Big Ten Conference Preview
Legends Division
Here is the sequal to the Big Ten Conference outlook. This time looking at the Legends Division including Nebraska who is led by Dual threat quarterback Taylor Martinez and Michigan State who lost 5 games by a total of 13 points.
Nebraska
Last Year’s Record: 10-4 (7-1)
Last Bowl Game: Capital One Bowl vs. Georgia 31-45 Loss
Head Coach: Bo Pelini
Returning Starters: 8 Offense, 4 Defense
Schedule
August 31st vs. Wyoming
September 7th vs. Southern Mississippi
September 14th vs. UCLA
September 21st vs. South Dakota State
October 5th vs. Illinois
October 12th at Purdue
October 26th at Minnesota
November 2nd vs. Northwestern
November 9th at Michigan
November 16th vs. Michigan State
November 23rd at Penn State
November 29th vs. Iowa
Offensive Outlook
The Cornhuskers have one of the best offenses in the conference led by quarterback Taylor Martinez. Taylor is a senior dual threat who rushed for over 1,000 yards last year while still throwing for 23 touchdowns with a 62 percent completion rating. Martinez has great weapons around him too. Tailback Ameer Abdullah and receiver Kenny Bell are arguably the best at the respected positions in the conference. Between them, they make a nasty 1-2-3 punch that keeps defenses constantly guessing and a nightmare for coaches to game plan against.
Defensive Outlook
The Cornhuskers defense is a different story however. His unit was one of the worst in the conference last year. Giving up an average of four touchdowns per game, they will look to bounce back with a fresh start with fresh faces. They only have four returning starters on this side of the ball and will need players from all phases of the defense to step up when giving the opportunity. Cornerback Ciante Evans is one of the few returning players that made a positive impact for the defense. He will need to continue to progress and help his teammates if they want to get back to respectability.
Special Teams Outlook
If it wasn’t for their problems fielding punts (5 fumbles) this unit would have ranked much higher. Return man Abdullah has the explosiveness to go the distance at any time and is as dangerous they come. They also have the dual threat kicker slash punter Brett Maher who was 20-27 in field goals nailing a 54 yarder for his career best last season. If they can clean up the muffed punts this unit will help contribute heavily to the team’s success.
Overall Outlook
This is the story of two worlds for this football team. You’ve got one of the best offenses in the conference followed by one of the worst defenses in the nation. What’s a bright spot for both units is their soft schedule this year. Their tougher opponents they play at home and they get to avoid Ohio State and Wisconsin setting them up to get back to the Big Ten Title game. Their in-season championship game will be on November 9th when they travel top Ann Arbor to play Michigan. Fortunately, they right games to tune up and get rolling first to get some momentum. It all comes down to the defense. No team can survive giving up almost 30 points per game
Top Newcomer
Randy Gregory is Nebraska’s newest defensive end. He is a junior college transfer who’s ready to step in and contribute in a big way. Given all the losses to the defense this past season she will have every opportunity to thrive in this defense.
Key games
At Michigan: They have eight games to warm up for this one so they better bet ready.
Vs. Michigan State: This game could be vital if their season comes down to a tie breaker. Need to win the important ones at home.
Projected Record: 10-2
Michigan State
Last Years Record: 7-6 (3-5)
Last Bowl Game: Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl vs. TCU 17-16 Win
Head Coach: Mark Dantonio
Returning Starters: 8 Offense, 7 Defense
Schedule
August 30th vs. Western Michigan
September 7th vs. USF
September 14th vs. Youngstown State
September 21st at Notre Dame
October 5th at Iowa
October 12th vs. Indiana
October 19th vs. Purdue
October 26th at Illinois
November 2nd vs. Michigan
November 16th at Nebraska
November 23rd at Northwestern
November 30th vs. Minnesota
Offensive Outlook
Quarterback Andrew Maxwell struggled trying to replace Kirk Cousins last year. What made it difficult was the absence of leading rusher Le’von Bell. With the lack of running game Maxwell had a hard time getting his offense in a rhythm week in and week out and looked uncomfortable under center. With another year in the system Spartan fans hope he can get the ball rolling early with a soft schedule and grow a rapport with receivers Arron Burbridge and Bennie Fowler.
Defensive Outlook
There is no question that the rock of this team is the defensive unit. Led by a trio of studs: linebacker Max Bullough, cornerback Darqueze Dennard, and safety Isaiah Lewis; they all return to try and get the Spartans back to the Big Ten title game. Even behind those three there’s even more star power and depth. Defensive end Marcus Rush is one of the best in the conference and linebacker Denicos Allen isn’t far behind. Add all these playmakers up and you’ve got an elite defense that will carry this team in 2013.
Special Teams Outlook
Coches will have to replace Dan Conroy who was one of the best in the conference for years. However, they get punter Mike Sadler back who averaged 43.3 yards per punt last season. Main return man Nick Hill tries to take over both kickoff and punt return duties as he was up and down last year with a few fumbles.
Overall Outlook
The story for the Spartans last year was their inability to win the close games. Being just two years removed from the Big Ten Championship there was a lot of high expectations last year. Unfortunately, they lost five games by 1, 3, 2, 4, and 3 points last year. They have 15 returning starters and ditch Ohio State and Wisconsin from the schedule. With their rock solid defense filled with big names they are contenders for a top three finish in the conference.
Top Newcomer
Even with the depth at linebacker Jon Reschke could step in and make an impact one way or another. The four star recruit has the football toughness to find a spot for playing time.
Key games
at Notre Dame: Spartans first real game comes in week four. This should be a battle of good defenses in a low scoring affair. Spartans need to win some close games this year if they want to wipe out last season’s miscues.
at Nebraska: They finish their season with Nebraska and Northwestern on the road in back to back weeks. Traveling to northwestern after a loss here will be more tough mentally than anything else.
Projected Record: 7-5
Michigan
Last Year’s Record: 8-5 (6-2)
Last Bowl Game: Outback Bowl vs South Carolina 28-33 Loss
Head Coach: Brady Hoke
Returning Starters: 6 Offense, 6 Defense
Schedule
August 31st vs. Central Michigan
September 7th vs. Notre Dame
September 14th vs. Akron
September 21st at Connecticut
October 5th vs. Minnesota
October 12th at Penn State
October 19th vs. Indiana
November 2nd at Michigan State
November 9th vs. Nebraska
November 16th at Northwestern
November 23rd at Iowa
November 30th vs. Ohio State
Offensive Outlook
Michigan has the best left tackle in the nation in Taylor Lewan. He helps solidify one of the better offensive lines in the conference. It’s a good thing to because quarterback Devin Gardner needs all the help he can get. He should be better off this year though now that the job is all his. New tailback Derrick Green is one of the best stars of the 2013 class so the Wolverines are counting on him to contribute right away. Receiver Jeremey Gallon will look to be the number option in the passing attack last year building off his 49 receptions and 829 yards.
Defensive Outlook
Michigan was so-so last year in almost all phases of their defense. They don’t have many players that will wow you but they do possess good depth in their front seven. They need to overcome injuries from this spring and help out the offense win close ball games. Defensive end Frank Clark and linebacker Desmond Morgan need to continue to get better and be the vocal leaders for this young defense.
Special Teams Outlook
Kicker Brenden Gibbons is back after a nice 2012 campaign. He was 16-18 with a long of 52 yards. Matt Wile will take over the punting duties full time after he put nine of his 12 punts inside the 20. Jeremey Gallon should continue to see punt return reps and will look to find the end zone for the first time doing so this year.
Overall Outlook
Unlike last year, there’s no Crimson Tide game looming on the schedule. If they can take down Notre Dame early in the season and 6-0 record isn’t unrealistic which should give them momentum to contend for their division. However, they have a tough road schedule with Penn State, Michigan State, and Northwestern and how they fare with those games will be the determining factor of their season record.
Top Newcomer
Running Back Derrick Green is one of the best recruits coming out of high school this year. The Wolverines fully expect him to contribute from game one. However, he has had a rocky spring thus far in practices and off the field and will need to get his head on straight if he wants a heavy bulk of carries.
Key Games
Vs. Notre Dame: Get off to a fast start to the season if the can beat the Irish at home week two. Confidence would be at a high and could run off another 5 wins with their schedule after doing so.
At Michigan State: They go on the road after a rest week which is the first of many tough remaining games to finish the season. Come out of the rest week fresh and with a win though and they could use that momentum to finish their season strong.
Projected Record: 8-4
Northwestern
Last Season Record: 10-3 (5-3)
Last Bowl Game: Gator Bowl vs. Mississippi St 34-20 Win
Head Coach: Pat Fitzgerald
Returning Starters: 8 Offense, 7 Defense
Schedule
August 31st at California
September 7th vs. Syracuse
September 14th vs. Western Michigan
September 21st vs. Maine
October 5th vs. Ohio State
October 12th at Wisconsin
October 19th vs. Minnesota
October 26th at Iowa
November 2nd at Nebraska
November 16th vs. Michigan
November 23rd vs. Michigan State
November 30th at Illinois
Offensive Outlook
Venic Mark went on to lead the Big Ten in rushing last year with 1366 yards on just 226 attempts. Averaging 6.0 yards per carry Mark was a main reason the Wildcats offense was so efficient. The offense ranked third in most points scored in the conference. Quarterback Kain Colter has big time talent and if he can have one of his receivers step up for him and be a go-to target this offense could be even better than last year. For now though expect Northwestern to rely on Mark to carry the bulk of the offense as Colter continues to spread the ball out to the open guy.
Defensive Outlook
Defensive end Tyler Scott is one of the best in the conference and paired up with linebacker Chi Chi Ariguzo make a solid front seven. Returning seven starters on the defensive side of the ball will help with the chemistry but the Wildcats are still looking for someone to step up and be a playmaker for them, especially in the secondary.
Special Teams Outlook
Kicker Jeff Budzien was voted best in the Big Ten. He converted 19-20 missing his only attempt from 53 yards out against Nebraska. He should continue to be a bright spot for Northwestern and be a consistent threat for them when the offense stalls in the red zone. With everyone returning from last year on the return unit this team has a shot to finish in the top 25 in the special teams category.
Overall Outlook
Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald had great success last year finishing with a 10 win season and 5-3 record in the conference. It might be tough to duplicate those numbers this season for Pat. Although there isn’t a shortage of talent on the roster the schedule is much more daunting for the Wildcats. They’ll have to knock off Ohio State, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Michigan State. Brutal. So it’s not out of the question but another ten win season isn’t something I would put my money on.
Top Newcomer
Godwin Igwebuike is a recruit with a lot of potential and versatility. Because of this out of all the new players on the roster he is most likely to see playing time to soonest. Where coaches best see him fit is still yet to be determined.
Key Games
Vs Ohio State: Not only is this game against what will most likely be the undefeated Buckeyes but this is the Wildcat’s Homecoming. Safe to say the parties will go from a six pack to a keg if they can upset the nation’s best in front of their home crowd.
Vs Michigan: They get to go into the Wolverine game off a week of rest and they will need it. If they can get a win here the following week against the Spartans will be played with a little bit more swagger
Projected Record: 8-4
Iowa
Last Season’s Record: 4-8 (2-6)
Last Bowl Game: Insight Bowl vs Oklahoma 14-31 Loss
Head Coach: Kirk Ferentz
Returning Starters: 6 Offense, 7 Defense
Schedule
August 31st vs. Northern Illinois
September 7th vs. Missouri State
September 14th at Iowa State
September 21st Western Michigan
September 28th at Minnesota
October 5th vs. Michigan State
October 19th at Ohio State
October 26th vs. Northwestern
November 2nd vs. Wisconsin
November 9th at Purdue
November 23rd vs. Michigan
November 29th at Nebraska
Offensive Outlook
The bad news first: the Hawkeyes quarterbacks on the roster didn’t throw a single pass last year. To make matters worse, they lost their top target Keenan Davis. So expect growing pains for another season with the offenses new faces. The good news is their offensive line is solid and has decent depth and whoevers throwing the ball has a great security blanket in tight end CJ Fiedorowicz. The Hawkeyes will also be welcoming 6’4” wide receiver Derrick Willies to the team who their hoping can add a spark to the passing game specifically in the red zone.
Defensive Outlook
If there’s one strong point on the Hawkeyes squad, it’s their linebacking tandum. James Morris, Christian Kirksey, and Anthony Hitchens all led the team in tackles and tackles for a loss. In fact, between the three of them they totaled over 300 tackles for the team. They will be counted on to continue to be the strength of the defense and put offenses in 3rd and long situations for their secondary.
Special Teams Outlook
Return man Jordan Cotton is one of the best in the conference and coaches rely on his big play ability to help be the equalizer for Iowa against superior teams. Cotton took a 92 yard put back against Penn State last year and will look to continue to help Iowa’s special teams unit. Kicker Mike Meyer is back for his senior season. He was consistent for Iowa all year hitting 17-21 field goals with a long of 50 yards.
Overall Outlook
4-8 last year with only two wins in the conference. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a great recruiting class for Iowa and their new starting quarterback didn’t throw a pass last year. There’s a lot more bad than good here for the Hawkeyes. There is some talent on the roster however every conference game will most likely be a struggle. A step back from their four wins isn’t out of the question.
Top Newcomer
Wide Receiver Derick Willies has a lot of pressure on his shoulders as the Hawkeyes are desperately looking for someone to come in on offense and help out their new quarterback. Willies is 6’4” and could help out if nothing else in the red zone.
Key Games
At Ohio State: Just one of those games you hope to catch the Buckeyes on an off day. Score on them early and you never know…
Vs. Michigan St: Another tough conference game however not impossible. If they can beat the Spartans on homecoming night there might be some good energy around campus for the rest of the season.
Projected Record: 3-9
Minnesota
Last Seasons Record: 6-7 (2-6)
Last Bowl Game: Car Care Bowl vs Texas Tech 31-34 Loss
Head Coach: Jerry Kill
Returning Starters: 10 Offense, 6 Defense
Schedule
August 29th vs. UNLV
September 7th at New Mexico State
September 14th vs. Western Illinois
September 21st vs. San Jose State
September 28th vs. Iowa
October 5th at Michigan
October 19th at Northwestern
October 26th at Nebraska
November 2nd at Indiana
November 9th vs. Penn State
November 23rd vs. Wisconsin
November 30th at Michigan State
Offensive Outlook
The Gophers will run a more pro-style offense this year. With second year quarterback Philip Nelson the Gophers need to see true progression from him compared to his first season so they know if he is the future. The problem is he may not even win the quarterback job let alone lead the gophers to a winning season. Returning running back Donnell Kirkwood should be better; however, the Gophers lack star power on offense will make it difficult to put up many points all season.
Defensive Outlook
Hands down the star of Minnesota’s team is defensive tackle Rashade Hageman. Hageman is a monster in the middle with the ability to be a run stuffer and get after the quarterback. He lost some help on the defensive line and will need safety Brock Vereen to help improve the pass defense and get the Gophers back to a balanced defensive unit.
Special Teams Outlook
Gophers will have an open competition for the kicker position as senior Jordan Wettstein has left. KJ Maye should continue to take return duties for the gophers as he started to progress as the season went on. He may even take over for the punt return job as well due to AJ Barker graduating and leaving the position vacant.
Overall Outlook
Jerry Kill and the Gophers have talent on the roster that leaves you impressed. They are very physical at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and like to play cold weather smash mouth football. This style of play can keep you in most games through the fourth quarter if you can eliminate turnovers. A tough schedule is on the horizon for Minnesota however. Playing Wisconsin and Penn State makes for a tough stretch so predicting anything more than 6 wins with an inexperienced quarterback is a lot to ask.
Top Newcomer
Donovhan Jones is nothing but an athlete. The Gophers told him he could play quarterback but may need his athletic ability sooner than anticipated and could move him to a position where he can contribute right away.
Key Games
At Michigan: Up until this point the Gophers schedule is soft. They could go into this game with a 4-1 record if there lucky making this game that much more important.
Vs Nebraska: A chance for a huge upset at home in the middle of the year to save their season.
Projected Record: 5-7