The true test to determine who is for real in the Big Ten begins this weekend. After three weeks of non-conference play, the Big Ten kicks off the season as teams look to dethrone perennial Rose Bowl favorites Michigan and Ohio State.
Indiana (2-1)
Following a commanding win over then-No.25 Oregon in Eugene, Ore., people were calling Indiana one of the surprise teams in the nation. But the Hoosiers dropped back down to earth last week with a 51-32 loss to Kentucky.
With sophomore running back Ben Jarvus Green-Ellis in the backfield and senior Courtney Roby at wideout, Indiana is sure to be dangerous on offense, but it is the defense that needs help. Against Kentucky, they gave up 24 points in the third quarter alone. Expect to see a lot more 51-32 score lines, with IU on the losing side.
Illinois (2-1)
Much like Indiana, Illinois has some weapons on offense, but will struggle all season because of a weak defense. Sophomore running backs Pierre Thomas and E.B. Halsey form a potent double threat on the ground. Quarterback Jon Buetjer, a sixth-year senior, is capable of putting up big numbers, but he must return to form following a back injury that caused him to miss the final five games of last season.
Last season, the Illini won just one game and were winless in Big Ten play. At 2-1, they have already doubled their win total from a year ago, but this team is full of holes and their prospects in the Big Ten are not promising.
Iowa (2-1)
While Iowa still looks like one of the teams to beat in the Big Ten, their true nature is now in question. They look good on paper, but in their last two non-conference games, the Hawkeyes were anything but impressive.
After looking shaky in a win over Iowa State, Iowa was drilled 44-7 by Arizona State. The blowout loss at ASU should cause some serious concerns for the Hawkeyes because their defense should be the strength of the team. With sophomore quarterback Rob Tate leading an inexperienced offense, the Hawkeyes can ill afford to give points away like they did in Tempe; otherwise, Iowa's outlook will not be quite as rosy as it once was.
Michigan (2-1)
Everyone had the maize and blue penciled in as the Big Ten's best team, and talent-wise, they may be. But as Wisconsin, Iowa and Ohio State can all attest to, nothing is easy with a new quarterback.
Even with a plethora of weapons to throw to, freshman quarterback Chad Henne has struggled in the early going. Costly turnovers and an inability to score cost the Wolverines in their loss to Notre Dame. If Henne is not more careful with his throws, history could repeat itself. Michigan is good enough to win the league, but the team's flaws may keep it out of the Rose Bowl.
Michigan State (1-2)
It could be a long year in East Lansing, Mich., as John L. Smith continues his resurrection project on the Spartans. Things got off to a terrible start in 2004 as the Spartans suffered an embarrassing loss to a bad Rutgers team.
Smith has some weapons on offense, like junior running back Jason Teague, but the Spartans have been unable to overcome countless bad turnovers. Their situation is not helped by uncertainty at the quarterback position. Smith has already used three different quarterbacks this season, which is never a recipe for success.
Minnesota (3-0)
Right now No. 19 Minnesota is the flavor of the week in the Big Ten and with good reason. Led by what is arguably the best backfield in the nation, the Golden Gophers are averaging more than 359 yards rushing per game and nearly 45 points per game.
Spearheading the attack are junior running back Marion Barber III and sophomore Lawrence Maroney. The duo has racked up a combined 809 yards in just three games. Their dominance on the ground has made things easier for new starting sophomore quarterback Bryan Cupito, who has thrown for more than 600 yards already.
With Michigan and Ohio State both looking very beatable, Minnesota could very well end their reign as the Big Ten team that has gone the longest without a Rose Bowl appearance.
Northwestern (1-2)
If nothing else, the Wildcats are going to put up some gaudy numbers this season. In three games, quarterback junior Brett Basanez has already thrown for 933 yards and five touchdowns, and the Wildcats have averaged close to 30 points per game.
The big numbers are all well and good, but they have not won games. Northwestern has won just one game despite the offensive explosion, and once they encounter a Big Ten foe that actually plays defense, things could get messy.
Ohio State (3-0)
It is inevitable. Somehow, No. 7 Ohio State always seems to win. It's not always pretty; in fact, it is usually ugly, but the only thing that matters is the win. Despite losing almost his entire defense from last year to the NFL draft, Jim Tressell has somehow managed to patch together another strong unit, led by ubiquitous junior linebacker A.J. Hawk.
The Buckeyes have scraped by Marshall and N.C. State in their last two games thanks largely to the gigantic right foot of kicker Mike Nugent. The senior has hit 8 of 9 attempts this season, including a 55-yard game winner against Marshall. While Tressell would probably prefer to see the offense scoring the points, as long as the Buckeyes are winning, he'll be happy to let Nugent and the defense lead the way.
Penn State
It seems like every season will be Joe Paterno's last hurrah, only to have the aged coach from Happy Valley to announce he'll be back for another run at the Big Ten title. While it's unlikely this year's outfit is capable of mounting a serious charge for the crown, JoePa does have a good young squad at his disposal.
Running back Tony Hunt has been a pleasant surprise for the Nittany Lions, and quarterback Zack Mills has tons of experience under center. It will be interesting to see how Paterno decides to use sophomore Michael Robinson. The speedster played quarterback last year, but has spent much of this season as a wideout. No matter where he ends up, he could certainly be a big difference maker as JoePa tries to climb back to the top of the pile.
Purdue
Senior quarterback Kyle Orton started right where he left off
last season and has averaged over 300 yard per game to start the
season. Against inferior competition, the Boilermakers have put up
a staggering 55 points per game, while the defense has allowed
just 3.5.
Big Ten play is likely to bring the high flying offense back down to
earth, but as Joe Tiller has shown in the past, his teams are always
going to air it out, no matter who the competition is.
As if Orton's golden arm weren't enough Purdue has the luxury of
facing Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ohio State all in West Lafayette.
With that fortunate scheduling, not to mention the potent offense,
Purdue could finish this season as the toast of the Big Ten.
Wisconsin
The Badgers have looked anything but impressive in their first
three games of the season. Sophomore quarterback John Stocco
has yet to look comfortable in the pocket, and Anthony Davis'
absence has helped. Luckily for the Badgers, the defense, under the
guidance of new defensive coordinator Greg Bielema, has kept the
Badgers in every game.
If Stocco continues to grow into the position and if Davis can return
from his injury, the Badgers should contend for a top 3 finish. If
not, it will be a long season at Camp Randall.
