Saturday kicks off what should be the most competitive Big Ten conference season in years. Nearly every team believes it has what it takes to contend for the title. Even programs beginning anew at Illinois and Indiana showed more life during the non-conference portion of the schedule than they have in years. Though the team that becomes the 2005 Big Ten champion may not be playing for the Roses and a national title this year, it will likely be because the rugged conference schedule will allow no team to emerge undefeated.
Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin enters the Big Ten conference schedule 3-0. Wisconsin's blowouts against Bowling Green and Temple were not competitive enough to gauge the full team's ability and instead were high-scoring offensive games against physically overwhelmed teams.
However, Wisconsin's 14-5 win against North Carolina attested to Wisconsin's defensive game. The defense has vastly improved over the one that allowed 35 points in the first half to Bowling Green.
Offensively, the Badgers have, as usual, relied much less on the passing game than the run. This may work against Bowling Green and Temple, but as Wisconsin faces the physically tough teams in the Big Ten, it will have to develop a balanced offense.
The player to watch is junior running back Brian Calhoun, who is currently third in the nation in rushing. His eight touchdowns this season put him in the upper echelon of NCAA running backs. Against North Carolina, he had 38 carries for 171 yards, giving him 471 yards rushing so far this season. Despite his early-season success, Coach Barry Alvarez has set his standards high for Calhoun and fans can expect to see even more out of him as the season progresses.
Wisconsin's rushing offense and defense both rank in the nation's top six. Fortunately for the Badgers, tough opponents Michigan and defending co-conference champion Iowa are on home turf. If Wisconsin can continue to make Camp Randall their house, they will surely be in the run for the title.
-Lexie Clinton
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Early in the Big Ten schedule in 2004, Minnesota entertained thoughts of winning the title; however, late-season losses to Wisconsin, Indiana and Iowa ended their hopes. This season, they are looking to have a stronger finish and improve on last year's 7-5 record. The biggest thing going for head coach Glen Mason is returning star junior running back Laurence Maroney. Last year, Maroney had 217 carries for 1,348 yards. He also had 12 touchdowns on the year.
One thing that needs to happen in order for the Golden Gophers to have a good season is for junior quarterback Bryan Cupito to improve his performance. Last year, he had a less than 50 percent completion record and an 81.5 quarterback rating.
This year, Minnesota has an easier schedule at the end of the season, but it has to play Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio State in consecutive games. The biggest of these games will be against Wisconsin, where the Gophers will look to reclaim the Paul Bunyan Axe. If Minnesota can come up with a win in one of these three games, this will help improve their record and give them a chance to make a higher-profile Big Ten bowl.
-Ben Solochek
Iowa Hawkeyes
Iowa enters the Big Ten season 2-1. In its 56-0 win over Ball State, Iowa established the strength of its running game and a solid force on defense.
Everything fell apart against Iowa State. Giving up 23 points and only scoring 3, the Hawkeyes were so inept offensively that they never got closer to the end zone than the Iowa State 26. Five turnovers were partly attributed to the loss of junior quarterback Drew Tate with a concussion midway through the second quarter.
Against Northern Iowa, Tate's return brought along some confidence. Looking more cohesive offensively, Iowa finished with 496 yards and a final score of 45-21.
Iowa's standout performer is Tate. His absence in the Iowa State game caused the whole team to crumble, while his return the following week brought an extra shot of strength. This year's preseason Big Ten Player of the Year easily bounced back from the concussion that knocked him out of the Iowa State game.
The Hawkeyes face their toughest opponent, Ohio State, in this weekend's Big Ten opener. With OSU coming off a big win over San Diego State, they will undoubtedly be a threat to Iowa's defense. Ranked high and favored to defeat everyone except OSU and Purdue, Iowa will be on the road to the title if they beat the Buckeyes. However, the Hawkeyes must step it up because their first games have revealed some flaws.
-Lexie Clinton
Illinois Fighting Illini
For the Fighting Illini, this season is all about fighting toward a return to the glory that led them to a Big Ten Championship and a trip to the Sugar Bowl four years ago. The hiring of former Florida coach Ron Zook has brought renewed optimism to a program that has found winning in the Big Ten isn't easy. This year is no exception, and with the amount of talent around the Big Ten, the Illini know it might not be the best year to gun for a bowl game. Whatever the outcome, they also know they are at least on the right track with Zook on the sidelines.
Saturday's contest with Michigan State could be the statement game that Illinois is looking for. Last week's loss to California was their first of the season, but the Illini did not underperform against a Pac-10 team that was heavily favored. The Illini led 17-7 at the half, and with more depth, they might have held on for the win.
That depth is exactly what will hold Illinois back this season. However, they do have a chance for a bowl game. With two wins already, they only have to go 4-4 in Big Ten play to be eligible. If junior quarterback Tim Brasic can find his touch to compliment a good running attack featuring junior E.B. Halsey, then Illinois could pull off an upset against Michigan State on Saturday and carry it on to upcoming weeks.
-Adam Hoge
Michigan State Spartans
After going 5-7 last year, Michigan State is looking to improve on its record in hopes of making one of the top Big Ten Bowls. Head coach John L. Smith, who has a 13-12 overall record with the Spartans, needs many things to go right for him in order to have a successful season. First, junior quarterback Drew Stanton needs to have a good season. Last year, he put up 1,601 passing yards and threw 8 touchdown passes. Stanton is also a running threat, as he gained 687 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns on the ground. The main problem that comes with a running quarterback is that Stanton has been injury-prone. However, if he can stay healthy, he can be one of the Big Ten's top passers.
One of the other keys to Michigan State's success is to make it through a rough schedule. The main challenge is playing Michigan and Ohio State back-to-back after playing Illinois this week. However, what may prove to be in the Spartans' favor is the momentum that they have going into the Big Ten season. Going undefeated in non-conference play, including a 44-41 ovetime victory against Notre Dame, the Spartans may have the momentum to beat the Wolverines at home and then go to Columbus to beat the Buckeyes. The Spartans could be this year's Cinderella story in the Big Ten.
-Ben Solochek
Northwestern Wildcats
The Wildcats have the power to pull off some upsets, much like they did a season ago by sending Ohio State into a tailspin after upsetting the Buckeyes in Evanston. Senior quarterback Brett Basanez brings the Wildcats a lot of experience and leadership, while freshman running back Tyrell Sutton brings a spark to the running game and is the seventh leading rusher in the nation.
The defense is another issue, however. The Wildcats rank No. 116 in total defense after struggling against Northern Illinois in week two, and giving the offense no chance against Arizona State last week. Northwestern did pull off the win against Northern Illinois, and find themselves with a 2-1 record going into the Big Ten season, which is probably where they hoped to be at this point.
The fact is that head coach Randy Walker is going to have to work a miracle on their defense for the Wildcats to do damage in the Big Ten. They start the season at home against Penn State Saturday, which is a winnable game for the 'Cats. But after Penn State, Northwestern will be looking at a bye week to prepare for five straight weeks against ranked Big Ten opponents. The offense will be able to compete in all of those games, but if the defense cannot rebound, Northwestern will be wishing Indiana was on their schedule, and there will be no bowl game this season.
-Adam Hoge
Purdue Boilermakers
The Boilermakers could be overrated being ranked No. 11 in the nation, but that may not matter because Purdue finds themselves with a schedule that does not have Ohio State or Michigan on it. In fact, they could be the favorites in the Big Ten because on top of avoiding the top two teams in the conference, they get Iowa and Michigan State at home.
For head coach Joe Tiller, this season will be all about winning the games they should win. This Saturday's contest at Minnesota is one of those games the Boilermakers should win, but do not look past the Gophers, who have received Top 25 votes and will have the home-field advantage.
The Boilermakers also know that despite an easier Big Ten schedule than most, it will not be easy to take the title. Iowa and Michigan State will not be easy home games, and right now their October trip to Camp Randall-where the Badgers have won eight straight-looks like it will be their toughest road test.
In addition, Purdue hosts Notre Dame next week. That game could teach the Boilermakers a lot about who they are, especially for a team that is switching to more of a power football style with senior running back Jerod Void. Tiller, who has always preferred more of a finesse passing game, has had to place more emphasis on the running game with the departure of Kyle Orton. However, senior Brandon Kirsch is not a bad quarterback, and if the offense continues to click the way it has in its first two games, Purdue could be looking at a Big Ten title.
-Adam Hoge
Michigan Wolverines
Michigan, one of perennial favorites in the Big Ten, is looking to repeat the success that they have had over the last few years. Led by head coach Lloyd Carr, the Wolverines are looking to not only contend for the Big Ten championship, but also fight for a berth at this year's national championship game at the Rose Bowl.
There are many factors that are in their favor this year. First, they will be returning sophomore quarterback Chad Henne. Last year, Henne tied Elvis Grbac's school-record 25 touchdown passes. Also, the Wolverines are returning Heisman Trophy candidate Mike Hart. Last year, Hart, who was named to the All-Big Ten Team, is going to provide a solid running game for Michigan.
Michigan went 2-1 in the non-conference season, losing only to Notre Dame, and the Wolverines will have some difficult obstacles in conference play. They have to play Wisconsin, Iowa and Michigan State on the road this year. These are going to be some big challenges for the Wolverines. However, what may aid them is a weaker schedule down the stretch, with Indiana, Penn State and Northwestern near the end of their season. This may help them relax and prepare for their biggest game of the season, on Nov. 19 against rival Ohio State.
-Ben Solochek
Indiana Hoosiers
The Hoosiers have already matched last year's win total, and for the first time since 1994, they enter Big Ten play with a 3-0 record. New head coach Terry Hoeppner, who led Miami (Ohio) to six consecutive winning seasons, brings energy and optimism to a program that has not won a conference title since Lyndon Johnson was in the White House.
\Our goal is simple-the Rose Bowl. We will shoot for perfection, and can settle for excellence,"" Hoeppner said in his first IU press conference. Excellence might be hard to come by this year as the Hoosiers host Ohio State and must travel to Wisconsin, Michigan State, Iowa and Michigan. Indiana has not beaten the Wolverines in Ann Arbor since 1967.
Despite their tough schedule and a 3-21 Big Ten record over the past three seasons, the future looks bright in Bloomington. Hoeppner developed Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback Ben Roethlisberger into a star at Miami and looks do the same with Indiana's sophomore signal-caller, Blake Powers. The 6'5"", 210-pound Powers has thrown for 718 yards and 11 touchdowns in his first three games. James Hardy leads a trio of freshmen wide receivers with 17 receptions while senior running backs Chris Taylor and Yamar Washington provide balance for the Hoosiers' offense. If Indiana's defense can show some semblance of consistency, the Hoosiers might be playing for more than the ""Old Oaken Bucket"" in their finale against Purdue.
-Ryan Reszel
Penn State Nittany Lions
They're smiling again in ""Happy Valley."" After consecutive losing seasons, coach Joe Paterno's Penn State Nittany Lions are 3-0 and poised to climb back into the hunt for the Big Ten championship. Throughout the past two years, critics have called for the 78-year old's resignation. Yet ""Joe Pa"" has not stepped down. This season, Paterno becomes the first head coach since Amos Alonzo Stagg to work 40 years for a single major university.
While the offense sputtered in 2004, the Nittany Lions finished the season ranked No. 5 nationally in scoring defense and No. 10 nationally in total defense. This year's unit has continued its domination of opposing offenses which are averaging less than 14 points per game. Junior linebackers Tim Shaw and Paul Posluszny have combined for 56 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 4 sacks.
Penn State will look to senior quarterback Michael Robinson to provide the offensive spark that it lacked a season ago. In his first three contests, Robinson passed for 584 yards and six touchdowns while also running for 114 yards and three touchdowns. The Lions racked up 42 and 40 points, respectively, against Cincinnati and Central Michigan, but their true test will come in back-to-back games against Ohio State and Michigan. A victory in either contest would put Penn State one step closer to a New Year's Day bowl game.
-Ryan Reszel
Ohio State Buckeyes
A heart-breaking 25-22 loss to the No. 2 Texas Longhorns most likely dashed the Buckeyes' national championship hopes, but OSU (2-1) has the offensive talent and the defensive tenacity to win the Big Ten title. With Troy Smith taking the majority of the snaps in the Buckeyes' 27-6 victory over San Diego State, it appears that head coach Jim Tressel has finally ended the quarterback controversy in Columbus. Junior signal-caller Justin Zwick played in all three non-conference games and completed nearly 73 percent of his passes, but Smith's speed adds a new dimension to the Buckeyes' spread offense. In his first start of the 2005 season, Smith rushed for 87 yards and two touchdowns.
When he is not running the ball himself, Troy Smith has a plethora of playmakers to throw to. Junior Santonio Holmes and sophomore Ted Ginn Jr. anchor one of the top receiving corps in the country. Four Buckeye wideouts have ten or more receptions and each possesses the breakaway speed to turn a quick slant into a 50-yard touchdown.
The Ohio State rushing defense ranks No. 9 in the nation thanks to their trio of senior linebackers. A.J. Hawk, Bobby Carpenter and Anthony Schlegel swarm to the ball and the quarterback. In just three games, they totaled a combined 63 tackles and nine sacks.
The game of the year could be Nov. 19 at the ""Big House"" in Ann Arbor as Ohio State and Michigan battle for bragging rights and a possible Big Ten Championship.
-Ryan Reszel
