The favorites in the Leaders Division, the Wisconsin Badgers (ranked #7 in both the AP and USA Today polls), will host the Nebraska Cornhuskers (ranked #8 in both the AP and USA Today polls) in the conference opener for both teams, this Saturday night at 8:00 pm ET.

Of course, for Nebraska this is more than just a conference opener, as this will be their first Big Ten game since moving to the conference to start this season.

The Huskers will get as tough a test as the Big Ten has to offer, playing in notoriously raucous Camp Randall Stadium as ABC’s marquee Saturday night game and with the ESPN College Gameday crew in attendance.

How they look headed into Saturday

Russell Wilson adds a whole new dimension to Wisconsin's offense.

Both teams enter 4-0, having gone unscathed through their non-conference slate to open the season.  Wisconsin hasn’t been tested yet, rolling through their 4 wins with an average margin of victory of 40 points.  Their non-conference schedule was weak, but the Badgers dominated defensively, allowing less than 9 points per contest.

First-year starting quarterback Russell Wilson has been dynamic as a thrower and capable as a runner, giving the Badgers a dimension offensively that hasn’t been seen in Madison in recent years.  Wilson ranks in the top 10 in the FBS in passing yards (1136, 9^th), touchdowns (11, t-8^th) and passer rating (218.4, 2^nd) while only throwing one interception.

Wisconsin has excelled in running the football, as usual.  Montee Ball and James White, the Badgers’ two-headed tailback beast, have combined for 663 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns so far.  The Badgers always display a punishing running game, and 2011 has been no different.

Nebraska has been less impressive, struggling to put away Fresno State until the 4^th quarter and Washington until a couple of costly turnovers by the Huskies allowed Nebraska to build a large lead.

Rex Burkhead could be the key to Nebraska's offense against Wisconsin.

Nebraska’s biggest concerns have been a struggling defense that is allowing 350 yards per game, including over 400 to both Fresno State and Washington, and the exciting but inconsistent sophomore quarterback Taylor Martinez.

Martinez is a spectacular playmaker, but his numbers as a thrower have regressed since his freshman season.  So far he has rushed for 421 yards – which is good for 18^th among all FBS players – and 7 touchdowns, but he is completing only 50% of his passes en route to only 162 passing yards per game.

Nebraska’s junior running back Rex Burkhead has gotten off to a great start, amassing 420 yards and 7 touchdowns in the first 4 games.  If Martinez continues to struggle passing, the Huskers will rely on Burkhead to shoulder a big chunk of the load offensively.

What Wisconsin must do to win

For the Badgers to win this game, they must continue to play tough, disciplined defense, particularly against Martinez’s running plays.

Last year, another scintillating running quarterback, Michigan’s Denard Robinson, threw for 239 yards, rushed for 121 yards, and combined for 4 scores.  Wisconsin won the game thanks to Michigan’s awful defense, but even as much as the Huskers have struggled to defend this season they are nowhere near as bad as Michigan was last year.

Wisconsin also must continue to do what they do best – manage the game by controlling the clock and running the ball.  The Badgers rarely turn the ball over, and with their powerful rushing attack can eat up huge chunks of the clock and keep opponents’ offenses off the field.

Russell Wilson needs to play a composed, patient game.  He has feasted on weaker defenses so far, so he needs to pick his spots for big plays and allow Ball and White to dominate the game.  If they are successful running the ball, Wilson’s opportunities will open up and he’ll be able to play pitch and catch with his receivers.

What Nebraska must do to win

The Huskers have had issues with turning the ball over this season, and although they are even in turnover margin (6 takeaways, 6 giveaways), they cannot expect Wisconsin to gift-wrap them any easy scores by putting the ball on the ground or throwing it to the wrong colored jersey.   So if the Huskers give the ball away, they will end up on the wrong side of the turnover battle and will likely lose.

Martinez will need to be decisive and get the ball out quickly.  He is the key to everything Nebraska does offensively, so as he goes, the Huskers go.  I would try to hit receivers on quick routes early and often, allowing the running game to open up for Martinez and Burkhead.

Lastly, they must handle the hostile environment.  Camp Randall is loud, and “Jump Around” will be blaring.  False starts and miscommunications could crush the Huskers’ hopes.  The Huskers have practiced with artificial noise, but there is no simulating what this game will be like, especially given its historical significance and spotlight on national television.  You know the Badgers’ fans would love to spoil this one for the Huskers.

Wisconsin-Nebraska Prediction

I expect the Badgers to come out hot.  I look for Wilson to hit on a couple of big scoring strikes in the first half while Nebraska’s offense sputters a bit.  Wisconsin will build a sizable lead by the third quarter and focus on controlling the clock with Ball and White and playing mistake-free football.

As the Huskers get more desperate and Wisconsin settles in, I see them scoring on some big plays of their own, but ultimately never putting the Badgers in any real danger.

Final Score: Wisconsin 34, Nebraska 24.

Wisconsin wins and covers the spread (-9.5 as of posting).  I also expect these two teams to meet again in December in Indianapolis with a trip to a BCS bowl – and maybe more for Wisconsin – on the line.

Now it’s your turn:

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Wisconsin-Nebraska Game Info

• Wisconsin-Nebraska Date: Saturday, October 1st
• Wisconsin-Nebraska Kickoff Time: 8:00 ET
• Wisconsin-Nebraska TV: ABC
• Wisconsin-Nebraska Point Spread: Wisconsin -9.5
• Wisconsin-Nebraska Over-Under: 56

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Follow me on Twitter @keithmullett

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Image credits: zimbio.com, offtackleempire.com, heismanpundit.com, ljworld.com

In the Big Ten, it is very difficult to try and predict how the season will go before a single game is ever played.   Teams that are supposed to win the conference often times do not, and players who are supposed to win individual awards find themselves not even nominated.  Trying to predict how the 2011 season will end in the Big Ten is about as probable as hitting a royal flush.

Though the odds are not stacked in my favor, I am going to try and predict how I think the Big Ten will play out this season.

LEGENDS DIVISION CHAMPIONS

Iowa Hawkeyes

I think this division will be a three team race between Iowa, Nebraska and Michigan State, with the winner being decided close to the end of the season. What ultimately gives the Hawkeyes an edge over the other teams in this division is their schedule this season.  Iowa doesn’t have to play Wisconsin or Ohio State and many tough divisional games for them are at home.

The Hawkeyes have one the best offensive lines in the country and Marcus Coker proved he has what it takes to be a great back in this league.

LEADERS DIVISION CHAMPIONS

Wisconsin Badgers

Wisconsin has one the best running duos in the country and they are going to very difficult to stop on offense this season.  Quarterback was a position viewed as weakness coming into this season but that quickly became a strength with the addition of Russell Wilson.

I don’t think the Badgers will go undefeated this season but I think they can fend off Ohio State for a Leaders Division Championship.

CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS

Iowa Hawkeyes

Iowa pulls off the upset in the inaugural Big Ten Conference Championship game and will be headed to the Rose Bowl.  This game will feature three of best running backs in the Big Ten and I look for it to be a high scoring game.

I am predicting that Iowa avenges their loss from last season against Wisconsin and wins 38-31.

BIG TEN OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF YEAR

Kirk Cousins

Since this award was created in 1990, no player has ever won the award in consecutive seasons and I think this streak continues this season.  Denard Robinson is the favorite to win this award heading into 2011 but this year but Kirk Cousins will win.

Cousins is one of most experienced quarterbacks in the Big Ten and has enough play-makers around him to have a great season in 2011.  He is already very high on NFL draft boards and I think he will have an outstanding year that will make him a first round draft pick in April.

BIG TEN DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Jared Crick

This guy will not only be the best defensive lineman in the Big Ten this season but will also be a top contender to win the Chuck Bednarik Award (top defensive player in college football).

Crick is a force to be reckoned with on that defensive line for the Huskers and has earned first-team all-conference honors in the Big 12 the past two seasons.  He will give opposing Big Ten offensive lineman fits this season and will hear his name early in the first round in the NFL draft.

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* – Marcus Coker photo credit: via ESPN

The SEC is saying all the right things now about expanding their conference next season due to the legal matters that could occur with the Big 12 if Texas A&M bolts.  The SEC will expand next season to a minimum of two teams but rumors are swirling that they could add more.

If college football’s strongest conference decides that they are going to expand to more than twelve teams, it will create the need for other power conferences to expand as well. The increase of revenue that will be generated by teams moving to larger conferences will benefit each school but will be bad for college football overall.

Setting up so-called mega conferences has only been talked about in a hypothetical way but is looking more like a reality.  This will create a scenario where a team’s overall record could be based on the schedule strength of their non-divisional games.

The SEC has already stated that they have no desire to play a nine-game conference schedule, and if they go to a fourteen team league that would create fewer non-divisional games.  If a team played everyone in their division, that would mean they would only play two teams from the other division.  Under this scenario, if a team from the SEC East Division had two non-divisional games against LSU and Alabama, it would be unfair.

The Big Ten has made plans to increase the amount of conference games from eight to nine by the year 2017.  If they expanded to fourteen teams this would mean that you would have to play three teams from the other division instead of two like the SEC.  If a team in the Leaders Division had non-divisional games that were Iowa, Nebraska, and Michigan State, this would be unfair in comparison to the teams that did not get as tough a draw.

Also, the possibility of teams leaving from one conference to another will ruin some rivalries in college football that have been around for years.  If Texas A&M leaves the Big 12 due to unhappiness with Texas, this would put an end to their rivalry, which has been a long-lasting tradition.  Oklahoma is a team that has been rumored to have a lot of interest from the SEC, and if they left the Big 12 it could end the Red River Shootout.  They could play in the nonconference, but it would be non-beneficial for either team to play.

Instead of conferences trying to increase profits by any means necessary through expansion, they should focus on how it might be detrimental to the quality of play.

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* – Texas A&M and SEC logo photo credit: via GridiroN Grit 

Trying to forecast how each team will finish in the Big Ten is almost impossible because each season there is a surprise team that does better than anyone could predict.  In 2009, it was the Iowa Hawkeyes that shocked everyone by winning 11 games, and last season it was the Michigan State Spartans who were the surprise team and won 11 games.

College Gridiron 365 made their attempt to predict what will happen in 2011 by releasing bowl projections and outcomes based on a simulated 2011 season for every team in college football. Based on a 2011 simulation here, are the projections, bowl game scores, and where each team in the Big Ten will end up ranked.

Note: all predictions are summarized from here.

BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIP GAME (Dec. 3)

#12 Wisconsin 23 – #16 Nebraska 21

This seems to be the consensus pick by the media of which two teams will play in the inaugural Big Ten Championship Game.

LITTLE CAESERS BOWL (Dec. 27)

#49 Iowa 31 – #77 Northern Illinois 24

If the computers are right than this would be the Hawkeyes fourth straight bowl win.

INSIGHT BOWL (Dec. 30)

#30 Northwestern 30 – #33 Missouri 29

If this happened then it would be Northwestern’s first bowl win since 1949.

NEW ERA PIN STRIPE BOWL (Dec. 30)

#54 South Florida 19 – #57 Purdue 17

Making a bowl game would restore the fan base’s trust in Purdue’s Head Coach Danny Hope.

MIENKE CAR CARE BOWL (Dec. 31)

#28 Michigan State 33 – #43 Oregon State 27

It is kind of hard to see Michigan State ranked this low when they have the most experienced quarterback under center in the Big Ten this season.

GATOR BOWL (Jan. 2)

#25 Michigan 31 – #45 Kentucky 26

After the whipping Michigan took last season in their bowl game, winning one this season would prove that Brady Hoke was the right man for the job.

CAPITAL ONE BOWL (Jan. 2)                                                                                                                                                                                

#14 Mississippi State 25 – #16 Nebraska 23

If this prediction is correct then for the second straight year, the Huskers would have lost their conference championship game and bowl game.

OUTBACK BOWL (Jan. 2)

#13 Arkansas 28 – #18 Ohio State 24

A rematch of last season’s Sugar Bowl, only this time the Razorbacks are the victors.

TICKETCITY BOWL (Jan. 2)

#23 Penn State 27 – #55 UCF 17

If the Nittany Lions win this game it is just another reason Joe Paterno should not retire.

ROSE BOWL (Jan. 2)

#3 Oregon 41 – #12 Wisconsin 31

I can’t see the Badgers losing two straight Rose Bowls especially this season with all the offensive weapons they have.

Assuming these predictions are right (which they won’t be) then the Big Ten would have a 5-4 record this season in bowl games.  I could see all of these teams making it to a bowl game this season except for Purdue; I would have put Illinois in a bowl game instead.

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* – Rose Bowl photo credit: via Pasadena Homes and Lifestyle

* – Rose Bowl photo credit: via Euro Sport

A few teams in the Big Ten have made a point to schedule tough non-conference games so they can be prepared for the grind of conference play. These bold teams will not have to wait very long to play their first tough game and find out what they’re made of.

Here are the toughest, most compelling non-conference games involving Big Ten teams this season:

NOTRE DAME at MICHIGAN (September 10th)

This will be an early opportunity to see if Brady Hoke’s defense will be improved from 2010.  Notre Dame returns ten starters on offense and can toss the ball all over the field.  Look for this game to feature a lot of offense as both teams should be able to put a lot of points on the board.  Michigan might have a slight edge in this game since it will be at The Big House.

MICHIGAN STATE at NOTRE DAME (September 17th) 

For the second consecutive week Notre Dame will be playing a team from Michigan, except this time it will be played in South Bend. Notre Dame will be extremely motivated for this game after losing last season on a fake field goal. This will be Michigan State’s first road game, but with a veteran quarterback under center, the Spartans won’t be bothered by the crowd.

ALABAMA at PENN STATE (September 10th)

Penn State got embarrassed last season in Tuscaloosa and this season they will be looking for pay back in Happy Valley. Whoever starts at quarterback this season for Alabama will get their first real test in a hostile environment as the 107,000 people in Beaver Stadium will be pumped for this game.

OHIO STATE at MIAMI, FL (September 17^th)                                                                                                                                               

This game will be away from the Horseshoe but the Buckeyes will be ready to make a statement that they are still a dominating team. Despite everything that has gone on at Ohio State, this team still has talent and I look for it to be on full display against Miami.

PITT at IOWA (September 17^th)

The Hawkeyes will be at home for this game after having to play their in-state rival in Ames the week before. Pitt lost a lot of players of defense from 2010 and the Hawkeyes biggest strength is their offensive line. Pitt’s new coach Todd Graham will get to see how difficult it is to win at Kinnick Stadium.

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* –Charlie Gantt photo credit: via The Digital Bus

* – Ohio State vs. Miami photo credit:  Marvin Fong via The Plain Dealer 

In the Big Ten, playing on the road is always tough, but it can be especially brutal in the month of November when you are a heavy favorite trying to compete for a conference championship.  Many teams have gone into a road game in the month of November and left upset with all hopes of competing in a BCS Bowl Game gone.  With so much more on the line this season, the Big Ten is bound to see some teams lose their shot at a conference championship late in the season.

Here are some under the radar games that have the potential for upsets in the month of November.

WISCONSIN at ILLINOIS (November 19^th)

Wisconsin thinks they not only have a chance to win the Big Ten Championship, but also the BCS Championship.  They are the heavy favorites to win the Big Ten this season, and that means they are going to have a target on their back.  They are going to get every team’s best shot this season and that includes a tough Leaders Division road game at Illinois in late November.

This will be Illinois quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase’s biggest game of his career, and if he plays well the Illini have a good chance of beating Wisconsin.  This game has upset written all over it and the potential to end Wisconsin’s goal of playing for the BCS National Championship.

NORTHWESTERN at NEBRASKA (November 5^th)

If Nebraska wants to win the Legends Division in their inaugural season in the Big Ten, they cannot look past the Wildcats.  Northwestern has made it to three straight bowl games and proven they are a constant thorn in the side to the rest of the teams in the Big Ten.  Nebraska has proved they can be beaten at home to lesser opponents by losing to Iowa State and Texas in consecutive years.

If Taylor Martinez plays like he did at the end of last season, than Northwestern could have an upset under their belt.  Pat Fitzgerald and his Northwestern Wildcats have shown they can compete with any team in the Big Ten on any given Saturday.

MICHIGAN STATE at IOWA (November 12^th)                                                                                                                                              

If Michigan State wants to win the Legends Division this season then they are going to have to do something they have not done since 1989: beat Iowa at Kinnick Stadium.

Michigan State is predicted to challenge Nebraska this season and contend for a Big Ten Legends Divisions Championship.  When they play the Hawkeyes again this season they should be the favorites.  Michigan State will have the best quarterback in the Big Ten this year, but Kirk Cousins will have to play the Hawkeyes in consecutive seasons at Kinnick Stadium.

Last season Cousins had his worst game by far against the Hawkeyes by throwing three interceptions.  Michigan State saw their perfect 2010 season end in disheartening fashion to the Hawkeyes by losing 37-6 in Iowa City.

OHIO STATE at PURDUE (November 12^th)

These two teams might be playing for nothing more than pride at this point since neither one of them will more than likely be going to a bowl game this season.

This game is a rematch of 2009, when Purdue pulled off a huge upset by beating Ohio State when they were the seventh ranked team in the country.  Ohio State looked past the Boilermakers in 2009 and lost their shot at a BCS National Championship.  P

urdue might be playing to keep Danny Hope’s job by this game, but he has proven he can beat the Buckeyes at home.  Ohio State’s 2009 loss will be in the back of their heads but Purdue has a good chance to make it two W’s in a row at home against Ohio State.

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* – Wisconsin fans photo credit: Lisa Brudos via Madison.com

* – Micah Hyde photo credit: Brian Ray/ SourceMedia Group News via The Gazette 

For the first time since 1929 both Ohio State and Michigan will have new coaches in the same year. Indiana will be starting the 2011 season with their 28^th coach in the school history, and Minnesota will begin the season with their 31^stcoach in school history.

Here is how the four new coaches in the Big Ten got their new coaching jobs.

Brady Hoke (Michigan)

Hoke was a long time assistant at Michigan before he became a head coach.  He was an assistant coach at Michigan from 1995-2002, before he left to become the head coach at Ball State.  Hoke coached at Ball State for six seasons, and in his last season (2008) he led the Cardinals to a 12-1 season.  After that season, Hoke would take the San Diego State heading job and would coach there for two seasons until 2010.  His last season coaching the Aztecs had a 9-4 record and won the Poinsettia Bowl.

Hoke is off to a good start at Michigan, already assembling one of top recruiting classes for 2012.

Kevin Wilson (Indiana)

Wilson was co-offensive coordinator at Oklahoma from 2002-2010 and was regarded as one of the top assistant coaches in all of college football.  He was two-time finalist for the Frank Broyles Award given to college football’s top assistant coach.  In 2008, Wilson won the award when the Sooners went to the BCS National Championship.  While at Oklahoma he was one of the main reasons that the Sooners consistently had great offenses.

Wilson should be able to get his offense off to a good start with standout wide receiver Demarlo Belcher as a weapon.

Jerry Kill (Minnesota)

Kill has been a head coach since 1994 when he became the head coach at Saginaw Valley State.  Before landing the head coaching job at Minnesota, Kill was the head coach at Northern Illinois for three seasons.  During his brief stay at Northern Illinois, Kill led the Huskies to three straight bowl games.  In his last season at Northern Illinois, the Huskies won the MAC West Division Title and finished the season with 10 wins.

Many people questioned the hiring of Kill but he has never had a losing record at any of his previous heading coaching stops.

Luke Fickell (Ohio State)

Fickell had been named the interim head coach for Jim Tressel while he served his five game suspension for violating NCAA rules.  After Tressel’s resignation, Fickell was quickly named the head coach of the Buckeye football team.  Fickell played for the Buckeyes during the 1990’s and was a member of the 1997 Rose Bowl Championship team.   Fickell became graduate assistant in 1999 for Ohio State for one season before being named the defensive line coach at Akron.  It wouldn’t take long for Fickell to return to Ohio State and in 2002 he rejoined the Buckeye coaching staff as a special team’s coordinator.

Fickell will have a very difficult job the next few seasons but if he can ride out the storm, it shouldn’t take long to get Ohio State back to the top of the Big Ten.

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* – Brady Hoke photo credit: via Erick Smith, USA TODAY

* – Kevin Wilson photo credit: Darron Cummings – AP via Crimsonquarry 

The top signal-callers in the Big Ten for the 2011 season feature some very athletic quarterbacks and one traditional pro-style quarterback. These standout quarterbacks all helped guide their teams to a bowl game appearance last season, and if they all improve from a season ago then the Big Ten conference might have the best set of quarterbacks in college football.

Here is a look at the top quarterbacks in the Big Ten for 2011.

Kirk Cousins (Michigan State)

Cousins is a three-year starter and is one the most experienced quarterbacks in the Big Ten. Last season he helped guide Michigan State to an 11-2 record by throwing for 2,825 yards and completing 66.9% of his passes. He has a lot of playmakers around him on offense and should be in great position to have a big year for the Spartans.

If he cuts down on his interceptions this season, he might be hearing his name called in the first round of next year’s NFL Draft.

Dan Persa (Northwestern)

Persa was one of the most accurate quarterbacks in all of college football last season. He completed 73.5% of his passes last season and threw for 2,581 yards. Last season Persa had 4 games where he threw for over 300 yards.  He suffered a ruptured Achilles that sidelined him after week 10. He is a very mobile quarterback who relies on his ability to scramble in the pocket.

If last season’s injury doesn’t slow him down, then the Wildcat’s might win their first bowl game since 1949.

Denard Robinson (Michigan)

Robinson might be the most athletic quarterback in Big Ten conference history. He displayed this last season when he rushed for 1,702 yards and was the 2010 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year. Along with all those rushing yards, Robinson also managed to throw for 2,570 yards as well. He will be asked to throw the ball a lot more this season under new head coach Brady Hoke’s pro-style offense.

If he can improve his accuracy he might be the first player in Big Ten history to win offensive player of the year in consecutive seasons.

Nathan Scheelhaase (Illinois)                                                                                                                                                

Scheelhaase had a great freshman season last year helping the Illini win the Texas Bowl.  Last season he threw for 1,825 yards and threw for 18 touchdowns. He too is a great rushing quarterback and he showed that in 2010 by rushing for 868 yards. Not only did he rush for 868 yards but he also had 5 rushing touchdowns.

He will need to improve on his 58.7% completion percentage, and if he does that the Illini might be a dark horse to win the Leaders Division.

Russell Wilson (Wisconsin)

Many experts and Badger fans feel that he is the missing piece for them to win a BCS National Championship this season. Wilson threw for an astonishing 3,563 yards last season and 28 touchdowns.  Along with all those passing yards Wilson also rushed for 435 yards.

He won’t be asked to pass that much at Wisconsin, but if he can avoid turnovers, the Badgers will be very tough in 2011.

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* – Kirk Cousins photo credit:  Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images via bleacherreport 

* – Nathan Scheelhaase photo credit: Seth Perlman – ASSOCIATED PRESS via redandblackattack

]]> http://www.midwestsportsfans.com/2011/07/who-are-the-best-quarterbacks-in-the-big-ten-for-2011/feed/ 1 http://www.midwestsportsfans.com/2011/07/who-are-the-top-running-backs-in-the-big-ten-for-2011/ http://www.midwestsportsfans.com/2011/07/who-are-the-top-running-backs-in-the-big-ten-for-2011/#comments Thu, 07 Jul 2011 10:53:35 +0000 Robert Crowe http://www.midwestsportsfans.com/?p=33332 Last week the top wide receivers in the Big Ten were profiled. This week the focus will be on the top running backs in the Big Ten for the 2011 season.

The running back position is what has defined the Big Ten conference and separates it from every other conference in college football.  The Big Ten is known for having physical running backs that lower their shoulder pads to run over opposing defenders.

The Big Ten in the last decade had three running backs win the Doak Walker Award. Larry Johnson was the first to win the award in 2002, Chris Perry followed in 2003, and Shonn Greene won in 2008.  Out of all the conferences in college football, the Big Ten had the most Doak Walker Award winners in the last decade.

The 2011 season in the Big Ten will once again feature dominant running backs who have the potential to be crowned college football’s best running back.

Here is a look at the top running backs in the Big Ten who could potentially win the Doak Walker Award.

Montee Ball (Wisconsin)

He showed at the end of last season that he has what it takes to be the feature back on a Big Ten team.  In his last 5 games of 2010 season, Ball averaged 155.4 rushing yards-per-game.  If he can put these types of numbers up for an entire season, not only will he have a chance to win the Doak Walker Award, but also he will have a shot at the Heisman Trophy.

Edwin Baker (Michigan State)

At 5’9”, Baker is a very powerful running back who can easily shed tackles but also has the speed to break long runs at any point in a game.  He proved this last season by having three carries of 50 yards or more.  In 2010 Baker rushed for 1,201 yards and had 13 touchdowns.  If Baker wants to be considered for national awards this season he is going to have to be more consistent against teams with good defenses.  Last season Iowa and Illinois shut him down by holding him to under 30 yards rushing.

Marcus Coker (Iowa)

Coker was just a freshman last season when he burst onto the national scene after his performance in the Insight Bowl.  In Iowa’s third straight bowl win, Coker rushed for 219 yards against Missouri.  Coker will handle majority of the carries this season and could be primed to for a big year with Iowa’s experienced offensive line.

James White (Wisconsin)

With White’s blazing speed he truly is a change-of-pace type of running back.  Every time he touches the ball he has the potential for a big play.  He showed this big play ability last season when he averaged an astonishing 6.7 yards-per-carry while rushing for 1,052 yards.  With John Clay no longer on the team, White’s carries will increase and he will have a great opportunity to improve his rushing yards from last season.

Rex Burkhead (Nebraska)

Burkhead was one of the most multidimensional running backs last season in the Big Twelve.  Nebraska used him in a variety of ways and he excelled at it.  Last season Burkhead rushed for 951 yards and average 5.5 yards-per-carry.  Burkhead is the type of running back that succeeds in the Big Ten and he could have a huge impact for Nebraska as they transition to a new conference.

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* –Montee Ball photo credit: AP Photo via daylife.com

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With the NFL still locked out, the NBA just entering what could be a prolonged dark period, and baseball still two months away from the stretch run, there is room in the sports landscape to peek at the upcoming college football season.

And no conference will be more compelling in 2011 than the Big Ten. Here are just a few of the most prominent reasons why:

1. The Debut of Nebraska

2011 marks Nebraska’s first season as a member of the Big Ten, and they are already a favorite to win the league.

If Taylor Martinez can roughshod over Big Ten defenses like he did over Big 12 defenses, and if Bo Pelini can keep the ‘Huskers D in tip-top shape, the Big Red could do big things in their first year in the Big Ten.

2. The Fickel Era Begins in Columbus

Jim Tressel: gone.

Terrelle Pryor: gone.

Ohio State’s chances of winning the Big Ten again: ???

It is hard to know what to expect from the Buckeyes this year. Will they rally around a new coach and a new QB and continue the dominance of the Tressel Era? Or will Luke Fickel’s first year as coach be marred with strife and struggle like this past offseason has been?

One thing is for sure: it will be compelling in Columbus this fall. We’ll have to wait and see if that’s good or bad for the Buckeyes.

3. Hoke and Change in Ann Arbor

Like his former coaching counterpart in the Big Ten’s best football rivalry, Rich Rodriguez is gone, replaced by “Michigan Man” Brady Hoke. Can Hoke return the Wolverines to the glory days of Bo Schembechler and Lloyd Carr?

He’ll lean heavily on the untied shoes of Denard Robinson, who surely will make Michigan’s offense one of the most exciting units in the conference. Wins and losses, however, will be determined by a defense that was among the league’s worst last season. How quickly Hoke can change the Wolves’ fortunes on that side of the ball will determine how many games they can win in his first season.

4. Kevin Wilson’s New Shade of Crimson

Kevin Wilson had some good times under Bob Stoops at Oklahoma. Now Wilson is running his own show in Bloomington, going from one Crimson school to another. Can he bring the Norman magic with him to B-town?

Wins have been few and far between for the Hoosiers since the days of Bill Mallory, but fans are hopeful that Wilson can bring a winning attitude to a campus that desperately needs it.

There are obviously many, many others storylines to watch for in the Big Ten this upcoming season. Outside of these four, what are you most looking forward to?

The Big Ten has always been known as a run-first type of conference, but in 2011 they’ll have some of the best wide receivers in college football, as many of the top pass catchers in the Big Ten last season are returning.

Here is a look at some of the best:

Marvin McNutt (Iowa)

McNutt is one of the most explosive wide receivers in the Big Ten.

He has big-play ability every time he touches the ball.  In 2010, he had 53 receptions, 861 yards, and averaged 16.2 yards-per-catch.  His best game last season came against Indiana where he had 126 yards receiving.

Derek Moye (Penn State)

Moye would have put up better numbers in 2010 if he would’ve had a quarterback that could get him the ball more consistently.  He still managed to average 16.7 yards-per-catch last season, with 885 total yards receiving, while accumulating 53 receptions.  His best game of 2010 came against Illinois when he tallied had 106 yards receiving.

Roy Roundtree (Michigan)

Roundtree came on strong at the end of last season, evidenced most clearly against Illinois ,when he had 246 receiving yards. In 2010, he had 72 receptions, 935 yards, and averaged 13 yards-per-catch.  Roundtree will be the main target this year for Denard Robinson, which will help him improve his stats from 2010.

B.J. Cunningham (Michigan State)

Cunningham will become the go-to-guy this season for Kirk Cousins.   Cunningham was very productive last season with 50 receptions, 611 total yards receiving, and a 12 yards-per-catch average.  His best game last season came against Northwestern when he had 113 yards receiving.

Jeremy Ebert (Northwestern)

Last season Ebert led the Big Ten in receiving yards with 953, especially proving that he has big-play ability (15.4 yards-per-catch).  He will be Dan Persa’s main target this season, and should be able to improve on his 62 receptions from a season ago.

Demarlo Belcher (Indiana)

You might not have heard of him because he plays for Indiana, but this kid is extremely talented. Belcher led the Big Ten in receptions in 2010, catching a total of 78 passes.  Along with all those 78 balls, Belcher had 832 total yards receiving and averaged 10.7 yards-per-catch.  His best game last season came against Western Kentucky when he put up 135 yards receiving.

DeVier Posey (Ohio State)

Posey is one of the four Buckeyes that will be suspended in 2011.  He put up very solid numbers last season with 53 receptions, 848 total yards receiving, and a 16 yard-per-catch average.  Once he returns from his suspension, there’s no doubt that he will be the number 1 receiving target for Ohio State.

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* – Marvin McNutt photo credit: Sun-Sentinel via TheGazette.com

As highly touted as any signee might be out of the prep or even JC ranks, one doesn’t know how good that player will be until he steps out between the lines in front of 80,000 fans on Saturday. This time last year Cameron Newton was not even a household name (unless you are one of those obsessed souls in the South that breathes SEC football 24/7/365).

With that said, the Wisconsin Badgers just scored an amazing coup by getting Russell Wilson final year of eligibility under what is known as the “graduate student exception.”

Immediately, Wilson to Madison becomes one of college ball’s biggest storylines for 2011.

If the name sounds vaguely familiar it’s probably because of the experience Wilson already has under his belt being a three-year starter for North Carolina State.

In three seasons with the Wolfpack, Wilson threw for 76 touchdown versus only 26 interceptions, and in 2008-09 he threw 389 passes without a pick, the longest such streak in NCAA history. Accounting for his rushing stats, Wilson accumulated over 9,600 yards and 93 touchdowns in his time at NCSU. Already graduated after three years, Wilson is also the grandson of Harrison Wilson, who was the president of Norfolk State University from 1975 through 1997.

So why was Russell Wilson out on the open market? Wilson also happened to be a baseball prospect who was spending his summers in the Colorado Rockies organization, against the wishes of the NC State football staff, who ultimately released Wilson from his scholarship earlier this year.

Upon reporting to Spring Training, Wilson said:

“At this point in my life, the best thing for me is to concentrate fully on baseball in the same way that I concentrated fully on football. Ultimately, decisions about my athletic future will be made based on my potential to succeed at the highest professional level.”

Two plus months of hitting around .230 in A ball proved to be a good reason for Wilson to look back at the gridiron. With the option of being able to play immediately for any school in the nation, many had Wilson potentially succeeding Cam Newton and moving on to Auburn.

That was before Wilson was won over during a recent trip to Madison, and ultimately he decided to sign with Bucky, where he will also be taking graduate courses.

Take that SEC; take that Paul Finebaum.

But the signing brings up curious bar-stool talk in Sconnie, one usually reserved for the schools down south.

For the first time since Barry Alvarez arrived at the Wisconsin Athletic Department in 1990, an African-American will be under center for the Badgers, though the meaning of this pales in comparison with Auburn and the SEC, where the color barrier in athletics was not broken until 1970. In the Civil Rights Era, Bear Bryant was urged by Governor George Wallace to employ an all-white squad. It took a snub by voters towards Alabama after an undefeated 1966 season and a beatdown by the USC Trojans at Legion Field in 1970 for that program, and the rest of the SEC, to finally change course. Meanwhile Texas and Arkansas closed the 1969 season playing a de-facto National Championship game with all-white squads in a contest billed as ‘Dixie’s Last Stand‘.

Also, Wisconsin was the first Big Ten team to employ a black QB in 1956, that same year the Badgers took scheduled games against LSU off the schedule rather than abide with a Louisiana state law which outlawed ‘integrated’ athletic events.

The situation with Wisconsin not having a black QB over the past 20 years is for the most part coincidental, but also partially points to a system that’s utilized game-managers at QB, and difference makers at other positions. The Badgers first enjoyed success in the 1990′s with Darrell Bevell under center, who has since gone on to a NFL coaching career (Vikings and now Seahawks offensive coordinator). Brooks Bollinger and Jim Sorgi are some of the other notables since then.

The Badgers’ blueprint has historically featured a smash-mouth running game (Brent Moss/Ron Dayne/P.J. Hill/John Clay, and an occasional speedster like Michael Bennett) although there have also been stars at wide receiver (Lee Evans and Chris ‘The Time Has Come” Chambers) and at tight end (Owen Daniels). And then there is the offensive line where Joe Thomas, Mark Tauscher, Gabe Carimi and Casey Rabich are among those who have advanced to the next level.

Meanwhile, the likes of Michael Vick, Donovan McNabb, or even Tim Tebow would be considered round holes in the square peg that is the Barry Alvarez template.

Russell Wilson, conversely, does fit the qualifications and will easily fit into the Wisconsin system.

At 5’11”, he will be frowned upon in 2012 NFL Draft discussions. But this isn’t about the NFL Draft, this is about the Wisconsin Badgers winning this season, and winning big.

The new divisional set-up in the Big Ten has placed the Badgers in what I personally call the Southeast Division with Penn State and Ohio State. In case you have not heard, there is a lot of turmoil in Buckeye-land these days, which makes the Badgers front-runners to win their division and to ultimately play the winner of the “Northwest Division” (Iowa/Michigan/Nebraska) in the conference title game.

Sampling some of the other columnists, expectations are now sky high at Wisconsin. The usual 9-3 or 10-2 and the Citrus Bowl will not cut it. The Rose Bowl (or other BCS bowl game) is not even a lofty expectation. 12-1 (minimum) and a conference championship is where the bar is now set, along with BCS title game consideration (although there will be an SEC and possibly Pac-12 representative doing their usual posturing).

Let the hysteria, Heisman hype, and Championship talk begin. The best part is now we know where Russell Wilson will be playing, and unlike the NFL, we KNOW there will be a college football season.

Already top Buckeye recruits who would have normally gone to Ohio State are now deciding to play football elsewhere.  This is only the tip of the iceberg for Ohio State when it comes to top recruits shunning the Buckeyes.  Ohio State’s turmoil has now opened the door for every Big Ten team to get recruits who would have normally gone to Ohio State.

Here is an early look at Ohio State’s top recruits who have decided to play somewhere else.

Ejuan Price

Price signed his letter of intent in February to play football at Ohio State this season, but according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Price has asked to be released from his scholarship.  Price is one of the top linebackers in Pennsylvania.  Before he chose to play at Ohio State, his second choice was the University of Iowa.

Se’von Pittman

Pittman is from Canton, Ohio and is considered one of the top defensive ends in the 2012 class.  Before Ohio State got into all this trouble he would have probably been headed to Columbus.  Instead of playing for the local team at Ohio State, Price has now committed to Michigan State.

Kyle Kalis

Kalis is considered one of the top offensive linemen in the class of 2012.  He is an Ohio native who had a strong commitment to Ohio State but now has decided to jump ship.  He has not decided where he is going to play next fall but it won’t be for the Buckeyes.

Bri’onte Dunn

The rumor mill is still spinning around Dunn and if he has reopened the recruiting process.  Many reports say that he is sticking to his Ohio State commitment, while other reports say that he has no desire to play for Ohio State.  Dunn is one of the best running backs in the class of 2012.  If he does decide to officially withdraw from Ohio State there will be a lot teams going after this kid.

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* – Ejuan Price photo credit: Tom Lemming via MaxPreps

Many big name coaches from Ohio have been tossed around as possible candidates to replace Fickell as head football coach.  This once proud program is about to receive the harshest penalty from the NCAA since SMU got the death penalty in 1986.  This may have been one of the top jobs in college football in years past, but now it is a job that will have many premier coaches from the state of Ohio turning down.

Here is why these top coaches from Ohio will not replace Luke Fickell in 2012.

Urban Meyer

He is the top name that various media outlets are saying will replace Fickell.  This seems implausible because he left Florida due to stress-related health issues.  Florida would seem like a vacation compared to dealing with the mess at Ohio State and trying to turn that program around.  His daughter also sent out a tweet saying “Stop txting me abt my dad. HE IS NOT repeat NOT, GOING TO OHIO STATE. thanks.”

Bob Stoops

When he took over at Oklahoma in 1999, he had to take over a program that had been struggling in the years before he got there.  He quickly brought Oklahoma back to their glory days of being one of the best teams in all of college football.   Now they are contenders almost every year to win a national championship.  I can’t see him walking away from annually being the favorite to win the Big 12 for Ohio State.

Jon Gruden

He too has been named a potential candidate to replace Luke Fickell at Ohio State.  Gruden did start as an assistant coach in college football, but all of his head coaching experience has been done in the NFL.  Gruden seems like the kind of coach who is motivated to prove that he can still win Super Bowls in the NFL.  Ohio State would offer a lot of money to Gruden, but he does not seem like the kind of coach that would want to put up with the all the nonsense of the NCAA.

Mark Dantonio

He worked for Jim Tressel at Youngstown State and then as a defensive coordinator for Tressel at Ohio State.  His name has been tossed around as potential coach but I could not see Ohio State hiring any coach who has ties to Jim Tressel.

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* – Urban Meyer photo credit: Tim Casey via GatorCountry.com

Vegas has Nebraska as the favorite to win the Big Ten Championship in their inaugural Big Ten season.  The odds on the next 7-8 of teams are very close, with almost every team (save for a few obvious exceptions) having a legitimate chance to win a conference title.  It is clear that Vegas odd makers think there is parity in the Big Ten, at least for the 2011 season.

Here is a look at the odds of each Big Ten team and their chance to win the conference title.

Nebraska 8/5

Their success will depend on how well Taylor Martinez can do against Big Ten defenses.

Wisconsin 2/1

They have the best running back duo in the Big Ten.

Ohio State 5/1

I was shocked that their odds were this high, but there is still talent on this team.

Michigan State 7/1

Kirk Cousins is one of the best returning quarterbacks in the conference.

Penn State 7/1

They will need to get their quarterback situation squared away to have a chance.

Michigan 18/1

This might be a little high for a team that had a horrible defense.

Illinois 20/1

Nathan Scheelhaase looks like he could be a rising star at QB.

Iowa 20/1

They have a very experienced O-line and Kirk Ferentz is best under the radar.

Northwestern 25/1

Their success depends on Dan Persa and how he bounces back from his season ending injury in 2010.

Purdue 60/1

They have a tough schedule in 2011 and will be lucky to make a bowl game.

Minnesota 200/1

More than likely their downhill slide will continue in 2011.

Indiana 300/1

They will be lucky to win 2 conference games this season.