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Yes you can't write them off, but UM is simply not there imo. When you hear people say that a team like Michigan's defense should be able to win on talent alone. I'm one of those who scream "what talent"?! Where are the dynamic difference making playmakers that they have had in the past?
Look at their secondary,imo Leon Hall was good,but not that great. After Woodson you have Marlin Jackson,and maybe Howard,i'm hard pressed to name anyone else. Contrast this with some of the guys tOSU has had this decade like Jenkins,Whitner,Gamble,Doss,and Clements. The top db talent is not flocking to AA,they have missed out on some big name guys.(Jai Eugene,Allen and Rojo to name a few) As bad as UM's secondary has been this year,their linebackers are even worse. And everyone knew there would be a drop off with UM's d-line.That defense will be challenged against any balanced offense or just any team not ND.
Michigan State and Purdue are two very interesting teams. The Spartans got gashed a bit vs Pitt,but for the most part have played good defense under Dantonio. They could do some things with a consistent offense. Same with Purdue,they could also provide depth for this conference if they develope a defense(saw Royce Adams from gville making plays for them). These teams are young and have some talent,i'd like to see them get to a bowl.
IU and Illinois are also getting better before our eyes. They are tired of hearing "one year away",they are eyeing a bowl game now. These teams aren't cupcakes anymore. Should be a fun big ten season. Minnesota looks horrible,Northwestern is Northwestern,they will bite a team like Nevada and then lose to duke.
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