The Big Ten season has officially started for every team except Wisconsin, playing conference games last weekend. Most of the conference looked very good in its nonconference games so far this year. Now it's time to look at where all the teams stand heading into the rest of the conference schedule.
The Buckeyes have been the most impressive Big Ten team so far this year. They are undefeated and are ranked No. 5 in the nation in the AP poll and the coaches' poll. Ohio State is very happy with true freshman sensation Maurice Clarett, who has already scored nine touchdowns in only four games this year.
The Wolverines rebounded from a heartbreaking loss to Notre Dame and a close win over Utah to beat defending conference champion Illinois last Saturday. Michigan's passing game has been great so far, but their kicking game has been horrible. Junior kicker Philip Brabbs is only three for nine in field goals this year and he has missed a number of big kicks under pressure.
The Hawkeyes could be the biggest surprise in the conference. In fact, if it weren't for a heartbreaking five-point loss to in-state rival Iowa State, Iowa would also be undefeated. The top-scoring offense in the conference is led by junior running back Fred Russell, who is the top rusher in the Big Ten.
Junior wide receiver Charles Rogers has been the shining star for the Michigan State offense, setting the NCAA record for consecutive games with a touchdown at 13. Aside from that, their defense has been shaky, giving up 46 points to the Golden Bears of California (who finished 1-10 last year).
The Golden Gophers would be a surprise team except for the fact that they haven't really played any talented teams yet and have lost to the Boilermakers of Purdue. Junior quarterback Asad Abdul-Khaliq has been a pleasant surprise so far, but Minnesota probably won't get a real challenge until they play Michigan State Oct. 19.
Joe Paterno's greatness is evident once again. Paterno turned shaky sophomore quarterback Zack Mills into possibly the best quarterback in the conference. The Nittany Lions then blew out Nebraska earlier this year before losing a close game at Iowa last Saturday. By the end of the season, Penn State could be fighting for the top spot in the Big Ten.
Joe Tiller's Boilermakers have played many close games so far this year and have managed to earn a 3-2 record with what he has to deal with. The offense is consistently producing with their returning stars and in all keeping the team respectable. If Purdue's young stars can produce on offense, their defense could make for another surprise Big Ten team.
The Fighting Illini are probably the most disappointing team in the conference so far. The defending conference champions have only beaten Arkansas State this year. The offense has been looking impressive, while the defense has looked the opposite. Until the defense fires up, the Illini are in for a long, frustrating season.
A change in uniform hasn't helped the Hoosiers, who are still suffering from the loss of quarterback Antwaan Randle-El and running back Levron Williams. If it weren't for their easy nonconference schedule, Indiana could be doing worse than Illinois right now.
There's not much to say about the Wildcats. They've managed a 2-3 record by beating lowly Duke and the Navy Midshipmen. They haven't had much of an offensive threat at all and are still expected to occupy the Big Ten cellar by the end of the season.
