Scout 2012 Big Ten Preview

[Excel]

http://cfn.scout.com/2/1149743.html

http://cfn.scout.com/2/1149742.html

[Official division names have been redacted out of disgust]

 

Scout's predicted final 2012 standings. (2011 record given in parentheses)

 

Division One

1. Wisconsin (11-3)

2. Ohio State (6-7)

3. Illinois (7-6)

4. Purdue (7-6)

5. Penn State (9-4)

6. Indiana (1-11)

 

Division Two

1. Michigan (11-2)

2. Michigan State (11-3)

3. Nebraska (9-4)

4. Northwestern (6-7)

5. Iowa (7-6)

6. Minnesota (3-9)

 

For those that don't want to follow the links....

 

3. Nebraska (9-4)

 

Quarterback Taylor Martinez and running back Rex Burkhead return. Now the offense needs a third option. The O line loses three starters, and a wide receiver has to emerge, but as long as Martinez and Burkhead are healthy, the running game will work. The best offensive weapon could turn out to be kicker Brett Maher, possibly the Big Ten’s best all-around kicker. The defense will be air-tight with five starters returning to the defensive front, but tackling machine linebacker Lavonte David is done and top corner Alfonzo Dennard is off to the NFL. There’s good depth and a few nice options to fill in the gaps, but finding playmakers and stars early on will be a must.

[NUance]

How could Ohio State (6-7) be ahead of Illinois (7-6)? That doesn't make sense.

[HuskerShark]

How could Ohio State (6-7) be ahead of Illinois (7-6)? That doesn't make sense.

 

The parentheses shows the 2011 record.

 

Honestly, I don't care what any predictions say, I expect this team to be in the CCG.

[Comish]

We WILL finish ahead of Sparty.............

 

The Michigan game will determine the division winner.....

[It'sNotAFakeID]

Ball hawking secondary for Michigan State...so the one that had one INT off a tipped pass when they played us? I don't see Sparty finishing second in the Legends Division this year. Michigan will be scary, and the homecoming game is more than likely going to determine the division winner.

[308_Husker]

We WILL finish ahead of Sparty.............

 

The Michigan game will determine the division winner.....

I agree on both points. At this point, I don't like our chances against Michigan...even at home.

[Excel]

I also don't see Michigan State as the clearly better team but lately a trip to Lansing hasn't been that easy. They haven't lost a game at home in two seasons.

 

At any rate I think Wisconsin will face Michigan in the Big Ten Championship with Michigan winning...

[It'sNotAFakeID]

Probably a safe bet for Wisconsin...even though no one in the Leaders division looks that fantastic on paper, what with Ohio State being suspended and all.

[Excel]

Probably a safe bet for Wisconsin...even though no one in the Leaders division looks that fantastic on paper, what with Ohio State being suspended and all.

Oh yea I should mention that I hardly think Wisconsin will have a great year next year and I think OSU will be the better team but given their suspension UW will still probably make it to Indy.

[Omaha-Husker]

I really don't get the MSU love.

 

They lose virtually every starting skill position player. It isn't exactly easy to replace that.

[Treand3]

I really don't get the MSU love.

 

They lose virtually every starting skill position player. It isn't exactly easy to replace that.

 

It's all about what they return on D, so there is an argument there. I too have no earthly idea how they'll sustain offensively, though I do hear Maxwell is more physically gifted than Cousins, even though KC has been a near 4 yr starter for Sparty and possessed tremendous intelligence and leadership in the huddle. Premature projections aside, that's why the games are played.