2011 NCAA Conference Previews Part 8

-Big Ten Conference-

Predicted Finish

Leaders Division

1.Wisconsin
-Wisconsin loses its starting QB and leading rusher from last year's Rose Bowl team but I still expect them to win the leaders divison. QB Russell Wilson, who transferred from NC State, will be a big boost and the running back corps will still be above average with Montee Ball and James White carrying the ball. There are a few holes but the Badgers will be big, strong and successful this season.
2.Ohio State
-Ohio State has to replace a hall of fame coach, a dual threat experienced QB and have to deal with the suspensions of 4 important players for the first half of the season. Yet, the Buckeyes will still be good. By the time conference play arrives this team should have figured enough questions out to go through the season and finish in the top two of the leaders division.
3.Illinois
4.Penn St
5.Purdue
6.Indiana

Legends Division

1.Nebraska
-Nebraska enter their first season in the Big 10 as one of the favorites to win the whole conference. Leading the offense is electric QB Taylor Martinez while DE Jared Crick leads on the defensive side. While not a slam dunk #1 pick, the Huskers should have a very successful year.
2.Michigan St
-Michigan St. doesn't have flashy guy like Taylor Martinez at QB , but Kirk Cousins is more than capable to lead to his team to a very successful season. The run game will be held down by back Edwin Baker and the defense will have some very solid players. The schedule, however, is a tough one.
3.Northwestern
4.Iowa
5.Michigan
6.Minnesota

-Player of the Year-
RB Edwin Baker, Michigan State

-Best Conference Games-
Nebraska @ Wisconsin, Oct 1st
Ohio St. @ Nebraska, Oct 8th
Wisconsin @ Ohio St, Oct 29th
Michigan St. @ Iowa, Nov 12th
Michigan ST. @ Northwestern Nov 26th

NCAA Football Conference Previews Part 7

-Big Ten Conference-

Predicted Finish

1.Ohio State

 Ranked #2 in the country, theBuckeyes are the favorite to win the Big Ten because of 16 returning starters, 10 on offense,including QB Terrell Pryor coming off a great Rose Bowl last season. We will see how good this team is early as Miami comes to Columbus the second week of the season.

2.Wisconsin

 Also returning 16 starters, 10 on offense, are the Wisconsin Badgers. Returning the entire offensive line and running back John Clay, this team should be ready to make a run in the conference. The only hurdles surrrounding the Badgers are replacing spots on the defensive line and the play of the Quarterback. If those hurdles are cleared, watch out.

3.Iowa

 Iowa should have another strong year behind great defensive play and solid contributions from the running back and quarterback positions. The only reason i have them here in 3rd place is because of concern on the offensive line which has to break in a center and two guards.

4.Penn State

 Penn State will not compete for the conference title this year but should have a decent season because of 15 returning starters including RB Evan Royster. Question is, who will play quarterback for the Nittany Lions?

5.Northwestern

 QB Mike Kafka is gone but replacing him is Dan Persa behind an experienced offensive line. The Wildcats should expect to be a middle of the pack team and make it to a bowl game behind a good passing game and decent defense.

6.Michigan State

 QB Kirk Cousins, an athletic secondary, decent d-line and all american LB Greg Jones will have this team looking acceptable.

7.Illinois

 Coming off a very (very!!) disappointing year, coach Ron Zook better have this team looking improved. An experience defense will have to be the key. Avoiding Iowa and Wisconsin should help.

8.Purdue

 I was excited to see this Purdue team on the field this year as it continues to improve but an ACL tear for RB Ralph Bolden will certainly slow that improvement. QB and Miami transer Robert Marve should be solid this year working receiver Keith Smith but the defense and finding a running game will take some time.

9.Michigan

 The conference is better when Michigan is a contender but it won't happen this year. Improving into a decent middle of the conference team is possible but for now i have them sitting at the bottom. Hard seeing them win more than 3 or 4 conference games.

10.Indiana

 This team may have the talent to surprise a few teams every once in awhile but not on a consistent basis.

11.Minnesota

 The lone bright spot will be QB Adam Weber. Other than that, the defense wont be very good and neither will this team.

-Player of the Year-

Jon Clay, RB, Wisconsin

Because i just cant believe the hype with Terrel Pryor yet. This guy will have a solid year for a contending team.

-Must See Games-

Ohio St @ Wisconsin, Oct 16th

Wisconsin @ Iowa, Oct 23rd

Ohio St @ Iowa, Nov 20th