by Brian Smith
Special to Under The Rock
Regardless of conference, the biggest predictor for a team's success is quarterback experience. It doesn't hurt to have a future NFL quarterback playing quarterback either, such as Terrelle Pryor.
Take a look at the quarterbacks that will likely lead their respective offenses this fall, going in alphabetical order by school, then my personal Big 10 ranking for each player indicated within ():
Illinois - Juice Williams has been a major contributor since he was a freshman, and his passing accuracy has improved tremendously since he arrived in Champaign. His running ability is second to that of young Mr Pryor within the Big 10. (4)
Indiana - Ben Chappell split time at quarterback last season, but it was valuable experience nonetheless. Chappell provides the Hoosiers with a capable arm and the guts to run when necessary. (7)
Iowa - Ricky Stanzi took over last season and started 11 of 13 games for the Hawkeyes. Stanzi possess a good arm and above average mobility for a 218-pound quarterback. He is not well known yet, but he will be before the 2009 season concludes. (5)
Michigan - Tate Forcier will likely be the starter for Michigan, but he's a mere true freshman. With Forcier's lack of physical maturity (roughly 180 pounds) united with zero college snaps, it's easy to select Michigan as the team with the worst quarterback situation for the 2009 campaign. (11)
Michigan State - Will Kirk Cousins or Drew Nichol lead the Spartans during the 2009 season? That's a decision that is not yet decided. Cousins played sparingly last season while Nichol sat out after transferring from Oklahoma. Nichol, who was highly coveted out of high school, provides a high ceiling assuming he grasps the offensive system. (8)
Minnesota - Adam Weber is the most underrated quarterback in the Big Ten. After passing for 39 touchdowns and over 5,600 yards combined from the 2007 and 2008 seasons, Big 10 defensive coordinators know Weber all too well. Weber also provides the ability to run with the football. (3)
Northwestern - Senior Mike Kafka finally receives his opportunity to lead the Wildcats. He's done admirably during his limited stints, but he's inexperienced nonetheless. (9)
Ohio State - Terrelle Pryor is electric with the football once he's decided to run, but needed to improve his passing efficiency. Judging by Pryor's spring game performance courtesy of the Big Ten Network, he's starting to become a polished college quarterback. He will be a dark horse for the 2009 Heisman Trophy. (1)
Penn State - Daryll Clark became the Nittany Lions' unquestioned leader last season. He'll be asked to do more this year without Derrick Williams at wide receiver. The senior will be one of college football's better signal callers. (2)
Purdue - The loss of Justin Stiller for academic reasons means that senior Joey Elliot takes over for the Boilermakers. He's a senior, but a senior that attempted only 15 pass attempts last season as a third string QB. (10)
Wisconsin - Justin Sheerer, a suburban Indianapolis native that played his prep football at Hamilton Heights, enters his final year of college eligibility. He's a good player, but not one that will take over a game. The Badgers will need more out of Sheerer than what should be expected from Sheerer if they are to compete for one of the top three spots in the Big 10. (6)
