Ohio State (10-3 Overall, 7-1 in Conference- 2008)Offense- This is the year of Terrell Pryor. Pryor who has been called a “Freak of Nature, will have his chance to be the featured guy. The offense will be built around his speed, strength and passing ability. As he goes, so will the team. Beanie Wells and Brian Robiskie are gone, who will step up?
Defense- Kurt Coleman is one of the leaders on Defense; he will be expected to anchor the secondary. Last years leading sacker, Thaddeus Gibson will be the go-to guy on the line. Despite a couple of losses, this unit always seems to be good, don’t expect that to change.
Strengths- Coaching, Pryor, Defense and Schedule.
Weaknesses- Experience. Can Pryor develop? Depth on Offense.
OSG’s Take-
Phil- As always, they will be good. They will be one of the best teams in the 10. They never seem to be quite good enough to beat the best of the other “Power Conferences” though. This year hinges on Pryor, as he goes, they will go. They will be either 1st or 2nd again.
Wilkie- It’s Ohio State which means the Buckeyes will be at or near the top of the Big 10 and then lose the bowl game. New season, same result. I can’t wait to watch Terrell Pryor though, he is a freak of nature.
Nelson- What Wilkie said… I think there’s only one loss ((the USC game)) heading in to the Penn State game on November 21st. That game decides who gets the title. OH-IO… they don’t give a damn ‘bout the whole state of Michigan. They still won’t…
Penn State – (11-2, 7-1 in conference in 2008)
Offense- Much like Ohio State, they are heavily reliant on their Quarterback. Darryl Clark returns and should be one of the, if not the best Offensive player in the league. Evan Royster heads up a strong running attack for the Nittany Lions.
Defense- This too should be a strong unit this season. Headliners like Linebacker Sean Lee and D-Tackle Jared Odrick lead an experienced group that can run from side to side.
Strengths- Clark has arguably become the best QB in the league. Lee, Odrick and a tough Defense. This is the strongest team in Happy Valley in several years.
Weakness- They have been somewhat inconsistent the past few years. That may have been the youth, they are more experienced now.
OSG’s Take-
Phil- As much as I have slammed these guys on character the past few years, this is a good team. Probably the best in the 10. I think Clark is what Terrell Pryor hopes to be. This is my pick to win the Conference.
Wikie- I agree with Phil, Penn State has got the goods to win the Big 10 plus the Nittany Lions schedule is cake. I would even say Penn State has an outside shot for the BCS Championship Game. Can it be that Joe Pa. is just getting better with age?
Nelson- Akron, Syracuse, and Temple to start…? What is that…??? Eastern Illinois…??? This “cake” schedule is why they lose the Ohio State game. Joe Pa puts more distance between himself and Bobby Bowden just in time for those 14 games off the board.
Michigan State- (9-4 Overall in 2008, 6-2 in the conference)
Offense- There is a lot to replace here. Brian Hoyer and Javon Ringer are gone. The QB situation is up in the air, who will step up? AJ Jimmerson is a Senior and may be Ringer’s replacement, but who is going to emerge. The other contenders are young…very young. The receivers are strong, but someone has to get the ball to them.
Defense- It all starts with preseason defensive player of year Greg Jones. He is a pretty good base to start things with. The linebackers are very good on this team; the rest of the defense will be young.
Strengths- Jones is obviously a very good football player. They are strong up front…as usual.
Weakness- Youth. This is a very young team with quite a few question marks. Someone is going to have to elevate their game…a lot.
OSG’s Take-
Phil- This is a rebuilding year for the Spartans. There are way too many question marks for them to lay claim to a title. That isn’t to say there isn’t talent here, there is. But it will be another year or two before it manifests. Middle of the pack but a bowl game.
Wilkie- I really like what Mark Dantonio is doing with Michigan State. If the quarterback situation was a little better I would even say the Big 10 title is in their grasp. No Ohio State on the schedule and Penn State must come to East Lansing. I not ready to commit to that for the Spartans but they will be in the top 3 and get a good bowl game.
Nelson- Sleeper selection, if Penn State is caught napping, where the Fighting Dantonio’s could take out Penn State. Think New Year’s Day- third in the conference…
Wisconsin- (7-6 Overall in 2008, 3-5 in the Conference)
Offense- Dustin Sherer returns at Quarterback, but that may not be a good thing. He struggled last year and there are several younger players nipping at his heels. There is still talent at Running Back with human bowling ball John Clay. Look for them to be a traditional 10 power team.
Defense- O’Brien Schofield headlines a fairly non-descript defensive unit. This group will be hard pressed to keep up with the Terrell Pryor’s and Darryl Clark’s of the world.
Strengths- Clay is a workhorse and there is depth behind him. The O Line will be solid as usual, they grow ‘em big up there.
Weakness- Lots of holes, Sherer needs to step up at QB. Lack of defensive speed.
OSG’s Take-
Phil- These guys are traditionally overrated and never fail to disappoint. They are equipped to be competitive in the 10, but not anywhere else. If they falter again, look for Coach Bret Bielema to be on the hot seat.
Wilkie- There’s not much buzz about the Badgers going into 2009. Every year there is the illusion that Wisconsin will be great, even win the Big 10 only to find out you overestimated the Badgers again. They should win at least 7 games this year but I wonder if the Cheeseheads are happy with Bret Bielema.
Nelson- When this season is over, Badger fans will be just as happy with Bielema as Iowa fans are with Kirk Ferentz. A pre-New Year’s Bowl, possibly, pre-Christmas bowl game for Wisconsin and a seat with an increased temperature for 2010.
Iowa- (9-4 Overall, 5-3 in the Conference)
Offense- Ricky Stanzi is the man. He will run the show this year after a strong finish last year. Someone will have to fill Shon Greene’s shoes, but they will have a good, strong O line to do it behind.
Defense- The defense is deep and experienced. They have guys with playing time everywhere. Pat Angerer tied for the league lead with 5 Int’s last year and he returns to lead a solid linebacker core.
Strengths- Defense, defense and for good measure, more defense. There are some questions on offense, but the D should be awfully stout.
Weakness- Some questions on O. Who is going to replace Greene? Can Stanzi hold up for a full season and elevate his game?
OSG’s Take-
Phil- They will be a tough out just because they will be very good on defense. I’m not convinced the O is big time enough to win the conference, but they should have a good record and a decent bowl game.
Wilkie- The only thing keeping the Iowa Hawkeyes from a huge year is the schedule. Talk about bad timing Iowa has Penn State, Wisconsin, Michigan State and Ohio State all on the road in 2009. Even going 2-2 won’t win the Big 10. The Hawkeyes will get 8-9 wins and a good bowl but that schedule… ouch.
Nelson- After winning the Iowa State Championship after Week 2 (Northern and Iowa State), the schedule will keep them from a huge season. But 8 wins will be the max and Ferentz’s job is safe for another season. Dare I say it- more safe than Bielema’s heading in to 2010.
Northwestern- (9-4 in 2008, 5-3 in the Conference)
Offense- Quite a few guys have left, but Quarterback Mike Kafka is back. Kafka shined in last years Alamo Bowl and will have to carry a heavy load this year too. The ‘Cats were hit hard by graduation and have lots of holes to fill.
Defense- Corey Wootton returns from last year’s knee injury to lead the young defense. A lot of guys are going to need to step up this year.
Strengths- Kafka is a multi-purpose threat (run and pass). Wootton, if healthy is a stud. They will need to be leaders on this team.
Weakness- Youth. Inexperience.
OSG’s Take-
Phil- Coach Pat Fitzgerald has built a strong program at his alma mater. They have some holes to fill this year, but still should be a good team. Upper Mid-Pack and a bowl game.
Wilkie- Northwestern is no longer the Big 10 doormat. They may not be challenging for the Big 10 title every year but they play like hell. The Wildcats have gone from a joke to a team that you fear. Pat Fitzgerald is a big part of that. He was there when the Northwestern renaissance began in 1995 and has kept it going. 9 wins the max this year and Northwestern fans, let’s hope for a bowl win, that hasn’t happened since 1948.
Nelson- I don’t quite see 9 wins for Northwestern in 2009- more like 7. The inexperience will take a while to get used to playing in the Ten. Their last four games are Penn State, at Iowa, at Illinois, and Wisconsin: a 1-3 finish.
It’ll be another bowl, but an early one.
Illinois- (5-7 in 2008, 3-5 in the Conference)
Offense- It’s all about the Juice. Juice Williams is back again to lead these guys. With WR Arrelious Benn returning as well, they are stacked on offense.
Defense- Martez Wilson and Donsay Hardeman lead the Defense.
Strengths- The Offense can score with anyone. Some talent here.
Weakness- Can the Defense stop anyone?
OSG’s Take-
Phil- This is an interesting team. They should be pretty good, but I still don’t think Ron Zook is a good head coach. I think they will underachieve…again. Maybe .500 and a bowl game, but not likely.
Wilkie- Illinois is a program that continues to baffle me. Why can’t they challenge for the Big 10 title every year? There is no excuse why the Illini underachieve. I thought Ron Zook SEC style recruiting might turn the corner for Illinois but coaching isn’t his strength. This year Illinois has the talent to win the Big 10 and normally they would be my pick but I can’t commit. Ron Zook has to prove he can coach. 9 wins and a bowl.
Nelson- The team should get to a 2-0 start, but Ohio State and Penn State cancel that out. The last two games could determine 7 or 9 wins- Cincinnati and Fresno. What was [NAME REDACTED] thinking putting this schedule together…?
Michigan (3-8 in 2008, 2-8 in the Conference)
Offense- Will this be the year that Rich Rodriguez’ offense makes its mark in the Big 10? Already, he has announced that he will play 3 Quarterbacks in the opener…that is not a good sign. There are a few players here, so we will see what happens.
Defense- Wow, former Syracuse Coach Greg Robinson was brought in to run the defense…that’s kind of scary. Brandon Graham and Obi Ezeh are the leaders on D.
Strengths- It should be the coaching staff, though they have a lot of work to do to put these guys back where they were.
Weakness- Youth and inexperience are the biggest issues; several guys will need to stand out for them to succeed.
OSG’s Take-
Phil- Wow, talk about “How the mighty have fallen”. They are a shell of what they used to be. I don’t know if Rodriguez is capable of rebuilding them. They have a long way to go to catch back up to Ohio State and Penn State. Bottom of the pack here.
Wilkie- Michigan is an example of culture change gone wrong. Rich Rodriguez style just doesn’t fit the mold that made Michigan well, Michigan. Rich-Rod can’t commit to a quarterback so he’s going to play all 3 in the opener. That tells me he’s desperate. I think Michigan will be lucky to get 5 wins this year.
Nelson- Three QB’s…? Makes perfect Rich-Rod sense… ugh. Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan, and Delaware State for wins…? What is this nonsense…? I noticed the AD left Central Michigan off the schedule- since they’d lose against Dan LaFevour this year. Lucky to win 5, but three of them are above…
Purdue- (4-8 in 2008, 2-6 in the Conference)
Offense- Curtis Painter is gone, can Joey Elliot take over? Aaron Valentin will be a key at Wide Receiver. They have been a spread team, but new coach Danny Hope wants to run the ball more.
Defense- Very experienced, with most of the guys returning from last year. LB Joe Holland and CB David Pender are expected to be standouts from this group.
Strengths- Defense and…defense. The offense is young, but has potential.
Weakness- No skill players with significant experience. They hope to get better as the year goes.
OSG’s Take-
Phil- They won’t be horrible because of the defense. However, they may not score a whole lot either. This is sort of a “Rebuilding” season with a new coach, so don’t expect a lot this season.
Wilkie- Purdue has been mediocre for a while and even with the Danny Hope coming in that won’t change. The Boilermakers might get 6 wins and a bowl but it will be a struggle.
Nelson- I’m struggling to find wins across the board myself…
Wilkie says 6. I say less…
Minnesota- (7-6 in 2008, 3-5 in the Conference)
Offense- 10 guys back including QB Adam Weber and WR Eric Decker. That should be helpful as they move to an outdoor stadium this year. Look for DeLeon Eskridge to play a big role this season.
Defense- A good turnover team last year, 8 guys return, LB Lee Campbell and S Kyle Theret are among the standouts.
Strengths- Experience. They have key guys at almost every position with some game experience; it will help…a lot. Playing in a new “Home” stadium should be an emotional boost as well.
Weakness- The need for balance. They are built for a fast “Dome” track, not an outside stadium. They will need to figure it out…fast.
OSG’s Take-
Phil- A solid team with a lot to like. Experience will serve them well as will the new stadium experience. They were a good story last year and should be a contender and a bowl team this year.
Wilkie- Tim Brewster is a breath of fresh air in Gopherland. Brewster got the Gophers in a bowl last year and will ride the momentum into this year. 7-8 wins and a bowl for Minnesota.
Nelson- I remember this team losing to FAU when Brewster was in his first year as a coach. I’m guessing a .500 year. Nothing leaps across the page here for me.
Indiana- (3-9 in 2008, 1-7 in the Conference) 
Offense- Kellen Lewis is their best player. Period. He was the leading runner and passer last year. This year, he will line up at WR. Ben Chappell will line up at QB and the O-Line returns all 5 starters.
Defense- They weren’t very good last year and 8 of those guys are back. Jammie Kerlew is the man at DE for them, having 10.5 sacks in 2008.
Strengths- Lewis’ versatility, some talent and depth on offense. Experience should be a good thing for them too.
Weaknesses- There hasn’t been wholesale changes on a team that wasn’t very good last year. The talent level isn’t good enough to be competitive in this conference.
OSG’s Take-
Phil- They are the “forgotten” in this conference and it is easy to see why. They should be more competitive than this. They are decent in Basketball but can’t seem to compete in Football. They aren’t a “Vanderbilt” or “Duke” either. Another year of bottom dwelling unless something very weird happens.
Wilkie- Usually an experienced team means a successful year. IU bucks that trend. Plenty of experience but short on talent. Indiana will again be the cellar dweller in the Big 10. Look on the bright side Hoosier fans, basketball season starts in November (oh yea, there struggling there to.)
Nelson- To be honst, they haven't been the same since Coach Hep passed. It looked like they were turning the corner and heading toward respectability, but things just look like they faded out. It's sad, no doubt. I tihnk it'll be another year of the bottom of the 10/11 for them.
Best of the Best-
Conference Champs
Phil- Penn State.
Wilkie- Penn State
Jon- Penn State
Offensive MVP
Phil- Daryl Clark, Penn State
Wilkie- Terrell Pryor – Ohio State
Jon- Clark
Defensive MVP
Phil- Greg Jones, Michigan State
Wilkie- Navorro Bowman – Penn State
Jon- Bowman
Offense- Kellen Lewis is their best player. Period. He was the leading runner and passer last year. This year, he will line up at WR. Ben Chappell will line up at QB and the O-Line returns all 5 starters.
Defense- They weren’t very good last year and 8 of those guys are back. Jammie Kerlew is the man at DE for them, having 10.5 sacks in 2008.
Strengths- Lewis’ versatility, some talent and depth on offense. Experience should be a good thing for them too.
Weaknesses- There hasn’t been wholesale changes on a team that wasn’t very good last year. The talent level isn’t good enough to be competitive in this conference.
OSG’s Take-
Phil- They are the “forgotten” in this conference and it is easy to see why. They should be more competitive than this. They are decent in Basketball but can’t seem to compete in Football. They aren’t a “Vanderbilt” or “Duke” either. Another year of bottom dwelling unless something very weird happens.
Wilkie- Usually an experienced team means a successful year. IU bucks that trend. Plenty of experience but short on talent. Indiana will again be the cellar dweller in the Big 10. Look on the bright side Hoosier fans, basketball season starts in November (oh yea, there struggling there to.)
Nelson- To be honst, they haven't been the same since Coach Hep passed. It looked like they were turning the corner and heading toward respectability, but things just look like they faded out. It's sad, no doubt. I tihnk it'll be another year of the bottom of the 10/11 for them.
Best of the Best-
Conference Champs
Phil- Penn State.
Wilkie- Penn State
Jon- Penn State
Offensive MVP
Phil- Daryl Clark, Penn State
Wilkie- Terrell Pryor – Ohio State
Jon- Clark
Defensive MVP
Phil- Greg Jones, Michigan State
Wilkie- Navorro Bowman – Penn State
Jon- Bowman
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