By Brian Smith
Special to Under The Rock
It's early to make full-blown predictions for the upcoming Big 10 football season, due mainly to off season injuries and the like. Categorizing, on the other hand, that's a worthwhile strategy. Here's a look at the "haves, have-nots, and what's left in between for the 2009 Big 10 Football season.
If you do not start out with the Buckeyes, shame on you. By far the most talent along the defensive line, Ohio State also has a solid group of running backs, and of course, Terrelle Pryor taking the snaps. The Buckeyes are in a group by themselves. After that, it's dicey at best.
Because the Buckeyes are the only team that fit into the "haves" category, will anyone challenge the Buckeyes for Big 10 Supremacy?
Best answer: Iowa, Penn State, Wisconsin and Illinois could all have that magical moment and knock off the Buckeyes, much like Iowa defeated then undefeated Penn State last season. A closer look at "what's left in between" goes like this:
The Hawkeyes lost some good defensive players and one heck of a tailback, but their returning offensive linemen have a good blend of talent and experience to open up holes for Jewell Hampton, the one-time Indianapolis Warren Central running back. Quarterback Ricky Stanzi will be the beneficiary of the excellent Iowa ground attack.
Penn State has a weapon that started to gain attention last season, tailback Stephon Green. Combined with starting tailback Evan Royster, that's a potent duo. Senior quarterback Daryll Clark will miss three departed wide receivers, but he will still be productive. The Penn State defense welcomes the return of linebacker Sean Lee after missing last season with a knee injury.
Wisconsin was not Wisconsin-like last season, as the defense was up and down. Assuming the defense rights the ship, and there is talent playing for the Wisconsin defense, the chance to play in a major Jan. 1 bowl could be realized. John Clay, learn the name. The tailback started to emerge last season and could eventually be the Badgers next high profile player.
The Illini will go where Juice Williams takes them. The senior signal caller went through the trials and tribulations of being a freshman and sophomore quarterback at the Big 10 level, and showed continued improvement last season. Williams must take his game to another level for Illinois to be in contention for the upper tier of the Big 10, and with the help of many talented running backs and wide receivers, the Illini should score many points this fall. Much like Wisconsin, the Illini defense needs to improve.
Later this week, a preview of the remaining Big 10 teams.
