Big Ten Preview and Prediction
By Michael Schneid
BIG TEN STANDINGS PREDICTIONS
New Coaches:
Tim Beckmam, Illinois
Illinois begins 2012 with a six-game regular season losing streak. After starting the season 6-0, the Illini lost their last six, before winning their bowl game against UCLA. Beckmam comes to Champaign after coaching Toledo for three years, where he went 21-16.
Bill O'Brien, PSU
Penn State has a new head coach for the first time since 1966 as Bill O'Brien, who was most recently the New England Patriots Offensive Coordinator, takes over a very challenging job. O'Brien knew the job would not be easy when he took it and recently it got harder when the NCAA announced their punishment for the child abuse scandal. Several players have already transferred and PSU will not play in a bowl game for the next four years. O'Brien must convince players that there is more to college football than bowls, that he can help develop them to get them into the NFL.
Urban Meyer, Ohio StateThis is a perfect fit and was rumored for a full year after Jim Tressel was fired. Meyer's career win percentage is .819 (104-23). He is 7-1 in bowl games. His track record simply speaks for itself. He got burnt out at Florida and took a break after the 2010 season. Meyer is from Ohio which is what makes this such a good fit. Ohio State will not play in a bowl in 2012 so Meyer must simply develop the young talent on the roster for the future.
Notable Transfers:
QB Danny O'Brien from Maryland to WisconsinSecond straight season Wisconsin starts an ACC-transfer at QB. Last year, Russell Wilson came aboard from NC st. This year the 2010 ACC Rookie of the Year O'Brien comes aboard. O'Brien has 17 career starts. Nobody else on the Badgers roster has any starting experience.
DeAnthony Arnett Tennessee to Michigan StateArnett can play right away after transferring from Tennessee. He only had 224 yards, 2 TDs a year ago
AWARDS:
Offensive Player of the Year: Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin
Defensive MVP: William Gholston, DT, Michigan State
Coach of the Year: Brady Hoke, Michigan
Freshmen of the Year: Josh Ferguson, RB, Illinois
ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI
Prediction: 6-6 overall, 3-5 Big Ten, 4th place Leaders Division
Returning Starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense
Players to Watch: LB Jonathan Brown, QB Nathan Scheelhaase, CB Terry Hawthorne
Best Non-Conference Game: @ Arizona State (9/8)
Burning Question: Can Illinois overcome a lot of losses as well as adapt to a new coach?
Analysis: Illinois brings in a new coaching staff after firing Ron Zook. Tim Beckman, from Toledo, replaces him. Nathan Scheelhaase returns at QB. Josh Ferguson inherits the running back job. Illinois had trouble scoring and throwing a year ago. Scheelhaase is a better runner than passer but after a year of experience, should improve. AJ Jenkins was by far Illinois's best, and at times maybe only, wide receiver but juniors Spencer Harris and Darius Millines will help provide Scheelhaase some weapons. Illinois has a young offense and should make a bowl game this year while gaining valuable experience for a possible B1G title run in 2013.
INDIANA HOOSIERS
Prediction: 4-8 overall, 0-8 Big Ten, 6th place Leaders Division
Returning Starters: 8 Offense, 9 Defense
Players to Watch: WR Kofi Hughes, DT Adam Replogle, DT Larry Black
Best Non-Conference Game: @ Navy (10/20)
Burning Question: Can Indiana beat an FBS team?
Analysis: Year two of the Kevin Wilson era must start better. The Hoosiers lost to Ball State to open 2011 and never seemed to recover. They already started the 2012 campaign on the wrong foot. They had a verbal commitment from the top high school QB, Gunner Kiel, but Kiel withdrew his commitment and wound up at Notre Dame (over LSU). Without Kiel, Tre Roberson assumes the starting job that he finished last season with. Indiana also returns Stephen Houston at RB and Kofi Hughes at WR. If Roberson's experience taught him anything from last year, the Hoosiers offense could be good. The defense, on the other hand, is something to worry about. They allowed 37.3 points per game (114th in country). Like the offense, the defense is loaded with youth, one of the reasons why Indiana struggled last year. But a lot of freshmen and sophomores got some experience in 2011 that could hopefully help Indiana pick up some wins in 2012 while building some momentum for the program.
IOWA HAWKEYES
Prediction: 8-4 overall, 4-4 Big Ten, 4th place Legends Division
Returning Starters: 6 Offense, 5 Defense
Players to Watch: WR Keenan Davis, CB Micah Hyde, LB James Morris
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. Iowa State (9/8)
Burning Question: Could this be the year Iowa finally gets over the hump?
Analysis: There are two things true about every Iowa season. They will beat a team ranked higher than them that they were not supposed to beat and they will lose to a game to a team inferior to them that they are not supposed to lose. QB James Vandenberg returns for his senior season. He threw 25 TD and 7 INT a year ago. Iowa needs to improve their running game to take burden off Vandenberg.
MICHIGAN WOLVERINES
Prediction: 9-3 overall, 7-1 Big Ten, 1st place Legends Division
Returning Starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense
Players to Watch: QB Denard Robinson, WR Roy Roundtree, LB Kenny Demens
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. Alabama (9/1)
Burning Question: Will Michigan make a huge early statement and knock off the defending champs week one?
Analysis: Brady Hoke's debut season is blue and maize went very well. The Wolverines went 10-2 and won the Sugar Bowl over Virginia Tech. They also snapped their losing streak to Ohio State. The one thing missing? A Big Ten championship. Michigan will compete for that this year and have a great chance to get to their first B1G title game. Beating rivals Michigan State and Ohio State is always important and will further judge whether 2012 is a success or failure. Amazingly, Michigan was 93rd in passing yards a year ago. Robinson did improve his overall passing though. He also ran for 1176 yards and 16 TDs. Robinson needs to keep improving his passing. The Wolverines defense was one of the big reasons why they did so well last year. Their defense allowed just 17.4 points per game.
MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS
Prediction: 10-2 overall, 6-2 Big Ten, 3rd place Legends Division
Returning Starters: 5 Offense, 8 Defense
Players to Watch: DT William Gholston, CB Johnny Adams, RB Le'Veon Bell
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. Boise State (8/31)
Burning Question: How will the Spartans replace Kirk Cousins?
Analysis: Junior Andrew Maxwell assumes the starting quarterback job. He has thrown just 51 passes in 9 games. The Spartans rushing was ranked 11th out of 12 in the Big Ten. So the offense could have some issues early. The Spartans have little time to figure it out as they host Boise State week one, than travel to Central Michigan before playing Notre Dame. If Maxwell can be the second coming of Kirk Cousins and La'Veon Bell can help the run game improve, the Spartans will be fine. The defense is led by one of the best in the country, DE William Gholston. The Spartans led the Big Ten with 45 sacks last season. Head coach Mark Dantonio is a great defensive mind. If the offense can improve and score points, the defense will do their job, and the Spartans can continue their recent strong run.
MINNESOTA GOLDEN GOPHERS
Prediction: 4-8 overall, 2-6 Big Ten, 6th place Legends Division
Returning Starters: 6 Offense, 5 Defense, 2
Players to Watch: CB Troy Stoudemire, QB MarQueis Gray
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. Syracuse (9/22)
Burning Question: Can Minnesota overcome a very difficult schedule?
Analysis: The Gophers play nine teams who played in a bowl in 2011. Minnesota averaged 18.4 ppg while surrendering 31.7 ppg. Not good numbers. Coach Jerry Kill must see his team improve in every element. On offense, QB MarQueis Gray must be more consistent. Only 8 TDs, 8 INTs a year ago and a 50.7% passer. Gray is a better runner as he had 966 yards, 6 TDs.
NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS
Prediction: 10-2 overall, 6-2 Big Ten, 2nd place Legends Division
Returning Starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense
Players to Watch: RB Rex Burkhead, WR Kenny Bell, DE Cameron Meredith
Best Non-Conference Game: @ UCLA (9/8)
Burning Question: Can Bo Pelini finally get Nebraska to a BCS game?
Analysis: The fact that QB Taylor Martinez did not make our players to watch list shows you how much talent the Cornhuskers have. Since Bo Pelini took over, Nebraska continues to come close but unsuccessful in winning the conference, whether it be the Big Ten or Big 12 previously. Nebraska plays games at Ohio State, Michigan State, and Iowa. This will be the make-or-break portion of their schedule. If they can win at least two of three they should be in good shape for the B1G title game. Coach Bo Pelini has come so close so many times with this team, and we think this is finally the year.
NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS
Prediction: 6-6 overall, 3-5 Big Ten, 5th place Legends Division
Returning Starters: 5 Offense, 5 Defense
Players to Watch: S Ibraheim Campbell, WR Demetrius Fields
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. Vanderbilt (9/8)
Burning Question: Is a bowl game win in the Wildcats future?
Analysis: Coach Pat Fitzgerald has gotten Northwestern to four straight bowl games, quite the accomplishment. But they are 0-4 in those games and haven't won a bowl game since the 1948 Rose Bowl. Kain Colter replaces Dan Persa at quarterback. Colter got some experience in 2011, replacing an injured Persa. Despite being the backup QB, Colter was Northwestern's leading rusher in 2011 with 654 yards and 9 TDs. He completed 67% of the 82 passes he threw.
OHIO STATE BUCKEYES
Prediction: 9-3 overall, 5-3 Big Ten, 2nd place Leaders Division
Returning Starters: 7 Offense, 9 Defense
Players to Watch: TE Jake Stoneburner, DE John Simon, S CJ Barnett
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. California (9/15)
Burning Question: What should we expect from year one of the Urban Meyer era?
Analysis: Braxton Miller is the key to the Buckeyes season, a season that will end on November 24th against Michigan. Following the scandal involving former coach Jim Tressel and former QB Terrelle Pryor, the Buckeyes face penalties this season including a bowl ban. Dan Herron is gone and Jordan Hall takes over the running back role full-time. OSU finished 114th in passing yards in 2011. Miller, in his sophomore season, needs to improve his passing. He was the Buckeyes leading rusher last year, that is also something that must change. Hall needs to take command of the running game. The defense has some talent in the trenches and secondary. Defense is typically Meyer's specialty. CBs Bradley Roby and Travis Howard return as do safeties Christian Bryant and CJ Barnett. Nine starters return to a defense that gave up just 21 ppg in 2011.
PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS
Prediction: 5-7 overall, 3-5 Big Ten, 5th place Leaders Division
Returning Starters: 2 Offense, 4 Defense
Players to Watch: LB Gerald Hodges, LB Michael Mauti, DT Jordan Hill
Best Non-Conference Game: @ Virginia (9/8)
Burning Question: Can Penn State overcome their recent player losses?
Analysis: We originally projected Penn State at 9-3. The loss of Silas Redd is a big difference maker. The offense consists of an inconsistent, average quarterback, Matt McGloin, and now a poor running game. WR Justin Brown also transferred. Brown and Redd combined for 40% of the PSU offense in 2011. PSU averaged 19.3 points per game in 2011. The defense will still be good with LB Gerald Hodges, and Michael Mauti, Glenn Carson and DL Jordan Hill. "Linebacker U" has three excellent LBs plus Hill and Sean Stanley up front but the defense can only carry the Nittany Lions so far. They will need some production out of the offense and we question whether or not PSU is capable of scoring enough to win games.
PURDUE BOILERMAKERS
Prediction: 6-6 overall, 3-5 Big Ten, 4th place Leaders Division
Returning Starters: 8 Offense, 7 Defense
Players to Watch: DT Kawann Short, CB Ricardo Allen, WR Antavian Edison
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. Notre Dame (9/8)
Burning Question: Who will end the season as Purdue's QB?
Analysis: Purdue has had some injury issues the last few seasons at quarterback. Now, everyone is healthy. Caleb TerBush enters the season as the starter with Rob Henry and former Miami QB Rob Marve behind him. TerBush started all 13 games in 2011, throwing 277 passes for 1905 yards, 13 TD and 6 INTs. DT Kawann Short is an All-American candidate and head coach Danny Hope revamped the defensive coaching staff in hopes of finding a winner formula.
WISCONSIN BADGERS
Prediction: 11-1 overall, 7-1 Big Ten, 1st place Leaders Division
Returning Starters: 4 Offense, 6 Defense
Players to Watch: RB Montee Ball, WR Jared Abbrederis, LB Chris Borland
Best Non-Conference Game: @ Oregon State (9/8)
Burning Question: Lots of questions in Madison, but can Danny O'Brien follow in Russell Wilson's footsteps and replicate his success? And is Montee Ball the Heisman favorite in 2012? How can the Badgers recover from consecutive Rose Bowl losses?
Analysis: Wisconsin has lost back-to-back Rose Bowls. First to TCU in 2011 and than to Oregon in 2012. Montee Ball led the nation in rushing TDs in 2011 and if he and the offensive line can repeat their success, Wisconsin will be in great shape. It will also help if Danny O'Brien can replicate the success of Russell Wilson.
BIG TEN STANDINGS PREDICTIONS
| LEGENDS | LEADERS | ||||
| TEAM | CONF | OVERALL | TEAM | CONF | OVERALL |
| Michigan | 7-1 | 9-3 | Wisconsin | 7-1 | 11-1 |
| Nebraska | 6-2 | 10-2 |
Ohio State | 5-3 | 9-3 |
| Michigan State | 6-2 | 10-2 | Purdue | 3-5 | 6-6 |
| Iowa | 4-4 | 8-4 | Illinois | 3-5 | 6-6 |
| Northwestern | 3-5 | 6-6 | Penn State | 3-5 | 5-7 |
| Minnesota | 2-6 | 4-8 | Indiana | 4-8 | 0-8 |
New Coaches:
Tim Beckmam, Illinois
Illinois begins 2012 with a six-game regular season losing streak. After starting the season 6-0, the Illini lost their last six, before winning their bowl game against UCLA. Beckmam comes to Champaign after coaching Toledo for three years, where he went 21-16.
Bill O'Brien, PSU
Penn State has a new head coach for the first time since 1966 as Bill O'Brien, who was most recently the New England Patriots Offensive Coordinator, takes over a very challenging job. O'Brien knew the job would not be easy when he took it and recently it got harder when the NCAA announced their punishment for the child abuse scandal. Several players have already transferred and PSU will not play in a bowl game for the next four years. O'Brien must convince players that there is more to college football than bowls, that he can help develop them to get them into the NFL.
Urban Meyer, Ohio StateThis is a perfect fit and was rumored for a full year after Jim Tressel was fired. Meyer's career win percentage is .819 (104-23). He is 7-1 in bowl games. His track record simply speaks for itself. He got burnt out at Florida and took a break after the 2010 season. Meyer is from Ohio which is what makes this such a good fit. Ohio State will not play in a bowl in 2012 so Meyer must simply develop the young talent on the roster for the future.
Notable Transfers:
QB Danny O'Brien from Maryland to WisconsinSecond straight season Wisconsin starts an ACC-transfer at QB. Last year, Russell Wilson came aboard from NC st. This year the 2010 ACC Rookie of the Year O'Brien comes aboard. O'Brien has 17 career starts. Nobody else on the Badgers roster has any starting experience.
DeAnthony Arnett Tennessee to Michigan StateArnett can play right away after transferring from Tennessee. He only had 224 yards, 2 TDs a year ago
AWARDS:
Offensive Player of the Year: Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin
Defensive MVP: William Gholston, DT, Michigan State
Coach of the Year: Brady Hoke, Michigan
Freshmen of the Year: Josh Ferguson, RB, Illinois
ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI
Prediction: 6-6 overall, 3-5 Big Ten, 4th place Leaders Division
Returning Starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense
Players to Watch: LB Jonathan Brown, QB Nathan Scheelhaase, CB Terry Hawthorne
Best Non-Conference Game: @ Arizona State (9/8)
Burning Question: Can Illinois overcome a lot of losses as well as adapt to a new coach?
Analysis: Illinois brings in a new coaching staff after firing Ron Zook. Tim Beckman, from Toledo, replaces him. Nathan Scheelhaase returns at QB. Josh Ferguson inherits the running back job. Illinois had trouble scoring and throwing a year ago. Scheelhaase is a better runner than passer but after a year of experience, should improve. AJ Jenkins was by far Illinois's best, and at times maybe only, wide receiver but juniors Spencer Harris and Darius Millines will help provide Scheelhaase some weapons. Illinois has a young offense and should make a bowl game this year while gaining valuable experience for a possible B1G title run in 2013.
INDIANA HOOSIERS
Prediction: 4-8 overall, 0-8 Big Ten, 6th place Leaders Division
Returning Starters: 8 Offense, 9 Defense
Players to Watch: WR Kofi Hughes, DT Adam Replogle, DT Larry Black
Best Non-Conference Game: @ Navy (10/20)
Burning Question: Can Indiana beat an FBS team?
Analysis: Year two of the Kevin Wilson era must start better. The Hoosiers lost to Ball State to open 2011 and never seemed to recover. They already started the 2012 campaign on the wrong foot. They had a verbal commitment from the top high school QB, Gunner Kiel, but Kiel withdrew his commitment and wound up at Notre Dame (over LSU). Without Kiel, Tre Roberson assumes the starting job that he finished last season with. Indiana also returns Stephen Houston at RB and Kofi Hughes at WR. If Roberson's experience taught him anything from last year, the Hoosiers offense could be good. The defense, on the other hand, is something to worry about. They allowed 37.3 points per game (114th in country). Like the offense, the defense is loaded with youth, one of the reasons why Indiana struggled last year. But a lot of freshmen and sophomores got some experience in 2011 that could hopefully help Indiana pick up some wins in 2012 while building some momentum for the program.
IOWA HAWKEYES
Prediction: 8-4 overall, 4-4 Big Ten, 4th place Legends Division
Returning Starters: 6 Offense, 5 Defense
Players to Watch: WR Keenan Davis, CB Micah Hyde, LB James Morris
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. Iowa State (9/8)
Burning Question: Could this be the year Iowa finally gets over the hump?
Analysis: There are two things true about every Iowa season. They will beat a team ranked higher than them that they were not supposed to beat and they will lose to a game to a team inferior to them that they are not supposed to lose. QB James Vandenberg returns for his senior season. He threw 25 TD and 7 INT a year ago. Iowa needs to improve their running game to take burden off Vandenberg.
MICHIGAN WOLVERINES
Prediction: 9-3 overall, 7-1 Big Ten, 1st place Legends Division
Returning Starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense
Players to Watch: QB Denard Robinson, WR Roy Roundtree, LB Kenny Demens
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. Alabama (9/1)
Burning Question: Will Michigan make a huge early statement and knock off the defending champs week one?
Analysis: Brady Hoke's debut season is blue and maize went very well. The Wolverines went 10-2 and won the Sugar Bowl over Virginia Tech. They also snapped their losing streak to Ohio State. The one thing missing? A Big Ten championship. Michigan will compete for that this year and have a great chance to get to their first B1G title game. Beating rivals Michigan State and Ohio State is always important and will further judge whether 2012 is a success or failure. Amazingly, Michigan was 93rd in passing yards a year ago. Robinson did improve his overall passing though. He also ran for 1176 yards and 16 TDs. Robinson needs to keep improving his passing. The Wolverines defense was one of the big reasons why they did so well last year. Their defense allowed just 17.4 points per game.
MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS
Prediction: 10-2 overall, 6-2 Big Ten, 3rd place Legends Division
Returning Starters: 5 Offense, 8 Defense
Players to Watch: DT William Gholston, CB Johnny Adams, RB Le'Veon Bell
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. Boise State (8/31)
Burning Question: How will the Spartans replace Kirk Cousins?
Analysis: Junior Andrew Maxwell assumes the starting quarterback job. He has thrown just 51 passes in 9 games. The Spartans rushing was ranked 11th out of 12 in the Big Ten. So the offense could have some issues early. The Spartans have little time to figure it out as they host Boise State week one, than travel to Central Michigan before playing Notre Dame. If Maxwell can be the second coming of Kirk Cousins and La'Veon Bell can help the run game improve, the Spartans will be fine. The defense is led by one of the best in the country, DE William Gholston. The Spartans led the Big Ten with 45 sacks last season. Head coach Mark Dantonio is a great defensive mind. If the offense can improve and score points, the defense will do their job, and the Spartans can continue their recent strong run.
MINNESOTA GOLDEN GOPHERS
Prediction: 4-8 overall, 2-6 Big Ten, 6th place Legends Division
Returning Starters: 6 Offense, 5 Defense, 2
Players to Watch: CB Troy Stoudemire, QB MarQueis Gray
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. Syracuse (9/22)
Burning Question: Can Minnesota overcome a very difficult schedule?
Analysis: The Gophers play nine teams who played in a bowl in 2011. Minnesota averaged 18.4 ppg while surrendering 31.7 ppg. Not good numbers. Coach Jerry Kill must see his team improve in every element. On offense, QB MarQueis Gray must be more consistent. Only 8 TDs, 8 INTs a year ago and a 50.7% passer. Gray is a better runner as he had 966 yards, 6 TDs.
NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS
Prediction: 10-2 overall, 6-2 Big Ten, 2nd place Legends Division
Returning Starters: 7 Offense, 7 Defense
Players to Watch: RB Rex Burkhead, WR Kenny Bell, DE Cameron Meredith
Best Non-Conference Game: @ UCLA (9/8)
Burning Question: Can Bo Pelini finally get Nebraska to a BCS game?
Analysis: The fact that QB Taylor Martinez did not make our players to watch list shows you how much talent the Cornhuskers have. Since Bo Pelini took over, Nebraska continues to come close but unsuccessful in winning the conference, whether it be the Big Ten or Big 12 previously. Nebraska plays games at Ohio State, Michigan State, and Iowa. This will be the make-or-break portion of their schedule. If they can win at least two of three they should be in good shape for the B1G title game. Coach Bo Pelini has come so close so many times with this team, and we think this is finally the year.
NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS
Prediction: 6-6 overall, 3-5 Big Ten, 5th place Legends Division
Returning Starters: 5 Offense, 5 Defense
Players to Watch: S Ibraheim Campbell, WR Demetrius Fields
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. Vanderbilt (9/8)
Burning Question: Is a bowl game win in the Wildcats future?
Analysis: Coach Pat Fitzgerald has gotten Northwestern to four straight bowl games, quite the accomplishment. But they are 0-4 in those games and haven't won a bowl game since the 1948 Rose Bowl. Kain Colter replaces Dan Persa at quarterback. Colter got some experience in 2011, replacing an injured Persa. Despite being the backup QB, Colter was Northwestern's leading rusher in 2011 with 654 yards and 9 TDs. He completed 67% of the 82 passes he threw.
OHIO STATE BUCKEYES
Prediction: 9-3 overall, 5-3 Big Ten, 2nd place Leaders Division
Returning Starters: 7 Offense, 9 Defense
Players to Watch: TE Jake Stoneburner, DE John Simon, S CJ Barnett
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. California (9/15)
Burning Question: What should we expect from year one of the Urban Meyer era?
Analysis: Braxton Miller is the key to the Buckeyes season, a season that will end on November 24th against Michigan. Following the scandal involving former coach Jim Tressel and former QB Terrelle Pryor, the Buckeyes face penalties this season including a bowl ban. Dan Herron is gone and Jordan Hall takes over the running back role full-time. OSU finished 114th in passing yards in 2011. Miller, in his sophomore season, needs to improve his passing. He was the Buckeyes leading rusher last year, that is also something that must change. Hall needs to take command of the running game. The defense has some talent in the trenches and secondary. Defense is typically Meyer's specialty. CBs Bradley Roby and Travis Howard return as do safeties Christian Bryant and CJ Barnett. Nine starters return to a defense that gave up just 21 ppg in 2011.
PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS
Prediction: 5-7 overall, 3-5 Big Ten, 5th place Leaders Division
Returning Starters: 2 Offense, 4 Defense
Players to Watch: LB Gerald Hodges, LB Michael Mauti, DT Jordan Hill
Best Non-Conference Game: @ Virginia (9/8)
Burning Question: Can Penn State overcome their recent player losses?
Analysis: We originally projected Penn State at 9-3. The loss of Silas Redd is a big difference maker. The offense consists of an inconsistent, average quarterback, Matt McGloin, and now a poor running game. WR Justin Brown also transferred. Brown and Redd combined for 40% of the PSU offense in 2011. PSU averaged 19.3 points per game in 2011. The defense will still be good with LB Gerald Hodges, and Michael Mauti, Glenn Carson and DL Jordan Hill. "Linebacker U" has three excellent LBs plus Hill and Sean Stanley up front but the defense can only carry the Nittany Lions so far. They will need some production out of the offense and we question whether or not PSU is capable of scoring enough to win games.
PURDUE BOILERMAKERS
Prediction: 6-6 overall, 3-5 Big Ten, 4th place Leaders Division
Returning Starters: 8 Offense, 7 Defense
Players to Watch: DT Kawann Short, CB Ricardo Allen, WR Antavian Edison
Best Non-Conference Game: vs. Notre Dame (9/8)
Burning Question: Who will end the season as Purdue's QB?
Analysis: Purdue has had some injury issues the last few seasons at quarterback. Now, everyone is healthy. Caleb TerBush enters the season as the starter with Rob Henry and former Miami QB Rob Marve behind him. TerBush started all 13 games in 2011, throwing 277 passes for 1905 yards, 13 TD and 6 INTs. DT Kawann Short is an All-American candidate and head coach Danny Hope revamped the defensive coaching staff in hopes of finding a winner formula.
WISCONSIN BADGERS
Prediction: 11-1 overall, 7-1 Big Ten, 1st place Leaders Division
Returning Starters: 4 Offense, 6 Defense
Players to Watch: RB Montee Ball, WR Jared Abbrederis, LB Chris Borland
Best Non-Conference Game: @ Oregon State (9/8)
Burning Question: Lots of questions in Madison, but can Danny O'Brien follow in Russell Wilson's footsteps and replicate his success? And is Montee Ball the Heisman favorite in 2012? How can the Badgers recover from consecutive Rose Bowl losses?
Analysis: Wisconsin has lost back-to-back Rose Bowls. First to TCU in 2011 and than to Oregon in 2012. Montee Ball led the nation in rushing TDs in 2011 and if he and the offensive line can repeat their success, Wisconsin will be in great shape. It will also help if Danny O'Brien can replicate the success of Russell Wilson.
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