The Big Ten Preview, Part 1

Although it officially doesn’t begin until the autumnal equinox on September 23, 2006, fall is here.

The sun hasn’t been out in days. There is a cool breeze in the air. The days are getting shorter. Many universities started classes today or will start this week. I’m studying for the boards like I used to in my first two years of medical school. And college football begins this Saturday.

Many people in this area of Michigan will be cheering on the University of Michigan and the small minority will be rooting for the Spartans of Michigan State, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan. (If you live west of 23, the majority of people will be rooting for State).

I don’t know much about the MAC, but I do know a lot about the Big Ten. So here is my eleven-point preview of the Big Ten. (It’s better than stupid ESPN; so don’t go reading their crap, read my stuff).

1. Will the Ohio State win the Big Ten?
No. Road games in East Lansing and a night game in Iowa City will likely keep the Buckeyes Big Ten and National Championship aspirations at bay. However, with that being said, the final weekend and the Wolverines/Buckeyes game will probably decide the conference champ. Troy Smith, Ted Ginn and Chris Wells will provide a potent offense. But too many loses from last year’s defense in a conference stacked with outstanding quarterbacks will give the Ohio State one or two losses in conference play.

2. Who will win the Big Ten?
The Wolverines. Why? Because they have too much talent not to and there is no way this team will underachieve two years in a row. Lamar Woodley is a versatile defender and U of M returns a solid defensive core. Sure Mike Hart will stub his toe and be out four-six weeks and I’m sure Chad Henne will average a fumble every other game, but Mario Manningham will become Henne’s bail-out go to receiver. The toughest games against Michigan State and Iowa will be at home. U of M could get tripped up at Penn State and it’s hard to bet on the Wolverines in Columbus, versus Jim Tressel and Troy Smith.

3. Who could contend for the Big Ten?
Iowa. Drew Tate is as good as any other quarterback in the Big Ten and now the Hawkeyes have a running game. The top five recruiting class from two years ago has matured and will be ready to go. They won’t win at Michigan Stadium, but a night game at home against the Buckeyes is prime for an instant classic.

4. Will Penn State go 7-1 again?
No. But they will have a winning record in the Big Ten. Anthony Morelli is no Michael Robinson, but he doesn’t have to be with a healthy Tony Hunt and Derrick Williams. Paul Posluszny anchors a solid defense. The Nitny Lions could get revenge against U of M at home, but won’t be able to top teams like the Ohio State on the road.

5. Will the coaches screw up the Spartans season?
Probably. John L. Smith has an innovative and exciting offense, but he is a complete jackass. Drew Stanton is the best quarterback in the Big Ten and State has an underrated rushing attack. The defense has gotten better with the addition of Nehemiah “Nemo” Warwick at strong safety and Daniel Herron is the most under-rated linebacker in the Big Ten. Michigan State should be no worse than 3-1 at home and 2-2 on the road. The Spartans will split the U of M and the Ohio State weeks in early October and it could be a special season in East Lansing…if the kids play their tails off and the coaches don’t screw it up.