2010 Big Ten Predictions

I haven't put a ton of time into this but before the Big Ten meetings I thought I'd put something out.

Big Ten 2010	10/2	10/9	10/16	10/23	10/30	11/6	11/13	11/20	11/27
Illinois	L	L	L	W	L	L	W	L	-
Indiana	L	L	-	L	L	L	L	L	L
Iowa	W	-	W	W	W	W	W	L	W
Michigan	W	W	L	-	L	W	L	W	L
Mich State	L	W	W	L	L	W	-	W	L
Minnesota	L	L	L	L	L	L	L	-	L
Northwestern	W	L	-	W	W	L	L	W	L
Ohio State	W	W	W	W	W	-	W	W	W
Penn State	L	W	-	W	W	W	L	W	W
Purdue		L	W	L	W	L	W	L	W
Wisconsin	W	W	L	L	-	W	W	L	W

2010 Prediction:
=================
Ohio State (8-0)
Iowa (7-1)
Penn State (6-2)
Wisconsin (5-3)
Northwestern (4-4)
Michigan (4-4)
Purdue (4-4)
Mich State (4-4)
Illinois (2-6)
Indiana (0-8)
Minnesota (0-8)



Random Thoughts:

• Ohio State / Iowa  - should roll through the league and the champion will be determined in Iowa City on Nov 20th.
• Penn State -  Tough because they should have a good defense but it is hard to win in the Big Ten with a new quarterback.  Their year depends on how quickly he develops.
• Wisconsin - Has a great offense but much like Michigan they are going to need to outscore everyone because of a porous defense.  I can't see them beating Iowa or Ohio State and have picked them to lose at Michigan in a shootout.
• TSUN - Despite what many people want to believe Michigan will be much improved this year and should have a RichRod sized chip on their shoulder due to the disrespect they've gotten over the past year.  Remember how the disrespect shown to the Buckeyes focused them in 2002???  Unless Rodriguez is a total moron I can't believe he won't remind the players of that fact before every workout, every practice, and every game.  You will see a much more motivated group in 2010 and a year's maturity will make them dangerous.  Nothing would please me more than to see Michigan have a meltdown like last year but it won't happen again.  In fact, it wouldn't shock me if they did even better than my prediction.  ((No way they win in Columbus though))
• Purdue - Could be a surprise considering they don't play Iowa or Penn State.  Especially true if their QB is as good as the hype.
• Northwestern - Due to a very weak schedule, they have a decent  shot at being undefeated going into Happy Valley on November 6th.  With Penn State, Iowa, and Wisconsin 3 of the last 4 games they won't have a repeat of 1995-6.
• Michigan State - Always seems to win a few they shouldn't and lose a few they should win so I think my prediction is about right.
• Illinois - They get decent talent but it never seems to show up on the field.  Considering they fired pretty much all the assistant coaches after last season I find it hard to believe they will be able to find the consistency to improve in 2010.
• Indiana / Minnesota - I'm sure they will surprise someone this year though my numbers don't reflect that.

I'm sure I will look back on this in December and cringe but it is my current thinking.  I reserve the right ( :P ) to redo this in August once I've given it a bit more thought but I'm pretty comfortable with my picks right now.