The run for the Big Ten title is as wide open as I have seen it in several years. I can possibly see five teams that have a legitimate chance to win and having two or three teams tied atop the standings certainly would not surprise me. I give the edge to Michigan State, as they return 15 starters and have a very favorable schedule that includes not playing Ohio State. This is certainly the best squad Coach Mark Dantonio will field and I expect the Spartans to finally play to their potential.

My surprise teams are Illinois and Iowa. Both return a good nucleus with an experienced quarterback. My disappointing team may shock you as this team has been labeled to win the Big Ten, but I do not see Penn State challenging for the title. Granted, they have a strong QB in Daryll Clark and RB Evan Royster but the receiving corps and defense will be suspect.

Michigan should be better if Coach Rich Rodriquez can find a quarterback to run his spread-style system. I look for Purdue to have a tough season under first-year Coach Danny Hope and this program may be in serious decline in years to come. Wisconsin went 7-6 last year and although they have a soft non-conference schedule, I really look for them to struggle when conference play comes around.

For the next few weeks, I will be covering each of the Big Ten teams with college football predictions articles. I will break down their strengths and weaknesses and also provide you with a best bet for each team. These articles are something you will want to save throughout the course of the upcoming season. As always, anytime you want to discuss the upcoming season please give me a call at (800) 356-9182 and ask for me personally.

2009 Big Ten Predictions for Standings (Big Ten record in parenthesis)
1. Michigan State 10-2 (7-1)
2. Ohio State 10-2 (6-2)
3. Iowa 10-2 (6-2)
4. Illinois 10-2 (6-2)
5. Minnesota 8-4 (5-3)
6. Penn State 8-4 (4-4)
7. Michigan 8-4 (4-4)
8. Northwestern 7-5 (3-5)
9. Wisconsin 6-6 (2-6)
10. Indiana 4-8 (1-7)
11. Purdue 2-10 (0-8)