Big Ten Conference
1. Michigan Wolverines
Projected Record: 11-1 (7-1)
Loss: Ohio State (11/17)
Key Players: QB Chad Henne, RB Mike Hart, WR Mario Manningham, WR Adrian Arrington, TE Mike Massey, OL Jake Long, OL Adam Krause, DT Terrance Taylor, LB Shawn Crable, CB Morgan Trent, S Jamar Adams, P Zoltan Mesko
Newcomer: T Steve Schilling
The prolific Michigan offense will only be better in the 2007 season. The Wolverines returned only 6 starters on offense, but they consist of 4 or 5 All-American candidates including Heisman trophy candidates, RB Mike Hart and QB Chad Henne. Although the depth at running back is depleted due to the season-ending injury to backup RB Kevin Grady, Michigan has all the tools for a great season with its pro-style offense. The Wolverines had a stifling run-stopping front line, which allowed only 43.4 rushing yards per game last year – tops in the nation. While the anchor of the defense Alan Branch is gone, Michigan will be fine in that regard. The major Achilles heel for them is in the defensive secondary. However, the most prolific quarterback Michigan faces all year is Curtis Painter of Purdue and Anthony Morelli of Penn State, so they should be fine.
Final verdict: Michigan is certainly talented, but let’s rely on Head Coach Lloyd Carr’s ineptitude in big games to count out a chance of a perfect season. Look for a better-coached Ohio State to be the spoiler.
2. Wisconsin Badgers
Projected Record: 11-1 (7-1)
Losses: Michigan (11/10)
Key Players: QB Tyler Donovan, RB P.J. Hill Jr., WR Paul Hubbard, TE Travis Beckum, C Marcus Coleman, G Kraig Urbik, DE Matt Shaughnessy, DT Nick Hayden, LB Jonathan Casillas, CB Jack Ikeguonu, K Taylor Melhaff, P Ken DeBauche
Newcomer: QB Allan Evridge
Wisconsin has all the makings of a National Championship contender. The Badgers have experience (16 returning starters), a strong offensive line, and a stud at running back. Converted fullback P.J. Hill was freshman of the year in several publications and will continue to build upon his spectacular season this year. The only issue on offense is replacing 3-year starter John Stocco. Kansas State transfer Allan Evridge looks to be the front runner over 5th year senior Tyler Donovan. While neither may have the experience of Stocco, each QB is mobile which allows the option to be utilized. On defense, Wisconsin returns both cornerbacks from the #2 pass defense (138.3 passing yards allowed per game) in the country. If you don’t know who CB Jack Ikeguonu is now, you will know soon. The X-factor may be the punting and kicking games for Wisconsin, which are certainly the best in the Big Ten. K Taylor Melhaff and P Ken DeBauche could get drafted in next year’s draft and look out for PR Marcus Randle El – NFL receiver Antwan’s brother.
Final verdict: Wisconsin certainly will make its push for a Big Ten title. The Badgers could go undefeated especially if they establish an aerial passing attack.
3. Penn State Nittany Lions
Projected Record: 9-3 (5-3)
Losses: at Michigan (9/22), Wisconsin (10/13), at Michigan State (11/17)
Key Players: QB Anthony Morelli, RB Austin Scott, WR/PR Derrick Williams, WR Deon Butler, WR Jordan Norwood, C A.Q. Shipley, T John Shaw, LB Dan Connor, LB Sean Lee, CB Justin King, S Tony Davis
Newcomer: DT Abe Koroma
QB Anthony Morelli has plenty of weapons this year and expect Joe Paterno to use a less conservative game plan. Derrick Williams should return to his form freshman year before he was injured late in the season. The running game will have a drop off after the departure of Tony Hunt. It’s not out of the realm of possibility that Williams ends up in the backfield as a tailback in certain situations. On defense, Penn State should be solid again. Even with the loss of Paul Posluszny, “Linebacker U” has two of the best backers in the country in Dan Connor and Sean Lee. They will have to anchor the D this year as severak new faces emerge. Former High School All-American CB Justin King should earn some national spotlight.
T-4. Ohio State Buckeyes
Projected Record: 9-3 (5-3)
Losses: at Purdue (10/6), at Penn State (10/27), Wisconsin (11/3)
Key Players: RB Chris Wells, WR Brian Robiskie, WR/KR Ray Small, TE Rory Nicol, T Alex Boone, T Kirk Barton, DE Vernon Gholston, LB James Laurinaitis, LB Marcus Freeman, LB Larry Grant, CB Malcolm Jenkins, P A.J. Trapasso
Newcomer: DB Eugene Clifford
Following the Buckeyes loss in the National Championship Game, Ohio State has a few large voids to fill. Heisman trophy-winning quarterback Troy Smith made one spectacular play after the next, but that dynamic characteristic on this team is gone. Smith’s replacement, junior QB Todd Boeckman is not mobile nor does he possess Smith’s arm strength. But as long as Boeckman acts as a caretaker to the offense and makes few mistakes he will be fine. He has an experienced line in front of him as well as a few young receiving targets that could all have breakout seasons. Chris “Beanie” Wells is the feature running back and will be pushed for playing time by Maurice Wells and incoming freshman Brandon Saine. The Ohio State defense lost defensive tackles Quinn Pitcock and David Patterson to graduation, but return an otherwise solid secondary and outstanding linebacker corps. Nagurski award winner James Laurinaitis should prove that last year’s break out season wasn’t an aberration.
Final verdict: Ohio State is young and inexperienced on O. The offense will have to replace two first round draft picks and a Heisman trophy winner. The Buckeyes still have a good enough defense to keep this team in games as the offense develops. That is, unless they have to play Florida in the near future. For the talent level and inexperience of this team, still expect some noise from Jim Tressel’s team at the end of the season.
T-4. Iowa Hawkeyes
Projected Record: 9-3 (5-3)
Losses: at Wisconsin (9/22), at Penn State (10/6), at Purdue (10/20)
Key Players: QB Jake Christensen, RB Albert Young, WR/PR Andy Brodell, WR Dominique Douglas, TE Tony Moeaki, T Dace Richardson, DE Kenny Iwebema, DE Bryan Mattison, LB Mike Klinkenborg, CB Adam Shada
Newcomers: S Brett Greenwood, QB Arvell Nelson
Iowa is the dark horse of the Big Ten. This team was loaded with talent on both sides of the ball and a Heisman candidate quarterback (Drew Tate) last year and only managed to have a 6-7 record. Several players from that team still remain with a chip on their shoulders. Iowa certainly has the most proven and experienced running back tandem in seniors, Albert Young and Damian Sims. Wide receivers Andy Brodell, Dominique Douglas, and Trey Stross will allow the transition to a new QB to go relatively smoothly. The defensive line is the biggest question mark on the other side of the ball. Mike Klinkenborg is a rock in the middle of the defense.
Final verdict: Worst case, Iowa could have a similar season to last year. Best case, Iowa could finish 2nd or 3rd in the Big Ten. It depends on the degree of team chemistry the Hawkeyes have and whether or not they can close out games.
6. Purdue Boilermakers
Projected Record: 8-4 (5-3)
Losses: at Minnesota (9/22), Notre Dame (9/29), at Michigan (10/13), at Penn State (11/3)
Key Players: QB Curtis Painter, WR/KR Dorien Bryant, WR Greg Orton, TE Dustin Keller, T Sean Sester, G Jordan Grimes, C Robbie Powell, DE Cliff Avril, DT Alex Magee, CB Royce Adams, P Jared Armstrong
Newcomer: LB Brian Ellis
Aside from Michigan, Purdue has the best offense in the conference. The Boilermakers return 9 starters (all receivers/tight ends) from the 5th best passing attack in the country last year. Curtis Painter continues Purdue’s line of NFL-caliber quarterbacks, which include most recently Drew Brees and Kyle Orton. Jaycen Taylor and Kory Sheets are competing for the starting tailback spot. The defense was simply bad last year, finishing 114th in rushing yards allowed (191.2) and 104th in passing yards allowed (241.2) per game. The entire secondary is back, along with a few key linemen up front so expect some an improvement in production.
Final verdict: Purdue could very well beat an inexperienced Ohio State, Iowa, and Notre Dame. That calls for a good season any year. However, the Achilles Heel for the Boilermakers is a rather large one; Purdue hasn’t proven that it can stop anyone with its defense, so expect a few 44-41 shootouts.
7. Illinois Fighting Illini
Projected Record: 6-6 (3-5)
Wins: Western Illinois (9/8), at Syracuse (9/15), at Indiana (9/22), Ball State (10/27), at Minnesota (11/3), Northwestern (11/17)
Key Players: QB Juice Williams, T Akim Millington, RB Rashard Mendenhall, WR Arrelious Benn, DE Derek Walker, DT Chris Norwell, LB J Leman, LB Martrez Wilson, CB Vontae Davis, K Jason Reda
Newcomer: WR Arrelious Benn
Head Coach Ron Zook recruited one of the best freshman classes in the country, and several of them will contribute to this squad immediately, including WR Arrelious Benn, LB Martrez Wilson, RB Daries Hodge, and DE D’Angelo McCray. QB Juice Williams has a year of experience under his belt; his poise and decision making should be much better this time around. Junior RB Rashard Mendenhall is a well-kept secret in Champaign. Expect him to be a playmaker for the offense. On defense, Illinois returns 9 starters. Linebacker J Leman is one of the most prolific tacklers in the nation.
Final verdict: With 9 starters on defense, an older Juice Williams, and an influx of new freshmen contributors, one might predict this team to go far. But remember, the 9 starters on D aren’t very good (with the exception Leman, who is one of the best linebackers in the country), Juice has a lot of room to prove, and it’s hard to count on such inexperience – no matter what the talent level is.
8. Michigan State Spartans
Projected Record: 5-7 (3-5)
Wins: UAB (9/1), Bowling Green (9/8), Northwestern (10/6), Indiana (10/13), Penn State (11/17)
Key Players: RB Javon Ringer, RB Jehuu Caulcrick, QB Brian Hoyer, TE Kellen Davis, G Roland Martin, LB Kaleb Thornhill, LB SirDarean Adams, S Otis Wiley, K Brett Swenson
Newcomer: LB Jon Misch
One of Michigan State’s biggest concerns will be replacing Drew Stanton at quarterback. Brian Hoyer performed well while Stanton was injured last year, but an entire season is different than one game. The Spartans have an underrated running back duo in the quick, shifty Javon Ringer and the bruising tailback, Jehuu Caulcrick. Despite losing several receivers to graduation, Hoyer should have targets to throw to in TE Kellen Davis and WR T.J. Williams. The Michigan State defense has a few solid players in S Otis Wiley and LB SirDarean Adams, but the unit as a whole is not the best ever. New Head Coach Mark Dantonio has the opportunity to implement his own scheme.
Final verdict: In addition to away games at Notre Dame, Wisconsin, Ohio State, and Purdue, MSU has to also play Pitt, Michigan, and Penn State at home. Needless to say, the Spartan schedule is a difficult one, but they may come up with an upset. With several underclassmen and a rookie head coach, look for this team to move up the ranks in a year or two.
9. Northwestern Wildcats
Projected Record: 6-6 (2-6)
Wins: Northeastern (9/1), Nevada (9/8), Duke (9/15), Minnesota (10/13), Eastern Michigan (10/20) Indiana (11/10)
Key Players: QB C.J. Bacher, RB Tyrell Sutton, WR Ross Lane, C Trevor Rees, T Dylan Thiry, DE Corey Wootton, DT Adam Hahn, LB Adam Kadela, S Brendan Smith
Newcomer: CB Jordan Mabin
Tyrell Sutton expects to pick up where he left off his freshman season when he rushed for over 1,500 yards on the season. The combination of Sutton and QB C.J. Bacher is reminiscent of the days when Zak Kustok and Damien Anderson roamed the halls of Northwestern. The defense isn’t very good, but it sure is experienced. John Gill and Adam Hahn form a formidable interior line.
Final verdict: Don’t expect Northwestern to be winning the Big Ten any time soon, but they should be able to pick off a conference foe here and there. Next year, expect bigger things as several of these key players will still have eligibility.
10. Minnesota Golden Bears
Projected Record: 6-6 (2-6)
Wins: Bowling Green (9/1), Miami University (9/8), FAU (9/15), Purdue (9/22), at Indiana (10/6), North Dakota State (10/20)
Key Players: RB Amir Pinnix, WR Ernie Wheelwright, TE Jack Simmons, TE Troy Reilly, C Tony Brinkhaus, DE Will VanDeSteeg, LB Mike Sherels, S Dominique Barber
Newcomer: T Dominic Alford
First year coach Tim Brewster inherited a team lacking depth in several positions. On offense, Brewster will use RB Amir Pinnix heavily in the running game. Pinnix follows the recent line of talented running backs to come through Minnesota including Marion Barber III, Laurence Maroney, and Gary Russell. Replacing QB Bryan Cupito is Tony Mortensen, who will have deep threat Ernie Wheelwright as well as TE Jack Simmons to throw to. On defense, Will VanDeSteeg anchors the front four. Outstanding kick and punt return specialist, Dominic Jones, may not play this year as he is currently suspended from the team.
Final verdict: Last year, Glen Mason led the Golden Gophers to an underachieving 6-7 record. Even with an easier schedule, Minnesota could face some growing pains with a new coach at the helm. The Gophers’ cupcake schedule allows them to break even.
11. Indiana Hoosiers
Projected Record: 3-9 (0-8)
Wins: Indiana State (9/1), at Western Michigan (9/8), Ball State (11/3)
Key Players: QB Kellen Lewis, RB/KR Marcus Thigpen, WR James Hardy, T Roger Sadfold, DE Greg Brown, CB Tracy Porter
The focal point of the Hoosiers’ season will be the tragic death of inspirational coach, Terry Hoeppner. While the current team does not have much talent or depth, it could surprise some and play up to the better teams in the conference (a la Illinois last year). WR James Hardy is big and physical and if the QB can get him the ball, look out.
Final verdict: Indiana isn’t very good in the first place and the unfortunate transition between coaches must be a rough one. Luckily, the Hoosiers out of conference schedule is filled with cupcakes.
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All-Big Ten Conference
QB – Chad Henne, Sr., Michigan
RB – Michael Hart, Sr., Michigan
RB – P.J. Hill Jr., So., Wisconsin
WR – Mario Manningham, Jr., Michigan
WR – James Hardy, Jr., Indiana
TE – Kellen Davis, Sr., Michigan State
OL – Kirk Barton, Sr., Ohio State
OL – Jake Long, Sr., Michigan
OL – Adam Kraus, Sr., Michigan
OL – Alex Boone, Jr., Ohio State
OL – Jordan Grimes, Sr., Purdue
DE – Vernon Gholston, Jr. Ohio State
DT – Terrance Taylor, Jr., Michigan
DE – Matt Shaughnessy, Jr., Wisconsin
DE – Will VanDeSteeg, Jr., Minnesota
LB – James Laurinaitis, Jr., Ohio State
LB – Dan Connor, Sr., Penn State
LB – J Leman, Sr., Illinois
CB – Jack Ikeguonu, Jr., Wisconsin
CB – Justin King, Jr., Penn State
CB – Malcolm Jenkins, Jr., Ohio State
K – Taylor Melhaff, Sr., Wisconsin
P – Ken DeBauche, Sr., Wisconsin
KR – Dorien Bryant, Sr., Purdue
PR – Derrick Williams, Jr., Penn State
Big Ten Offensive MVP - RB Michael Hart, Sr., Michigan
Big Ten Defensive MVP - LB James Laurinaitis, Jr., Ohio State
Big Ten Newcomer of the Year - WR Arrelious Benn, Fr., Illinois
1. Michigan Wolverines
Projected Record: 11-1 (7-1)
Loss: Ohio State (11/17)
Key Players: QB Chad Henne, RB Mike Hart, WR Mario Manningham, WR Adrian Arrington, TE Mike Massey, OL Jake Long, OL Adam Krause, DT Terrance Taylor, LB Shawn Crable, CB Morgan Trent, S Jamar Adams, P Zoltan Mesko
Newcomer: T Steve Schilling
The prolific Michigan offense will only be better in the 2007 season. The Wolverines returned only 6 starters on offense, but they consist of 4 or 5 All-American candidates including Heisman trophy candidates, RB Mike Hart and QB Chad Henne. Although the depth at running back is depleted due to the season-ending injury to backup RB Kevin Grady, Michigan has all the tools for a great season with its pro-style offense. The Wolverines had a stifling run-stopping front line, which allowed only 43.4 rushing yards per game last year – tops in the nation. While the anchor of the defense Alan Branch is gone, Michigan will be fine in that regard. The major Achilles heel for them is in the defensive secondary. However, the most prolific quarterback Michigan faces all year is Curtis Painter of Purdue and Anthony Morelli of Penn State, so they should be fine.
Final verdict: Michigan is certainly talented, but let’s rely on Head Coach Lloyd Carr’s ineptitude in big games to count out a chance of a perfect season. Look for a better-coached Ohio State to be the spoiler.
2. Wisconsin Badgers
Projected Record: 11-1 (7-1)
Losses: Michigan (11/10)
Key Players: QB Tyler Donovan, RB P.J. Hill Jr., WR Paul Hubbard, TE Travis Beckum, C Marcus Coleman, G Kraig Urbik, DE Matt Shaughnessy, DT Nick Hayden, LB Jonathan Casillas, CB Jack Ikeguonu, K Taylor Melhaff, P Ken DeBauche
Newcomer: QB Allan Evridge
Wisconsin has all the makings of a National Championship contender. The Badgers have experience (16 returning starters), a strong offensive line, and a stud at running back. Converted fullback P.J. Hill was freshman of the year in several publications and will continue to build upon his spectacular season this year. The only issue on offense is replacing 3-year starter John Stocco. Kansas State transfer Allan Evridge looks to be the front runner over 5th year senior Tyler Donovan. While neither may have the experience of Stocco, each QB is mobile which allows the option to be utilized. On defense, Wisconsin returns both cornerbacks from the #2 pass defense (138.3 passing yards allowed per game) in the country. If you don’t know who CB Jack Ikeguonu is now, you will know soon. The X-factor may be the punting and kicking games for Wisconsin, which are certainly the best in the Big Ten. K Taylor Melhaff and P Ken DeBauche could get drafted in next year’s draft and look out for PR Marcus Randle El – NFL receiver Antwan’s brother.
Final verdict: Wisconsin certainly will make its push for a Big Ten title. The Badgers could go undefeated especially if they establish an aerial passing attack.
3. Penn State Nittany Lions
Projected Record: 9-3 (5-3)
Losses: at Michigan (9/22), Wisconsin (10/13), at Michigan State (11/17)
Key Players: QB Anthony Morelli, RB Austin Scott, WR/PR Derrick Williams, WR Deon Butler, WR Jordan Norwood, C A.Q. Shipley, T John Shaw, LB Dan Connor, LB Sean Lee, CB Justin King, S Tony Davis
Newcomer: DT Abe Koroma
QB Anthony Morelli has plenty of weapons this year and expect Joe Paterno to use a less conservative game plan. Derrick Williams should return to his form freshman year before he was injured late in the season. The running game will have a drop off after the departure of Tony Hunt. It’s not out of the realm of possibility that Williams ends up in the backfield as a tailback in certain situations. On defense, Penn State should be solid again. Even with the loss of Paul Posluszny, “Linebacker U” has two of the best backers in the country in Dan Connor and Sean Lee. They will have to anchor the D this year as severak new faces emerge. Former High School All-American CB Justin King should earn some national spotlight.
T-4. Ohio State Buckeyes
Projected Record: 9-3 (5-3)
Losses: at Purdue (10/6), at Penn State (10/27), Wisconsin (11/3)
Key Players: RB Chris Wells, WR Brian Robiskie, WR/KR Ray Small, TE Rory Nicol, T Alex Boone, T Kirk Barton, DE Vernon Gholston, LB James Laurinaitis, LB Marcus Freeman, LB Larry Grant, CB Malcolm Jenkins, P A.J. Trapasso
Newcomer: DB Eugene Clifford
Following the Buckeyes loss in the National Championship Game, Ohio State has a few large voids to fill. Heisman trophy-winning quarterback Troy Smith made one spectacular play after the next, but that dynamic characteristic on this team is gone. Smith’s replacement, junior QB Todd Boeckman is not mobile nor does he possess Smith’s arm strength. But as long as Boeckman acts as a caretaker to the offense and makes few mistakes he will be fine. He has an experienced line in front of him as well as a few young receiving targets that could all have breakout seasons. Chris “Beanie” Wells is the feature running back and will be pushed for playing time by Maurice Wells and incoming freshman Brandon Saine. The Ohio State defense lost defensive tackles Quinn Pitcock and David Patterson to graduation, but return an otherwise solid secondary and outstanding linebacker corps. Nagurski award winner James Laurinaitis should prove that last year’s break out season wasn’t an aberration.
Final verdict: Ohio State is young and inexperienced on O. The offense will have to replace two first round draft picks and a Heisman trophy winner. The Buckeyes still have a good enough defense to keep this team in games as the offense develops. That is, unless they have to play Florida in the near future. For the talent level and inexperience of this team, still expect some noise from Jim Tressel’s team at the end of the season.
T-4. Iowa Hawkeyes
Projected Record: 9-3 (5-3)
Losses: at Wisconsin (9/22), at Penn State (10/6), at Purdue (10/20)
Key Players: QB Jake Christensen, RB Albert Young, WR/PR Andy Brodell, WR Dominique Douglas, TE Tony Moeaki, T Dace Richardson, DE Kenny Iwebema, DE Bryan Mattison, LB Mike Klinkenborg, CB Adam Shada
Newcomers: S Brett Greenwood, QB Arvell Nelson
Iowa is the dark horse of the Big Ten. This team was loaded with talent on both sides of the ball and a Heisman candidate quarterback (Drew Tate) last year and only managed to have a 6-7 record. Several players from that team still remain with a chip on their shoulders. Iowa certainly has the most proven and experienced running back tandem in seniors, Albert Young and Damian Sims. Wide receivers Andy Brodell, Dominique Douglas, and Trey Stross will allow the transition to a new QB to go relatively smoothly. The defensive line is the biggest question mark on the other side of the ball. Mike Klinkenborg is a rock in the middle of the defense.
Final verdict: Worst case, Iowa could have a similar season to last year. Best case, Iowa could finish 2nd or 3rd in the Big Ten. It depends on the degree of team chemistry the Hawkeyes have and whether or not they can close out games.
6. Purdue Boilermakers
Projected Record: 8-4 (5-3)
Losses: at Minnesota (9/22), Notre Dame (9/29), at Michigan (10/13), at Penn State (11/3)
Key Players: QB Curtis Painter, WR/KR Dorien Bryant, WR Greg Orton, TE Dustin Keller, T Sean Sester, G Jordan Grimes, C Robbie Powell, DE Cliff Avril, DT Alex Magee, CB Royce Adams, P Jared Armstrong
Newcomer: LB Brian Ellis
Aside from Michigan, Purdue has the best offense in the conference. The Boilermakers return 9 starters (all receivers/tight ends) from the 5th best passing attack in the country last year. Curtis Painter continues Purdue’s line of NFL-caliber quarterbacks, which include most recently Drew Brees and Kyle Orton. Jaycen Taylor and Kory Sheets are competing for the starting tailback spot. The defense was simply bad last year, finishing 114th in rushing yards allowed (191.2) and 104th in passing yards allowed (241.2) per game. The entire secondary is back, along with a few key linemen up front so expect some an improvement in production.
Final verdict: Purdue could very well beat an inexperienced Ohio State, Iowa, and Notre Dame. That calls for a good season any year. However, the Achilles Heel for the Boilermakers is a rather large one; Purdue hasn’t proven that it can stop anyone with its defense, so expect a few 44-41 shootouts.
7. Illinois Fighting Illini
Projected Record: 6-6 (3-5)
Wins: Western Illinois (9/8), at Syracuse (9/15), at Indiana (9/22), Ball State (10/27), at Minnesota (11/3), Northwestern (11/17)
Key Players: QB Juice Williams, T Akim Millington, RB Rashard Mendenhall, WR Arrelious Benn, DE Derek Walker, DT Chris Norwell, LB J Leman, LB Martrez Wilson, CB Vontae Davis, K Jason Reda
Newcomer: WR Arrelious Benn
Head Coach Ron Zook recruited one of the best freshman classes in the country, and several of them will contribute to this squad immediately, including WR Arrelious Benn, LB Martrez Wilson, RB Daries Hodge, and DE D’Angelo McCray. QB Juice Williams has a year of experience under his belt; his poise and decision making should be much better this time around. Junior RB Rashard Mendenhall is a well-kept secret in Champaign. Expect him to be a playmaker for the offense. On defense, Illinois returns 9 starters. Linebacker J Leman is one of the most prolific tacklers in the nation.
Final verdict: With 9 starters on defense, an older Juice Williams, and an influx of new freshmen contributors, one might predict this team to go far. But remember, the 9 starters on D aren’t very good (with the exception Leman, who is one of the best linebackers in the country), Juice has a lot of room to prove, and it’s hard to count on such inexperience – no matter what the talent level is.
8. Michigan State Spartans
Projected Record: 5-7 (3-5)
Wins: UAB (9/1), Bowling Green (9/8), Northwestern (10/6), Indiana (10/13), Penn State (11/17)
Key Players: RB Javon Ringer, RB Jehuu Caulcrick, QB Brian Hoyer, TE Kellen Davis, G Roland Martin, LB Kaleb Thornhill, LB SirDarean Adams, S Otis Wiley, K Brett Swenson
Newcomer: LB Jon Misch
One of Michigan State’s biggest concerns will be replacing Drew Stanton at quarterback. Brian Hoyer performed well while Stanton was injured last year, but an entire season is different than one game. The Spartans have an underrated running back duo in the quick, shifty Javon Ringer and the bruising tailback, Jehuu Caulcrick. Despite losing several receivers to graduation, Hoyer should have targets to throw to in TE Kellen Davis and WR T.J. Williams. The Michigan State defense has a few solid players in S Otis Wiley and LB SirDarean Adams, but the unit as a whole is not the best ever. New Head Coach Mark Dantonio has the opportunity to implement his own scheme.
Final verdict: In addition to away games at Notre Dame, Wisconsin, Ohio State, and Purdue, MSU has to also play Pitt, Michigan, and Penn State at home. Needless to say, the Spartan schedule is a difficult one, but they may come up with an upset. With several underclassmen and a rookie head coach, look for this team to move up the ranks in a year or two.
9. Northwestern Wildcats
Projected Record: 6-6 (2-6)
Wins: Northeastern (9/1), Nevada (9/8), Duke (9/15), Minnesota (10/13), Eastern Michigan (10/20) Indiana (11/10)
Key Players: QB C.J. Bacher, RB Tyrell Sutton, WR Ross Lane, C Trevor Rees, T Dylan Thiry, DE Corey Wootton, DT Adam Hahn, LB Adam Kadela, S Brendan Smith
Newcomer: CB Jordan Mabin
Tyrell Sutton expects to pick up where he left off his freshman season when he rushed for over 1,500 yards on the season. The combination of Sutton and QB C.J. Bacher is reminiscent of the days when Zak Kustok and Damien Anderson roamed the halls of Northwestern. The defense isn’t very good, but it sure is experienced. John Gill and Adam Hahn form a formidable interior line.
Final verdict: Don’t expect Northwestern to be winning the Big Ten any time soon, but they should be able to pick off a conference foe here and there. Next year, expect bigger things as several of these key players will still have eligibility.
10. Minnesota Golden Bears
Projected Record: 6-6 (2-6)
Wins: Bowling Green (9/1), Miami University (9/8), FAU (9/15), Purdue (9/22), at Indiana (10/6), North Dakota State (10/20)
Key Players: RB Amir Pinnix, WR Ernie Wheelwright, TE Jack Simmons, TE Troy Reilly, C Tony Brinkhaus, DE Will VanDeSteeg, LB Mike Sherels, S Dominique Barber
Newcomer: T Dominic Alford
First year coach Tim Brewster inherited a team lacking depth in several positions. On offense, Brewster will use RB Amir Pinnix heavily in the running game. Pinnix follows the recent line of talented running backs to come through Minnesota including Marion Barber III, Laurence Maroney, and Gary Russell. Replacing QB Bryan Cupito is Tony Mortensen, who will have deep threat Ernie Wheelwright as well as TE Jack Simmons to throw to. On defense, Will VanDeSteeg anchors the front four. Outstanding kick and punt return specialist, Dominic Jones, may not play this year as he is currently suspended from the team.
Final verdict: Last year, Glen Mason led the Golden Gophers to an underachieving 6-7 record. Even with an easier schedule, Minnesota could face some growing pains with a new coach at the helm. The Gophers’ cupcake schedule allows them to break even.
11. Indiana Hoosiers
Projected Record: 3-9 (0-8)
Wins: Indiana State (9/1), at Western Michigan (9/8), Ball State (11/3)
Key Players: QB Kellen Lewis, RB/KR Marcus Thigpen, WR James Hardy, T Roger Sadfold, DE Greg Brown, CB Tracy Porter
The focal point of the Hoosiers’ season will be the tragic death of inspirational coach, Terry Hoeppner. While the current team does not have much talent or depth, it could surprise some and play up to the better teams in the conference (a la Illinois last year). WR James Hardy is big and physical and if the QB can get him the ball, look out.
Final verdict: Indiana isn’t very good in the first place and the unfortunate transition between coaches must be a rough one. Luckily, the Hoosiers out of conference schedule is filled with cupcakes.
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All-Big Ten Conference
QB – Chad Henne, Sr., Michigan
RB – Michael Hart, Sr., Michigan
RB – P.J. Hill Jr., So., Wisconsin
WR – Mario Manningham, Jr., Michigan
WR – James Hardy, Jr., Indiana
TE – Kellen Davis, Sr., Michigan State
OL – Kirk Barton, Sr., Ohio State
OL – Jake Long, Sr., Michigan
OL – Adam Kraus, Sr., Michigan
OL – Alex Boone, Jr., Ohio State
OL – Jordan Grimes, Sr., Purdue
DE – Vernon Gholston, Jr. Ohio State
DT – Terrance Taylor, Jr., Michigan
DE – Matt Shaughnessy, Jr., Wisconsin
DE – Will VanDeSteeg, Jr., Minnesota
LB – James Laurinaitis, Jr., Ohio State
LB – Dan Connor, Sr., Penn State
LB – J Leman, Sr., Illinois
CB – Jack Ikeguonu, Jr., Wisconsin
CB – Justin King, Jr., Penn State
CB – Malcolm Jenkins, Jr., Ohio State
K – Taylor Melhaff, Sr., Wisconsin
P – Ken DeBauche, Sr., Wisconsin
KR – Dorien Bryant, Sr., Purdue
PR – Derrick Williams, Jr., Penn State
Big Ten Offensive MVP - RB Michael Hart, Sr., Michigan
Big Ten Defensive MVP - LB James Laurinaitis, Jr., Ohio State
Big Ten Newcomer of the Year - WR Arrelious Benn, Fr., Illinois
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