The No-Nonsense Big Ten Football Preview

As the college campuses around the Big Ten experience their annual migration, the beginning of a new school year brings about the feelings of freshness and renewal.

Only on a college campus can an anxious freshman nervously shuffle through a bookstore, desperately searching for their first "team" shirt so later that week they can scream, "We're No. 1!" at the top of their drunken lungs during their team's home opener. And only on the same college campus can an anti-establishment "super" senior sitting on his apartment rooftop chugging beer and dreaming of togas, pub crawls and the ever-important Saturday tailgate seem to mesh so perfectly.

This frenzy that captivates universities around the nation has nothing to do with academics or the excitement of the future, but has everything to do with college football. Whether your team is terrible and becomes another excuse to party, or your team is good and you have great reason to party, college football games are the social events that everyone on a campus looks forward to months and months in advance.

Unfortunately, this frenzy has left me slightly annoyed.

Every student, alum, fan and animal believes their team is unstoppable. Blogs and articles around the country praise their team and give false hope, planting dreams and proclaiming that "this is their year!"

Get real.

Dreams are one thing, expectations are another and results are the only thing that really matters.

This slideshow will provide a "no-nonsense" outlook on each of the 12 Big Ten football teams. This preview will not sugar coat weaknesses, nor will it feel bad about calling out players, coaches and teams for being overrated.

There's only one Big Ten champion, and your team probably isn't it.

Let the arguments begin.

Legends Loser: Minnesota Golden Gophers

There is no denying that the Minnesota football team has been the gopher hole of the Big Ten for the past few seasons.

There is also no denying that Tim Brewster should have been handed his pink slip before the beginning of the 2010 season before leading his team further into the abyss and prolonging the inevitable task of rebuilding the program, AGAIN.

The Gophers endured nine straight losses last year, highlighted (or lowlighted) by the embarrassing smack to the berries by the hands of 1-AA South Dakota, coupled with the complete beat down by new head coach Jerry Kill's former team Northern Illinois. 

Gopher fans are ready to leave that in the past as the Goldy and friends trot out to begin the 2011 season under the helm of former Northern Illinois coach Jerry Kill.

Articles and previews across the Internet are amping up Gopher fans, making them believe and say to each other, "Rejoice, our savior has arrived!!!"

Get real. You're terrible!

Minnesota fans will scream, "But Rivals.com said, 'but Jerry Kill has won everywhere'!

Really?

What has he won? Nothing.

Kill's experience at 1-AA Southern Illinois hardly counts as winning everywhere. Read between the lines, Gopher fans. Even Kill's best team, the SIU team of 2004, a team that completely demolished the competition and was ranked No. 1 in the country heading into the tournament, fizzled in the first round. THE FIRST ROUND!

He used his three 1-AA conference championships to earn himself a job at middle of the pack MAC team Northern Illinois. Did he win football games? Yes. Did he win any important football games. NO!

In three bowl game appearances, he has three losses. In his one and ONLY appearance in the MAC Championship, another loss.

Don't even get me started on the players.

The Big Ten's worst offense coupled with the Big Ten's worst defense.

Here are the only two reasons to watch Gopher football this year.

Former wide receiver MarQueis Gray will be running the offense and should get many opportunities to have the ball in his hands after the atrocious defense gives up touchdown after touchdown. No way he averages 100 yards passing this year.

The only bright side this year is that cornerback, Troy Stoudermire, has a chance to break the Big Ten record in kickoff return yards. The dark side is that you have to give up points to receive those kickoffs. (Rivals.com) Their defense is so bad, he should have it by Week 5.

2011 Season Schedule and Predictions

2-10 (0-8; sixth place Legends)

9/3 at USC L (Enjoy the sunshine; the only thing you'll be bringing home from SoCal is a tan.)

9/10 New Mexico State W (Ranked last in Rivals 120, lose this game and simply resign, Jerry Kill)

9/17 Miami (OH) L (Even with Kill's familiarity with the MAC, the Red Hawks' offense is too much.)

9/24 NDSU W (It won't be easy, but another loss to an FCS school and second to NDSU just won't fly.)

10/1 at Michigan L (The Little Brown Jug goes to the Wolverines for the 24th time in 25 years. Wow.)

10/8 at Purdue  L (Purdue stinks almost as much as Minnesota; coinflip decides the winner. You lost.)

10/22 Nebraska L (Let the beatings begin.)

10/29 Iowa L (You beat Iowa last year; think they are pissed? Me too.)

11/5 at Michigan State L (Sparty looks to next week and still wins by 30)

11/12 Wisconsin L (Goldie better start gnawing on that axe if you want it to stay in Minnesota)

11/19 at Northwestern L (DeKalb isn't too far away. Maybe Jerry Kill's old team can give it a try?)

11/26 Illinois L (Hey, what's the number to the "Caddyshack" gopher? At least he knows how to party!)

Leaders Loser: Indiana Hoosiers

It's really too bad that Indiana and Minnesota don't play this year.

One of the teams desperately need another win.

Indiana has long been the black gumball in the Big Ten's candy store. It seems impossible with the strength of recruiting in the Big Ten, but the realization is that the Hoosiers haven't won a Big Ten title since 1967 and have only played in nine, count it nine, bowl games in school history.

The 2011 version will be no different for the Hoosiers, who are already looking forward to 2012 and the arrival of 5-star quarterback Gunner Kiel.

Who cares about a 5-star recruit? Have you seen the Hoosiers?

Coach Kevin Wilson arrives from Oklahoma, where he was the offensive coordinator for the past five seasons.

The grass isn't always greener on the other side, coach.

Even with the best offensive mind, you still need something more than a sieve up front, and if somehow Wilson can plug the holes in the offensive line, they still have the broken levy that is the defensive secondary.

Defensively, the Hoosiers created a Big Ten-low 13 turnovers last year. (Rivals.com)

With zero talent and a horrible recruiting class, I don't see how that number will increase.

The only silver lining for the Hoosiers is that they were picked for the Leaders division. Games against rival Purdue and Illinois could be the only winnable games in league play this season.

Kicker Mitch Ewald might be the only bright spot for the Bloomington faithful. The skillful kicker should get plenty of long attempts to impress NFL scouts.

Maybe they should just forfeit the entire season, because didn't you hear? Gunner Kiel is going to Indiana.

2011 Schedule and Predictions

3-9 (2-6; sixth place Leaders)

9/3 at Ball State W (You have to go TO a MAC school to get a victory? Sad.)

9/10 Virginia L (The Cavaliers are the Hoosiers of the ACC. Ineptitude at its best.)

9/17 South Carolina St. L (The 2009 FCS champion has more talent than IU. Seriously.)

9/24 at North Texas W (It's illegal to lose to any team named after a color, even if it's mean)

10/1 Penn State L (JoePa takes a nap and snores louder than IU fans cheer.)

10/8 Illinois W (A loss to IU puts the final nail in Ron Zook's coffin.)

10/15 at L Wisconsin (Badgers, don't bother to play "Jump Around" in the fourth quarter; they're bored.)

10/22 at L Iowa (The pink locker room can't make the Hoosiers any softer, can it?)

10/29 L Northwestern (Terrible secondary. Enough said.)

11/5 L at Ohio State (Buyers of Buckeye championship rings fill in and still pound the Hoosiers.)

11/19 L at Michigan State (Sparty is thrilled about this yearly rivalry.)

11/26 W Purdue (Just in time for Gunner Kiel!)

Laughable Leaders: Purdue Boilermakers

If you're looking for the Purdue teams of the past that boasted an NFL ready quarterback (i.e. Brees, Orton and Painter) that light up scoreboards, but seemed to falter because of shoddy defense, this isn't your team.

Yes, the shoddy defense will still be there, giving up points in bunches as always, but the offense leaves much to be desired at the quarterback position. Two no-name quarterbacks are battling to be the conductor of the Boilermaker offensive train. I can understand why neither one of them takes the job.

Nobody likes to be blamed for losing.

Unfortunately, it seems this will be one of those on-going quarterback battles that we will all hear about on TV. However, no one outside of West Lafayette will actually care about it.

At least the team and administration knows it's terrible. Look at their non-conference schedule. If Purdue doesn't make a bowl game (even if it's one of those terrible pre-Christmas bowls), Coach Danny Hope will be on a bus back to Eastern Kentucky University.

It's only August, but let's buy that bus ticket just in case.

On the bright side, Purdue's offense clicks, and they could be a potential upset team in the Big Ten. If the combination at QB of Rob Henry and Robert Marve can get the ball to offensive weapons WR Justin Siller and RB Ralph Bolden, they can definitely score points.

One of these upsets WILL happen. (Watch out, Penn State, Michigan, and Iowa)

Until Purdue decides they want to play defense and tackle in a grind it out, blue-collar league like the Big Ten, they will continue to be treated like the panzies everyone knows they are.

Another bad season, and Purdue will be Hope-less after all.

But is that a such bad thing?

2011 Season Preview and Predictions

5-7 (2-6; fifth place Leaders) 

9/3 Middle Tenn. State W (Losing to a team with "middle" in their name is forbidden.)

9/10 at Rice W (Rice is terrible, simply terrible. Two teams with no defenses should be entertaining.)

9/17 SE Mizzou State W (3-0 will feel great. Remember this feeling, Boilermakers.)

10/1 Notre Dame L (ND plays panzy football too, but at least their coach has attitude.)

10/8 Minnesota W (Might want to get that QB situation figured out by now.)

10/15 at Penn State L (Happy Valley is never fun. Least that terrible "new" Petey mascot won't be there.)

10/22 Illinois L (Remember when you started 3-0? No one else does.)

10/29 at Michigan W (Upset. But is beating Michigan really an upset anymore? First to 50 wins.)

11/5 at Wisconsin L (Wisconsin doesn't lose to teams like Purdue.)

11/12 Ohio State L (Not in a million years.)

11/19 Iowa L (Rumors will already be swirling. Gene Keadey might come coach the football team.)

11/26 Indiana L (Completely Hope-less. Nobody likes the black gumball.)

Leery Leaders: Illinois Fighting Illini

Simply put, Ron Zook is just not an elite level college football coach.

Heck, he might not even be a mid-level college football coach.

Take away the Illini's 2008 Rose Bowl appearance (which should have been Michigan's), and Ron Zook has done absolutely nothing with his tenure at Illinois.

A 28-45 record does not cut it in major college football.

2011 will be the defining year for Ron Zook. If he can find the magic of the 2007-08 team and upset one or two of the top contenders in a stacked Big Ten, then Zook might keep his job.

Unfortunately, Illinois isn't as talented as the upper echelon Big Ten teams. They are more likely to lose to Minnesota than beat Ohio State or Wisconsin.

If you think the kid Scheelhasse will be the answer, you're wrong.

He's a novelty.

He sounds good on paper, even looks good on the field, but is he anywhere near the Robinsons, Cousins' or Wilsons of the world? Not even close.

Unless Scheelhasse somehow turns into the German "Shoelace," he will remain a one-and-a-half-threat quarterback that had a nice freshman season.

A sophomore slump is just waiting for a quarterback that relies on his legs more than his arm.

Defensively, the Illini are simply middle of the pack.

They show flashes of brilliance, as they were second in the Big Ten in forced turnovers last season, but also show how little talent they actually have, exemplified by their embarrassing display in Ann Arbor last year, allowing 67 points to MIchigan. (Rivals.com)

Save your money, Illini fans. The only reason to watch Illini football this year is to see when Ron Zook gets fired. 

2011 Season Preview and Predictions

6-6 (3-5; fourth place Leaders)

9/3 Arkansas State W (Start of five straight home games for the Ilini, FCS teams always help confidence.)

9/10 South Dakota W (Might be ranked No. 1 in FCS after two straight victories over the lower division.)

9/17 Arizona State L (First real test results in first real beating)

9/24 Western Michigan W (Zook's job is safe after pulling away from the Broncos in the fourth.)

10/1 Northwestern W (Cheif Illini-wek does rain dance; wins rivalry game instead. NCAA investigates.)

10/8 at Indiana L (Indiana wins after mentioning Gunner Kiel's name 100 times during telecast.)

10/15 Ohio State L (Zook invites ex-OSU coach Tressel over for dinner asking for "advice.")

10/22 at Purdue W (Five wins drums up thoughts of the Little Caesar's Pizza Bowl.)

10/29 at Penn State L (Zook forgot to remind the guys that the bye isn't until next week.)

11/12 Michigan L (Highest scoring game last year. Lowest scoring this year. Mich-2 Illinois-0)

11/19 Wisconsin L (After NCAA investigation, Chief Illni-wek suspended for PEDs. Players devastated.)

11/26 at Minnesota W (Can you say, "Pizza, Pizza?")

Left Behind Leaders: Penn State Nittany Lions

When Penn State is the seventh best Big Ten team, you know the league is stacked.

Teams can get by with a below average offensive line or a below average running back, but when an entire offensive unit is below average, wins will be tough to come by.

Simply put, Penn State doesn't have the fire power to compete with the big boys of the Big Ten.

I mean, can anyone outside of Pennsylvania name anyone on their offense? Didn't think so.

However, I've always liked Penn State and think JoePa and crew have a slight chance to be this year's sleeper team in the Leaders division simply because they will play defense.

It also helps that other than Wisconsin, their division could be weak.

With that being said, this slightest of chances relies solely on the quarterback position:

Robert Bolden vs. Matt McGloin.

Let the battle begin.

Neither of these quarterbacks have the talent to be the focal point of the offense, but finding consistency could be the key for Penn State.

An early season schedule against cupcakes and bottom of the barrel Big Ten teams might allow for their consistency to be found.

Other than an early season visit from Alabama, Penn State should head well into October with only one blemish on their record.

Can the Nittany Lions score enough points to keep up with teams like Northwestern, Nebraska, Ohio State and Wisconsin?

Not this year.

2011 Season Schedule and Predictions

7-5 (4-4; third place Leaders)

9/3 Indiana State W (What is a Sycamore, anyway?)

9/10 Alabama L (Could be ugly, just like last year.)

9/17 at Temple W  (No, Temple isn't in the FCS. Seems like it, though.)

9/24 Eastern Michigan W (Perhaps college football's worst team.)

10/1 at Indiana W (Gunner Kiel de-commits and signs with Penn State after this drubbing.)

10/8 Iowa W (This game will go a long way in determining PSU's fate.)

10/15 Purdue W (Five straight W's and Happy Valley is alive and well!)

10/22 at Northwestern L (NW's offense is simply too much for the lightly scoring Lions.)

10/29 Illinois W (Zook asks if there are any openings on JoePa's staff next season.)

11/12 Nebraska L (Tough November schedule ahead.)

11/19 at Ohio State L (Win this for a shot at the division. Good luck with that.)

11/26 at Wisconsin L (At least you're headed somewhere warm for the holidays.)

Lukewarm Legend: Michigan Wolverines

No one really believes that Michigan will make some noise this year, do they?

Maybe not, but there isn't a team on the schedule that isn't a little leery of the Wolverines.

Yes, even you, Ohio State.

The only difference from the RichRod way and the Hoke way is that the 2011 Wolverines are going to be a slightly more conservative version of last year's team.

Michigan 1.5

Any way you cut it, Michigan has these things going for them:

They still have the exciting quarterback leading an electrifying offense.

They will still have a defense that can't tackle and gives up mountains of points.

BUT!

Brady Hoke is a "Michigan Man."

Didn't you hear?

BRADY HOKE IS A MICHIGAN MAN!

Whatever a "Michigan Man" is must be important, because Brady Hoke has this team believing they can make some noise this season.

They just might do it.

Brady Hoke loves the limelight, and he's loving the attention that being Michigan's head coach brings.

He wears his emotions on his sleeve. He bleeds blue.

And the folks of Ann Arbor are absolutely eating it up.

Quarterback Denard Robinson comes back for his second year as a starter looking to break every record a mobile quarterback can.

But can his arm match his feet?

If "Shoelace" can find some consistency with his passing attack, the Wolverines could put up scary amounts of points this season.

That's a great thing, because they might need every point they can get.

The Michigan defense is undersized, use improper technique and are slow.

Can the Rich Rod era recruits even play in a traditional defense?

Betting odds say no.

Even if the Wolverines drastically improve their pass defense from a year ago, they will still be considered mediocre.

Mediocre doesn't win championships.

This team is getting better and will end at least one of their losing streaks against their rivals (MSU and OSU), but let's not pack their bags to Indianapolis just yet.

I can already hear the Michigan fans yelling, "But Brady Hoke is a Michigan Man! We are back!"

So what?

If I gave a saltine to a starving man, he'll probably think it's a Ritz.

2011 Schedule and Prediction

7-5 (4-4; t-third place Legends)

9/3 Western Michigan W (I personally thought they should have scheduled Appalachian State.)

9/10 Notre Dame L (Another team on the rise, and looking for some pay back.)

9/17 Eastern Michigan W (Where is Central Michigan to complete the Michigan MAC trifecta?)

9/24 San Diego State W (Pretty sure everyone has already forgotten Brady Hoke coached them.)

10/1 Minnesota W (This could get ugly. 70 points ugly.)

10/8 at Northwestern L (Pursa and Co. might be the only team who can score with the Wolverines.)

10/15 at Michigan State W (Schembechler will roll over in his grave if they lose four straight.)

10/29 Purdue L (Lack of consistency drives Wolverines crazy, lose to lowly Boilermakers.)

11/5 at Iowa W (Lack of consistency drives Wolverines crazy, dominate the Hawkeyes,)

11/12 @ Illinois W (Locks up another bowl birth, Wal-Mart can't keep shirts on the shelves)

11/19 Nebraska L (Will the brittle "Shoelace" even make it through halftime?)

11/26 Ohio State L (After all the controversy in Colombus, another disparaging loss to the Buckeyes.)

Lurking Legend: Northwestern Wildcats

Offense has never been a problem for the smart kids from Northwestern.

Being physical and risking injuries to their Fortune 500 faces definitely has been.

The 2011 Northwestern Dan Pursa could very well be the Big Ten player of the year when the season shakes out. A veteran leader who is intelligent, knows how to run and has an arm.

With Pursa at the helm, I guarantee the Wildcats score 30 or more points in at least half of their games. There are simply too many weapons for defenses to keep up.

Maybe the Wildcats should make him a two-way star?

Because as good as their offense is, their defense is the polar opposite.

It doesn't take a physics major to see the black hole in Northwestern's secondary. Last year, SS Brian Peters led the team in tackles. (Rivals.com)

Any time a player from the secondary leads your team in tackles, there is a problem.

The front seven for the Wildcats do not put consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and until they do, the Wildcats will be in shootouts week in and week out.

The media is currently hyping DE Vince Browne because of his team-high seven sacks last season. (Rivals.com)

Don't buy it.

Sure, he will easily clean up the cupcakes at the beginning of the season, but when league games roll around, he's going to have to play like an All-American to make the Wildcats' D respectable.

With all of that said, Northwestern is a team that has the ingredients to be a sleeper team this season.

They might not challenge for the division title, but they should scare some of the teams in front of them, and could even pull off an upset or two (watch out, Nebraska and Michigan State).

A favorable schedule (avoiding Wisconsin and Ohio State) definitely plays into the Wildcats' bid for their fifth straight bowl appearance.

One thing for sure, they will only make it as far as Dan Persa's Achilles' takes them.

2011 Schedule and Predictions

8-4 (4-4; t-third place Legends)

9/3 at Boston College W (Nice to see a team challenge themselves to begin the season.)

9/10 Eastern Illinois W (Persa breaks school record for passing yards by halftime.)

9/17 at Army W (Two out of three on the road could spell an upset. Not this time.)

10/1 at Illinois L (It's tough to win a rivalry game, especially when the spirit gods are against you.)

10/8 Michigan W (One good thing about your defense, NW? At least it's not Michigan's)

10/15 at Iowa L (The Hawkeyes play defense and have just enough offense to squeek it out)

10/22 Penn State W (Penn State plays defense, but doesn't have enough offense for Persa and Co.)

10/29 at Indiana W (Finally, a breather before the final stretch.)

11/5 at Nebraska L (The corn can be hypnotizing, boys.)

11/12 Rice W (The bowl birth was already locked up; you must want to really go to Florida?)

11/19 Minnesota W (Minnesota is terrible; simply terrible.)

11/26 Michigan State L (Last year's fake punt still resonates in Evanston...)

Languishing Legend: Iowa Hawkeyes

When will Iowa finally get over the hump?

Year in and year out, the Hawkeyes produce solid football.

When are they going to give their fans great football?

Unfortunately, not this year.

After dismissal of last year's leading rusher RB Adam Robinson and the ongoing investigation on Iowa's conditioning program, this team needs to shore up the off the field issues before even thinking about contending.

When they do step on the field, it won't be unicorns and rainbows either for the Hawkeyes. 

There is a serious problem under center.

After the departure of Ricky Stanzi, backup James Vandenberg becomes the man to lead the way.

Vandenberg filled in as a solid replacement in an overtime loss to Ohio State, but with a career completion percentage of just over 50 percent and a 3-to-5 TD to Interception ratio, he will have to play above his potential to allow Iowa to separate themselves from the pretenders in the Legends division. (Rivals.com)

When Vandenberg struggles (which he will), Iowa will stress the run, and with RB Marcus Coker in the backfield, that might not be such a bad strategy. After a stellar performance in last year's Insight bowl, Iowa fans are hoping his large, 230 pound frame can carry the offensive load.

Defensively, the Hawkeyes have some holes to fill. After losing DE Adrian Clayborne to the NFL, it will be up to DT Mike Daniels to lead an inexperienced defense.

As long as the incoming players listen to their coaches, Iowa's defense will be the least of their concerns.

Iowa is known for defence and will continue to be a stout bunch. Even if the defensive line fails to mesh, a strong secondary led by Micah Hyde could be enough to provide a learning curve.

Perhaps the greatest advantage the Hawkeyes boast is their home field. Between the visitor's pink locker room and the incredible fanbase, Iowa is one of the most difficult places to play in the nation.

Overall, the Hawkeyes have a great schedule, as they miss both Wisconsin and Ohio State. If this group can mesh, they will be in the thick of the Legends division race.

However, this article isn't meant to make you feel optimistic.

The reality is that the inexperience at the quarterback position will catch up with them and be cause for a couple head scratching losses. 

A bowl appearance is inevitable, but isn't it time for just a bowl game to not be enough in Iowa City?

Get ready for another long winter, Iowa fans.

2011 Season Preview and Predictions

8-4 (4-4; t-third Legends)

9/3 Tennessee Tech W (The corn is almost ready for harvest, and all is right in Iowa.)

9/10 at Iowa State W (Can this even really be considered a rivalry game?)

9/17 Pittsburgh W (With the Panthers rebuilding, this should be a no-brainer)

9/24 Louisiana-Monroe W (Welcome to the top-25!)

10/8 at Penn State L (The first true test will be too much for Vandenberg.)

10/15 Northwestern W (Hold the Wildcats under 30, and you walk away with the "W")

10/22 Indiana W (Beginning of two good weeks of practice.)

10/29 at Minnesota W (Hope you got better, because the fun is over)

11/5 Michigan L (It's not you; Michigan just needs people to talk about them even more.)

11/12 Michigan State L (Spartans get revenge for their only regular season loss last year.)

11/19 at Purdue W (Clinches a warm weather bowl; congratulations.)

11/25 at Nebraska L (Battle of the cornfield is taken by Big Red.)

Lewd Leader: The Ohio State Buckeyes

Anyone who's anyone already knows about all the lewd behavior and negative attention Ohio State has brought onto their football program.

I'm tired of hearing about it, and certainly not going to waste my time or yours by making you read any more about the situation.

Ohio State is still one of the top teams in the Big Ten. Years of top five recruiting classes protects programs from completely collapsing.

But if ever there was a year for another Big Ten team to rip out of the championship stranglehold, it's this one.

I am a firm believer that you need a top tier quarterback to make a team a true contender.

This is where the Buckeyes lack.

It appears fifth-year senior Joe Bauserman will get the starting nod to open the season, but true freshman Braxton Miller will be seeing plenty of snaps to stir up enough controversy that we will be forced to hear ESPN's Gameday crew argue who the starter should be for at least the first four weeks.

Luckily for Ohio State, their pre-league schedule will not be demanding (especially with the Miami situation) and should give coach Luke Fickell enough time to get his feet underneath him.

Where the problems will arise is their first Big Ten game against Michigan State.

Without trouble makers RB Dan Herron, WR DeVier Posey and T Mike Adams, OSU there is a good chance the 'Bucks won't have enough to keep up with the high scoring Spartans.

It probably won't help that only four starters return on the defensive side of the ball, either.

The normally stout Ohio State defense has many holes to fill (linebackers and secondary) and questions to answer before the heart of a difficult schedule comes rolling through.

Fortunately for the Buckeyes, their replacements were athletically gifted 4 and 5-star recruits out of high school.

Watch out for redshirt freshman LB Etienne Sabino. If he progresses quickly, the defensive questions might completely disappear.

Overall, the Buckeyes are the Buckeyes. Regardless of what happened in the offseason, this team still has the most talent (by far) of any team in the Big Ten and will be reckoned with.

If they can find an answer at quarterback and fill the holes on defense, there is no doubt Buckeye fans just might be staring down another trip to Pasadena.

2011 Season Schedule and Predictions

9-3 (5-3; second Leaders)

9/3 Akron W (The Buckeyes have never lost to another team from the state of Ohio.)

9/10 Toledo W (See above.)

9/17 at Miami W (The only school worse off than Ohio State.)

9/24 Colorado W (Perhaps a trap game with Michigan State looming?)

10/1 Michigan State L (The lack of fire power dooms the 'Bucks in a tight game.)

10/8 at Nebraska L (Kirk Herbstreit might cry after two straight losses.)

10/15 at Illinois W (All is right in the world; OSU wins.)

10/29 Wisconsin L (The last chance to stay in the division race. Just not your year.)

11/5 Indiana W (Bring on the cupcakes!)

11/12 at Purdue W (Braxton Miller solidifies starting QB role.)

11/19 Penn State W (Just be thankful you didn't have to go to Happy Valley.)

11/26 @ Michigan W (Carr had trouble, Rich Rod failed and now Hoke struggles to beat OSU.)

Legitimate(?) Legend: Michigan State Spartans

Michigan State is the biggest mystery of any team in the Big Ten.

The Spartans seem poised to finally turn the corner and become the year-in-year-out contender the folks in East Lansing desperately have been hoping for.

After last season's incredible run to grab a share of the Big Ten title, Mark Dantonio and company have been saying all of the right things to the media and have developed a bit of a swagger along the way.

Forgive me for being skeptical, but it's Michigan State.

If Murphy used one football program to write his famous law about, this would be the one.

Over the past 20 years, the Spartans have proved that if something can go wrong, it will go wrong. 

Everything from coaching changes, unobtainable hopes and disappointing seasons have hindered Sparty.

Even Mark Dantonio is prone to these problems; just look at the 2009 season. The 2008 version of the Spartans were similar to last year's team in that they surprised their way into the top tier of the Big Ten. 

Too much hype and a frat house brawl later, and the Spartans were right back to the mediocrity they have represented for years.

Will 2011 be a repeat of 2009?

I doubt it.

The Spartans have bought into the system that Mark Dantonio has brought to the Michigan State program. With Kirk Cousins giving speeches like these www.youtube.com/watch?v=tp15N9BbYgY, the Spartans have a born leader who will motivate his team.

Not to mention the supporting cast to back him up.

Edwin Baker leads a four-headed monster in the backfield. He, along with junior Larry Caper, sophomore La'Veon Bell and redshirt freshman Nick Hill, creates perhaps the deepest backfield in the nation. 2,500 yards from this group will provide huge dividends for the Spartans.

The talented receiving corps, led by senior BJ Cunningham, looks to stretch the field a bit more this season and should put up some big numbers.

The question mark for MSU is their defense. Losing LBs Greg Jones and Eric Gordon leaves gaping holes to fill.

Do the Spartans have enough talent with the front seven to keep the pressure off the defensive backs?

Dantonio believes he does.

The Spartans will have a good team, but will lose a game they shouldn't (Michigan) and win a game they shouldn't (Wisconsin). In between, it could be anyone's guess on how the Spartans will fair.

The biggest question is, can the Spartans handle success?

2011 Season Schedule and Predictions

9-3 (6-2; second Legends)

9/2 Youngstown State W (I wish FBS teams couldn't play FCS teams.)

9/10 Florida Atlantic W (I wish FBS teams didn't play like FCS teams.)

9/17 at Notre Dame L (This could be one of the best games of the year in college football.)

9/24 Central Michigan W (Spartans down my alma-matter, but we've already taken them out three times)

10/1 at Ohio State W (MSU has a lot to prove, and a shorthanded OSU team is prime pickings)

10/15 Michigan L (Unfortunately, it just doesn't seem right for MSU to win four straight in this series.)

10/22 Wisconsin W (Nationally televised night games usually go to the home team.)

10/29 at Nebraska L (A brutal stretch ends 2-2 with a loss to the Huskers.)

11/5 Minnesota W (Look for the Spartans to start slow and finish fast against the lowly Gophers.)

11/12 at Iowa W (Spartans need this win to stay in the hunt for the division.)

11/19 Indiana W (Senior day should be special for Kirk Cousins.)

11/26 at Northwestern W (A win here and another New Year's Day bowl is in the works.)

Legend's Legend: Nebraska Cornhuskers

Transitional period?

I don't think so.

The excitement surrounding Nebraska's new found membership has made the media drool over the depth of good teams the league.

The Big Ten now can boast teams that might finally compete with the SEC.

It's safe to say everyone at the Big Ten corporate offices are happy.

Perhaps the only people not happy about Nebraska joining the Big Ten are the other coaches.

That's because almost every team just added another number in their loss column.

The historical Huskers join the Big Ten with an immediate chance of winning the championship from year one.

Their run first attitude, combined with a stout defence, makes Nebraska perfect fit in the historically bruising Big Ten.

However, can the Huskers learn to play in the Big Ten?

With Nebraska being the "new" kid in town, their unfamiliarity could be a blessing or a curse.

Having to make eight new scouting reports for eight new opponents and traveling to unfamiliar stadiums will play a huge role in how the season shakes out for Nebraska.

Or will the other Big Ten teams be the ones going through the transitional period?

Either way, quarterback Taylor Martinez is the key to the Cornhuskers' success.

Nebraska is will try to wear opposing defenses down with a fast, no-huddle approach. The key to that attack is the accuracy of Martinez's arm. If he cannot deliver the ball downfield, and the offense begins to doubt itself, the Huskers could find themselves struggling to put points on the board.

However, it helps when you don't give up many points.

On defensive side of the ball, DT Jered Crick leads a tenacious defence that looks to be the premier unit not only in the Big Ten, but perhaps the country.

The secondary could be second to none, with a fast and physical style that will make it very difficult for opponents to find open space.

If there is a weak spot on the defence, it would be the linebackers. This group has been put together while thinking about the spread offenses of the Big 12 and will need to show some mettle to compete with the giant offensive lines of the Big Ten. (yahoo.com)

My prediction is that Nebraska will take a couple bumps along the way, but its transition to the Big Ten should be a relatively easy one, and an appearance in Indianapolis and playing for the first Big Ten Championship is definitely a real possibility.

2011 Season Schedule and Predictions

11-1 (7-1; first Legends)

9/3 Chattanooga W (A stress free game should help the learning curve of the no-huddle.)

9/10 Fresno State W (Huskers' D might not give up any points the first two weeks.)

9/17 Washington W (A little payback for the Holiday Bowl upset last year.)

9/24 at Wyoming W (The biggest sporting event in Wyoming history.)

10/1 at Wisconsin L (Welcome to the Big Ten in arguably the toughest place to play.)

10/8 Ohio State W (First marquee Big Ten win.)

10/22 at Minnesota W (Just pretend you're playing Iowa State.)

10/29 Michigan State W (Big time game with division championship implications.)

11/5 Northwestern W (Why do I feel like Dan Persa should sit this one out?)

11/12 at Penn State W (Nebraska in Happy Valley; what a historic matchup)

11/19 at Michigan W (Winning in two iconic venues on back to back weeks is big time stuff!)

11/25 Iowa W (Could this be a blossoming rivalry??)

Leader's Leader: Wisconsin Badgers

2011 could finally be the year Wisconsin solidifies itself as one of the elite programs in the Big Ten.

For a decade it seems, the Badgers have been on the precipice of glory, but have fallen short of Ohio State year in and year out.

This year should be different, and Brett Bielema might be happier than anyone about the new Big Ten Championship game.

The Badgers will finally prove to the country they belong with an outright Big Ten title.

The addition of Russell Wilson gives the Badgers the stability at quarterback to fully utilize the behemoths that fill the offensive line.

It is well-known that the game is won in the trenches, and Wisconsin's line might be able to compete against some NFL defensive fronts.

This protection should allow plenty of time for Wilson to find play making WR Nick Toon and open truck sized holes for RB Monte Ball.

Points will not be an issue for the Badgers.

If there is any area of concern for Badger fans, it would be on the defensive line. After losing J.J. Watt to the NFL, we will have to wait and see if the coaches can find ways to keep pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Knowing Wisconsin, this shouldn't be a problem.

A favorable schedule sets up well for the Badgers as well.

If they can survive the Big Ten opener against Nebraska, the Badgers have only two more difficult games on the schedule.

The strength of the Big Ten will be too much to run the table, but one loss (either at Michigan State or the following week at Ohio State) will be more than enough to get the Badgers to Indianapolis.

If Wisconsin can win some games by some "no doubt" margins, look for the Badgers to have plenty of National Championship hype going into the title game.

Even if they don't crack the title game, a second straight appearance in the Rose Bowl will be a nice consolation.

Wisconsin is here, and they're here to stay.

2011 Season Schedule and Predictions

11-1 (7-1; first Leaders) Big Ten Champions

9/1 UNLV W (Nationally televised game to start the season. Should be rocking in Madison!)

9/10 Oregon State W (The only test before league games.)

9/17 at Northern Illinois W (This game pays the NIU athletic budget for the next five years.)

9/24 South Dakota W (A chance to rest the starters before the big one.)

10/1 Nebraska W (First take of the Big Ten title game.)

10/15 Indiana W (Potential trap game, but nothing to worry about.)

10/22 at Michigan State L (Two years in a row, Michigan State prevents a perfect regular season.)

10/29 at Ohio State W (Badgers come out fighting after a tough loss.)

11/5 Purdue W (Beginning of three relatively easy weeks.)

11/12 at Minnesota W (This shouldn't be a rivalry game.)

11/19 at Illinois W (Avoiding injuries will be key.)

11/26 Penn State W (Jump Around! Badgers are going to Indy!)

Big Ten Championship

Wisconsin 27

Nebraska 20

 Agree? Disagree? Let me hear it!