EAST
1) - OHIO ST- (9-0) (12-0)
I thought new OC Kevin Wilson
was overrated as a Head Coach. Nothing overrated about his offense, though. I
mean, the man ran an offense that could put up points against anybody while he
was at Indiana. Giving him access to the talent that parades through Columbus
just isn’t fair.
2) - PENN ST- (6-3) (8-4)
The reigning champs have a
lot returning and consequently, large expectations. I’m not completely sold,
though. I love QB Trace McSorley, the kids a winner. Has a lot of swagger.
Maybe too much. I know he’s a junior but I’m a expecting a bit of a sophomore
jinx from him and most of the team. They’ll be good, just not as good as they
might think they are.
3) - MICHIGAN- (6-3) (9-3)
The Wolverines lost a lot of
starters, but hey, it’s Michigan. That means something now that Harbaugh is in
charge. It wouldn’t surprise me if Michigan does better than I’m projecting,
but it wouldn’t take long to find the three tough spots I’m seeing on the
schedule.
4) - MICHIGAN ST- (4-5) (6-6)
I don’t expect a sharp
rebound all the way back to the elite after last season’s fall from grace. Not
without an experienced QB. Dantonio is a good coach, though. But like others,
I’m wondering if last season was just a mulligan or has the Dantonio era reached
its peak.
5) - INDIANA- (2-7) (5-7)
A new coach in Bloomington.
He sounds serious and receives credit for last season’s dramatically improved
Hoosiers defense. Nine defensive starters return and a talented starting QB
returns. I think the Hoosiers will be a tough out, but I don’t see ‘em knocking
off any of the big boys.
6) - RUTGERS- (2-7) (4-8)
Adding Jerry Kill to the
staff is a big plus. I’ve got the Scarlet Knights winning one or two more
conference games than most of the experts are predicting, mostly for that
reason.
7) - MARYLAND- (1-8) (3-9)
I’m always skeptical of
transfer QBs. The experts call for better from the Terps based on signs of
improvement last season. Those signs aren’t so obvious to me. Last season’s
team got spanked when up against quality competition. I just don’t see many
wins on a tough schedule.
WEST
1) - WISCONSIN- (8-1) (11-1)
I think this team was as good
as any in the conference last season and most all of the starters are back. The
schedule is kind, too. Yet another new DC is a concern, but otherwise, I see
this team in the playoff discussion deep into the season.
2) - MINNESOTA- (5-4) (8-4)
New HC P.J. Fleck comes in
highly touted. And the Gophers have been very competitive lately. I’m seeing
some losses in the road games on the schedule.
3) - NORTHWESTERN- (5-4) (7-5)
Many are projecting
Northwestern to make a serious run at the Western Division title. Maybe; they
have a lot of returning starters. Contrary to many of the experts, I’m not
completely sold on QB Clayton Thorson, though.
4) - NEBRASKA- (5-4) (7-5)
New QB, new DC, but I’m
expecting more of the same from the Mike Riley era. Good, but not great.
5) - IOWA- (4-5) (6-6)
New QB, new OC, and same Kirk
Ferentz. Throughout the years, Iowa (and Northwestern) has been one of the most
difficult teams to figure out. You never know with this program.
6) - PURDUE- (4-5) (5-7)
I thought Purdue showed signs
during the last tenure and even the tenure before. Played hard, just poorly
coached. The new guy is supposed to be good, and I like QB David Blough. I
expect significant improvement from the Boilermakers.
7) - ILLINOIS- (2-7) (3-9)
I know they say it takes
three years, but I still think the first season is a good indicator. HC Lovie
Smith’s first season?...not so good. I actually do expect some improvement.
Nothing that will show up in the win-loss record, though.
