Big Ten Football: Predicting the Division Winners

It's the first year of the "new" Big Ten: two brand new divisions and now Nebraska is in the mix.

Will Nebraska be able to win the conference in its first year?  Will Wisconsin defend its title?  Can Ohio State recover?  Will Michigan return to its place among college football powerhouses?

All these questions will be answered this year in Big Ten football.

Here's my attempt to predict the outcome of the Big Ten this season.  I'm in no way an expert, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on my predictions.

Legends Division

6. Minnesota

The Gophers will be playing for new head coach Jerry Kill.  Although he has big plans for the Gophers, they are a long way from being competitive.  The Gophers will finish 3-9.

5. Michigan

The Wolverines, like Minnesota will also be starting over with a new head coach.  Denard Robinson will remain the key to the team's success.  The early test against Notre Dame will determine if the Wolverines are close to righting the ship.  

My guess is it still needs time.  The Wolverines will finish 6-6.

4. Iowa

Kirk Ferentz is one of the best coaches in the country.  He'll get his team in shape, despite losing quite a few starters.  The Hawkeyes will finish 7-5.

3. Michigan State

The Spartans missed out on the BCS last season.  Kirk Cousins will lead a powerful offense.  However, I have doubts that the Spartans will be able to repeat last year's campaign.  The Spartans will finish 8-4.

2. Nebraska

The newcomers have a rough welcome into the Big Ten.  Their first conference game is at Camp Randall Stadium at night and we all know it is one of the most difficult road tests in the country.  

However, Taylor Martinez will prove the Cornhusker rushing attack is still one of the most potent offensive attacks in the country.  The Cornhuskers will finish 9-3.

1. Northwestern

Dan Persa is one of the best quarterbacks in the country.  The success of NU football depends on Persa.  If Persa plays well, the Wildcat offense is unstoppable.  

Persa will prove to be a Heisman candidate.  The Wildcats will finish 10-2. 

Leaders Division

6. Indiana

It could be a rough year in Bloomington.  The Hoosiers will finish 3-9.

5. Illinois

The Illini showed flashes of brilliance near the end of last season.  There appears to be some work still needed.  The Illini will finish 5-7.

4. Purdue

The Boilermakers game against Notre Dame will be an indicator of the team's potential.  A victory over the Irish could lead the Boilers to a 5-0 start, but I don't think it's going to happen.  The Boilermakers will finish 6-6.

3. Penn State

So far the biggest story out of Happy Valley is that Joe Pa got hurt at practice.  Their Week 2 matchup against Alabama will be a good indicator of how well the season will go.  Though I don't expect the Lions to win, a close game could prove they're going to have a good season.  

The Nittany Lions will finish 7-5.

2. Ohio State

Well, the Buckeyes lost their head coach and Terrell Pryor.  However, the Buckeyes are still stacked with talent.  I don't expect the Buckeyes to miss much of a beat, but it will be hard to defend their Big Ten crown.  

The Buckeyes have a tough non-conference schedule that features Miami (FL) and Colorado.  Their conference schedule features early matchups against Sparty, Wisco and Nebraska.  I don't think these games will be too kind to OSU.  The Buckeyes will finish 8-4.

1. Wisconsin

The defending Big Ten champion Badgers lost many key players from last year's Rose Bowl team.  However, the Badgers will reload the offensive line (they always do) and the addition of Russell Wilson at quarterback will add a passing game that Wisconsin hasn't seen in ages.  

A healthy Chris Borland and Nick Toon will help the Badgers as well.  The Badgers will finish 11-1.

Championship Game

Northwestern Wildcats vs. Wisconsin Badgers

The surprise Wildcats will be up against the Wisconsin Badgers.  Bucky demolished NU last year, scoring over 70 points.  However, this year, with a healthy Dan Persa, the Wildcats will be able to keep up.  

I give a slight edge to Badgers.  Their size up front and two-headed monster of James White and Montee Ball will give the undersized Wildcat defense problems.  It'll be a shootout, but Wisconsin will prevail.

Prediction: Wisconsin over Northwestern, Bucky Goes to Pasadena