Big 10 Storylines for 2008:
*** Conflicting Results? – Will the real Big Ten please stand? In the last three years during the regular season, the Big 10 has a very respectable non-conference record of 17-12 versus BCS conference schools. In those same last three years, the Big 10 is a wretched 8-14 in bowl games and has failed to produce a winning record in any single year.
*** 2nd Time’s the Charm? – Three Big 10 coaches are entering year number two with their schools: Tim Brewster (Minnesota), Bill Lynch (Indiana) and Mark Dantonio (Michigan State). It will be tough for any of them to elevate their program into the top half of the league this year, but it is important for each of them to take the next step forward.
*** A New Era – After 13 seasons, Michigan football will be guided by somebody other than Lloyd Carr. Say what you will about Carr’s shortcomings, but leave no doubt that he won with class and integrity – two characteristics that seem lost in today’s college football landscape. Usher in the Rich Rodriguez era and my first question is whether or not UofM fell prey to the pressure to ‘win at all costs’? Steve Fisher and Michigan hoops succumbed and that program still has not recovered. There seems little doubt that Rodriguez will win, and soon, but will it be in keeping with the ‘Wolverine Way’?
*** The Timeless One – Joe Paterno enters his 43rd year at Penn State this Fall. The Nittany Lions will be good and Paterno knows it. Is this the season he finally calls it quits? Can he use a potential retirement to ratchet up his team’s performance for a conference title?
How I think the 2008 Big Ten race ends:
1. Ohio State (7-1)
T2. Penn State (6-2)
T2. Wisconsin (6-2)
T4. Iowa (5-3)
T4. Michigan (5-3)
More on the teams:
1. Ohio State Buckeyes
2007 Conference Record: 7-1
Why fans should be excited: The Buckeyes have been building towards this season for two years. This team is loaded with experienced talent and should cruise to a conference championship. There should be eleven seniors starting at OSU – in today’s game, that’s nearly unthinkable.
Why rivals should be excited: When matched against the best-of-the-best, these Buckeyes appeared below average and outclassed. In the last 2 BCS title games, OSU has lost by a combined score of 79-38.
2. Penn State Nittany Lions
2007 Conference Record: 4-4
Why fans should be excited: The PSU defense should be stout in 2008, even with the loss of linebacker Sean Lee (ACL). In addition to the best D-Line in the Big 10, the Nittany Lions return a total of 18 players with starting experience.
Why rivals should be excited: PSU is reportedly changing their offense back to a spread-based attack. Additionally, the Nittany Lions have very little experience at quarterback or running back. If points are at a premium, the PSU defense will be under tremendous pressure to keep their opponents off the scoreboard.
3. Wisconsin Badgers
2007 Conference Record: 5-3
Why fans should be excited: Head Coach Bret Bielema has raced out of the gates to a 21-5 two-year record and folks in Madison think the 2008 Badgers will be his most talented squad yet. If PJ Hill stays healthy (and Wisconsin has enough talented backups to not run him into the ground), he is a dynamic talent. Three returning seniors on the OL should help pave Hill’s way.
Why rivals should be excited: Starting with a September 27th date at Michigan, the Badgers will face a brutal five week stretch of Big Ten games (OSU, PSU, at Iowa, Illinois).
The rest of the story….there is not a huge difference in the middle of the Big Ten pack and any of these teams could make a run for fourth best in the league:
- Michigan: Gaping holes made by departed stars and coaches will make it tough to finish higher than fourth. The talent is in Ann Arbor (especially at cornerback).
- Iowa: The Hawkeyes will get solid line play on both sides of the ball and do not face either Michigan or Ohio State, courtesy of the rotating conference schedule.
- Illinos: The Illini will take a step back this year, but it won’t be too far with talents like Juice Williams (QB) and Arrelious Benn (WR) leading the offense.
Interesting. I think you may be a little surprised at the end of the season. I must say I do not necessarily agree with this assessment. Watch out for the dark horse, The fighting Illini.
Go green.