Preseason predictions (Big Ten)

[Bucklion]

Yes, but Wisconsin is one of those teams that is usually good when they're sneaking up on people, and not so good when they start believing their own press. My view has less to do with their new QB than with their previous track record. I agree they will be, talent wise, as good as anyone else...I just don't think their record will reflect that, and as pointed out above, they lose at least one seemingly non-losable game a year, and that will cost them big in a wide-open conference race. And good Lord, we need to beat them at home...for a change.

[KillerNut]

IMHO the QB position is the most overrated thing when looking at teams in the Big Ten.

What you need to win in the Big Ten is Defense, Offensive line, Running game, and the Passing game is just icing on the Cake.

I look also a lot at the coaches.

Minnesota is going to be awesome this year. Running game, Running Game, and then good defense. There offensive line has a So, 2 Jrs, and 2 Sr. all with lots of playing experience. They may go to the Rose or another BCS game.

Iowa is always going to have a good line while Ferentz is the coach, and the defense should be solid.

Ohio State and scUM are just always loaded with talent and have good coaching.

Wisconsin 1st is @ Ohio State, @ Purdue, @ Iowa, and @ Michigan State. The will with out a doubt in my mind lose at least three of those games. Also Wisconsin has struggled in recent history on defense because they are too slow. I doubt that will change. Wisconsin should be making plans to visit Tampa January 1

[Oh8ch]

My view has less to do with their new QB than with their previous track record.

Since Barry Alvarez has been in Madison Wisky has been to three Rose Bowls - two more than the Buckeyes in that same span.

[Bucklion]

You're right of course Oh8ch...and they were reputed favorites a few years ago and finished 2-6. I 'm not saying they haven't had success, only that it's been sporadic. My point was that they weren't the favorites when they made at least 2 of those Rose Bowls, if I recall, and that the better they think they are to start with, the worse they end up doing. They also have several tough road games in the conference this year. I see about 3-5 this year, and just when people start questioning if Wisconsin is heading for mediocrity...they'll spring another 6-2 or 7-1.

[Oh8ch]

Lion - that is indeed what you said, just didn't read it clearly.

[kinch]

I came up with the following totals, looking game-by-game, quickly:

Rank Team Big Ten Overall
1 Ohio State 7-1 10-1
2 Iowa 6-2 9-2
2 Minnesota 6-2 8-3
2 Purdue 6-2 8-2
5 Michigan 5-3 8-3
6 Wisconsin 4-4 6-5
7 Mich. St. 3-5 6-6
8 Illinois 2-6 4-7
8 N'western 2-6 4-8
8 Penn St. 2-6 4-7
11 Indiana 0-8 1-10

Of course, these were impulse chioces. This means that: a) I overrank Ohio State at times. .., b) I don't buy any MI hype, c) I don't account properly for upsets.

So, maybe a win less or so for the tops and I assume at least one win, in reality, for Indiana, with one or two more for the 2-6 teams. Odds are as above, but hey, upsets will happen more than a few times and even out the mix. . .

[LightningRod]

OSU and Minnesota tie at 8-0. As for the remainder of teh Big 10 teams, if you are not the lead dog, the view is the same.