by Max
The Big Ten Conference is halfway completed and for the most part the standing looks just as we had anticipated. Michigan and Wisconsin are the cream of the crop and both of these schools have realistic chances to run the table in the conference. Michigan has the easiest path to perfection with two home games remaining and their annual trip to Columbus. Wisconsin faces a more difficult road with three solid teams remaining and each of the three has a realistic chance of beating them. While some teams have exceeded expectations, other teams have failed to reach the high standing of their past successes. The two most disappointing teams in the conference are Penn State and Ohio State. We expected both of these schools to have down years and that has certainly come to fruition. The following will examine each team displaying their strengths and weakness and look ahead to the remaining of their schedule.
| TEAM | Big Ten Record | Overall Record |
| Michigan | 7-1 | 10-1 |
| Wisconsin | 6-2 | 9-2 |
| Minnesota | 5-3 | 8-3 |
| Michigan State | 5-3 | 8-4 |
| Northwestern | 4-4 | 7-5 |
| Purdue | 4-4 | 6-5 |
| Iowa | 4-4 | 6-5 |
| Ohio State | 4-4 | 6-5 |
| Penn State | 2-6 | 4-7 |
| Illinois | 2-6 | 4-7 |
| Indiana | 1-7 | 3-8 |
| TEAM | Big Ten Record | Overall Record |
| Michigan | 5-0 | 7-1 |
| Wisconsin | 5-0 | 8-0 |
| Iowa | 3-1 | 5-2 |
| Michigan State | 3-1 | 4-3 |
| Minnesota | 3-2 | 6-2 |
| Purdue | 2-2 | 5-2 |
| Northwestern | 2-2 | 3-4 |
| Ohio State | 1-3 | 4-3 |
| Penn State | 0-4 | 2-5 |
| Indiana | 0-4 | 2-5 |
| Illinois | 0-5 | 2-6 |
One thing we did fail to predict was the difference between the top and bottom half of the conference. Five teams have a zero in their column in the Big Ten Standing. Because of every team in the conference not playing against one another, there is a realistic chance that two teams could go 8-0, while two different teams could go 0-8. This would be an amazing accomplishment if such an event occurred.
Michigan Wolverines
Key Wins: Iowa & Minnesota
Key Losses: Notre Dame
Bowl Game: CERTAIN
Analysis: The Wolverines gave an early game away, blowing a 9-0 lead against the Irish. Since then they have recovered nicely and have lived up to everyone's expectation as the best team in the conference. Expect Michigan to receive another BCS Bid and put up a good showing in that game. They have the best WR core by far in the conference and their defense ranks right up there with the Badgers.
Best Bet: Nov. 20 at OSU (UNDER)
Wisconsin Badgers
Key Wins: Purdue & Ohio State
Key Losses: NONE
Bowl Game: CERTAIN
Analysis: The Badgers surprised a lot of folks with just how good their defense is with road victories in Columbus and West Lafayette. Their offense is efficient to say the least and seem to due whatever is necessary to win games. They key for this team is to stay healthy and if they do that this is a team capable of challenging for the National Title. Their defense can keep them in the game against any opponent.
Best Bet: Nov. 13 at Michigan State
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Key Wins: Colorado State
Key Losses: Michigan & Michigan St.
Bowl Game: CERTAIN
Analysis: Minnesota does not have a quality win this season and suffered back-to-back devastating losses. However, this is the most talented team on offense and can beat anyone, anywhere, at any given time. Both of their RB's will surpass 1,000 yards rushing and QB Bryan Cupito has stepped-up and played well. The last two games will tell the story for this team as they face border rivals Wis. & Iowa.
Best Bet: Nov 6 at Wisconsin (OVER)
Purdue Boilermakers
Key Wins: Notre Dame
Key Losses: Wisconsin & Michigan
Bowl Game: CERTAIN
Analysis: The Boilers are a couple of plays away from being undefeated, yet the plays went against them and they have two losses. Kyle Orton is an All-American candidate, but this team cannot seem to put consistent drives together against strong defensive teams. The defense has stepped up and played well. They just cannot put together a complete game during conference play.
Best Bet: Nov. 6 at Iowa (UNDER)
Northwestern Wildcats
Key Wins: Ohio State
Key Losses: Arizona St & Wisconsin
Bowl Game: DOUBTFUL
Analysis: This teams lives or dies based on the play of QB Brett Basanez. This team has a brutal schedule remaining and one win may be all that they can come by.
Best Bet: Nov. 27 at Hawaii (OVER)
Iowa Hawkeyes
Key Wins: Ohio State & Michigan State
Key Losses: Arizona State & Michigan
Bowl Game: LIKELY
Analysis: The Hawks recovered nicely from an embarrassment in Tempe. Since then, they have won three out of four games and Kirk Ferentz has established himself as an elite coach. These wins have come despite being down to their fifth string running back. Ed Hinkel is their only real playmaker on offense and they employ a successful bend but do not break defense. QB Drew Tate has played much better of late and this teams success is based on his performance.
Best Bet: Nov. 20 vs. Wisconsin
Michigan State Spartans
Key Wins: Minnesota
Key Losses: Rutgers
Bowl Game: Questionable
Analysis: The schedule gets much harder for the Spartans and it is conceivable that they could lose their remaining four games. The Spartans pulled a shocker by beating Minnesota and they need to carry that momentum over if they plan on making a bowl game. This team does not scare you on either side of the ball, but have the ability to win a game of any given day. I think they will finish the season with a 6-6 record.
Best Bet: Nov. 6 vs. Ohio State
Ohio State Buckeyes
Key Wins: NC State
Key Losses: Wisconsin & Northwestern
Bowl Game: Questionable
Analysis: The most disappointing team in the conference has to be the Bucks. After a nice non-conference win in Raleigh. Their offense is terrible and their defense is just living off its reputation. This team has one playmaker on offense and in order to win they need to get the ball to Santonio Holmes as much as possible.
Best Bet: Nov. 20 vs. Michigan (UNDER)
Penn State Nittany Lions
Key Wins: NONE
Key Losses: Iowa & Boston College
Bowl Game: NONE
Analysis: If this season does not drive Joe Pa to retirement, I do not know what will. Penn State has the worst offense in the conference and a defense capable of winning the conference. The problem is that the offense gives up more points then the defense allows. Retire Joe, PLEASE!
Best Bet: Nov. 13 at Indiana
Indiana Hoosiers
Key Wins: Oregon
Key Losses: Kentucky
Bowl Game: NONE
Analysis: The Hoosiers provide a shocking upset against Oregon, but have yet to follow that up with a win. They have stayed with the big boys during the first half, but gradually wear down and the final score is not indicative of how hard they play. Will Coach Dinardo be able to keep the spirits up on this team as they are rapidly approaching an 0-8 conference season.
Best Bet: Nov. 13 at Penn State (UNDER)
Illinois Fighting Illini
Key Wins: NONE
Key Losses: Take your pick
Bowl Game: Toilet
Analysis: Good Bye, Ron Turner. Coach Tuner has yet to follow up his great 2001 season in which the team made it to the Sugar Bowl. He does have some winnable games of the horizon but that may not be enough to save his job. QB Jon Beutjer is a solid quarterback but his does not have a strong running game to compliment his abilities. This team will be lucky to finish the conference with a victory.
Best Bet: Nov. 20 at Northwestern (OVER)
| 2004 All-Conference Predictions |
| Offense |
|
QB- Kyle Orton, Purdue RB- Marion Barber, Minnesota RB- Anthony Davis, Wisconsin WR- Braylon Edwards, Michigan WR- Santonio Holmes, Ohio State WR- Taylor Stubblefield, Purdue TE- Eric Knott, Michigan State C- Greg Eslinger, Michigan G- Dan Buenning, Wisconsin G- David Baas, Wisconsin T- Adam Stenvich, Michigan T- Rian Melander, Minnesota K- Mike Nugent, Ohio State |
| Defense |
|
DL- Anttaj Hawthorne, Wisconsin DL- Erasmus James, Wisconsin DL- Matt Roth, Iowa DL- Ray Edwards, Purdue LB- AJ Hawk, Ohio State LB- Tim McGarigle, Northwestern LB- Chad Greenway, Iowa DB- Scott Starks, Wisconsin DB- Ukee Dozier, Minnesota DB- Marlon Jackson, Michigan DB- Herana-Daze Jones, Indiana Punter- Brandon Fields, Michigan State |