Four Weeks Left, Six Teams Standing
Well, how's that for clarity? Michigan State's magic ran out with a thud in Lincoln. But by late afternoon, what looked like a four team race in the Legends was down to three after Iowa inexplicably lost to rival Minnesota in maybe the biggest shocker of the day in college football. Penn State dug out another workman like win to firmly plant itself in the Leaders Division driver's seat. But that only after Ohio State made a statement and turned that division into a race.
Hang on tight! It's going to be a wild ride. Six teams - three per division - will vie for a trip to Indy. I realize more are technically still alive, but I see this as six teams with sights on two slots. More on who has what left and who I predict where later...
The good...
Ohio State. Wow. I didn't see anything but that last 5 minutes and that was enough. I felt like I was watching MSU - UW all over again. Hat's off to Braxton Miller - who has now officially arrived. And notice served to the rest of the league. Penn State. Ugly but who cares? JoePa climbs to the tip top of the Division 1 leaderboard and the Nits do it like they have all year long - with defense and resilience. Nebraska. Finally, a dominating performance from that black shirt defense. The Spartans never figured out how to beat it and the Cornhuskers made Cousins and MSU pay dearly. Michigan. Solid. Done the old fashioned way - on the ground, with authority. Minnesota. I thought for sure the Gophers were part of the Suck for Luck campaign! Seriously though, vote of confidence this week for Coach Kill and a nice win to retain Floyd. Northwestern. The points were flying in Bloomington as the 'cats hit their stride on offense. The defense still worries me but it was a win to stop the bleeding.
The bad...
Wisconsin. For all the tremendous spirit the Badger offense showed again in a late, improbable comeback, the secondary was torched again. This time losing sight of a Buckeye receiver with 20 seconds left. Illinois. That makes three tough losses in a row with a schedule that still has some toughies. Really hard when one of the most reliable kickers in the country doinks one that would have sent the game to OT. Michigan State. Part I. The Spartans also belong in the ugly category. The defense was not to blame - except for some very untimely penalties. State flat out ran out of gas and it showed. And that play calling? Come on! Purdue. After looking like they were going to be a part of this race and jumping out early, the Boilers were steamrolled in Ann Arbor.
The ugly...
Michigan State. Part II. Uh, can we have an adjustment please? Nebraska dared MSU to run up the gut, and when the Spartans did, they gained yards in chunks. Yet State chose to try and beat double coverage all day and it never worked. Blueprint for the next four weeks? Iowa. That was fugly. Just when you think Iowa is going to rise up and be a part of the race, the Hawkeyes play uninspired football and lose a rivalry game to a very bad Minnesota team. The Hawkeyes are still a key player, with games against all three Legends leaders remaining. Indiana. Beating a dead horse is getting old but were the Hoosiers really this gutted and fundamentally unsound when Wilson came in? There is a glimmer of hope in 38 points on offense. But that was against one of the softest defenses in the conference.
The race...
Back to the very interesting Big Ten race. Nope, we won't get a participant in the national title game this year. Why? The depth in the conference is very good. There are six top 25 worthy teams and each of them will have a huge say in how this thing ends up. Here is a look at what is left for each team, the probability of a trip to Indy (my odds) and who goes where in the bowl scheme of things.
Leaders Division:
Penn State - Currently 5-0 in conference play and with a two game lead on the pack. Penn State has a bye this week, followed by a visit from Nebraska and trips to Ohio State and Wisconsin. The Nitanny Lions have the toughest slate remaining. I like the way the defense is playing though, and while I don't see a 3-0 finish, 2-1 is highly possible, and thus I put the chances of Penn State making it to Indy at 50%.
Ohio State - Currently 2-2 in conference play with both losses to cross divisional foes. The win over UW was huge as is having Penn State trekking to Cbus. Indiana, at Purdue, Penn State and at Michigan remain. There is a better than average chance the trip to Michigan could be huge for the Buckeyes. I see a 3-1 finish but that won't be enough. Chances of making Indy - 25%.
Wisconsin - Currently 2-2 in conference play with the loss to Ohio State being critical. UW still has Penn State left to close the season and the easiest road of the three: Purdue, at Minnesota, at Illinois, Penn State. I see a 4-0 finish but that won't be enough to get the Badgers to Indy. Chances of making it to Lucas Oil Field? 25%
Legends Division:
Nebraska - Currently 3-1 in conference play with a key win over Michigan State. Nebraska has the toughest remaining road in the division with Northwestern, at Penn State, at Michigan and Iowa. The defense has come alive and the offense is tough to defend but I see Nebraska taking it on the chin at Penn State, finishing 3-1 and falling out of the chase for Indy. I put the chances at going to Indy at 40%.
Michigan State - Currently 3-1 in the conference after a brutal month of October. The good news for MSU is that it has the easiest schedule between the division contenders - Minnesota, at Iowa, Indiana and at Northwestern. I see a 4-0 finish and a trip to Indy to help put the unsightly performance in Lincoln to bed. I put MSU's chances of making Indy at 45%
Michigan - Currently 3-1 in the division with a key loss to Michigan State and critical battles remaining. Michigan has to go to Iowa and Illinois and then has Nebraska and Ohio State at home. Iowa is stinging and will be up for this game. Illinois is in a similar boat. Nebraska and nemesis OSU close out the toughest slate of the three contenders. I see a 2-2 finish and with the loss to Michigan State, a less than likely chance to make Indy. Chances? 15%.
Way early bowl projections...
I see Michigan State and Penn State making it to Indy and MSU getting it's first Rose Bowl berth in 24 years.
Penn State will get shut out of the at large pool, as title game runner-ups are apt to be, and Nebraska gets the at-large BCS nod at 10-2.
Wisconsin slides into the Capital One Bowl at 10-2 and with the win over Penn State, while Penn State goes back to the Outback Bowl.
The Insight picks ahead of the Gator this year and goes with a 9-3 Michigan team.
Ohio State, at 8-4 heads to the Gator Bowl.
Illinois goes back to the Meineke Car Care Bowl.
Iowa manages a sixth win and goes to the TicketCity Bowl.
No one else makes a bowl and the Little Caesars falls back to the at-large pool.
Think I'm off base? Tell me what you think? The ESPN bloggers seems to be on the same wavelength.
Get Gamm:
Michigan at Iowa
Minnesota at Michigan State
Indiana at Ohio State
Purdue at Wisconsin
Northwestern at Nebraska
Showing posts with label 2011 big ten football predictions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2011 big ten football predictions. Show all posts
Monday, October 31, 2011
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
Time to tango - week two is upon usFirst, a hearty congrats and shout out to Phats who went a perfect 12-0 last week! Too bad we seem to have lost Buckeye Nation (is he still in RIP Tressel U mourning?) and Dan, as well as Andrew and some others. But no less, 12-0 was impressive Phats! Send me your picks and I will add them to mine.
Note - welcome back Dan! Not sure why the blog went away... it said there was suspicious activity but we're back now!
Mayo and I went 9-3, not bad, but not good enough!
Week one saw some impressive beginnings, some shaky starts, some lucky finishes and some, well, nasty performances (IU - what the?!). Kudos to Northwestern for the best win of the week and a tip of the hat to Minnesota for a nice start to the Kill era. And, foor those keeping track: Big Ten 2, MAC 1.
No time to belabor the week that was any further, so here is the week that is with a couple of impressive games on the slate.
Florida Atlantic at Michigan State - FAU brings an athletic defense but anemic offense to East Lansing. The Spartans need to shore some gaps, and someone please remind the holder - LACES OUT! I see a smoother game with some big numbers from Baker and Cousins and another great game from Bullough. MSU 41 - FAU 7
Phats: Michigan State 35 FAU 7- Michigan State is my 2nd favorite big ten team behind the Boilers.
Iowa at Iowa State - The Cyclones beat Kurt Warner's alma mater by one in the opener while Iowa rolled. Unfortunately for Iowa, the annual RB injury bug bit again, leaving the Hawkeyes without an impressive freshman. Iowa is better and overcomes a fired up crowd. Iowa 27 - ISU 14
Phats: Iowa 21 Iowa State 14
Oregon State at Wisconsin - The Beavers, of the northern tier in the soon to be Pac 324, lost to Sacramento State in the opener. Meanwhile, the Badgers kicked the runnin' out of the Rebels last week. The Badgers have a top-notch offense, even if there is work to do on D. UW 41 - OSU 17
Phats: Wisconsin 41 Oregon State 10- You would think this would be a better match up, but after OSU losing last week not so sure, and Wisconsin looked pretty tough
South Dakota State at Illinois - Really? Follow up Arkansas State with South Dakota State? No offense to the Jackrabbits, who beat powerhouse Southern Utah in the opener but come on Zooker! The Illini should get plenty of reps for anyone who wants to play. Ill-i-n-i 40 - SDS 13
Phats: Illinois 38 South Dakota State 10
Toledo at Ohio State - OSU goes for 2-0 versus the MAC after an easy slaughter of the Zips. The next fast mascot team to hit C-bus, the Rockets, may be a tad better but don't expect Toledo to add the Bucks to its list of beaten Big Ten teams. Ohio State 45 - Toledo 7
Phats: Ohio State 49 toledo 14- Who made Toledo's schedule? I believe they host Boise State after this game that's a brutal 2 game stretch
Alabama at Penn State - One of two in the Game of the Week sweepstakes. This game has tradition written all over it. Last year, Penn State found out how good the Bama defense was. Might that happen again? I expect a lower scoring affair as Alabama is rounding out the offense. Alabama 20 - Penn State 13.
Phats: Alabama 28 penn state 17- I think this game will be closer than most people think, unfortunately for the Big Ten I don't see us pulling the upset
Eastern Illinois at Northwestern - Yeah. See Illinois commentary. Another week to rest Persa and get a well deserved break after a tough road opener. NU 31 - EIEIO - 10
Phats: ?
New Mexico State at Minnesota - An easier task than a trip to SC for sure. Minnesota notches a win and builds on some of the surprising momentum from the opening loss. Minnesota 34 - NMSU 13
Phats: Minnesota 35 New Mexico State 17- Nice effort by the Gophers at SC, this one should be a little easier and a W!
Purdue at Rice - The Boilers are off to Texas to be entertained by the Rice band. Yep, that's right, this is all about the band. Rice pulls no punches, as it spelled out $EC to Texas Longhorns fans last week. On the field, this could go either way, though Purdue has some momentum from the nice comeback last week. Purdue 27 - Rice 17
Phats: Purdue 24 rice 10- I will take an ugly win any day, especially for a team coming off 6 straight losses, but we really need to clean up some things in week two or we won't be as lucky. Better all around game propels the Boilers to 2-0 and a nice road win. Boiler Up!
Fresno State at Nebraska - Remember when Fresno was the Boise State of college football? The Bulldogs are still decent and aren't afraid to go on the road, but the horses aren't there. Nebraska will only get better from last week and get to 2-0 easily. Cornhuskers 33 - Dogs 10
Phats: Nebraska 49 fresno state 17- Might be closer but who knows still getting to know the Huskers
Virgnia at Indiana - Given that the Hoosiers went to Lucas Oil Field and laid a ginormous egg, I am not going to give this anymore space. UVA breaks a road losing streak. Cavs 37 - Hoosiers 20
Phats: Virginia 42 indiana 21- Different coach, same result.
Notre Dame at Michigan - Game of the Week part duex. ND looked mighty bad in a game that stretched over six hours last week, or at least it felt like that. Michigan got a win in less than three quarters. Some want to canonize the M defense after a two TD performance. While better, take note - ND racked up half a thousand yards but killed itself with mindless turnovers. ND will shore things up. This will be a classic for the first night game in Big House history. I'm going with the non chic pick: ND 27 - M 24
Phats: Michigan 28 notre dame 24- Not really sure how good either of these teams are so this game might tell us something. I don't like ND so GO BLUE
Note - welcome back Dan! Not sure why the blog went away... it said there was suspicious activity but we're back now!
Mayo and I went 9-3, not bad, but not good enough!
Week one saw some impressive beginnings, some shaky starts, some lucky finishes and some, well, nasty performances (IU - what the?!). Kudos to Northwestern for the best win of the week and a tip of the hat to Minnesota for a nice start to the Kill era. And, foor those keeping track: Big Ten 2, MAC 1.
No time to belabor the week that was any further, so here is the week that is with a couple of impressive games on the slate.
Florida Atlantic at Michigan State - FAU brings an athletic defense but anemic offense to East Lansing. The Spartans need to shore some gaps, and someone please remind the holder - LACES OUT! I see a smoother game with some big numbers from Baker and Cousins and another great game from Bullough. MSU 41 - FAU 7
Phats: Michigan State 35 FAU 7- Michigan State is my 2nd favorite big ten team behind the Boilers.
Iowa at Iowa State - The Cyclones beat Kurt Warner's alma mater by one in the opener while Iowa rolled. Unfortunately for Iowa, the annual RB injury bug bit again, leaving the Hawkeyes without an impressive freshman. Iowa is better and overcomes a fired up crowd. Iowa 27 - ISU 14
Phats: Iowa 21 Iowa State 14
Oregon State at Wisconsin - The Beavers, of the northern tier in the soon to be Pac 324, lost to Sacramento State in the opener. Meanwhile, the Badgers kicked the runnin' out of the Rebels last week. The Badgers have a top-notch offense, even if there is work to do on D. UW 41 - OSU 17
Phats: Wisconsin 41 Oregon State 10- You would think this would be a better match up, but after OSU losing last week not so sure, and Wisconsin looked pretty tough
South Dakota State at Illinois - Really? Follow up Arkansas State with South Dakota State? No offense to the Jackrabbits, who beat powerhouse Southern Utah in the opener but come on Zooker! The Illini should get plenty of reps for anyone who wants to play. Ill-i-n-i 40 - SDS 13
Phats: Illinois 38 South Dakota State 10
Toledo at Ohio State - OSU goes for 2-0 versus the MAC after an easy slaughter of the Zips. The next fast mascot team to hit C-bus, the Rockets, may be a tad better but don't expect Toledo to add the Bucks to its list of beaten Big Ten teams. Ohio State 45 - Toledo 7
Phats: Ohio State 49 toledo 14- Who made Toledo's schedule? I believe they host Boise State after this game that's a brutal 2 game stretch
Alabama at Penn State - One of two in the Game of the Week sweepstakes. This game has tradition written all over it. Last year, Penn State found out how good the Bama defense was. Might that happen again? I expect a lower scoring affair as Alabama is rounding out the offense. Alabama 20 - Penn State 13.
Phats: Alabama 28 penn state 17- I think this game will be closer than most people think, unfortunately for the Big Ten I don't see us pulling the upset
Eastern Illinois at Northwestern - Yeah. See Illinois commentary. Another week to rest Persa and get a well deserved break after a tough road opener. NU 31 - EIEIO - 10
Phats: ?
New Mexico State at Minnesota - An easier task than a trip to SC for sure. Minnesota notches a win and builds on some of the surprising momentum from the opening loss. Minnesota 34 - NMSU 13
Phats: Minnesota 35 New Mexico State 17- Nice effort by the Gophers at SC, this one should be a little easier and a W!
Purdue at Rice - The Boilers are off to Texas to be entertained by the Rice band. Yep, that's right, this is all about the band. Rice pulls no punches, as it spelled out $EC to Texas Longhorns fans last week. On the field, this could go either way, though Purdue has some momentum from the nice comeback last week. Purdue 27 - Rice 17
Phats: Purdue 24 rice 10- I will take an ugly win any day, especially for a team coming off 6 straight losses, but we really need to clean up some things in week two or we won't be as lucky. Better all around game propels the Boilers to 2-0 and a nice road win. Boiler Up!
Fresno State at Nebraska - Remember when Fresno was the Boise State of college football? The Bulldogs are still decent and aren't afraid to go on the road, but the horses aren't there. Nebraska will only get better from last week and get to 2-0 easily. Cornhuskers 33 - Dogs 10
Phats: Nebraska 49 fresno state 17- Might be closer but who knows still getting to know the Huskers
Virgnia at Indiana - Given that the Hoosiers went to Lucas Oil Field and laid a ginormous egg, I am not going to give this anymore space. UVA breaks a road losing streak. Cavs 37 - Hoosiers 20
Phats: Virginia 42 indiana 21- Different coach, same result.
Notre Dame at Michigan - Game of the Week part duex. ND looked mighty bad in a game that stretched over six hours last week, or at least it felt like that. Michigan got a win in less than three quarters. Some want to canonize the M defense after a two TD performance. While better, take note - ND racked up half a thousand yards but killed itself with mindless turnovers. ND will shore things up. This will be a classic for the first night game in Big House history. I'm going with the non chic pick: ND 27 - M 24
Phats: Michigan 28 notre dame 24- Not really sure how good either of these teams are so this game might tell us something. I don't like ND so GO BLUE
Monday, July 18, 2011
2011 Season Preview
If your summer has been at all like mine, you are so busy that weeks and weekends blend together. You could use more vacation time to make every weekend the four day variety. You have given little thought to football season in the midst of a good old fashioned heat wave.
As I am all three, my previews are going the way of an overall snapshot this year. Maybe, maybe if there is time in August, I will delve a little deeper team by team, but for now, this will have to do.
As always, I've assigned each and every game for all twelve teams a win or loss to come up with this look. I won't say who I picked where, with the exception of a game here or there. Maybe I will find the time later to give you a more in depth analysis.
Legends Division
6 - Minnesota Golden Gophers: Minnesota has some talent but will take time to adjust to a new coach and system. If anything, I'm aiming low here but hey, not everyone can win at once. Most likely upset win? Illinois. Most intriguing game? Nebraska. Final record... 3-9 (0-8 Big Ten); No bowl game.
5 - Michigan Wolverines: Michigan will respond well to Coach Hoke but like Minnesota, is going to need time to plug the right talent into a new system. Shocking prediction of the preseason? A win against Ohio State. Toughest loss of the season? Notre Dame or Michigan State. Final record... 7-5 (4-4 Big Ten); Ticket City Bowl berth.
T3 - Northwestern Wildcats: The season hinges on the health of Dan Persa. Everyone wants to anoint this team as a dark horse, but with an Achilles injury? I'm not totally sold. Best win? Penn State. Toughest loss? Michigan State. Final record... 8-4 (5-3 Big Ten); Texas Bowl berth.
T3 - Iowa Hawkeyes: Iowa is another one that is a bit tough to peg. On one hand, they replace a solid long-time starting QB and some key contributors. On another - Iowa always reloads with solid pieces and parts. The schedule is favorable for Iowa. Best win? Northwestern. Toughest loss? Nebraska. Final record... 9-3 (5-3 Big Ten); Capital One Bowl
T1 - Michigan State Spartans: MSU has a tough, tough schedule. October is particularly brutal. The offensive weapons are there, but what about the O-line? The defense will be good, but what about the linebacking corps? Biggest win? Wisconsin. Toughest loss? Ohio State. Final record... 10-2 (6-2 Big Ten); Outback Bowl berth (jumped by Iowa due to two appearances in the past three years)
T1 - Nebraska Cornhuskers: Welcome to the Big Ten, Big Red! NU gets Michigan State, Ohio State and Iowa at home. Two road games loom large for Nebraska but I think the Cornhuskers make a big splash in their first season. Biggest win? Ohio State. Toughest loss? Big Ten opener at Wisconsin. Final record... 10-3 (6-2 in Big Ten plus loss in inaugural title game); Orange Bowl berth
Leaders Division:
6 - Indiana Hoosiers: Another program breaking in a new coach. Indiana won't be as bad as it has appeared in some seasons, but has a tough slate. The Hoosiers could surprise someone, but I'm not banking on it. Best chance for an upset win? Northwestern. Most anticipated game? Purdue. Final record... 3-9 (0-8 Big Ten); No bowl berth
5 - Purdue Boilermakers: Purdue is one of those teams that could really prove me wrong this season. Then again, there is a reason I have them here. I will admit, I originally had the Boilers losing to IU and tying for last in the Leaders Division, but felt that might be too bold. Biggest game? Notre Dame. Toughest contest? at Wisconsin. Final record... 5-7 (2-6 Big Ten); No bowl berth.
4 - Illinois Fighting Illini: The Fighting Zookers saved their coach his job last year and return some solid talent. The OOC slate stacks up nicely to bring the Illini momentum heading into Big Ten play. Illinois is a few players away from contending for the division title. Biggest win? Purdue. Toughest loss? Michigan. Again. Final record... 7-5 (3-5 Big Ten); Little Caesars Bowl berth
T2 - Penn State Nitanny Lions: One prediction I know will come to fruition? The when will JoePa talk will not cease. The Nits have a very back loaded schedule and that will bring them back to the pack. The visits from Alabama and Nebraska are very cool and certain white out games (best look from a stadium in college football). Biggest win? Nebraska. Toughest loss? Ohio State. Final record... 8-4 (5-3 Big Ten); Insight Bowl berth.
T2 - Ohio State Buckeyes: Win for the "Luker" will be the battle cry for the embattled Buckeyes this fall. New coach. New QB. Missing other key players for five games. Who knows, maybe even the knowledge that the post season is not gonna happen for the next year or so. Don't be fooled - this team is still loaded and last I checked, you don't win or lose games with off the field stuff. Biggest win? Michigan State. Toughest loss? Michigan. Final record... 8-4 (5-3 Big Ten); Gator Bowl berth (please Coach Fickell, don't punch a Clemson Tiger!)
1 - Wisconsin Badgers: The arrival of a one year rental at QB solidifed this for me. UW plays most of the big boys and aside from a scary payback trip to C-bus, along with a venture to East Lansing, where MSU will be hungry for another win over the Badgers, the toughies are at home. Biggest win? Nebraska. Twice! Toughest loss? at Michigan State. Final record... 12-1 (7-1 Big Ten plus a win in the title game); Rose Bowl berth
Big Ten Title Game:
Nebraska versus Wisconsin in a great rematch of an excellent Big Ten opener. This thriller goes into OT with the Badgers prevailing.
Stay tuned for some preseason award predictions... in the meantime, chew on this and let me know what you think.
If your summer has been at all like mine, you are so busy that weeks and weekends blend together. You could use more vacation time to make every weekend the four day variety. You have given little thought to football season in the midst of a good old fashioned heat wave.
As I am all three, my previews are going the way of an overall snapshot this year. Maybe, maybe if there is time in August, I will delve a little deeper team by team, but for now, this will have to do.
As always, I've assigned each and every game for all twelve teams a win or loss to come up with this look. I won't say who I picked where, with the exception of a game here or there. Maybe I will find the time later to give you a more in depth analysis.
Legends Division
6 - Minnesota Golden Gophers: Minnesota has some talent but will take time to adjust to a new coach and system. If anything, I'm aiming low here but hey, not everyone can win at once. Most likely upset win? Illinois. Most intriguing game? Nebraska. Final record... 3-9 (0-8 Big Ten); No bowl game.
5 - Michigan Wolverines: Michigan will respond well to Coach Hoke but like Minnesota, is going to need time to plug the right talent into a new system. Shocking prediction of the preseason? A win against Ohio State. Toughest loss of the season? Notre Dame or Michigan State. Final record... 7-5 (4-4 Big Ten); Ticket City Bowl berth.
T3 - Northwestern Wildcats: The season hinges on the health of Dan Persa. Everyone wants to anoint this team as a dark horse, but with an Achilles injury? I'm not totally sold. Best win? Penn State. Toughest loss? Michigan State. Final record... 8-4 (5-3 Big Ten); Texas Bowl berth.
T3 - Iowa Hawkeyes: Iowa is another one that is a bit tough to peg. On one hand, they replace a solid long-time starting QB and some key contributors. On another - Iowa always reloads with solid pieces and parts. The schedule is favorable for Iowa. Best win? Northwestern. Toughest loss? Nebraska. Final record... 9-3 (5-3 Big Ten); Capital One Bowl
T1 - Michigan State Spartans: MSU has a tough, tough schedule. October is particularly brutal. The offensive weapons are there, but what about the O-line? The defense will be good, but what about the linebacking corps? Biggest win? Wisconsin. Toughest loss? Ohio State. Final record... 10-2 (6-2 Big Ten); Outback Bowl berth (jumped by Iowa due to two appearances in the past three years)
T1 - Nebraska Cornhuskers: Welcome to the Big Ten, Big Red! NU gets Michigan State, Ohio State and Iowa at home. Two road games loom large for Nebraska but I think the Cornhuskers make a big splash in their first season. Biggest win? Ohio State. Toughest loss? Big Ten opener at Wisconsin. Final record... 10-3 (6-2 in Big Ten plus loss in inaugural title game); Orange Bowl berth
Leaders Division:
6 - Indiana Hoosiers: Another program breaking in a new coach. Indiana won't be as bad as it has appeared in some seasons, but has a tough slate. The Hoosiers could surprise someone, but I'm not banking on it. Best chance for an upset win? Northwestern. Most anticipated game? Purdue. Final record... 3-9 (0-8 Big Ten); No bowl berth
5 - Purdue Boilermakers: Purdue is one of those teams that could really prove me wrong this season. Then again, there is a reason I have them here. I will admit, I originally had the Boilers losing to IU and tying for last in the Leaders Division, but felt that might be too bold. Biggest game? Notre Dame. Toughest contest? at Wisconsin. Final record... 5-7 (2-6 Big Ten); No bowl berth.
4 - Illinois Fighting Illini: The Fighting Zookers saved their coach his job last year and return some solid talent. The OOC slate stacks up nicely to bring the Illini momentum heading into Big Ten play. Illinois is a few players away from contending for the division title. Biggest win? Purdue. Toughest loss? Michigan. Again. Final record... 7-5 (3-5 Big Ten); Little Caesars Bowl berth
T2 - Penn State Nitanny Lions: One prediction I know will come to fruition? The when will JoePa talk will not cease. The Nits have a very back loaded schedule and that will bring them back to the pack. The visits from Alabama and Nebraska are very cool and certain white out games (best look from a stadium in college football). Biggest win? Nebraska. Toughest loss? Ohio State. Final record... 8-4 (5-3 Big Ten); Insight Bowl berth.
T2 - Ohio State Buckeyes: Win for the "Luker" will be the battle cry for the embattled Buckeyes this fall. New coach. New QB. Missing other key players for five games. Who knows, maybe even the knowledge that the post season is not gonna happen for the next year or so. Don't be fooled - this team is still loaded and last I checked, you don't win or lose games with off the field stuff. Biggest win? Michigan State. Toughest loss? Michigan. Final record... 8-4 (5-3 Big Ten); Gator Bowl berth (please Coach Fickell, don't punch a Clemson Tiger!)
1 - Wisconsin Badgers: The arrival of a one year rental at QB solidifed this for me. UW plays most of the big boys and aside from a scary payback trip to C-bus, along with a venture to East Lansing, where MSU will be hungry for another win over the Badgers, the toughies are at home. Biggest win? Nebraska. Twice! Toughest loss? at Michigan State. Final record... 12-1 (7-1 Big Ten plus a win in the title game); Rose Bowl berth
Big Ten Title Game:
Nebraska versus Wisconsin in a great rematch of an excellent Big Ten opener. This thriller goes into OT with the Badgers prevailing.
Stay tuned for some preseason award predictions... in the meantime, chew on this and let me know what you think.
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