Jacob Bunn's 2011 Big 10 Football Preview
Posted on August 29, 2011 by Jacob Bunn
Notes –
This will be a revolutionary season in the Big Ten as the conference experiences a new venture, a championship game. The Midwest’s major college football conference is now, for the first time in history, split equally into two divisions. There was much consternation when the idea of divisional play was first asserted in the Big Ten because it would place Michigan and Ohio State, two of the highest profile programs in the nation and
If you are not familiar with the division alignment in the Big Ten, here it is:
Leaders –
Illinois, Indiana, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, and Wisconsin
Legends –
Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Northwestern
Biggest Surprise: Nebraska
It really will not surprise me if Nebraska does well this season, but the fact that this is the Cornhuskers’ first seasons in the Big Ten makes the story more compelling. In the Legends division, I believe Nebraska has the most talented team. The trips to Wisconsin and Penn State are the toughest games on the schedule, but the most important contest will be on October 29th at home against Michigan State.
Biggest Disappointment: Ohio State
It probably will not be a big surprise when Ohio State loses several games they have not in recent year during the 2011 season. The Buckeyes have been dealing with scandal after scandal this offseason, which has ultimately resulted in their head coach and star quarterback from last year both removing themselves from the program. With all of that being considered, I don’t see Ohio State reaching double-digit wins this year.
Game to Watch: Nebraska at Wisconsin (October 1)
Other than the inaugural Big Ten Championship Game, the game I want to see the most is the matchup between the newest member of the Big Ten, Nebraska, and the most highly touted Big Ten team this year, Wisconsin.
Champion: Wisconsin
I think Bret Bilema’s team will run the table in 2011, and win the Big Ten Leaders division. After they capture the divisional crown, I think the Badgers will defeat Nebraska for the second time in one year in the Big Ten Championship Game.
Tweet Tweet this!
Email Jacob at jacob@bunnsports.com and follow him on Twitter at @JacobBunn
