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2008 Big 10 Predictions

Written June 16, 2008 by Jason Lowry

The NCAA football season is quickly sneaking up on us, and its time for Jason Lowry to make his 2008 Big 10 football predictions. Last year Ohio State was able to take the Championship home after going an impressive 7-1, a game ahead of Illinois and Michigan. There is plenty of talent that comes out of the Big 10 each and every year, and 2007 was no different as they sent 28 players to the NFL in the draft. This included 4 first round picks in #1 OT Jake Long from Michigan, #6 DE Vernon Gholston from Ohio State, #23 RB Rashard Mendenhall from Illinois, and #30 TE Dustin Keller from Purdue. There is plenty of talent left in the league, and don’t be surprised if these numbers aren’t matched or improved next season. Last season Minnesota was the only team to finish with a losing overall record, but they could easily turn that around this season. Here is a look at each team and where we got them finishing in the upcoming season.

#1) Ohio State Buckeyes
Face whether this team is able to win the national championship game or not, they are one of the most talented teams in the country. Not only do they have a load of talent coming back from last years team, they continue to bring in one of the best recruiting classes in the country. They should run away with the conference title, and could easily be looking at another national title shot.

#2) Wisconsin Badgers
The Badgers have been pretty consistent over the last few years, and are coming off yet another January Bowl game. They return 17 starters to a team that finished 4th last season, and we feel like they will be 2nd best in the Big 10.

#3) Penn State Nittany Lions
While the Nittany Lions aren’t exactly going to be bad this year, we just don’t think that this team is as good as teams they have had in the past. The team has to play both Wisconsin and Ohio State on the road, and is the main reason we got them behind the Badgers.

#4) Illinois Fighting Illini
The Illini are a scary team to play no matter what team you field against them. With the loss of Mendenhall to the NFL teams might be able to put a little more focus on QB Juice Williams, but if someone can step up then this could wind up being another big season for Zook and company.

#5) Michigan State Spartans
This is our surprise pick in the standings, as some have them picked as low as 7th or 8th. We feel that they will be able to at least finish 4-4 in conference play, and maybe even 5-3 if they get some big improvements from its returning starters.

#6) Michigan Wolverines
It hard to even think that a Michigan team can be predicted outside the top 4 in the conference, but with a new coach and many new players we just don’t think they will be able to put together a big season. They lost a ton of talent on the offensive side of the ball and will rely on their defense to carry them.

#7) Iowa Hawkeyes
The Hawkeyes were a team that you could pencil in as a sure thing for a bowl game, but they suffered some tough losses last season, and even at 6-6 were shutout of a bowl for the first time in years. Even though we got them finishing 7th in the Big 10, they should come close to a Bowl game with the talent they got.

#8) Purdue Boilermakers
This team has a couple pieces to the puzzle, but are likely going to be missing some key pieces for a winning football team. They will have a great QB in Curtis Painter who is one of the best in the conference. This team could surprise and be much better than we have them.

#9) Indiana Hoosiers
The Hoosiers have an easy schedule again this year, as they miss out on Ohio State and Michigan, but will need to pull of some upsets if they want to improve on their 3-5 mark in the Big 10 a year ago.

#10) Northwestern Wildcats
We aren’t big fans of the job head coach Pat Fitzgerald has done. and don’t see how this team plans on improving to much off their 3-5 conference record a year ago. There is talent on this team and if things go well they could jump up to 7th in the conference.

#11) Minnesota Golden Gophers
This team is probably going to be better than what we have them right now, but after only winning just 1 game a year ago its hard to pick them ahead of any other team in the conference. We do think that this team is loaded with young talent, and it might be a year or two away from being a serious contender in the Big 10.

Be sure to continue to check back as we will continue to bring you our NCAA Football conference and team predictions as the season gets closer and closer. Also if you are looking to get a head start on the football season, be sure to check out BetUS.com and get your account up and going today.

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