2008 Big Ten Football discussion

[bukIpower]

OSU @ Wisconsin for the big ten title!

Illinois I would say is a nice pick but the lack of a running back now is going to really hurt them IMO. Juice having to do more via the pass will not be enough, and the loss of Lehman/the DT will hurt as well. Lehman will really hurt he was that teams voice last year. Illinois sure has some nice weapons in Williams as well as Benn but they won't be nearly as dangerous as they were last year.

On a side note call me crazy but I think next year Penn State will be under rated. They return a good amount on defense including Lee at LB, and I really like Clark as their QB. You wanna see a big QB? go check that dude out he's enormous for a QB... I was really impressed with his play in the alamo bowl this year, and I think they could sneak up on some folks

[kinch]

Originally Posted by Coqui

Step #1 Respect for Ohio State.
Step #2 Respect for the Big10

Step #3 . . . . .
Step #4 World Domination!

[Yertle]

I think we have to be the overwhelming favorites this year. If Tressel can win the Big 10 in an off-year with away games at PSU, Purdue, and Michigan... think what he's going to do this year. Plus, he seems to always come through in a big way in "revenge games". Illinois might get a serious pounding next year.

USC is a rough one, but other than that, I looked into my crystal ball and saw a runaway s&g train to the Big 10 title. Choo Choo!!!

[BUCKYLE]

ESPN.com


A small B10 preview.
Thought the "How they can win the B10 was especially funny for these two.


10. Iowa Hawkeyes

What we know: The entire offensive line is back, and Mitch King anchors the defensive front.
What we don't know: Who steps in at running back and how Kirk Ferentz's staff shuffle will play out.
How the Hawkeyes can win the league title: Kidnap Terrelle Pryor.




11. Minnesota Golden Gophers

What we know: Quarterback Adam Weber and wide receiver Eric Decker form one of the league's top young passing combos.
What we don't know: How the nation's worst defense adjusts to a new coordinator.
How the Gophers can win the league title: They can't.

[OregonBuckeye]

Originally Posted by Taosman

Does the Big Ten get stronger in 2008? Doesn't look like it.

How so?

[MD Buckeye]

ESPN - Big Ten looks to regain credibility among college football's elite - College Football

Originally Posted by ESPN.com

Big Ten looks to regain credibility among college football's elite

Ohio State Buckeyes

Spring practice starts: March 31
Spring game: April 26
What to watch
? Standout left tackle Alex Boone is back, but the other tackle spot is a mystery after the loss of four-year starter Kirk Barton. Rising sophomore Bryant Browning will get the first shot at the starting job.

? Defensive end Lawrence Wilson will be closely monitored as he returns from a broken leg in the 2007 season opener. As Wilson rejoins the line, Ohio State must replace premier pass rusher Vernon Gholston, the Big Ten's defensive lineman of the year.
? Statistically, Ohio State had few weaknesses last season, but kickoff returns was one of them. The Buckeyes ranked 117th nationally (17.7 yards per return) and need a viable return man to emerge.

Cont'd......

[The S&G Dynasty]

The whole conference will be much improved in my opinion. We were a very young league last year with the lone exception being michigan. I think wisconsin will be our biggest competition for the Big ten.

[Sportsbuck28]

If the spread works at Penn State with Darryl Clark, I'd venture to say they will be our biggest competition..

[MD Buckeye]

Rivals.com College Football - Work begins anew across country



No cut & paste from Rivals even if its free--21

[Buckeyecty4]

OSU- improved
Wisconsin- improved
PSU- improved
Illinois- not as good
Michigan- not as good
MSU- improved
Minnesota- improved
NW- improved
Purdue- not as good
Iowa- improved
Indiana- not as good

I think the conference is definately going to be better.. as far as regaining status nationally.. OSU at USC and Illinois vs Missouri are too important games early that could put the B10 back on the map nationally if we can get wins..

As for in conference play.. i really think it will come down to us and Wisconsin.. PSU is much improved IMO, but they have a brutal stretch of games where they play like 4-5 of the best teams in consecutive weeks..

I think Illinois is gonna slip a little... they wont sneak up on anyone this yr, and the Mendenhall loss and some of their losses on D I think will set them back just a hair.. Plus Zook loses a couple games to lesser talented teams every yr..

As for suprises.. I think Iowa, MSU, and Northwestern are gonna pull of some upsets this yr

[bukIpower]

MSU will be far less then they were last year. I dunno how their schedule looks but when you lose what they do in the front 7 you don't get better. IMO, with their QB Hoyer and Ringer they'll atleast match what they did last year.

PSU will give us troubles like they always do in the shoe' but come on.. Its in the shoe they don't beat us there.

[jwinslow]

Devin Thomas & Kellen Davis were big time players that scouts will love, while Saint Dic and Caulcrick were major college players as well.

Fred Smith & Johnny Adams aren't going to fix those holes overnight. Not much talent in East Lansing yet, though that may be changing in the '09 class (at least instate).

[brutus2002]

If you don't think MSU will be better you are fooling yourself. MSU loses some talented players but they will also lose some baggage. The quicker some of them John L. Smith players graduate the better for Dantonio&co. MSU did not lose a game this year by more than 7 points IIRC. They should have beaten Michigan and BC off the top of my head. Dantonio will have them playing better this year.

[Buckeyecty4]

I know they lost some playmakers on offense.. and the Dline needs retooling.. but im just a big believer in Dantonio, and i think with the QB a yr older, Ringer still there, a solid back 7 (Greg Jones is a stud), and another yr of Dantonio philisophy, i think they'll be a little better

[MD Buckeye]

Rivals.com College Football - BCS dark horse could emerge from Big Ten

Talks about how Wisconsin will be a team to watch in 2008.