Big Ten 2010 Preview

1. Ohio State

I hate Ohio State, but they have been the class of the Big 10 for a long time now. Ohio State has won or shared the conference title for five consecutive seasons, including last year. They are getting all their top offensive players, and Terrelle Pryor will be in the discussion for the Heisman. What will also help them is a really soft nonconference schedule that includes teams like Marshall, Ohio and Eastern Michigan. Ohio State's toughest games appear to be conference trips to Wisconsin and Iowa. Out of the two Wisconsin poses the big threat with their extremely tough running game.

The key for this team is the continued development of Pryor. He has shown the ability to run, but they only ranked 106th in the country in passing. He has to be better then that, because there are teams in the Big 10 that can stop the run. Ohio State will once again have one of the best defenses in the country, so even if the offense and Pryor struggle they will be in every game. I almost picked Wisconsin to win the Big Ten, but I have to put my bias aside for a moment.

2. Wisconsin

With ten starters back on offense, a good-looking defense, a tremendous kicking game, and a favorable schedule, it's all in place to get over the hump. I really think they can challenge Ohio State this year. The big thing for Wisconsin is focus, they outscored their opponents 314 to 180 in the first 3 quarters and were outscored 96 to 89 in the 4 with. That is just unacceptable, and if they want to beat teams like Iowa and Ohio State they are going to need the same effort they put in the first 3 quarter, and follow through in the 4th.

Wisconsin has all 5 starters returning to the offensive line, and 3 running backs that are good enough to start for almost all the teams in the Big Ten. They can control the clock and as long as they aren't turning the ball over with their passing game they should be a tough physical team all year. Their defense is great at stopping the run. I have questions about their secondary, but when you outscore teams 33-8 in rushing TDs like they did last year you know you have a strong defense.

3. Iowa

I am so sick of this team. They are always so close to doing great thing, but also seem to flirt with disaster everytime they hit the field. Most people have them as the 2nd best team, but I really question their offensive line, and that could become very important with teams like Wisconsin and Ohio State, as they both have good defensive lines and LBs. Their defense should once again he outstanding, and their offense should be entertaining. Stanzi is a good QB, and he is a senior this year. Senior WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos is fast as hell, and should be able to stretch the field for him. I just question if he is going to have enough time to get the ball off, and Stanzi could be an injury concern all season if this offensive line is as soft as I think it will be.

4. Michigan State

State doesn't have to play Ohio State this year, which should help their cause after a disappointing 2009 season. This is a young team, but they have a great passing game with Kirk Cousins at QB. He is quickly turning into the best QB in the Big Ten. On top of that they have a solid defense led by maybe the best defensive player in all of college football (Greg Jones). I know a lot of people will be pissed that I have Penn State below them, but this team could be for real, and I like the way their schedule plays out. Notre Dame sucks, they get Wisconsin at home, and with Michigan still terrible they have room to go on a little bit of a run. Their big question is their offensive line that needs to replace 3 starters. They might not have a star running back, but the rotation of Larry Caper, Edwin Baker, Le’Veon Bell and Nick Hill should keep them fresh and defenses off balance. Maybe it is just my bias, but I see Michigan State winning 9 games this year.

5. Penn State

Is Joe Paterno dead yet? Oh well he probably should be. Anyways, Evan Royster is a beast, but I really question if they have the QB (Kevin Newsome) to really do any damage in this conference. Penn State is always able to pump out LBs, but this year it is going to be tough to replace Navarro Bowman, Sean Lee, and Josh Hull. Still, they have the running game to play the ball control game, so I can see them winning 8 games this year.

6. Northwestern

They have been looking to breakout for a couple years now, but they always seem to find a way to lose easy game. Last year they lost to Syracuse and Minnesota, but they have only one losing season since 2003. Their defense should be really strong, but their offense is going to have to completely reload after QB Mike Kafka left for the NFL, and their two top WRs are also gone. Dan Persa takes the reigns, and I think he is going to have a good season. They have most of their offense line back, and with Persa being a duel threat QB they should have a strong running game (like everyone in the Big Ten). Northwestern will once again have a winning season, but Persa and this offense if not ready to make the next step.

7. Michigan

RichRod is going to get fired after this season, which is actually too bad, because I think he is a good coach. Still, I hate Michigan, and this is just too much fun for me.

I think their offense will be improved, but I really question the move to go to a 3-3-5. For their personnel it fits better, but this is a running conference, and I think a lot of teams are just going to be able to run all over them. Plus they have to go to Ohio St, and Penn St. Michigan will challenge for 7 wins, but will that be enough to save RichRod's job? What if they win a bowl game too? Well, I don't see that happening, so it's going to be a long year for Wolverine fans, and RichRod will be looking for a new job.

The rest:

8. Minnesota - 4 wins
9. Illinois - 4 wins
10. Purdue - 3 wins
11. Indiana - 3 wins