Too early? Probably. But with about 3 1/2 months until the college football season gets underway it's time to make my Big 10 predictions (Phil's would probably look a little different).
1. Ohio StateKey players: QB Terrelle Pryor, DT Cameron Heyward, CB Chimdi Chekwa, S Kurt Coleman, S Anderson Russell, OG Justin Boren.
Predicted record: 10-2
The Buckeyes will finally get back to the Rose Bowl, and should have a good chance to win it since USC will probably be in the BCS Championship Game. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor is now a seasoned player, but he still needs to improve as a passer. Beanie Wells will be tough to replace, but Dan Herron looks like the favorite. Defense should be strong, but finding replacements at linebacker is the challenge.
2. Iowa Key players: QB Ricky Stanzi, OT Bryan Bulaga, C Rafael Eubanks, LB A.J. Edds, DE Adrian Clayborn, CB Amari Spievey.
Predicted record: 10-2
This may be a stretch for the Hawkeyes, but they played well last year and they have enough talent back to make a run for the Big Ten championship. The big loss is RB Shonn Greene, who seemed to will the Hawkeyes to victory in a few games last season. Jewel Hampton appears to be the favorite to replace Greene.
3. Penn State Key players: QB Daryll Clark, RB Evan Royster, TE Andrew Quarless, LB Sean Lee
Predicted record: 9-3
Penn State is talented on the offensive side, but defensively could be weak in the secondary. ey players back on offense, including quarterback Daryll Clark and running back Evan Royster. The home schedule also plays into the Nittany Lions hands and they could wind up on top in the weak Big Ten.
4. Michigan State Key players: LB Greg Jones, CB Chris Rucker, CB Ross Weaver
Predicted record: 9-3
Kirk Cousins and Keith Nichol are still battling to replace Brian Hoyer at quarterback, but the Spartans biggest need is trying to replace tailback Javon Ringer. Defense is what will keep MSU in games all season. The secondary is one of the best in the nation.
5. MinnesotaKey players: QB Adam Weber, LB Nathan Triplett, RB DeLeon Eskridge, WR Eric Decker
Predicted record: 8-4
Tim Brewster is working his tail off in Minnesota and the Gophers could pull an upset or two this fall. Offensive line remains a big question mark as well as a new offensive scheme. Minnesota is also not set in the secondary.
6. IllinoisKey players: QB Juice Williams. WR Arrelious Benn, RB Jason Ford, RB Mikel LeShoure, S Donsay Hardeman
Predicted record: 8-4
I'd like to think the Illini are better than last year's sub-.500 record. But because of last year's slip under Ron Zook is why I put Illinois behind Minnesota. Juice Williams is the key to success. When he throws with some accuracy, the Illini can move the ball. Defense must improve also.
7. NorthwesternKey players: DE Corey Wootton, S Brad Phillips, QB Mike Kafka, RB Jeravin Matthews
Predicted record: 7-5
Northwestern has a nice team. The Wildcats are solid on defense, but need more consistency from Mike Kafka to move the ball better. The offensive line needs to keep improving like it did during the spring. Northwestern doesn't scare the top teams in the Big Ten.
8. WisconsinKey players: WR Nick Toon, HB Garrett Graham, QB Dustin Sherer, QB Curt Phillips
Predicted record: 6-6
The Badgers were a huge disappointment last season and things could be worse. The quarterback competition wasn't settled this spring so Dustin Sherer and Curt Phillips will keep going at it into the fall. Wisconsin also has concerns and depth issues at linebacker and in the secondary.
9. MichiganKey players: QB Tate Forcier, TB Brandon Minor, S Steve Brown, LB Obi Ezeh
Predicted record: 5-7
I've heard about the Wolverines strong spring and the play of Tate Forcier, but this is still a very young team and Michigan will still lose a few more than it will win. Let's not forget how much this offensive line struggled last year and the defense should have been much better. Former Syracuse coach Greg Robinson must figure out a way to get that unit to play better in 2009.
10. PurdueKey players: RB Ralph Bolden, QB Joey Elliott, DT Mike Neal
Predicted record: 3-9
Purdue is going to be hard-pressed to finish much higher than this in Danny Hope's first season as coach. Joey Elliott is trying to replace Justin Siller at QB and the defense is pretty porous. However, there were some bright spots in the spring.
11. IndianaKey players: LB Matt Mayberry, DE Greg Middleton, DE Jammie Kirlew, QB Ben Chappell
Predicted record: 3-9
Losing quarterback Kellen Lewis after spring practice hurts this bottom of the conference team, but Ben Chappell should step right in at QB. The Hoosiers could be stronger on defense this season, which could help them get out of the basement in 2009.
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