With five weeks left in the Big Ten season, the conference has seen some big surprises and some not-so-big surprises. Ohio State fell from grace while Wisconsin exceeded expectations as 11 teams battle for the Rose Bowl.
Wisconsin (7-0)
The potential for a Bowl Championship Series game has fans in Madison ecstatic since the Badgers are off to their best start since the 1999 squad. Recent road victories over ranked opponents Ohio State and Purdue have established this group as legitimate contenders for both a Big Ten title and national championship.
Early criticism of sophomore quarterback John Stocco has been silenced in recent weeks, since he has displayed he can come through in the clutch when his team needs him. With the return of senior tailback Anthony Davis from an eye injury, the offense now has a home- run threat that has combined with a stifling defense to create one of the strongest Badger teams in recent years. With four games remaining against teams with a combined record of 16-10, the sky is the limit for Wisconsin.
Michigan (6-1)
The Wolverines are in their normal mid-season position, as they are still in contention for the conference title. The team does not face the Badgers this year, so they will have to win out and hope they get some help from their conference foes in order to dethrone Wisconsin. Freshman quarterback Chad Henne has taken full advantage of an early injury to junior Matt Gutierrez and has led the Michigan offense thus far.
Adding to the youth movement, freshman tailback Michael Hart has emerged as the clear-cut starter. Hart recently set a UM freshman record, compiling 160 yards on 35 carries.
Michigan State (4-3)
After early losses to Rutgers and Notre Dame, the Spartans appear to have turned things around, winning three of their last four games, including a 51-17 dismantling of then-No. 20 Minnesota last weekend. Sophomore quarterback Drew Stanton has matured each game, and set a school record by accounting for 410 yards of total offense against the Gophers.
However, the true test of this team lies in near future, when they travel to Michigan and then host Ohio State and Wisconsin the next three weeks. If the Spartans can finish the season strong, they should land a quality bowl berth.
Purdue (5-1)
At this time a week ago, the Boilermakers had a national title on their minds and a Heisman hopeful leading a potent offensive attack that was averaging 42 points per game. A week later, after the Badgers stormed their homecoming and spoiled their dreams, the outlook is much different in West Lafayette, Ind. Purdue now plays host to visiting Michigan in a game that will be crucial in determining a Big Ten champion. Senior quarterback Kyle Orton must get his team focused again before its date with Michigan and salvage any chance he still has in the Heisman race. All is not lost though for Purdue fans, because if they are able to run the table, they still have an outside chance at a BCS bowl game.
Iowa (4-2)
The Hawkeyes have a respectable record in the conference and appear to be headed to another bowl berth. Using a balanced ground and air attack, Iowa has made up for a mediocre defense. Its showdown with the Badgers Nov. 20 may be the only thing standing between Wisconsin and a Rose Bowl appearance.
Northwestern (3-3)
The Wildcats are on the borderline of a bowl berth this year, but still have Purdue, Wisconsin and Michigan on their schedule. The team is led by senior running back Noah Herron, who is averaging 112 yards on the ground through this season.
Minnesota (5-2)
This past week the Gophers went through their annual routine of losing a close game to Michigan and getting blown out by their opponent the following week. A once-promising year for Minnesota has lost momentum after its back- to-back losses.
The Gophers possess two of the conference's best running backs in Laurence Maroney and Marion Barber III, who average 124.1 and 96.9 yards rushing per game, respectively. However, this is a team that is not built to play without the lead, and struggle when they are forced to come from behind. With an average defense and a one-dimensional offense, it will not be surprising if the Gophers drop one or two more conference games.
Ohio State (3-3)
Just two years ago, the Buckeyes were national champions. Now, after losing their last three games, Ohio State appears to be a far cry from the team they were even a year ago. The Buckeyes' youth and inexperience has been exposed in recent weeks, and the team is now forced to grind out the rest of the year in hopes of reaching postseason play. Highly touted sophomore quarterback Justin Zwick has struggled throughout the season, and and fans have been calling for athletic junior Troy Smith to take his place as starter. Adding to the troubles at QB, the Buckeyes struggled on the ground, allowing opposing defenses to focus on shutting down the passing attack. Season-ending games against Purdue and Michigan will make it difficult to emerge from Big Ten play above .500.
Indiana (2-4)
This oft-forgotten team in the Big Ten once again has their students looking forward to the upcoming basketball season. Annually the Hoosiers are below .500 and unable to achieve a bowl berth. The team started the year 2-0 after defeating Central Michigan and Oregon, but have gone on to drop their last four games. As a team that has not seen a bowl game since the heralded Independence Bowl of 1993, it doesn't appear this streak will end any time soon.
Penn State (2-4)
Losers of four of their last five games, Happy Valley is the furthest from the truth describing the situation for the Nittany Lions. It seems the end of the road is near for Head Coach Joe Paterno, as once again, Penn State will not be invited to postseason play. It seems as though Paterno is no longer capable of leading his team out of the cellar, and new leadership of the team should be under serious consideration.
Their season concludes with home games against Ohio State and Indiana and road trips to Northwestern and Michigan State. Even with a weak schedule remaining, don't look for any improvement in the coming weeks.
Illinois (2-5)
The Illini are sitting at the bottom of the barrel in the Big Ten, and there is no indication they have plans of moving up. A bad offense coupled with an even worse defense, has put Head Coach Ron Turner in the hot seat. Sixth-year starting quarterback Jon Beutjer has not shown the signs of an experienced and poised QB, and has recently been benched for his poor play. Senior Matt Sinclair has been the lone bright spot for the Illini as he has emerged as one of the conference's best linebackers, accumulating 59 tackles in seven games.
