Big Ten Football: An Early-Bird Look at the Big Ten Conference in 2012

In this slideshow, I'll take a look at how the Big Ten shapes up for 2012. Obviously, there will be a great many changes before August 31, 2012, when Michigan State meets Boise State.

After all, between January, 2011, and September, 2011, Michigan got a new coach, and Ohio State fell to pieces. It is unlikely there will be as much uproar this off-season as last year, but one never knows.

Regarding "key dates on schedule," I listed games that would be imperative for the team in question to reach its goals. Needless to say, Indiana's goals—bowl eligibility, beat Purdue—are considerably different than those of Michigan—conference championship, beat Ohio State, BCS bowl.

In effect, the "key dates" for the teams reflect those teams' goals. In order for a lower-tier team to reach its goals, it has to beat similar teams in its conference, as well as upset a couple of mid-tier teams. Contrarily, in order for an upper-tier team to reach its goals, it has to compete at the highest level with the assumption that it will beat lower-tier teams.

An asterisk (*) next to a players' name means that he was first team all-conference.

Three asterisks (***) means that he was consensus All-American.

A pound symbol (#) means that he is leaving with eligibility remaining.

Finally, in order for a player to be considered a returning "starter," he had to start at least four games. I realize there are players with plenty of experience that haven't started, but as I said, at this point in the year, it is unnecessary to get too in depth. 

Northwestern Wildcats

Record This Season: 6-7

Starters Returning on Defense: Six

Starters Returning on Offense: Seven

Specialists Returning: Both

Possible Early NFL Draft Entrants: None

Key Players Lost: Dan Persa QB, Jacob Schmidt RB, Jeremy Ebert WR*, Drake Dunsmore SB/TE*, Al Netter OL, Ben Burkett OL, Kevin Watt DL, Jack DiNardo DL, Niko Mafuli DL, Vince Browne DL, Bryce McNaul LB, Jordan Mabin CB, Jeravin Matthews CB, Brian Peters S*

Key Dates on Schedule: 09/15: Boston College, 10/06: At Penn State, 10/20: Nebraska, 10/27: Iowa, 11/10: At Michigan, 11/17: At Michigan State, 11/24: Illinois

Northwestern Wildcats

Biggest Questions: The defense had enough problems this season. It was the No. 10 ranked scoring D in the Big Ten. Even worse was the pass rush, which was dead last in the conference.

Next season, it will have to undergo a rebuilding project. Even though the Wildcats officially return a healthy six starters, there are multiple part-time starters amongst that group.

Kain Colter is a playmaker, but can he be the passer that Dan Persa was?

Three of Northwestern's top five receivers have exhausted their eligibility, with a fourth—Colter—presumably moving to full-time quarterback next season.

Finally, NU has to find a running back. It can't rely on 6'0", 190-pound Colter to carry the team. He will get broken in two.

Strengths: Northwestern is a system team that produces quality system quarterbacks. Expect Colter to be the next in what has become a long line of quality signal callers.

The Cats have plenty of experience returning on the O-line, despite the graduation of both of their tackles.

Mike Trumpy was set to be the featured back in 2011, before an ACL tear ended his season. His return in 2012 will aid the rushing game.

A Premature Chance For Me To Look Stupid: 5-7 (2-6)

Minnesota Golden Gophers

Record This Season: 3-9 (2-6)

Starters Returning on Defense: Eight

Starters Returning on Offense: Six

Specialists Returning: Both

Possible Early NFL Draft Entrants: None

Key Players Lost: Duane Bennett RB, Da'Jon McKnight WR, Eric Lair TE, Collin McGarry TE, Chris Bunders OL, Ryan Orton OL, Ryan Wynn C, Anthony Jacobs DL, Brandon Kirksey DT, Gary Tinsley LB, Troy Stoudermire CB, Kim Royston S, Christyn Lewis S

Key Dates on Schedule: 09/22: Syracuse Orange, 09/29: At Iowa, 10/13: Northwestern, 10/20: At Wisconsin, 10/27: Purdue, 11/10: Illinois

Minnesota Golden Gophers

Biggest Questions: Can Marqueis Gray figure this passing thing out?

The offensive line will have to be rebuilt (again), and after 12 games, Minnesota never found a receiver to complement Da'Jon McKnight. McKnight is now gone, and the second leading receiver—Brandon Green—returns with all of 15 receptions to his name.

Meanwhile, the defense was terrible. It would have been at the bottom of almost every measurable category if not for Indiana reaching new lows of awfulness.

Strengths: If Gray can figure the passing thing out, he could be the most dangerous quarterback in the Big Ten.

There is a lot of youth on this team, and let's face it, Jerry Kill had to sort out—and is still sorting out—the mess left behind by Tim Brewster.

This season's schedule is softer than last season's. The Gophers could conceivably sweep the out-of-conference. If they can then manage two minor conference upsets, a-bowling they will go.

A Premature Chance For Me To Look Stupid: 5-7 (2-6)

Iowa Hawkeyes

Record This Season: 7-6

Starters Returning on Defense: Six

Starters Returning on Offense: Eight

Specialists Returning: Kicker

Possible Early NFL Draft Entrants: None

Key Players Lost: Marvin McNutt WR*, Brad Herman TE, Adam Gettis OL*, Markus Zusevics OL, Lebron Daniel DE, Thomas Nardo DT, Mike Daniels DT*, Broderick Binns DE*, Tyler Nielsen LB, Shaun Prater CB*, Jordan Bernstine SS, Eric Guthrie P, Riley Reiff OL*#

Key Dates on Schedule: 09/08: Iowa State, 09/29: Minnesota, 10/13: At Michigan State, 10/20: Penn State, 10/27: At Northwestern, 11/17: At Michigan, 11/23: Nebraska

Iowa Hawkeyes

Biggest Questions: Kirk Ferentz has enough weapons on offense to win games. The problem is he is defense-minded and risk aversive to the point of being pathological. This wins games in seasons when he has a strong defense. 2012 does not project to be one of those seasons.

In 2011, the Iowa defensive line was as weak as it has been in over five seasons. The 2012 line loses three starters and projects to be worse.

Quarterback James Vandenberg struggled with consistency throughout the season. He was particularly lackluster whenever he was away from Kinnick Stadium.

Replacing Marvin McNutt, the greatest receiver in Iowa Hawkeye history, will be no small challenge.

Replacing longtime defensive coordinator Norm Parker might be even more difficult.

Strengths: The Hawks return plenty of experience in the linebacking corps. This will help the defensive line.

In 2011, Marcus Coker gained 1,384 yards and almost five yards per carry. That was without any depth behind him. In 2012, he should be able to catch an occasional breather, which will render him more effective when he is on the field.

Though quarterback James Vandenberg struggled at times, he was still the third-most efficient passer in the conference. He should be better and more consistent next season.

The schedule will give the Hawkeyes a chance to grow. They don't leave the state of Iowa, outside of a "neutral" field meeting against Northern Illinois, until the middle of October. Moreover, they don't face Ohio State or Wisconsin.

A Premature Chance For Me To Look Stupid: 7-5 (4-4)

Nebraska Cornhuskers

Record This Season: 9-4

Starters Returning on Defense: Eight

Starters Returning on Offense: Eight

Specialists Returning: Both

Possible Early NFL Draft Entrants: None

Key Players Lost: Tyler Legate FB, Brandon Kinnie WR, Jamarcus Hardrick OL, Mike Caputo C*, Marcel Jones OL, Terrence Moore DT, Jared Crick DT, Lance Thorell LB/DB, Lavonte David LB***, Alfonzo Dennard CB*, Austin Cassidy S

Key Dates on Schedule: 09/08: At UCLA, 09/29: Wisconsin, 10/06: At Ohio State, 10/27: Michigan, 11/03: At Michigan State, 11/10: At Penn State, 11/23: At Iowa

Nebraska Cornhuskers

Biggest Questions: Nebraska is as it has always been—a run-first team. However, Taylor Martinez's lack of passing ability makes the Huskers far too one-dimensional to be an elite offense.

Speaking of Martinez, he is a deer-in-headlights in obvious passing downs.

The Blackshirt defense didn't make the transition to the Big Ten that Husker fans would have hoped. It was the No. 7-ranked scoring D in the conference, despite returning more experience than any other Big Ten defense.

And that was with Lavonte David and Alfonzo Dennard. Can the D improve without its best playmakers?

Furthermore, part of the excuse for last season's poor defensive showing was Jared Crick's season-ending injury. However, as the line failed to step up late in the conference schedule, that excuse wore thin.

Finally, the offensive line has some returning experience, but it will have to do some retooling without Jones, Hardrick and especially Caputo.

Strengths: Yes, stopping the Nebraska offense is a simple formula—stop the run—but stopping the Nebraska rushing attack isn't so simple.

Martinez is a strong rushing quarterback, and Rex Burkhead is no less than the toughest player in the Big Ten.

It remains to be seen if the NU D-line will step up, but it's got the right players to make an impact. Senior linemen Cameron Meredith and Blake Steinkuhler are ready to lead this team.

The special teams came into 2011 as a big question mark, but ended up one of the strongest units in the conference. Punter/kicker Brett Maher and return man, Ameer Abdullah are amongst the best in the country.

A Premature Chance For Me To Look Stupid: 9-3 (5-3)

Michigan State Spartans

Record This Season: 11-3

Starters Returning on Defense: Eight

Starters Returning on Offense: Five

Specialists Returning: Both

Possible Early NFL Draft Entrants:

Key Players Lost: Kirk Cousins QB*, Todd Anderson FB, B.J. Cunningham WR*, Keith Nichol WR, Keshawn Martin WR, Brian Linthicum TE*, Garrett Celek TE, Joel Foreman OL*, Kevin Pickelman DT, Trent Robinson FS*, Jerel Worthy DT***#, Edwin Baker RB#

Key Dates on Schedule: 08/31: Boise State, 09/15: Notre Dame, 09/29: Ohio State, 10/13: Iowa, 10/20: At Michigan, 10/27: At Wisconsin, 11/03: Nebraska,

Michigan State Spartans

Biggest Questions: The Spartans not only lose their starting quarterback for the past three years, but also their top four pass catchers. Their top returning pass catcher is running back Le'Veon Bell.

Their top returning wide receiver is defensive back Tony Lippett, who did double duty in 2011 and caught four passes for 44 yards. Given that both Spartan cornerbacks return, one would assume Lippett will become a full-time receiver in 2012, but who knows?

MSU was stocked at running back in 2011, yet it finished ninth (YPC) in the conference in rushing offense. That speaks of offensive line problems. The Spartans return four O-linemen, so that will have to be fixed ASAP, especially with the turnover at quarterback and receiver.

Trent Robinson was the leader of the defense. His loss, along with that of Jerel Worthy, cannot be underestimated.

Strengths: Defense, defense and defense.

The Spartans led the Big Ten in rushing defense, total defense, sacks, interceptions and third-down defense. It's hard to imagine MSU falling too far, given how many starters are returning.

Specifically, defensive end William Gholston, linebackers Denicos Allen and Max Bullough and defensive backs Johnny Adams and Isaiah Lewis are returning all-conference players.

As previously mentioned, MSU is still loaded at running back, even without Edwin Baker.

Also, special teams have consistently been a strength under Mark Dantonio. There is no reason to think that will change in 2012.

The young quarterback and receivers won't have to face any stiff road tests until the Oct. 20 date against Michigan. Furthermore, the only other tough road game of the year will be the following week against Wisconsin.

A Premature Chance For Me To Look Stupid: 9-3 (6-2)

Michigan Wolverines

Record This Season: 11-2

Starters Returning on Defense: Eight

Starters Returning on Offense: Seven

Specialists Returning: Both

Possible Early NFL Draft Entrants: None

Key Players Lost: Junior Hemingway WR, Martavious Odoms WR, Kelvin Grady WR, Kevin Koger TE, Steve Watson TE, David Molk C***, Mark Huyge OL, Mike Martin DT*, Will Heininger DT, Ryan Van Bergen DL, Troy Woolfolk CB

Key Dates on Schedule: 09/01: Alabama (in Arlington, TX), 09/22: At Notre Dame, 10/20: Michigan State, 10/27: At Nebraska, 11/17: Iowa, 11/24: At Ohio State

Michigan Wolverines

Biggest Questions: Denard Robinson is not, nor will he ever be a great passer. This does not correspond with Al Borges' offense, which can make whatever tweaks it needs to, but ultimately requires a great passer to achieve maximum efficiency.

Speaking of tweaks, bringing in backup quarterback Devin Gardner on random downs makes no sense.

The defensive line will have to be rebuilt. There are able bodies, but, up to this point in their careers, some of those bodies are vying for the Gabe Watson Award for Underachievement.

UM has lots of receivers, but none has stepped up as a go-to guy.

Replacing Dave Molk is easier said than done.

And that schedule is a beast—Bama and Notre Dame before September is over? Even the contest against Air Force won't be easy.

Strengths: Robinson may never be a great passer, but he is a great playmaker, and is the unquestioned leader of the offense. This team will win games for him.

He is more dangerous with the emergence of running back Fitzgerald Toussaint.

The job of rebuilding the front four will be made easier by what should be one of the strongest back sevens in the conference.

Particularly notable is middle linebacker Kenny Demens. Look for him to be first team all-conference this season.

A Premature Chance For Me To Look Stupid: 10-2 (7-1)

Indiana Hoosiers

Record This Season: 1-11 (0-8)

Starters Returning on Defense: Eight

Starters Returning on Offense: Nine

Specialists Returning: Both

Possible Early NFL Draft Entrants: None

Key Players Lost: Dre Muhammad WR, Demarlo Belcher WR, Max Dedmond TE, Andrew McDonald OL, Justin Pagan OL, Darius Johnson DE, Fred Jones DE, Jeff Thomas LB, Leon Beckum LB, Chris Adkins S, Jarrell Drane S, Donnell Jones S,

Key Dates on Schedule: 09/29: At Northwestern, 10/20: At Navy, 10/27: At Illinois, 11/03: Iowa, 11/24: At Purdue

Indiana Hoosiers

Biggest Questions: Kevin Wilson built his staff with an emphasis on defense. You'd never know it judging by the way it played in 2011.

It was last in the conference in almost every measurable statistical category, and was No. 114 in the country in scoring defense. That has to change immediately.

It will start with the back seven, which will have to replace two linebackers and three safeties—IU liked to play a lot of nickel and dime looks.

By the way, nickel and dimes as the base defense are not a good idea in the Big Ten. Wilson has to get some linebackers in the lineup ASAP.

The Hoosiers might have a quarterback controversy next season, with three signal callers vying for the job.

Speaking of signal callers, the Gunner Kiel situation left a good deal of egg on Wilson's face.

Strengths: It's Indiana. Low expectations equal time and room to sort things out. Wilson doesn't have to produce a winner right away.

There probably won't be much of a quarterback controversy, as true freshman Tre Roberson showed a good deal of potential, starting IU's final five games. Yes, the Hoosiers lost all of those games, but outside of the 3-55 rout by protected rival Michigan State, the Indiana offense looked respectable.

The Hoosiers will have a better chance to pick up easy wins next season, as the out-of-conference slate is softer than last year.

A Premature Chance For Me To Look Stupid: 3-9 (0-8)

Penn State Nittany Lions

Record This Season: 9-4

Starters Returning on Defense: Five

Starters Returning on Offense: Five

Specialists Returning: Both

Possible Early NFL Draft Entrants: None

Key Players Lost: Joe Suhey FB, Derek Moye WR, Andrew Szczerba TE, Quinn Barham OL, Johnnie Troutman OL, DeOn'te Pannell OL, Chima Okoli OL, Eric Latimore DE, Jack Crawford DE*, Devon Still DT***, Nate Stupar LB, D'Anton Lynn CB, Chaz Powell CB, Drew Astorino S, Nick Sukay S*

Key Dates on Schedule: 09/08: At Virginia, 09/29: At Illinois, 10/20: At Iowa, 10/27: Ohio State, 11/03: At Purdue, 11/10: At Nebraska, 11/24: Wisconsin

Penn State Nittany Lions

Biggest Questions: Where to begin?

Let's start with the biggest issue. Will the NCAA and/or the Big Ten crush PSU with sanctions? If they don't, it will be further proof that the governing body of the NCAA is a joke. Moreover, the only reason they wouldn't is because Penn State, and by extension, the Big Ten, is "too big to fail."

Second question: for the first time in a gazillion years, there will be a new coach roaming the sidelines at PSU. The problem is only a desperate individual would take the job, given the current state of things in Happy Valley.

The seemingly desperate individual in question is former New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien. This hiring has left a number of irate alumni.

With that desperation and vitriol in mind, one would have to assume recruiting will be down, and there might be an inordinate number of transfers this off-season.

As for football questions, PSU has the fewest returning starters in the conference. It will have to rebuild an offensive line that hasn't been particularly good since 2008.

The secondary—one of the best in the conference in 2011—will have to replace all four starters, and the defensive line will also need some retooling.

And, of course, there is the quarterback issue, as the Nits haven't had solid quarterback play since Daryll Clark left in 2009.

Strengths: Silas Redd is one of the three best tailbacks in the conference, and he's got plenty of established depth.

Penn State will have one of the two best linebacker position groups in the Big Ten, and defensive tackle Jordan Hill is poised to be the next breakout star along the defensive line.

If the NCAA does indeed give Penn State a free pass, from a football standpoint, a new coach is exactly what this program needs, provided it is the right coach.

The schedule misses Michigan and Michigan State, and the only rough conference road trips are to Iowa and Nebraska.

A Premature Chance For Me To Look Stupid: 6-6 (2-6)

Illinois Illini

Record This Season: 7-6

Starters Returning on Defense: Seven

Starters Returning on Offense: Nine

Specialists Returning: Punter

Possible Early NFL Draft Entrants: None

Key Players Lost: Jason Ford RB, A.J. Jenkins WR*, Fred Sykes WR, Jeff Allen OL*, Jack Cornell OL, Trulon Henry LB, Ian Thomas LB, Tavon Wilson DB, Whitney Mercilus DE***#

Key Dates on Schedule: 09/08: At Arizona State, 09/29: Penn State, 10/06: At Wisconsin, 10/13: At Michigan, 11/03: At Ohio State, 11/17: Purdue, 11/24: At Northwestern

Illinois Illini

Biggest Questions: New coach, new issues.

In this particular case, Ron Zook was a great recruiter and a great motivator. He even seemed to be a decent game planner, but he was an awful in-game coach. What type of hangover will new coach, Tim Beckman, have to deal with?

The Illini will have to reestablish a running game that fell apart down the stretch, and was a large reason for their end-of-the-season collapse.

A.J. Jenkins had almost half of the Illini's receptions and receiving yardage, as well as eight of their 14 touchdown grabs. The second-leading receiver—Spencer Harris—had less than a third of Jenkins' production.

The linebacker group will need to be rebuilt, and Whitney Mercilus's early departure will have to be reckoned with.

Strengths: Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase was having an outstanding season before the Illini fell apart. There is no reason to think he can't prolong his success under a better coach.

Zook was a great recruiter. That means that in terms of talent, Beckman will step into a better situation than most new coaches.

Linebacker Jonathan Brown is the team's top tackler, and will be one of the conference's best linebackers in 2012. Also, cornerback Terry Hawthorne is one of the more underrated defenders in the Big Ten.

Though the offense fell apart at the end of the year, the defense was solid. The pieces are in place for it to be solid next season as well.

Finally, the Illini have a favorable conference slate that has them missing Nebraska, Michigan State and Iowa.

A Premature Chance For Me To Look Stupid: 8-4 (4-4)

Wisconsin Badgers

Record This Season: 11-3

Starters Returning on Defense: Six

Starters Returning on Offense: Five

Specialists Returning: Kicker

Possible Early NFL Draft Entrants:

Key Players Lost: Russell Wilson QB*, Bradie Ewing FB, Nick Toon WR*, Jake Byrne TE, Kevin Zeitler OL***, Josh Oglesby OL*, Louis Nzegwu DE, Patrick Butrym DT, Kevin Claxton LB, Antonio Fenelus CB*, Aaron Henry FS*, Peter Konz C*#

Key Dates on Schedule: 09/08: At Oregon State, 09/29: At Nebraska, 10/27: Michigan State, 11/17: Ohio State, 11/24: At Penn State

Wisconsin Badgers

Biggest Questions: In 2010, it seemed that Bret Bielema had answered questions regarding his ability to win the big games. Those questions popped back up again in 2011. The Badgers had the personnel to go undefeated, yet they lost two key games, not to mention losing the Rose Bowl on yet another questionable end-of-game decision.

If Bielema is to take his program to the next level, he has to beat Ohio State, Michigan State and Nebraska in 2012.

There is a reason Wisconsin actively sought Russell Wilson's services. Now, he is gone, and UW will have to go to one of its less-accomplished, less-developed quarterbacks.

The Badgers never adequately replaced J.J. Watt from the 2010 line. Now, they are short two more starters, and still need a big-play lineman to step up.

Yes, Wisconsin produces running backs as regularly as the state produces cheddar cheese. However, James White has consistently failed to step up in big games.

The Badgers will have a virtual staff overhaul. Over the off-season, they lost five assistant coaches. The most notable is offensive coordinator Paul Chryst, who was arguably the best OC in the Big Ten. 

Strengths: Chris Borland and Mike Taylor make for two of the better linebackers in the country and the core of the defense.

Wisconsin produces linemen and running backs with regularity. The Badgers should be fine despite the departure of three all-conference linemen.

Furthermore, UW is becoming a tight end factory. Travis Beckum, Garrett Graham, Lance Kendricks and now Jacob Pedersen.

Receiver Jared Abbrederis is a solid player, and will minimize the loss of Nick Toon.

A Premature Chance For Me To Look Stupid: 8-4 (5-3)

Purdue Boilermakers

Record This Season: 7-6

Starters Returning on Defense: Eight

Starters Returning on Offense: 10

Specialists Returning: Punter

Possible Early NFL Draft Entrants: Kawann Short DT*

Key Players Lost: Robert Marve QB, Jared Crank FB, Justin Siller WR, Dennis Kelly OL, James Shepherd OL, Nick Mondek OL, Gerald Gooden DE, Joe Holland LB, Albert Evans S, Logan Link S

Key Dates on Schedule: 09/08: Notre Dame, 10/06: Michigan, 10/13: Wisconsin, 10/20: At Ohio State, 11/03: Penn State, 11/10: At Iowa, 11/17: At Illinois, 11/24: At Indiana

Purdue Boilermakers

Biggest Questions: Danny Hope has taken baby steps in each of his first three seasons. It is time to take a big step into something more than a .500 season.

He will have two experienced quarterbacks with similar skill sets next season—2010's starter, Rob Henry and 2011's starter, Caleb TerBush. It is one thing to juggle quarterbacks when they have different abilities, but it is pointless when they are the same type of player. Hope has to choose a signal caller and stick with him.

The offensive line will have to undergo a slight rebuilding project. Also, while the Boilers like to spread the ball around, they have to find a go-to receiver. That has been the biggest void in their offense for the past two years.

No. 9 Big Ten scoring defense in 2009. No. 7 in 2010. No. 9 in 2011. And that was with Ryan Kerrigan in the first two years, and potential first rounder Kawann Short this season. The defense has to pick up some slack.

It won't get any help from the void it will have to fill at safety.

Strengths: Having to choose between two experienced quarterbacks is not a bad thing, especially when they've both proven reliable.

Ralph Bolden and Akeem Shavers are an underrated 1-2 punch out of the backfield. They averaged 4.61 YPC in 259 carries.

Though the Purdue offense is and has been lacking a go-to receiver, it is not short on candidates. Purdue boasts three returning receivers with 29 or more catches, plus two reliable tight ends.

Josh Johnson and Ricardo Allen are an underrated and strong pair of cornerbacks.

If Kawann Short returns for his senior season, he could be one of the best defensive tackles in college football.

A Premature Chance For Me To Look Stupid: 8-4 (5-3)

Ohio State Buckeyes

Record This Season: 6-7

Starters Returning on Defense: Ten

Starters Returning on Offense: Nine

Specialists Returning: Both

Possible Early NFL Draft Entrants: None

Key Players Lost: Dan Herron RB, DeVier Posey WR, Mike Adams OL*, J.B. Shurgarts OL, Mike Brewster C*, Tyler Moeller LB/S, Andrew Sweat LB*

Key Dates on Schedule: 09/15: California, 09/29: At Michigan State, 10/06: Nebraska, 10/27: At Penn State, 11/17: At Wisconsin, 11/24: Michigan

Ohio State Buckeyes

Biggest Questions: Sophomore quarterback Braxton Miller has tons of talent, but the passing offense was horrible in 2011.

The top pass catcher—tight end, Jake Stoneburner—had 14 receptions, and the top wide receiver—Devin Smith—had 12 catches.

Urban Meyer's offense starts with the run, but the offense requires an efficient passing game as well.

Speaking of Urban Meyer, his system is not easy to learn. It requires the quarterback to take on a number of responsibilities. Is Miller ready for them?

Another issue with the offense is the line, which will need some retooling.

Will a bowl ban diminish the morale of this group? Is playing for 2013 enough, especially for the seniors?

Finally, let's not kid ourselves—the Big Ten does not want its conference champion to be under sanctions.

Strengths: Meyer is three-for-three in terms of success at various programs. Yes, he never sticks around long enough to achieve long-term success, but his short-term efficacy is unparalleled.

While most focus on Meyer's offenses, they put aside the success he regularly has with defensive units. His Florida defensive squads were top 20 scoring defense every year he was at the helm except 2007 and 2010. They were top 10 squads three out of the six years.

With almost every starter returning from a solid 2011 Ohio State defense, this bunch will be amongst the best in the country.

Particularly notable is defensive lineman John Simon, who was all-conference and could be All-American next year.

Braxton Miller is a perfect fit for Meyer's offense, and while the 2011 O was short on productivity and experience, it was not short on talent.

An out-of-conference schedule that includes four home games will give the young Buckeye offense a chance to figure out what it's doing.

A Premature Chance For Me To Look Stupid: 11-1 (7-1)