2007 Big Ten Football Preview

Big Ten football preview from Maddux Sports. Below you can find our official Big Ten football preview as well as individual team previews for all 11 big ten football teams and our big 10 predictions. Dont miss our football picks for college games against the spread and bookmark our college football point spread page offering up to the minute odds & lines.

The question doesn't seem to be can Ohio State repeat? It's—who will take their place as conference champs in 2007? This highly competitive conference is very tough to call, especially when it comes to the order of the top four teams. Here's a thumbnail sketch of how things may look when we get to bowl season. For a closer look at each Big Ten team click on the team links below.

Michigan could take the entire conference this year. They have a dynamic offense with veteran QB Chad Henne focused and ready to run the show. There's talent on defense but also some holes and question marks after last year's letdown at the end of the season.

Penn State, Ohio State and Wisconsin will contend for Big Ten top honors. Penn State's defense is solid overall but the secondary is missing a link. Senior QB Anthony Morelli must find the consistency he lacked last year. He's got great targets to hit. Never underestimate coach Joe Paterno.

Ohio State has a great all-around defense and fine offensive line. But they lost a lot of players, eight of which went to the NFL. Veteran coach Jim Tressel can turn potential into wins. The fact is the Buckeyes, despite huge losses could end up champs again. But they'll have to do it with a new starting QB—either junior Todd Boeckman or sophomore Robbie Schoenhoft.

For Wisconsin, the quarterback situation could be a plus or a minus. Neither Tyler Donovan nor Allan Evridge has much experience but both can throw and show talent. The "D" has some question marks but coach Bret Bielema, now entering his second season, may have some answers.

Iowa has a few things going for them. Schedule is one. The Hawkeyes don't have to play Ohio State or Michigan! New starting QB Jake Christensen showed some ability late last season and the running game is very good. Consistent play from the offensive line and the entire defense is essential.

Look for Purdue to be Purdue. They will play tough football, feature one of the best offensive lines around and try to fill gaps in their defense. Specifically, the Boilermakers are iffy when it comes to the defensive frontline and secondary. This is a team of the future.

Minnesota has a whole boatload of new NFL coaches led by Tim Brewster. They're dedicated to doing things right, discipline and winning. Starting QB is open with the job either going to junior Tony Mortensen or freshman Adam Weber. The "O" line is questionable and the receiving unit is thin. The defense has been upgraded.

Illinois is definitely a club on the rise. They've got a young, talented QB, sophomore Juice Williams, who now has a full year under his belt. If he can channel that experience into mature play and leadership, the Fighting Illini will gain ground. The defense is improved and should give up fewer points. A six and six record is not out of the question.

Michigan State needs major improvement on defense. There's a chance that they can win five games this year, but it's an outside chance. New head coach Mike Dantonio is emphasizing taking individual responsibility for winning. But he's still got a talent gap to fill.

Indiana possesses a great QB-WR connection in passer Kellen Lewis and receiver James Hardy. Also, there's speed at RB, but the offensive line has little experience. Additionally, it's hard to imagine the Hoosier offense scoring enough points to make-up for their poor defense. Even if they give up less than 32.8 PPG, which was what they did in 2006, how much better can the "D" get in one year?

Northwestern had the worst offense in the Big Ten last season and they are back. Coach Pat Fitzgerald, the youngest NCAA Division I head coach in the nation, showed a lot of poise last season when he took over after the death of Randy Walker. He's a good leader and in a few years can have a team that's bowl bound again.

Big 10 Predictions

1) Michigan
2) Penn State
3) Ohio State
4) Wisconsin
5) Iowa
6) Purdue
7) Minnesota
8) Illinois
9) Michigan State
10) Indiana
11) Northwestern

For more info on the 2007 Big Ten Conference, view their official website or read up on all the big 10 football team previews below.