BIG TEN PREDICTIONS FOR 2009

1. Penn State
With the return of Joe Paterno, the Nittney Lions will be even stronger. They will need some more production on the ground if they want to remain at the top.
2.Ohio State
The Buckeyes looked really strong last year, and with Tyrell Pryor coming back with more experience, it could be tight fight to the top. If Pryor does become what every other team fears, my rankings might become wrong. The James Larinitus loss will make the defense weaker.
3.Michigan State
The Spartans looked pretty good last year with Javon Ringer in the back field. They will need to pass more to let Ringer get some open space because defenses will be all over him. The defense doesn't have any standout players, but if they work together, they will be hard to get by.
4.Minnesota
The Gophers were explosive in the first half of the season. Then, for some reason, they slowed down. They will need more production from wide out Eric Decker in the second half the season. For the defense, middle linebacker Hightower will come back from injury, which was a key loss last year.
5.Iowa
The Hawkeyes played good, hard football last season but still have QB troubles. If they go with Ricky Stanzi (which they probably will), they will HAVE to pass more to give star running back Shonn Green more space to rumble. Their defense must get more pressure on the opposing QB to give the offense more chances.
6.Northwestern
The Wildcats had an O.K. season last year, but losing to some very weak opponents. The running game is successful but the team will need a better passing game to support their running backs. The defense needs to create turnovers to stay in those tight games.
7.Wisconsin
The Badgers had a let-down season last year with QB issues and injuries. The Badgers will need to regroup, stay focused, and find more balance between their runnning and passing games. The defense has some solid players, but must work as a team to be dominant.
8. Illinois
The Illini QB, Isaiah "Juice" Williams, has a good team behind him, but has to utilize all of his different receivers. They will need run more so defenses can't key on Williams and the passing game. The defense is really strong, and will need to use this to their advantage. Otherweise, they'll be shooting themselves in the foot.
9. Purdue
The Boilermakers are coming off of a dissappointing 2008 season. The key loss of QB Curtis Painter really hurts. Their only hope is too somehow find another year of eligibility for Drew Brees. They could be redeemed by their running game, but that is doubtful.
10. Michigan
The tears are barely dry in the eyes of Wolverine fans, as the perennial powerhouse fails to make a bowl game. Coach Rodriguez needs to pull his team together by recruiting and developing players that can effectively play in his spread offense. The defense should start praying right now.
11. Indiana
The "Whosiers?", I mean Hoosiers, struggle to find their team identity. Kellen Lewis, QB, is trying to pull his team together. He is a promising talent, but he doesn't have much of a "supporting cast". The defense should have started praying yesterday.