Big Ten Previews

Illinois. Illinois has defined up-and-down seasons of late. The Illini won two games in 2006, won nine games in 2007 (including a Rose Bowl berth), but slipped to five wins in 2008. Illinois is poised for a bounce-back season in 2009, behind returning quarterback Juice Williams and a more manageable schedule. Only four of Illinois' final eight opponents this season qualified for bowls in 2008, and none of them won a bowl game. Wide receiver Arrelious Benn is poised for a big year, too. The season-opening game against Missouri in St. Louis will reveal a lot about how much Illinois has improved.

LAST YEAR: 5-7 (3-5 in Big Ten, tie-6th), BOWL GAME: None, 2008 VS. SPREAD: 4-7, 2008 HOME UNDERDOG VS. SPREAD: 0-1, 2008 ROAD FAVORITE VS. SPREAD: 0-2

Indiana. After earning a long-awaited bowl bid in 2007, Indiana crashed back to earth in 2008, falling to a 3-9 record and finishing last in the Big Ten. Indiana returns 17 starters this season, but will that be enough for the Hoosiers to return to bowl eligibility? Indiana had trouble on both sides of the ball last season, scoring fewer than two touchdowns in five league games and allowing 42 or more points in five league games. Indiana needs a quick start, with September games against Eastern Kentucky, Western Michigan, at Akron, and at Michigan.

LAST YEAR: 3-9 (1-7 in Big Ten, 11th), BOWL GAME: None, 2008 VS. SPREAD: 2-8-1, 2008 HOME UNDERDOG VS. SPREAD: 1-3, 2008 ROAD FAVORITE VS. SPREAD: N/A

Iowa. Iowa fans have big expectations for the 2009 season after an upset win against Penn State and a dominating performance in the Outback Bowl last season. Even more encouraging, Iowa lost its four games by a total of 12 points last season. Quarterback Ricky Stanzi returns for the Hawkeyes after completing 59% of his throws last season. Iowa's back seven have plenty of experience and talent, although the Hawkeyes must rebuild the defensive line. Iowa's league schedule is very tough, though, with road trips scheduled against Ohio State, Penn State, and Michigan State.

LAST YEAR: 9-4 (5-3 in Big Ten, tie-4th), BOWL GAME: Outback Bowl, def. South Carolina, 31-10, 2008 VS. SPREAD: 8-4, 2008 HOME UNDERDOG VS. SPREAD: 1-0, 2008 ROAD FAVORITE VS. SPREAD: 2-0

Michigan. It wasn't a dream: The unthinkable 2008 season -- just three wins for Michigan -- actually occurred. Michigan should be better in 2009 under second-year Coach Rich Rodriguez, as the Wolverines look to return to bowl eligibility. However, Michigan likely will have to bounce back under true freshman quarterback Tate Forcier. As Michigan continues to adjust to Rodriguez's offense, it will have to rely on a defense that returns only five starters, led by defensive end Brandon Graham. Watch out for the season-opener, where Michigan hosts a dangerous Western Michigan team. The Wolverines have been upset in season-opening home games each of the past two seasons.

LAST YEAR: 3-9 (2-6 in Big Ten, tie-9th), BOWL GAME: None, 2008 VS. SPREAD: 2-10, 2008 HOME UNDERDOG VS. SPREAD: 1-1, 2008 ROAD FAVORITE VS. SPREAD: 0-1

Michigan State. While cross-state rival Michigan has stumbled, Coach Mark Dantonio has resurrected the Michigan State football program, leading the Spartans to bowl games in his first two seasons. In 2009, Michigan State is in its best position to challenge for a Big Ten title in several years. However, losing star running back Javon Ringer (22 touchdowns last season) will be tough for the Spartans to overcome. Eight starters return on defense. Michigan State's schedule is favorable, as Iowa, Michigan, and Penn State play at Michigan State, and Ohio State is not on the Spartans schedule.

LAST YEAR: 9-4 (6-2 in Big Ten, 3rd), BOWL GAME: Capital One Bowl, lost to Georgia, 24-12, 2008 VS. SPREAD: 6-7, 2008 HOME UNDERDOG VS. SPREAD: 0-1, 2008 ROAD FAVORITE VS. SPREAD: 3-0

Minnesota. The Golden Gophers will open a new, on-campus stadium this season, hoping to build on the improvement they showed early in 2008. Minnesota advanced from one win in 2007 to seven wins in 2008 under Coach Tim Brewster, who enters his third year. The Gophers, however, lost their last five games last season, leading to changes in both coordinator positions. Adam Weber returns at quarterback for the Gophers. Minnesota faces a brutal second half of the season, with road trips to Ohio State, Penn State, and Iowa on tap.

LAST YEAR: 7-6 (3-5 in Big Ten, 6th), BOWL GAME: Insight Bowl, lost to Kansas, 42-21, 2008 VS. SPREAD: 7-5, 2008 HOME UNDERDOG VS. SPREAD: 0-1, 2008 ROAD FAVORITE VS. SPREAD: 1-0

Northwestern. Underestimate Northwestern at your own risk. The Wildcats are one of those teams that always seems to surpass pre-season expectations. Last season, the Wildcats won nine games and pushed powerful Missouri to overtime in the Alamo Bowl. Defensive end Corey Wooten leads an experienced Northwestern defense. The Wildcat offensive line has plenty of experience, too, but several newcomers will man the offensive skill positions. Northwestern catches a break with Ohio State missing from its schedule.

LAST YEAR: 9-4 (5-3 in Big Ten, tie-4th), BOWL GAME: Alamo Bowl, lost to Missouri, 30-23, 2008 VS. SPREAD: 7-5, 2008 HOME UNDERDOG VS. SPREAD: 1-2, 2008 ROAD FAVORITE VS. SPREAD: 0-2

Ohio State. The Buckeyes have won 43 games over the past four seasons, and they've dominated the Big Ten in that time frame, with only three losses to conference foes. Led by returning dual-threat sophomore quarterback Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State expects to continue that trend. The Buckeyes will have to revamp their running back corps, offensive line, linebackers and secondary after graduation losses, but building on Pryor's talents will provide a strong starting point. USC visits Ohio State Sept. 12 for a key early-season test. Ohio State travels to Penn State Nov. 7 and hosts Iowa Nov. 14 for the Buckeyes' two key league games. Michigan State is not on the schedule.

LAST YEAR: 10-3 (7-1 in Big Ten, tie-1st), BOWL GAME: Fiesta Bowl, lost to Texas, 24-21, 2008 VS. SPREAD: 6-6, 2008 HOME UNDERDOG VS. SPREAD: 0-1, 2008 ROAD FAVORITE VS. SPREAD: 4-1

Penn State. Coach Joe Paterno enters his 44th year with Penn State riding one of the best streaks of his career. Penn State has won 40 games over the past four seasons, including shares of two Big Ten championships, and the Nittany Lions were a last-second Iowa field goal away from potentially playing for the national title last season. As Daryl Clark returns at quarterback, the Nittany Lions should contend for yet another Big Ten title in 2009. Penn State will have to overcome the loss of seven starters on defense, including the entire secondary. October road trips to Illinois, Northwestern, and Michigan could be tricky before Penn State hosts Ohio State Nov. 7.

LAST YEAR: 11-2 (7-1 in Big Ten, tie-1st), BOWL GAME: Rose Bowl, lost to USC, 38-24, 2008 VS. SPREAD: 7-4-1, 2008 HOME UNDERDOG VS. SPREAD: N/A, 2008 ROAD FAVORITE VS. SPREAD: 3-1-1

Purdue. Coach Joe Tiller's final season at Purdue did not go as planned, as the Boilermakers won only four games. New Coach Danny Hope has a long road ahead, trying to rebuild the Boilermakers. Purdue has experience along the offensive line, but it will break in a new quarterback, receivers, and running backs. Defensively, Purdue has plenty of experience but needs to force more turnovers. The Boilermakers must play three of their final four games away from home, but Ohio State and Michigan State play at Purdue.

LAST YEAR: 4-8 (2-6 in Big Ten, tie-9th), BOWL GAME: None, 2008 VS. SPREAD: 5-5-1, 2008 HOME UNDERDOG VS. SPREAD: 1-1-1, 2008 ROAD FAVORITE VS. SPREAD: N/A

Wisconsin. Wisconsin Coach Bret Bielema was the toast of college football in 2006, leading Wisconsin to 12 wins in his rookie season. Fast forward to 2008, when the Badgers struggled to a 7-6 season, and the heat is on Bielema in year four. Wisconsin will carry a strong offensive line, as usual, but the Badgers' offensive skill players are struggling. Defensively, Wisconsin is inexperienced on the line, but the Badgers are strong in the backfield. Wisconsin will play five of its final eight games on the road.

LAST YEAR: 7-6 (3-5 in Big Ten, tie-6th), BOWL GAME: Champs Sports Bowl, lost to Florida State, 42-13, 2008 VS. SPREAD: 5-7, 2008 HOME UNDERDOG VS. SPREAD: 1-2, 2008 ROAD FAVORITE VS. SPREAD: 2-1

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