subject: Big 10 Football Predictions 2010 [print this page] Big 10 Football Predictions 2010 Big 10 Football Predictions 2010
Big Ten Predictions
1. Ohio State Buckeyes - The Buckeyes are the pick of college football odds makers to win the Big Ten, and that is something they are certainly capable of doing if they can take care of business against Iowa late in the season. Their first challenge will be early in the season against Miami, and that game will determine whether the Buckeyes will also be in line for a shot at a BCS title. Led by talented QB Terrelle Pryor and powerful defensive end Cameron Heyward, the Buckeyes have the talent on both sides of the ball to make this a special season.
2. Iowa Hawkeyes - An overtime loss at Ohio State kept Iowa from earning a share of the Big Ten crown last season. The Hawks will be out to avenge that loss this season, and they will get the opportunity to do so in Iowa City. Led by defensive end Adrian Clayborn and strong safety Tyler Sash, Iowa has the defense to give the Buckeyes a run for their money once again in terms of the Big Ten title.
3. Wisconsin Badgers - Led by running back John Clay, who is coming off a 1,500-yard season, the highest scoring team in the Big Ten in 2009 should once again be potent. If the defense can drastically improve, Wisconsin will be right in the mix, but if not, it will likely fall to Iowa and Ohio State just as it did last year.
4. Penn State Nittany Lions - Penn State always has great athletes and a lot of talent, but it's hard to think it will challenge seriously challenge for the Big Ten title in 2010 after losing QB Darryll Clark. Iowa has had Penn State's number and Ohio State took care of the Nittany Lions by double digits in 2009.
5. Michigan Wolverines - I'll be very surprised if Rich Rodriguez doesn't get Big Blue back into a bowl game this season, which is a must if he wants to keep his job. Tate Forcier leads an offense that will be one of the best, if not the best, in the conference. The defense should be better in 2010 as well, although still likely not good enough to contend for a league championship.
6. Michigan State Spartans - A tough schedule figures to keep the Spartans in the middle of the pack. They must play Iowa, Penn State and in-state rival Michigan all on the road.
7. Northwestern Wildcats - The Wildcats will continue to be very competitive in 2010, capable of beating anyone in the Big Ten on any given Saturday, but the offense likely takes a minor step back with Dan Persa stepping in as QB.
8. Purdue Boilermakers - The Boilers caught a tough break with Ralph Bolden suffering a knee injury in the spring, and it's hard to gauge exactly how good new QB Robert Marve will be. What we do know is that Purdue couldn't stop the run to save its life last season, finishing dead last in the Big Ten in rushing defense. That will cost the Boilers dearly in 2010 as well.
9. Illinois Fighting Illini - Illinois had as much talent as any team in the Big Ten on the offensive side of the ball last season, and it was only able to win three games. Now, a less talented group must tackle a schedule which includes eight teams that went bowling last season.
10. Indiana Hoosiers - Indiana's defense, which ranked 91st in the nation in points allowed (29.5) will make sure that the Hoosiers remain at the bottom of the league.
11. Minnesota Golden Gophers - After losing their top two receivers, expect QB Adam Weber and the Gophers to struggle to a last place finish in the Big Ten this season.
Make sure you check out my 2010 college football predictions to see how I like the rest of the college football conferences to shape up.
Jimmy Boyd's expert football picks will keep you cashing clear through the BCS title game!
