T1. Michigan (7-1 in the Big 10, 10-1 overall)
Offense: Don't expect the offense to slip too much even after losing Chris Perry, Tony Pape and John Navarre thanks to the best receiving corps in America and a loaded offensive line. It will be running back by committee until the hot hand is found, and quarterbacks Matt Gutierrez and/or Clayton Richard will do just fine taking over the offense.
Defense: Take away the issues the run D had with Minnesota, and the all-around problems with hot Pac 10 passing attacks, and Michigan had a near-perfect defensive season. Things aren't going to change much from a defense that allowed 16.8 points per game with a back seven that's among the best in college football. Only one starter returns to the line, but it has the potential to be even better with the emergence of junior tackles Larry Harrison and Gabe Watson.
Five Most Important Conference Games
1. Michigan at Ohio State, Nov. 20
2. Iowa at Michigan, Sept. 25
3. Ohio State at Iowa, Oct. 16
4. Wisconsin at Ohio State, Oct. 9
5. Wisconsin at Iowa, Nov. 20
Team that will surprise
Minnesota
Team that will disappoint
Illinois
Coach that must produce
Ron Turner, Illinois
Best head coach
Jim Tressel, Ohio State
The potentially huge Big Ten upset might be ... Illinois over Iowa, Oct. 30
The potentially worst Big Ten game might be ... Michigan at Indiana, Oct. 2
Best player no one pays attention to ... Northwestern DE Loren Howard
T1. Ohio State (7-1, 9-2)
Offense: The offense was almost non-existent at times last year, and now several key starters need to be replaced, most notably QB Craig Krenzel. The quarterback situation will get all the attention with Justin Zwick needing to live up to his big billing with a relatively inexperienced receiving corps to work with. The offensive line, in time, should end up being more productive than last year paving the way for a good group of backs.
Defense: The Ohio State defense was loaded, experienced and dominating last year and now has to deal with the loss of several key performers. None might be bigger than the loss of defensive coordinator Mark Dantonio to Cincinnati. The raw talent is there for another huge season, but the experience isn't with the line the biggest concern. The linebacking corps should be scary good as Air Force transfer Anthony Schlegel and Indiana's John Kerr make an already strong group outstanding. The secondary will be excellent if E.J. Underwood plays as well as he did this spring.
T2. Iowa (6-2, 8-3)
Offense: The offense basically stunk last year finishing last in the Big Ten in passing and 92nd in the nation in total offense, so there isn't too much weeping with only two starters returning. The potential is there to be far better with a loaded and diverse group of running backs, up-and-coming receivers and four not-that-bad options to choose from at quarterback. The only question mark is the line which should be fine in time, but has to stay healthy or everything will fall apart.
Defense: The potential is there for this to be the Big Ten's best defense despite the loss of some huge stars. The linebackers, led by Abdul Hodge and Chad Greenway, will be tremendous while the corners are outstanding. DE Matt Roth is on the verge of All-America status. Iowa has found a way to get the backups to play well when pressed, but there's little developed depth to rely on right away.
T2. Wisconsin (6-2, 9-2)
Offense: The running game will be among the most effective in the nation with Heisman-candidate Anthony Davis healthy again operating behind a line with all five starters returning. The receiving corps will be fine even with the loss of Lee Evans, but QB John Stocco has to prove he can consistently get them the ball.
Defense: The pieces are there for this to be the best defense in the Big Ten, but it probably won't be as the production hasn't matched up to the talent over the last few seasons. The tackles are tremendous and the secondary should be tighter than last year with the return of FS Jim Leonhard and CB Scott Starks, but the concern is over the very green and very banged up linebacking corps.
5. Minnesota (5-3, 8-3)
Offense: The running game will be among the best in America with Marion Barber III and Laurence Maroney operating behind a talented and veteran offensive line. The receiving corps won't get much publicity, but there are big play weapons. The key will be the play of QB Bryan Cupito. If he can be effective at stretching the field and keeping defenses from loading up against the run, this should be the Big Ten's most effective offense.
Defense: The defense improved by leaps and bounds last year and has the potential to take another step forward if all the pieces come together. The starting front seven should be good enough to hold their own even if there aren't many stars. The secondary needs safety production to replace Eli Ward and Justin Isom.
T6. Penn State (4-4, 6-5)
Offense: The offense was a major disappointment as the quarterbacks couldn't throw, the receivers couldn't catch, and the running backs couldn't do much behind a young offensive line that struggled. While this year's attack won't make anyone forget about the 1995 Nittany Lions, new offensive coordinator Galen Hall seems to have brought a spark and excitement. Expect more passing and better production from the receiving corps despite the loss of 2003's leading receivers.
Defense: There aren't a lot of household recognizable names on the D, but there are plenty of good young players to count on. Things are a bit up in the air until the off-the-field problems of three of the defensive linemen are worked out. The secondary should be strong, while the baby 'backers could grow into something special. The key will be to get stronger against the run and to develop a consistent pass rush.
T6 Purdue (4-4, 6-5)
Offense: Only injuries can prevent the Purdue offense from averaging around 30 points and 400 yards per game as QB Kyle Orton leads a veteran attack with a solid group of running backs, a varied mix of receiving talents, and a veteran offensive line to operate behind.
Defense: Defensive coordinator Brock Spack has his work cut out for him losing eight starters and several key backups from the nation's 13th ranked defense. While there can't help but be a drop in overall production, the Boilermaker defense won't go into the tank. Few programs are better or more prepared to deal with what it takes to play young players having succeeded in the past with true freshmen when necessary. If nothing else, this is one of the most athletic defenses Joe Tiller has ever had with great young prospects. However, there are few proven commodities.
T8. Michigan State (2-6, 6-6)
Offense: The top two running backs have moved over to the defense, the heart-and-soul quarterback is gone and the offensive line looks average at best. Things aren't that bad, but it might take a while for this to be the explosive attack that head coach John L. Smith is used to running. The pieces are there to put together one of 2005's best offenses led by a fantastic young receiving corps. How far this year's team goes depends on the quarterbacks with Drew Stanton, Stephen Reaves and Damon Dowdell battling it out.
Defense: The Spartan defense attacked from all angles and was wildly successful at getting into the backfield making 45 sacks. Expect more of the same from a fast group of athletic, and seemingly interchangeable, playmakers. There aren't any sure-thing All-Big Ten performers, although FS Jason Harmon and DE Clifford Dukes come close, but there are several great fringe candidates and more than enough good pieces to expect a good year.
T8. Northwestern (2-6, 3-8)
Offense: The running game should once again be tremendous with Noah Herron running behind a fantastic offensive line with all five starters returning. The passing attack is another story as Brett Basanez has to prove he can scare someone with his arm and needs the receivers to stay healthy and give him some help.
Defense: The defense improved by leaps and bounds from 2002 to 2003, and now there might be another jump up in production with almost everyone coming back. The line should be the best Northwestern has had in years led by DE Loren Howard and DT Luis Castillo, while the back seven should be fine if a replacement can be found for MLB Pat Durr. The secondary is O.K., but there will still be issues against good passing teams..
Offense: Don't expect the offense to slip too much even after losing Chris Perry, Tony Pape and John Navarre thanks to the best receiving corps in America and a loaded offensive line. It will be running back by committee until the hot hand is found, and quarterbacks Matt Gutierrez and/or Clayton Richard will do just fine taking over the offense.
Defense: Take away the issues the run D had with Minnesota, and the all-around problems with hot Pac 10 passing attacks, and Michigan had a near-perfect defensive season. Things aren't going to change much from a defense that allowed 16.8 points per game with a back seven that's among the best in college football. Only one starter returns to the line, but it has the potential to be even better with the emergence of junior tackles Larry Harrison and Gabe Watson.
Five Most Important Conference Games
1. Michigan at Ohio State, Nov. 20
2. Iowa at Michigan, Sept. 25
3. Ohio State at Iowa, Oct. 16
4. Wisconsin at Ohio State, Oct. 9
5. Wisconsin at Iowa, Nov. 20
Team that will surprise
Minnesota
Team that will disappoint
Illinois
Coach that must produce
Ron Turner, Illinois
Best head coach
Jim Tressel, Ohio State
The potentially huge Big Ten upset might be ... Illinois over Iowa, Oct. 30
The potentially worst Big Ten game might be ... Michigan at Indiana, Oct. 2
Best player no one pays attention to ... Northwestern DE Loren Howard
T1. Ohio State (7-1, 9-2)
Offense: The offense was almost non-existent at times last year, and now several key starters need to be replaced, most notably QB Craig Krenzel. The quarterback situation will get all the attention with Justin Zwick needing to live up to his big billing with a relatively inexperienced receiving corps to work with. The offensive line, in time, should end up being more productive than last year paving the way for a good group of backs.
Defense: The Ohio State defense was loaded, experienced and dominating last year and now has to deal with the loss of several key performers. None might be bigger than the loss of defensive coordinator Mark Dantonio to Cincinnati. The raw talent is there for another huge season, but the experience isn't with the line the biggest concern. The linebacking corps should be scary good as Air Force transfer Anthony Schlegel and Indiana's John Kerr make an already strong group outstanding. The secondary will be excellent if E.J. Underwood plays as well as he did this spring.
T2. Iowa (6-2, 8-3)
Offense: The offense basically stunk last year finishing last in the Big Ten in passing and 92nd in the nation in total offense, so there isn't too much weeping with only two starters returning. The potential is there to be far better with a loaded and diverse group of running backs, up-and-coming receivers and four not-that-bad options to choose from at quarterback. The only question mark is the line which should be fine in time, but has to stay healthy or everything will fall apart.
Defense: The potential is there for this to be the Big Ten's best defense despite the loss of some huge stars. The linebackers, led by Abdul Hodge and Chad Greenway, will be tremendous while the corners are outstanding. DE Matt Roth is on the verge of All-America status. Iowa has found a way to get the backups to play well when pressed, but there's little developed depth to rely on right away.
T2. Wisconsin (6-2, 9-2)
Offense: The running game will be among the most effective in the nation with Heisman-candidate Anthony Davis healthy again operating behind a line with all five starters returning. The receiving corps will be fine even with the loss of Lee Evans, but QB John Stocco has to prove he can consistently get them the ball.
Defense: The pieces are there for this to be the best defense in the Big Ten, but it probably won't be as the production hasn't matched up to the talent over the last few seasons. The tackles are tremendous and the secondary should be tighter than last year with the return of FS Jim Leonhard and CB Scott Starks, but the concern is over the very green and very banged up linebacking corps.
5. Minnesota (5-3, 8-3)
Offense: The running game will be among the best in America with Marion Barber III and Laurence Maroney operating behind a talented and veteran offensive line. The receiving corps won't get much publicity, but there are big play weapons. The key will be the play of QB Bryan Cupito. If he can be effective at stretching the field and keeping defenses from loading up against the run, this should be the Big Ten's most effective offense.
Defense: The defense improved by leaps and bounds last year and has the potential to take another step forward if all the pieces come together. The starting front seven should be good enough to hold their own even if there aren't many stars. The secondary needs safety production to replace Eli Ward and Justin Isom.
T6. Penn State (4-4, 6-5)
Offense: The offense was a major disappointment as the quarterbacks couldn't throw, the receivers couldn't catch, and the running backs couldn't do much behind a young offensive line that struggled. While this year's attack won't make anyone forget about the 1995 Nittany Lions, new offensive coordinator Galen Hall seems to have brought a spark and excitement. Expect more passing and better production from the receiving corps despite the loss of 2003's leading receivers.
Defense: There aren't a lot of household recognizable names on the D, but there are plenty of good young players to count on. Things are a bit up in the air until the off-the-field problems of three of the defensive linemen are worked out. The secondary should be strong, while the baby 'backers could grow into something special. The key will be to get stronger against the run and to develop a consistent pass rush.
T6 Purdue (4-4, 6-5)
Offense: Only injuries can prevent the Purdue offense from averaging around 30 points and 400 yards per game as QB Kyle Orton leads a veteran attack with a solid group of running backs, a varied mix of receiving talents, and a veteran offensive line to operate behind.
Defense: Defensive coordinator Brock Spack has his work cut out for him losing eight starters and several key backups from the nation's 13th ranked defense. While there can't help but be a drop in overall production, the Boilermaker defense won't go into the tank. Few programs are better or more prepared to deal with what it takes to play young players having succeeded in the past with true freshmen when necessary. If nothing else, this is one of the most athletic defenses Joe Tiller has ever had with great young prospects. However, there are few proven commodities.
T8. Michigan State (2-6, 6-6)
Offense: The top two running backs have moved over to the defense, the heart-and-soul quarterback is gone and the offensive line looks average at best. Things aren't that bad, but it might take a while for this to be the explosive attack that head coach John L. Smith is used to running. The pieces are there to put together one of 2005's best offenses led by a fantastic young receiving corps. How far this year's team goes depends on the quarterbacks with Drew Stanton, Stephen Reaves and Damon Dowdell battling it out.
Defense: The Spartan defense attacked from all angles and was wildly successful at getting into the backfield making 45 sacks. Expect more of the same from a fast group of athletic, and seemingly interchangeable, playmakers. There aren't any sure-thing All-Big Ten performers, although FS Jason Harmon and DE Clifford Dukes come close, but there are several great fringe candidates and more than enough good pieces to expect a good year.
T8. Northwestern (2-6, 3-8)
Offense: The running game should once again be tremendous with Noah Herron running behind a fantastic offensive line with all five starters returning. The passing attack is another story as Brett Basanez has to prove he can scare someone with his arm and needs the receivers to stay healthy and give him some help.
Defense: The defense improved by leaps and bounds from 2002 to 2003, and now there might be another jump up in production with almost everyone coming back. The line should be the best Northwestern has had in years led by DE Loren Howard and DT Luis Castillo, while the back seven should be fine if a replacement can be found for MLB Pat Durr. The secondary is O.K., but there will still be issues against good passing teams..
