Dave & Drew Thurman (11:47 pm)
Dave:
1) Ohio State
2) Wisconsin
3) Illinois
4) Penn State
5) Michigan State
6) Michigan
7) Iowa
8) Purdue
9) Minnesota
10) Northwestern
11) Indiana
Drew:
1) Ohio State
2) Wisconsin
3) Penn State
4) Illinois
5) Michigan State
6) Michigan
7) Purdue
8) Northwestern
9) Indiana
10) Iowa
11) Minnesota
Overview:
Illinois - Zook continues to bring in great recruiting classes, and the Illini are sure to have a lot of talent on the field. The biggest question entering the 08 season is, who will join Juice Williams in the backfield? The Illini are sure to be interesting, and they could be a lot better than anyone thinks.
Indiana - Kellen Lewis being reinstated was a very positive thing for the Hoosiers, but they have many other holes to fill. Replacing James Hardy will be crucial for Indiana, and they also have some holes on defense. One positive is that they do not play Michigan or Ohio State.
Iowa - There really is not a lot of standouts on the Iowa team, but they are always well coached. They have a ton of question marks, and it will be difficult to improve on their 6-6 record in 2007.
Michigan - The Wolverines are the wild card in the Big Ten in 08. With a new system, a new quarterback, a new running back, and new wideouts who knows what to expect? The game between the Buckeyes and Wolverines will still be a good one though!
Michigan State - Michigan State has a dynamic combo coming back in Hoyer and Ringer. With that said, they have many holes to fill in the trenches. If Hoyer gets hot though, expect a few upsets.
Minnesota - They brought in a great recruiting class, but things still don't look that bright. The Gophers had a terrible defense last year, and that has to improve to climb in the Big Ten standings. The one positive is that they should improve on 1 win in 2007.
Northwestern - Sutton's injury really hurt the Wildcats a year ago, and his health could bring some more wins. If C.J. Bacher plays up to his potential they could be better than many people expect them to be.
Ohio State - The Buckeyes seem to be the clear front runners of the Big Ten Conference for yet another year. With an experienced defense and Beanie Wells, they could find themselves in a BCS Bowl game. They do face some tough road tests, but these could provide the challenge they finally need.
Penn State - Penn State has very experienced lines on both sides, and they have a very talented receiving core in Williams, Butler, and Norwood. How Clark performs at quarterback could make or break their season.
Purdue - It is Tiller's last year, but it might not be the ending he is hoping for. Painter is back at quarterback, but he has lost most of his targets including Dustin Keller. Probably middle of the road Big Ten team at best.
Wisconsin - Probably the biggest challenger of the Buckeyes for the Big Ten crown in 2008. They always have a great offensive line, and they are loaded at running back. Another positive is that they get Ohio State, Illinois, and Penn State at home. Watch out for the Badgers!
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