A Way To Early Look Ahead to 2012 Big Ten Football

A Way To Early Look Ahead to 2012 Big Ten Football First you need to know that I reserve the right to change this at least 100 times PRIOR to the season, but

A Way To Early Look Ahead to 2012 Big Ten Football

First you need to know that I reserve the right to change this at least 100 times PRIOR to the season, but after such a great year who can wait. So here is my way to early look at Big Ten football and rating the teams for 2012.

1.     Michigan State Not a homer pick at all. I have NEVER picked them so high. They are loaded and the two biggest areas of concern (WR/QB) have quality players ready to step up. Dantonio can nurse Maxwell along with an experienced line and great running backs.

2.     Michigan Remember this is in the Big Ten. They open with Alabama and will get crushed, but Michigan will respond. Second year head coach and all around good guy Brady Hoke will have Michigan ready when conference play comes and the Wolverines will have a good year.

3.     Ohio State The cupboard isn’t bare or close to it in Columbus, but it doesn’t have the type of weapons an Urban Meyer offense needs. They will still be very good, but I wouldn’t be shocked if they dropped to fifth. Everywhere Urban has gone year one is a year to separate those that won’t do it his way.

4.     Wisconsin The Badgers will be good, but their biggest weakness is QB and Wilson won them a lot of games in 2011. This could be generous as an Iowa squad is lurking. If they can catch a break.

5.     Nebraska This is also a team that could drop, but I doubt go much higher. Pelini is one of two Big Ten coaches that I do not think will be on the sideline come 2013. In Lincoln three and four loss years without championships, while looking everywhere for greener pastures don’t endear you to some of college football’s best fans.

6.     Iowa They puzzle me. Player defections and a staff that is growing stale. I don’t know them like I will come fall, but if they can fill those holes they could move into the top four of the conference. 

7.     Purdue I like Coach Hope and the man is snake bit. He can’t catch a break with injuries or his teams would have much better records. It has nothing to do with a few scattered injuries everyone gets those. He gets major ones, multiple ones, to good key players. If they can have a year of health they can and would move into the upper half, but I have to see it to believe it.

8.     PSU The recovery will be difficult with everything new including scheme and personalities. Those adjustments take time. I think the Lions get bowl eligible, and there is a learning curve for a new and first time head coach. Talent at PSU is better than 8th, but good luck getting the horses you’re used to.

9.     Northwestern Broke my heart in 2011. Couldn’t stop ANYONE on D. I mean anyone. I could have run (with a golf cart and oxygen) for 300 yards against that D. Until they convince me they can stop people I refuse to have expectations.

10. Illinois They are what they are. It will take time to recover from what Zook did there.

11. Minnesota I like Coach Kill, but he needs players and his health issues are hurting recruiting. Without horses you aren’t in the race.

12. Indiana I do not think Wilson survives until 2013 due to off field issues around the program and on field play. Not impressed with him or his coaching and frankly Indiana needs to wake up and act like they matter and they care in football.