Way Too Early 2009 Predictions

The college football season just ended but it's already time to look at 2009. In the Big 10, heavy favorite Ohio State's offense strugged in the big games, Beanie Wells' injury had something to do with it, and Penn State rode their flashy HD offense and stout defense to Pasadensa. After going to the Rose Bowl, Illinois didn't even make it to a bowl game going 5-7. A porous secondary was a major problem. Michigan's offense was poor, at best, and the Wolverines went 3-9. Wisconsin started 3-0 and in the top 10 before their lack of a passing game caught up with them. Michigan State's rebuilding is ahead of schedule and Northwestern's defensive improvements helped them to nine win regular seasons.

After considering the players departing, as shown in the last blog, and who that leaves returning, I have an idea of where the teams should be next year.


1. Penn State

2. Ohio State

3. Illinois

4. Michigan State

5. Northwestern

6. Minnesota

7. Iowa

8. Wisconsin

9. Michigan

10. Purdue

11. Indiana


2009 should be very competetive in the Big Ten.

With Darryl Clark and Evan Royster returning in the backfield, Penn State is the early favorite. They must find some widouts to avoid becoming one-dimensional.

Ohio State's season will come down to Terrelle Pryor's improvement as a passer and finding replacements for the losses on defense. Gone are Beanie Wells, most of the offensive line, the linebackers and all-american cornerback Malcom Jenkins. Ohio State has been a perenial Big 10 power but has major holes to fill.

Illinois vastly underachieved this year. Their offense should be the best in the conference next year with Juice Williams and Arrelious Benn, but Juice must cutdown on his interceptions. The secondary, except for future NFL first round draft pick Vontae Davis, looked clueless this year. Illinois could be 5-7 again or 12-0 depending on their defense.

Michigan State loses their only offensive threat in Javon Ringer. The defense should be solid. The Spartans could be in another January bowl game if they can find some weapons on offense.

Northwestern's defensive improvement under coordinator Mike Hankwitz vaulted them to a nine win regular season. Mike Kafka can run and should fill in well for C.J. Bacher. A running back must be found and 3 new starting linebackers. Their safeties, Brendan Smith and Brad Phillips, are some of the best in the conference.

Minnesota returns all of their offense and most of their defense. A defensive improvement could prevent Minnepta's customary late season collapse. Adam Weber and Eric Decker should be a potent pass catch combo.

On ESPN.com Mark Schlabach ranked Iowa at 13th nationally in his preseason poll. Iowa did end the season on a roll as they beat Big 10 champion Penn State, crushed South Carolina in the Outback Bowl, and their 4 losses were by a combined 12 points, but I don't see them as a top 25 team. The best player in the Big 10 and best running back in the country was Shonn Greene and he was Iowa's only weapon this year. Points should be hard to come by next year and the two best defensive players, defensive tackles Mitch King and Matt Kroul, are graduating. Iowa should get to a bowl game but with their offensive situation another January bowl seems unlikely.

Wisconsin is getting hit with some heavy losses, especially on defense. Next year, the Badgers will be hard pressed to improve upon this year's appearance in the Champs Sports Bowl. Getting priduction in the passing game is priorities one, two, and three.

Michigan was historically bad at 3-9 because of their lack of an offense, especially a passing offense. The defense was solid for the most part but was left on the field for too long. Most of Michigan's better defenders will be gone next year and the offense doesn't look like it's going to be much better. Even a trip to the Motor City Bowl looks unlikely for the the Wolverines.

Purdue beat the teams it should beat this year, but lost against the better teams. The skill positions on offense will get a makeover and Purdue won't score enough points and stop won't stop enough teams from scoring to contend in the Big 10.

Indiana made it to the 2007 Insight Bowl, their first bowl game since 1993. This year they went right back to the conference basement and appear to be staying there next year. Most of their good players won't be back.