With the Big Ten as competitive as any conference in the nation this season, one would expect the dominance to come from running backs, the usual strength of the conference. Not this year, however, as quarterbacks have become the main asset of the elite teams in the Big Ten. With Ohio State, Michigan, Iowa and Purdue all ranked in the top 15 in the Associated Press preseason poll, the pressure is going to be on the four quarterbacks to perform up to expectations.
The junior from No. 6 Ohio State could be the most dangerous play-caller in the Big Ten. Although he split time with junior Justin Zwick last year, Smith took the opportunities he received and made the most of them. In the last game of the regular season against Michigan, Smith did it all as the Buckeyes upset the Wolverines, 37-21. After 241 yards passing, three touchdowns and 145 yards rushing, Smith had exposed the defensive weakness that led to Michigan's demise in the Rose Bowl.
If he can improve his completion percentage and showcase his speed and big-play potential throughout the year, Smith might find himself in Heisman contention near season's end. However, with the high ranking and a very tough schedule, pressure and expectations are elevated. Smith will have to sit out the first game against a good Miami of Ohio team due to suspension. The road only gets harder, as Smith's first game will be at home against No. 2 Texas. The Buckeyes also host No. 11 Iowa and then finish their season at the Big House against No. 4 Michigan. Nonetheless, Smith has been in big games before and rose to the occasion. With one of the best receiving corps in the country featuring sophomore sensation Ted Ginn Jr. and junior standout Santonio Holmes among his targets, Smith could be hoisting multiple trophies by season's end.
The highly touted sophomore from Michigan has more expected of him than any of the other Big Ten quarterbacks. With the vision of Vince Young and Texas running over the Wolverines in the Rose Bowl dancing in Michigan's heads, they look to bounce back with a national championship-caliber season. The Rose Bowl defeat was no fault of Henne's, however, as he passed for 227 yards and four touchdowns in the game.
In fact, much of Michigan's success last year is owed to Henne. He passed for 2,743 yards, 25 touchdowns and achieved the third best passer rating in the Big Ten. Wolverine fans will be looking for even more this year, now that Henne has a season under his belt. An excellent running game led by sophomore Michael Hart and a talented receiving corps will certainly help Henne in his quest to unseat USC as the best team in college football. Standing in the way will be games against Notre Dame, Iowa and the big rivalry game to end the season at home versus Ohio State. Also, junior receiver Steve Breaston must fill the playmaking void left by the graduated Braylon Edwards. If last season was any indication of Henne's potential, it is going to be a long season for any defense that has Michigan on their schedule.
As a sophomore for No. 11 Iowa, Tate boasted the second highest passer rating in the Big Ten. With 2,786 yards passing, a 62.1 completion percentage and 20 touchdowns, he led Iowa to a 10-2 record and a memorable last-second victory over LSU in the Capital One Bowl. His standout game was in a blowout against Ohio State in which he had 331 yards passing and three touchdowns.
The first Iowa quarterback in five years to remain starter for more than one season, Tate is arguably the most consistent and experienced of all the elite Big Ten quarterbacks. He will need that experience and consistency to overcome some stiff competition as Iowa has road games against Ohio State and No. 15 Purdue, as well as a home game versus Michigan. To win these games, Tate will have to cut down on the 14 interceptions he threw last year, as well as avoid that one bad game (8-19 for 44 yards with one interception in a 44-7 loss to Arizona State last season). Provided that he can play well in the clutch games and avoid meltdowns, Tate could lead the Hawkeyes to a second consecutive Big Ten title.
Largely overshadowed by Kyle Orton last season, the junior quarterback for Purdue has some big shoes to fill. Playing sporadically most of the year, Kirsch started two games when Orton was injured, racking up 711 yards, seven touchdown passes and a 61.7 completion percentage. As the starter, he lost a close game to Iowa and beat Ohio State with 210 yards and two touchdowns.
Kirsch may be the most unproven of the leading Big Ten quarterbacks, but he also has the easiest schedule. Avoiding Michigan and Ohio State, the only ranked teams Purdue plays are Iowa and Notre Dame. While Kirsch may not have much experience, he does have the arm to make big plays and can run if necessary. If the rest of the Big Ten teams beat up on each other, Purdue could slip in the back door and Kirsch could lead the Boilermakers to a Bowl Championship Series berth. Whether he can respond to the pressure of a full season and a loaded Big Ten, however, is up in the air.
