2007 Big 10 Preview

To me, the Big 10 was on the same par with the SEC. It still is, the Conferences split 1-1 in big bowl games last year. Ohio State was the wire to wire winner here last year before being thumped by Florida in the Title game. The question this year is who will win it this year? Michigan, Wisconsin, Penn St or Ohio St all have chances.


Who’s New

Mark Dantonio-Michigan St
Tim Brewster-Minnesota
Bill Lynch-Indiana

Who’s on the Hot Seat

Bill Lynch-Indiana
Ron Zook-Illinois
Kirk Ferentz-Iowa


11. Minnesota Golden Gophers. New coach Tim Brewster hopes to bring something that Glen Mason failed to do-consistency. To do that, he must find a way to recruit, which is a strong point for him, and not have to play Ohio St or Michigan every year. Well, he should do well landing recruits. The defense will be the strength of this team, while the offense needs some time to develop, but the Cal version of the Spread offense should fill the seats. Expect this team to be big-in 2008.

10. Northwestern Wildcats. Pat Fitzgerald did an admirable job in a difficult circumstance in 2006, even if the record did not show it. Despite going 4-8, this team has some promise, and may finish better than next to last in the conference in 2007, but there are some concerns. Michigan and Ohio St are in consecutive weeks, and the lack of defensive identity-they must use either the 4-3 or 3-4 scheme, not both. If they solve that problem, this could be a special year, since the offense is pretty much set.

9. Michigan St Spartans. This team has still not overcome the collapse against Notre Dame last season, and it cost them the former coaching staff. Mark Dantonio comes in from Cincinnati where he was mediocre at best there. The good news for the Spartans may be the defense-particularly the secondary (surprisingly since the ND meltdown last year). But the Spartans have to replace too many players on offense, particularly the backfield and the O-line to be of any consequence to the Big 10 this year.

8. Illinois Fighting Illini. Ron Zook enters year 3 with optimisim, as well he should. This team really was bad a year ago, but had some close games that saw defeat snatched from the jaws of victory. Juice Williams returns as QB, and despite a low completion percentage gave the Illini the best chance to win. But it is the defense that will make a big difference in 2007. There is depth, and speed to cover the good offenses. If the Illini improve on offense, a bowl game could happen, but 6-6 is good for this team.

7. Indiana Hoosiers*. The death of Terry Hoeppner was sad and tragic. The program was on the way up, and fans were looking forward to football season for a change. Bill Lynch heads the Hoosiers on an interim basis, so the future is murky but the present is clear. QB Kellen Lewis was a surprise, and the WR’s are led by 6’7 (Not a typo) James Hardy. The defense has 8 returning starters, and that too is good. This team is ready to go to a bowl, but if injuries happen at key positions, expect tough times, but that is not likely. The schedule has no Michigan or Ohio St, so a bowl is likely.

6. Purdue Boilermakers*. Joe Tiller saved his job last year by getting Purdue bowl eligible. This team should improve this year as well. The offense needs only to find a RB, and they are set. The defense was pathetic, and now Michigan and Ohio St are on the schedule, so that is a concern. If the Boilermakers improve on D, this is going to be a big year.

5. Iowa Hawkeyes*. Kirk Ferentz has done a lot of good at Iowa (winning the conference in 2002, last second win vs LSU in Cap One Bowl) and some bad (0-11 his first season). But Iowa has been well, mediocre. For some reason, Kirk Ferentz gets NFL offers, and some college offers, but stays (good for him), but lately you have to wonder if the time is right for him to leave. Iowa has underachieved, and if they do this year, the boo-birds will be out. On offense, Jake Christenson replaces Drew Tate at QB, and that is the only offensive concern. The defense is solid, but the play has been a problem. If Iowa wants back in on top, they have to improve here.

4. Ohio State Buckeyes*. Last season, the Buckeyes had the world in their hands-until Florida blasted them in the National Championship Game. Now, head coach Jim Tressel must start from scratch, so to speak. On offense, the leading passer, receiver and rusher are gone. On defense, the D-line and secondary are unclear. This would be difficult for some teams, but not the Buckeyes. Smash mouth football will return this year, but who to play at RB? The D-line and secondary are new, but the Sweater Vest is at his prime here. Expect the Buckeyes to field a good team, and be the top team in 2008, this year is just a hiccup.

3. Penn State Nittany Lions*. If Penn State is to win the Big 10, QB Anthony Morelli must have a huge senior season. If he does, the Lions should be in the BCS hunt. Armed with 8 returning starters for Penn St, the only question is RB. The defense is another question, but for all the years Joe Paterno has been there, he is in a familiar situation, and always seems to exceed expectations, so if they are in a BCS Bowl, don’t be surprised.

2. Wisconsin Badgers*. Normally, if you go 11-1, you go to a BCS Bowl. But since Michigan went 11-1, and Ohio St 12-0 last year, the Badgers had to settle for the Capital One Bowl, where they beat Arkansas. But the Badgers must find a new QB, and have to plug a few holes on defense, but the big game is Nov 10 when Michigan comes to town. This is a team that should have gone to a BCS Bowl, and that is a mighty big chip to carry on their shoulders. This team is hungry, but hungry enough to win the Big 10?

1. Michigan Wolverines*. If a team returns 10 starters, you assume they are rebuilding. Well at Michigan, you just reload. The big 3 on offense are back (QB Chad Henne, RB Mike Hart, and WR Mario Manningham). The Defense is a question mark; but picking the talent to replace lost players is there. This could be a big year for the Wolverines. The only worries are the final 2 games-at Wisconsin and hosting Ohio State.