Big Ten Preview

We like the Nittany Lions to get back to the Rose Bowl this year. Sure, they lost all their receivers (Deon Butler and Derek Williams namely) but what they do return is the top signal caller in the conference, Daryll Clark and probably the top back in Evan Royster. They are also fierce up front on defense, as usual.

Terrelle Pryor should be a lot of fun to watch this year. His development is still a work in progress but with nearly a full year under his belt he's going to get better and better. The Buckeyes have a lot of wholes to fill in key positions, but it's Ohio State, meaning blue chippers were just waiting for their turn to play. They'll be in the BCS conversation.

This is a pick that most pundits wouldn't agree with, but because the conference is wide open after the first two teams, I think it's a possibility. Spartie has a kid named Keith Nichol at quarterback, an Oklahoma transfer who was very close to being the starter instead of Sam Bradford. Apparently he's good. They also boast eight returning players on defense and a commitment to hard nosed football.

A solid offensive line returns, quite a few key defensive players are back and quarterback Ricky Stanzi should be more comfortable. The loss of Shonn Greene in the backfield will really be felt, so I think the Hawkeyes' success hinges on finding a capable replacement for last year's stud.

The Zooker should have the Illini back to bowl contention, but to be serious contenders they have to shore up a defense that allowed nearly 27 points a game. They held only UL-Lafayette and Indiana under 20 points. Juice Williams needs to be more consistent, and they need to get the ball to Arrelious Benn, who is an absolute game changer.

The Gophers reached a bowl last year and with Adam Weber and Eric Decker returning to lead the offense, I think they'll do it again. This team should be 5-1 heading into games at Happy Valley and in the Horseshoe.

Rich Rodriguez won't be allowed to go 3-9 again, I will guarantee that. I think he's probably getting more things ironed out and getting the players he wants/needs, so like for the Wolverines to bounce back and go 5-7, or perhaps 6-6.

This team might go 6-6 because of a horrible non-conference schedule. They also avoid Ohio State this year. C.J. Bacher is gone from under center, but Mike Kafka proved very reliable when filling in last year. The biggest holes to fill will be the loss of leading rusher Tyrell Sutton and leading receivers Ross Lane and Eric Peterman.

Things are bleak in Badger land. Huge RB John Clay will carry the load on offense, but with very little surrounding him on offense and with several key players on defense to replace, look for the Badgers to be a team that could miss out on a bowl game.

This team will beat Indiana, and Indiana only, in conference play. A new coach, very little talent equals a long year for the Boilers.

It will be a rough football year for the state of Indiana. The Hoosiers are in for a long season of losing in the Big Ten after winning just one conference game a year ago.