Ok well I have been avoiding this one for a little while honestly. In the interest of full disclosure I would rather watch grass grow or paint dry rather than most Big Ten football. Thankfully where I live only if I seek out a Big Ten game will I have to see it. Not every game is cover your eyes awful, and there have been some relatively good games lately, but overall this conference is not the best from top to bottom.

Leaders – Projected order of finish

This is a four team race since Ohio State and Penn State are both ineligible for post season play.

Wisconsin – The Badgers are in the driver’s seat in this division, beat Illinois and they are in the conference title game. Montee Ball, leader in rushing and touchdowns last season will return to lead the Badgers this fall. Frankly, there should be no reason for the Badgers to not get to the championship game.

Ohio State – Urban Meyer being hired by the Buckeyes was the worst kept secret last year. Meyer will need to shake off some restrictions from the Tressel era. This is probably the last stop on the Urban express. He has won everywhere he has coached. Depending on how long he stays in Columbus, without multiple titles his tenure will not be looked at as a success.

Illinois – Its basically now or never time for the Illini. With OSU and PSU banned, Illinois must win every winnable game, and beat Wisconsin at home to make the title game. It’s not the best odds, but it may be the best shot Illinois gets.

Purdue – The Boilermakers need to find depth and need to gel immediately otherwise it will be a long year. Purdue has about the same chance as does the Illini, Soon OSU will be reloaded and contending again. Beat Wisconsin and things get interesting.

Penn State – Nothing really changed in Happy Valley this last year so expect status quo for the – sorry about that had that saved as autotext. Penn State was in trouble and still is in trouble. The university may not recover from the last decade plus. Not sure you see any semblance of a good program for many, many years.

Indiana – Last years season was awful. But it gave the Hoosiers the opportunity to play underclassmen and get players game experience.  Not sure if the youth movement will pay off, but there is always basketball.

Legends – Projected order of finish

Nebraska – The sophomore season for the ‘Huskers will see them in the title game. The depth and talent on the offensive side of the ball give them the edge over Michigan.

Michigan – The Wolverines are a solid team and the consensus pick of many to win the Big Ten; their schedule is difficult. Opening with an Alabama, and on the road with OSU and Nebraska will be too much for Michigan.

Michigan State – Sparty lost a lot of talent from last years squad. They have depth but not a lot of experienced playmakers.

Iowa – The Hawkeyes are always a consistent team. Not enough overall talent to contend, but they are not going to finish last either. Could cause a lot of problems for other teams.

Northwestern – The Wildcats started last season badly, but rallied to make a bowl game. This season will most likely be a forgettable one, but it will be one to gain experience for next season.

Minnesota – The Golden Gophers will struggle this year, but they are also a team building for the future. Some areas show a lot of promise.

Wisconsin vs Nebraska title game

Nebraska Big Ten Champion