There’s four good teams in the Big Ten this season and five more that could be good or just blah. You can call it parity (just don’t call it PARODY, I HATE when people make that mistake, it isn’t Weird Al Yankovic playing college football here) or you can call it mediocrity.
Expect a lot of conference teams to be ranked in the 30s and 20s overall in the nation. On the flipside, don’t expect too many to be in the top ten or the 80s or higher either.
For the Big Ten QB Power Rankings go here
The talent at quarterback is anything but mediocre though. There’s dual threats everywhere you look, and at least five that could be all-conference. And 3-4 more with serious potential beyond that as well.
Legends Division
Nebraska Cornhuskers 11-1, 7-1
Class of the league defensively. If Taylor Martinez is legit, then Huskers should take the league title. Go here for the Nebraska Season Preview
Michigan State Spartans 9-3, 6-2
How will they handle the transition from hunter to hunted? How will they adjust to the tougher schedule? It’s always difficult for anyone to follow-up a season where they set the school record for wins. Go here for the MSU Season Preview
Michigan Wolverines 7-5, 5-3
It’s going to better, “Michigan Men” and “Michigan women.” So step up to your obligations. This year will be alright too- provided the defense wakes up from last year’s nightmare. Go here for the UM Season Preview
Northwestern Wildcats 7-5, 4-4
For a senior dominated squad, they should contend for the division title, but…serious questions about Dan Persa’s health, and issues with the LBs, keep me from being really high on them. Go here for the NU Season Preview
Iowa Hawkeyes 7-5, 4-4
They won’t be flashy or exciting, but they’ll be solid and they’ll be basically pretty good. What else is new in Iowa City?
Go here for the Iowa Season Preview
Minnesota Golden Gophers 3-9, 0-8
I have nothing nice to say, therefore…..Go here for the Minnesota Season Preview
Leaders Division
Wisconsin Badgers 11-1, 7-1
Gerry Di Nardo said something very intelligent on the BTN this summer: “a good mark of an elite program is depth at the defensive line year after year” Or something like that. Sconnie has that; they’re top notch. Go here for the UW Season Preview
Ohio State Buckeyes 9-3, 6-2
All the issues will leave them prone to upsets here and there. All the remaining talent will keep them a peg or two above most conference teams. Go here for the OSU Season Preview
Illinois Fighting Illini 7-5, 4-4
Schedule FINALLY favorable to starting fast and building momentum for conference season. With 8 home games, NO EXCUSE for not grabbing a bowl bid. Go here for the Illini Season Preview
Penn State Nittany Lions 7-5, 4-4
Too many questions, and at too many vital positions to consider them a legitimate contender. Go here for the PSU Season Preview
Purdue Boilermakers 5-7, 2-6
They’re starting their 5th different QB since the beginning of last year. Totally snake-bitten program lately. In basketball too, just ask Robbie Hummel. Go here for thePU Season Preview
Indiana Hoosiers 4-8, 1-7
Kevin Wilson is the right hire; evidenced by his landing of #1 QB recruit Gunner Keil. On the right track, but another tough season here. Go here for the Indiana Season Preview
Inaugural Big Ten title game
Nebraska 31, Wisconsin 17
MVP- Rex Burkhead, RB Nebraska
Go here for why
Defensive MVP- Lavonte David, LB, Nebraska
Coach of the Year- Bret Bielema, Wisconsin
Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net, an official Google News site that generates millions of unique visitors. He’s also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, Walter Football.com, Yardbarker, and Fox Sports
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