Big Ten preview

Thank heavens for insomnia!  Concerned about waking up in time for my Monday morning class, since I have head congestion that makes it hard to hear my alarm, I've been up all night.  That has allowed me to research the Big Ten conference and get my preview complete.  I'll start with an alphabetical overview, then provide my projected standings and win-loss records at the end.

ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI:  New offensive coordinator Paul Petrino has brought in an entirely new system.  The Illini needed it, as they were sporadic on offense at best, and since most of the offensive players are new, it's not a bad time.  However, in spring practice, some of the players were still having problems getting used to it.  Confusion on the field will not help the Illini.  However, they might gel later in the season.

The Illini have to kick-start a new quarterback and receiving corps.  The backfield remains the same, but they weren't very productive last season.  They haven't recovered from losing Rashad Mendenhall early after the 2008 campaign.  With a nearly entirely new defense, too, it looks like this is the last year for coach Ron Zook.

INDIANA HOOSIERS:  Returning quarterback Ben Chappell and running back Darius Willis hold down the offense.  They welcome a talented corps of receivers.  The concern is how long Chappell will have to release the ball, as the offensive line is weak.  They aren't deep, either, so injuries could doom this team.  The defense is completely rebuilt, so the offense will spend a lot of time on the field.  The Hoosiers have a great non-conference schedule, but they'll have a tough road once the conference games start.

IOWA HAWKEYES:  Kirk Ferentz has built a powerhouse team.  While only half of their potent 2009 offensive starters return, many of the returning players saw action, including participating in a bowl victory.  QB Ricky Stanzi has a rocket arm, although it sometimes sends the ball to the wrong team.  If he can cut down on the interceptions, he might be one of the top QBs in the country.  Their defense is good, and they return nearly all of the unit that ranked tenth overall in the country last year.  Still, they know they can't afford to win games by three points or less like they did last season.

Iowa didn't have to play Ohio State last season, and now they have to host the preseason favorite.  Worse, it's their second-to-last game, so any injuries could weaken their claim.  If they can stay healthy and Stanzi not give the ball to the Buckeyes, they might pull off the upset at home and spark a takeover of the conference title that Ohio State has owned for most of the 21st century.

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES:  Rich Rodriquez knows where he stands -- the Wolverines MUST return to a bowl game this season if he wants his contract renewed.  They might do it, thanks to a down year for many Big Ten teams and a favorable schedule.  This team is his kind of monster, as a rebuilt defense will require a high-powered offense.  He's replacing last season's Tate Forcier, who was capable but slow-starting, with mobile and dynamic Denard Robinson.  Robinson might get the team out of a few jams, and prevent some sacks, but Robinson takes too many risks.  If he can't calm down quickly, the Wolverines might be playing "catch up" most of the season.

MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS:  QB Kirk Cousins needs protection and needs a supporting cast.  His two best receivers and half his offensive line were suspended or will see limited playing time as punishment for an off-field altercation prior to the Alamo Bowl last season.  The new starting wide receivers did see action last season, but are they for full-time duties?

The offensive line is a patchwork, created by moving players from other positions.  The Spartans have a bright spot on defense, though, especially among the linebacking corps.  They've taken a page from Ohio State and Penn State and decided that a fast and talented secondary will force teams to run, and a powerful defensive line will limit the yardage.  If the Spartans win, it'll be low-scoring affairs.

MINNESOTA GOLDEN GOPHERS:  Poor Minnesota.  QB Adam Weber is strong, but he lost all of his top receivers from last year.  He has a strong offensive line and talented backfield, but these guys might get exhausted.  Why?  Because the defense is completely new.  In this conference, that's a very dangerous thing.

NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS:  The "cardiac kids", who engineered four come from behind victories last season, return 15 starters from that heart-pounding squad.  The running game is still a question, though, so this team will struggle against strong secondaries.  Their own defense is powerful, though, so at least they won't have to pass on every down.

OHIO STATE BUCKEYES:  The Buckeyes got a huge monkey off their back last season.  After three terrible showings in National Championship Games and a blow-out Rose Bowl, they turned the tables on pass-happy Oregon and dominated in Pasadena.  QB Terrelle Pryor, who had played rarely conservatively for most of the season, sparked an amazing offensive showcase in the Rose Bowl, winning MVP honors and moving him into the Heisman Watch for this season.  Most of his squad returns from last season, so this offense will be strong again.

The defense lost some key players, but Ohio State stocks defenders deep, so they won't lose much.  Three of their four non-conference games should be cake walks, allowing the new defenders to get comfortable before the conference season opens.  Miami might give them a problem, and they also have to travel to Wisconsin and Iowa, so their bid for a perfect season and return to the National Championship might meet some bumps, but they're well-stocked for riding the Top Ten all season.

PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS:  The Nittany Lions return eight offensive starters, but their offensive line will look new.  Why is that?  Once again, Coach Paterno is tweaking his offensive line, moving players around to find the perfect fit.  If it gels before they travel to Iowa, they'll be a force to watch in the conference.  Unfortunately, a perfect season seems out of reach, as they have to travel to Tuscaloosa to face the defending National Champion Alabama Crimson Tide on Sept 11th.

PURDUE BOILERMAKERS:  I'm not sure this team can remain healthy throughout the season; they couldn't even remain healthy throughout spring practice!  Even QB Robert Marve faded before the end of practice.  While most will be back for the start of the season, tailback Ralph Bolden will be out until at least the end of October.  Combine the health concerns with a weak secondary, and this team has plenty of problems.

WISCONSIN BADGERS:  The team that thrives on strong runners has another this season, returning starter John Clay.  Limited by injury last year, he's healthy and ready to make up for 2009.  With nearly everybody back from last season's offense, that makes Wisconsin a mighty force. 

They don't have to completely rely on Clay.  Senior QB Scott Tolzien showed he could throw last season, and coach Bret Bielema won't forget that.  The Badgers have a further benefit this season - they don't play Penn State.

Projected standings (conference win-loss/overall win-loss)
1.  Iowa Hawkeyes (7-1/11-1) : A surprising upset of Ohio State will give them the tiebreaker and the Big Ten title
2.  Ohio State Buckeyes (7-1/11-1)
3.  Penn State Nittany Lions (7-1/10-2) : They'll knock off Iowa, but the Buckeyes will prevent them from winning the conference
4.  Wisconsin Badgers (6-2/10-2)
5.  Northwestern Wildcats (5-3/9-3)
6.  Michigan Wolverines (4-4/6-6) : The even record might give Rodriquez the bowl game he needs to remain coach
7.  Michigan State Spartans (3-5/5-7)
8.  Purdue Boilermakers (3-5/5-7)
9.  Illinois Fighting Illini (3-5/4-8)
10. Indiana Hoosiers (0-8/4-8)
11. Minnesota Golden Gophers (0-8/2-10)

New season

Welcome to a new season of both the NFL and NCAA football!  It's been an interesting summer for me, and the games start soon.  I do want to restart this blog, but my work and class schedules will make that tough, so some posts might be shorter.  I will still get my predictions and weekly Top 25 done.

For the NCAA, I'll limit my focus to the top teams and two conferences:  the Big East (where I live) and the Big Ten (where I'm from).  I'll get those previews out in the next couple of days.  For the NFL, I hope to have more short posts, bringing back my viewpoint of happenings in the league in addition to my weekly game picks.  That makes this blog look more like a blog, and restore the original feel of my "Out of the Endzone" column when it was first created in 1995.

I know some of you have wondered if I shut down this site, but I'm back for another year!  Let's hope it's an exciting one!