We continue our breakdown of College Football and head to the heartland and the Big 10 Conference. Be sure to check back daily over the next week for more CFB Conference Previews.
EAST DIVISION
MICHIGAN STATE - This pick just got extremely easier with the news Braxton Miller is out for the year. Now, I did have MSU picked here last year over the Buckeyes and was going here again. With Miller out for OSU, there is no reason that the Spartans shouldn't be undefeated this season. Any National Championship hopes rest in Game 2 when they visit Oregon for the second game of the season. The defense will be good as they always are. I look for QB Connor Cook to take a big step with his offense.
OHIO STATE - Buckeyes dealt a devastating blow as I was doing this report as their QB Braxton Miller was lost for the year. This team was going to be already working with a revamped OL, and will now put a youngster behind it. The defense will get them wins, but I can't see them beating the Spartans. It won't shock me if they get upended at home against Virginia Tech. HC Urban Meyer is a great coach so we can't totally discounted this team.
MARYLAND TERPS - I think the Terps surprise some people this year. Believe it or not, I like Edsall as HC here. This is his 4th year and he is getting his system guys under him now. A couple years back here, he lost every QB on his roster. So he has had some bad injury luck. They have 8 starters back on offense and 9 on defense. I think that after the teams above him here, this conference is pretty wide open.
PENN STATE - I will admit it. After the Sandusky thing and the sanctions, I really thought PSU was done. But they managed to go 10-6 in Big 10 play. I can't overlook that. Even with new HC James Franklin, this is a talented bunch. They have another great class of recruits coming in. Hackenberg had as good a freshman season at QB as you could have asked. I think they have more questions on defense than offense so that will keep them from making any big steps after going 7-5 last year.
MICHIGAN WOLVERINES - I remember the fan fare when Brady Hoke came to Ann Arbor. He went 11-2 in his first year, then 8-5 and 7-6 the last 2 years. I can't see them improving much here. Now they have a new OC who will try to get the OL in order and get QB Devin Gardner to have some steadier play. If they suffer through another poor year by Michigan standards, someone will be on the hot seat.
INDIANA HOOSIERS - Have to like the offense here. These guys put up 38ppg last year and return 8 starters to that unit. Problem is they return 9 starters to defense that allowed 38.8ppg. At least the games won't be boring!
RUTGERS SCARLET KNIGHTS - Big step up in play for Rutgers. I'm from NJ so I am excited to see how Rutgers develops here. I would be shocked if they win more than 5 games. I just think they have taken a few steps back in recent years. They don't have the horses for this kind of football right now.
WEST DIVISION -
IOWA HAWKEYES - Don't ask me why I like this team so much. They have burned me in the past when I have them at the top of their division. I like the offense a lot. They bring back plenty of experience. They avoid Ohio State and Michigan State and get Wiscy and Nebraska at home. The schedule is there to take advantage. Let's see if Kirk Ferentz can get these guys to the top.
WISCONSIN BADGERS - I can be honest here. If the Badgers get past LSU in their opener, that can propel an undefeated run here. I just think with 3 starters back on defense, they are going to have their hiccups.
NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS - I think HC Pat Fitzgerald has a good squad this year. 17 starters back 9 offense, 8 defense. There is a lot of senior leadership. The schedule shapes up nicely as they miss Ohio State and Michigan State, plus get Wiscy and Nebraska at home. They go to Iowa off a bye week. The bottom half here is week so Northwestern should go bowling.
NEBRASKA - I like Bo Pelini. But the guy just hasn't delivered in my eyes. Pencil these guys in with 4 losses because that is what has happened the last 6 years. I can't see them improving on 9 wins with tough road games at Michigan State, Wiscy and Iowa. With just 11 starters back and a young QB behind center, I think they are a middle of the road squad.
ILLINOIS - Like I said above, this division basically falls off a cliff here. I have the Illini here simply because HC Tim Beckman went from 2 to 4 wins his first 2 years. I'll be honest, I don't know if he can duplicate 4 wins. They do have 14 starters back.
MINNESOTA GOLDEN GOPHERS - These guys had a pair of 4 game win streaks on their way to a 8-5 season. Even with 15 starters back, I can't see them repeating that record.
PURDUE BOILERMAKERS - HC Darrell Hazell has nowhere to go but up after Purdue went 1-11 last year. They do have 15 starters back. But as I have said before. This team is rebuilding. You bring in a new coach and his scheme and coaches, there will be bumps in the road. I think they go win-less in conference play again. Hope they give this guy a few years to right the ship.
Be sure to check back for more College Conference Previews - SEAN HIGGS
|
Paul Chirimbes |
|
| ALL Access Pass ALL SPORTS Money Plays
Chip Chirimbes the 'Big Game Player' and Three-time Handicapping Champion is offering SEVEN full days of ALL SPORTS winners for only $149. Take advantage now with the HOTTEST HANDICAPPER in the Nation as his RED HOT streak continues. - $149.00
|
Click here to view all of today's premium picks.
