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These guys should be called the “Losers” after their bowl performances last year. At any rate, here is how I see it.

1. Nebraska: This team certainly has potential, but lacks consistency. The Huskers return 6 starters on an offense that ran hot and cold last season. The defense did it’s job, holding all but two opponents to 23 or less points. This unit returns 8 starters. Pelini is going to have to find some consistency from his offense and QB Martinez. If he does, Nebraska is good enough to win this division.

2. Michigan State: There is no polite way to say it. MSU got their asses handed to them by Alabama in the Capitol One Bowl. Memories linger on. Michigan State only loses 3 starters from their offense, but loses 2 LB’s and 2 from the defensive secondary. MSU lived a charmed life last season, winning three games by 6 points or less. With away games at Notre Dame, Nebraska, Ohio State, Iowa, and Northwestern, that will not happen again.

3. Northwestern: The team that everyone overlooks, but who has the best coach (IMO) in the Big 10. Coach Fitzgerald welcomes back QB Persa and 9 other starters on offense, and 7 on defense. Their schedule is not the hardest in the Big 10, as they duck Ohio State and Wisconsin. The Wildcat defense fell apart in their last 3 games of the season last year. If they can improve, Northwestern is a player in the Legends this season.

4. Iowa: This team was a huge disappointment last season, with 5 losses, including three in a row to end the regular season. This season, Iowa must replace QB Stanzi and 4 others on offense, and seven players on defense, plus find a new punter and PK. As usual, Iowa will be mentioned in the mix, and as usual, Ferentz will under-produce. On the plus side, a very soft schedule will help Iowa.

5. Michigan: The Rich Rod era at Michigan is over, and new HC Hoke inherits a team with a ton of potential, but not much defense. The offense returns every starter but one. The defense loses two LB’s and a corner. This should be great news, but Michigan must find players. The kicking game was a joke last season, and the defense was worse. The schedule features only 4 away games (Northwestern, Iowa, Michigan State, and Illinois), but home games include Notre Dame, Nebraska and Ohio State (back to back). This team can actually improve, but have a losing record again.

6. Minnesota: You have to love the way that this team finished the season, but will any of that momentum carry over? With the loss of QB Weber and 5 other starters( including 4 on the line), and the defensive secondary, probably not. Minnesota has a new stadium. Now they must start to rebuild their program, and that takes athletes, something they do not have. They do have three soft non-con opponents at home, but that is after they open up at USC.

Next up: Big 12 (-2)

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By BigdaddyQH – Jabberhead, SJ Contributing Author

http://forums.sportsjabber.net/sjforums/showthread.php?t=77863