ranks
Scout.com No. 3, Rivals Top 50 No. 11
2011 Outlook
With QB Terrelle Pryor and head coach Jim Tressel out, the Buckeyes are in a rebuilding period whether their fans recognize it or not.
There are a couple pieces still in play, though, with RB Dan Herron and WR DeVier Posey, but a lot will be asked of the top-notch recruits.
The schedule doesn't make Pryor or Tressel's timing any easier, as well.
2011 Record
6-6 (3-5)
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Penn State Nittany Lions
4 of 13
2010 Record
7-6 (4-4)
2011 Recruiting Class Ranks
Scout.com No. 34, Rivals Top 50 No. 35
2011 Outlook
As the 2011 season progresses, familiarize yourself with the Matthew McGloin-Derek Moye combo. McGloin sparked as a freshman throwing for over 1,500 yards, and Moye totaled 885 yards on 53 receptions (including eight TDs).
On the defense, no one really stood out since the sack leader (Devon Still) only had four, while the pick leaders (D'Anton Lynn, Nick Sukay) only had three.
Unluckily though, the schedule doesn't pan out in their favor.
2011 Record
7-5 (4-4)
Purdue Boilermakers
5 of 13
2010 Record
4-8 (2-6)
2011 Recruiting Class Ranks
Scout.com No. 77, Rivals Top 50 N/A
2011 Outlook
Purdue had so much trouble in 2010 because freshman QB Rob Henry was its only offense. He led the team in passing, but also in rushing.
Luckily, WR Antavian Edison (32 snatches, 316 yards, four TDs) is back. But, you can expect the "dark side" to be improved, as safety Logan Link (led team with 91 tackles), DL Kawann Short (six sacks) and CB Ricardo Allen (led team with three picks) all return.
And don't let the schedule deceive you. It starts out all warm and soft, and then has a conniption by Week 4.
2011 Record
5-7 (2-6)
Wisconsin Badgers
6 of 13
2010 Record
11-2 (7-1)
2011 Recruiting Class Ranks
Scout.com No. 36, Rivals Top 50 No. 40
2011 Outlook
The Badgers lose a lot this offseason with QB Scott Tolzien, RB John Clay, OL Gabe Carimi and DE J.J. Watt all gone. However, they should remain intact enough to make some noise and get back to bowl season at the very least.
A lot will depend on RB James White since Wisky is a run-first team, but don't overlook the play of WR Nick Toon either.
As for the defense, J.J. Watt was their...well, everything it seemed. But, DBs Antoni Fenelus and Niles Brinkley (combined for four picks and 20 pass deflects) should keep the D rolling.
The schedule is tough, but the Badgers still have enough to make it to the first-ever Big Ten championship game.
2011 Record
8-4 (5-3)
Iowa Hawkeyes
7 of 13
2010 Record
8-5 (4-4)
2011 Recruiting Class Ranks
Scout.com No. 22, Rivals Top 50 No. 30
2011 Outlook
With QB Ricky Stanzi and WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos gone, it will be difficult for the Hawkeyes to hit the ground running in 2011. QB James Vandenberg has barely any experience, but RB Adam Robinson and WR Marvin McNutt should keep him afloat.
That said, the defense takes a hit with DBs Tyler Sash and Brett Greenwood gone, along with DE Adrian Clayborn and OLB Jeremiha Hunter.
Just be sure to watch for DBs Micah Hyde and Shaun Prater, who combined for eight picks in 2010.
As for the schedule, it's not overly extreme, but not favorable either.
2011 Record
6-6 (2-6)
Michigan Wolverines
8 of 13
2010 Record
7-6 (3-5)
2011 Recruiting Class Ranks
Scout.com No. 24, Rivals Top 50 No. 21
2011 Outlook
If there's a year where the Michigan Wolverines turn the corner, 2011 is the year. We all know what Denard Robinson can do, and he'll make everyone around him better.
The offense is of no concern.
However, that horrendous defense better improve, otherwise nothing will come of this season. Safety Jordan Kovacs comes off a 116-tackle year, while OLB Cameron Gordon recorded three picks.
There's something to build off of, leaving the rather tough schedule as the final obstacle.
2011 Record
8-4 (5-3)
Michigan State Spartans
9 of 13
2010 Record
11-2 (7-1)
2011 Recruiting Class Ranks
Scout.com No. 29, Rivals Top 50 No. 31
2011 Outlook
If there's a year where Sparty can finally win back sole possession of the conference, 2011 is it.
The offense looks scary with Kirk Cousins under center, Edwin Baker in the backfield and WRs B.J. Cunningham and KeShawn Martin out wide.
However, Mark Dantonio's D loses LB Greg Jones and his trusty sidekick Eric Gordon to the graduation. Remaining are DBs Johnny Adams and Trenton Robinson, who combined for seven picks.
As long as the defense can minimize the damage, a rather tough schedule shouldn't be too much of a burden.
2011 Record
10-2 (7-1)
Minnesota Golden Gophers
10 of 13
2010 Record
3-9 (2-6)
2011 Recruiting Class Ranks
Scout.com No. 66, Rivals Top 50 NA
2011 Outlook
The loss of QB Adam Weber to graduation is virtually unbearable. Sure, WR Da'Jon McKnight and RB DeLeon Eskridge remain, but no one with any legit QB experience will be coming in.
Other than LB Gary Tinsley (90 tackles), the Golden Gophers D needs a lot of work. With the schedule, they do better in non-conference play, but decline in conference.
2011 Record
4-8 (1-7)
Nebraska Cornhuskers
11 of 13
2010 Record
10-4 (6-2)
2011 Recruiting Class Ranks
Scout.com No. 25, Rivals Top 50 No. 15
2011 Outlook
After losing two consecutive Big 12 championship games, Nebraska could very well reach the pinnacle of the Big Ten in its inaugural year.
QB Taylor Martinez and RB Rex Burkhead lead the way on offense, while DL Jared Crick, LB Lavonte David and DB Alfonzo Dennard lead the D.
The schedule is also just rough enough to prevent the 'Huskers from reaching the conference title game.
The two losses? At Wisconsin and either at Michigan or at Penn State.
The Badgers welcome Nebraska to the Big Ten, while the road in consecutive weeks to the Big House and Happy Valley (late in the season mind you) prove to be just a bit too much.
2011 Record
10-2 (6-2)
Northwestern Wildcats
12 of 13
2010 Record
7-6 (3-5)
2011 Recruiting Class Ranks
Scout.com No. 55, Rivals Top 50 N/A
2011 Outlook
Make no mistake about it, the Northwestern Wildcats have some solid talent returning. QB Dan Persa (2,581 passing yards), WR Jeremy Ebert (62 catches), CB Jordan Mabin (15 pass deflects), safety Brian Peters (107 tackles) and DL Vince Browne (seven sacks).
However, they still only managed to go 7-6 after beginning 5-0.
Losing Persa late in the year hurt, but there's no excuse in losing to Indiana and Minnesota. Until the Wildcats actually get over the hump, they remain mediocre.
2011 Record
6-6 (3-5)
Big Ten Championship Game
13 of 13Michigan State Spartans vs. Wisconsin Badgers
10-2 (7-1) vs. 8-4 (5-3)
Spartan O vs. Badger D
Advantage Michigan State
Badger O vs. Spartan D
Advantage Wisconsin
Special Teams
Advantage Michigan State
Coaching
Even
As of recent, Michigan State has had Wisconsin's number.
A victory in 2010, earlier in 2011 and now in the Big Ten's first championship game.
The difference?
The special teams of Spartans punt returner KeShawn Martin, who follows 2010 with an amazing encore in 2011 (see video).
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
