Big 10 Football Preview - Part 1
August 4, 2011
Nebraska - Bo Pelini and his team are very excited to play in the Big 10 starting this season. These teams all have a huge fanbase and they fit right in to the rough and tumble styles offered by the Big 10 programs. Taylor Martinez returns to helm the team after leading last years team to a 10-4 record overall. The young man threw for 10 Td's and ran for nearly 1000 yards. Expect even better stats this season as they are early favorites to win the whole conference.
Ohio State - Why is Nebraska favored to win the Big 10 this year? Because Ohio State was dealt a major blow in some off field controversy that resulted with the dismissal of head football coach and legend Jim Tressel. Starters are missing everywhere, wether due to probation, or having graduated and this team looks in shambles. But, never count on the Ohio State Buckeyes. They can lose a game or two and still be very much in conference as well as national contention.
Michigan State - With only five returning starters due back for the team, things look bleak. But it is college football and there are young men that have been eating their Wheaties all summer waiting for a chance to start. The strong points include returning senior QB Kirk Cousins and returning Junior RB Edwin Baker. Still, with all that said the Spartans will be around .500 record this year, give or take a game or two.
Michigan - What in the world happened to Michigan? Rich Rodriguez is what happened. The team was terrible under him and now moves on and turns the page with head coach Brady Hoke. Star QB Denard Robinson returns under center and should make for an interesting role player. The conflict will come when he tries, and fails, to convert major passing plays and the coaches realize that he is not a passing QB. A QB rotation is what could develop in Michigan and if they finish above .500 they will be doing well again. The weak conference almost guarantees that they will though.
Wisconsin - Besides Nebraska, this is the team to beat. This a loaded program with tons of talent and depth. Last year the offense averaged 41.5 points, 245.7 yards rushing and 199.5 passing, but might not be as potent. Even if this is the case, a weakened Big 10 will help them along and they should have a chance at the conference title and who knows, maybe a national title as well.
