JonDMiller
Publisher/Founder
This is all rough, first and quick glance stuff...
MSU returns 6 on offense and 5 on defense, and Deace and I agree they are probably the worst 11-1 conference champ in Big Ten history. They really weren't great at anything this year. Efficient QB..solid running game..lose three starters on OL...lose best tackler in nation on D, return four of front seven...they benefited from a very favorable schedule this year and @Mich & @PSU against down teams.
Nebraska returns quite a bit, especially if Crick comes back, but they were not an elite team. I think Martinez hurts them, but he might be the best they have. Losing Helu Jr hurts, but there is some talent there. probably min 8 win team, but not elite.
NW returns quite a bit..including Persa.
MN is MN. Bad. New QB. Gray?
Michigan returns most everyone, but they are a mess. Likely new coach, and what system? horrible defense that can improve exponentially and still just be average.
Iowa has to replace a lot, but we are familiar with the names behind them. I don't see anyone in this division that is significantly better than Iowa.
On the whole, I think the conference will be down next from where it was this year. If OSU 5 come back, they will be a top ten. If Pryor does not, they might be Top Ten due to name only. Wisky loses quite a bit on offense, including two NFL first rounders, and Tolzein and TE Hendricks. Watt will announce Wednesday his NFL intentions. Their D was not elite this year, and unless he comes back, no chance at that next year. Illinois will be a team to watch..PSU could fall off, as we have been discussing here. Indiana will fall back...who knows about Purdue.
MSU returns 6 on offense and 5 on defense, and Deace and I agree they are probably the worst 11-1 conference champ in Big Ten history. They really weren't great at anything this year. Efficient QB..solid running game..lose three starters on OL...lose best tackler in nation on D, return four of front seven...they benefited from a very favorable schedule this year and @Mich & @PSU against down teams.
Nebraska returns quite a bit, especially if Crick comes back, but they were not an elite team. I think Martinez hurts them, but he might be the best they have. Losing Helu Jr hurts, but there is some talent there. probably min 8 win team, but not elite.
NW returns quite a bit..including Persa.
MN is MN. Bad. New QB. Gray?
Michigan returns most everyone, but they are a mess. Likely new coach, and what system? horrible defense that can improve exponentially and still just be average.
Iowa has to replace a lot, but we are familiar with the names behind them. I don't see anyone in this division that is significantly better than Iowa.
On the whole, I think the conference will be down next from where it was this year. If OSU 5 come back, they will be a top ten. If Pryor does not, they might be Top Ten due to name only. Wisky loses quite a bit on offense, including two NFL first rounders, and Tolzein and TE Hendricks. Watt will announce Wednesday his NFL intentions. Their D was not elite this year, and unless he comes back, no chance at that next year. Illinois will be a team to watch..PSU could fall off, as we have been discussing here. Indiana will fall back...who knows about Purdue.