Michigan Wolverines: 2006 Record 11-2 (7-1)

In Ann Arbor expectations for a National Championship are as high as ever entering the 2007 season.  Lloyd Carr’s Wolverines return a total of ten starters (6 offense, 4 defense), including 2006 First Team All Big Ten selections RB Mike Hart, OT Jake Long, OG Adam Kraus (Media only), and WR Mario Manningham (Coaches only).  Second Team returnees are QB Chad Henne, DB Jamar Adams (Coaches only), and LB Shawn Crable (Coaches only).

The Wolverines enter the 2007 season with experience among the skill positions, but unproven talent looms up front, especially on the defensive side of the ball.  However, with great senior leadership, and a feeling of “unfinished business”, will ultimately drive this team to the top of the Big Ten Conference this year.  Beating the Buckeyes and winning a National Championship will solidify the careers of this talented senior class.
2007 Prediction: 12-0 (8-0)

Wisconsin Badgers: 2006 Record 12-1 (7-1)

Bret Bielema will certainly try and match the success of last season’s Badger squad.  Luckily for Bielema, seventeen of his starters are returning (10 offense, 7 defense).  Led by All Big Ten First Team selections RB P.J. Hill (Media only), and DB Jack Ikegwuonu (Coaches only), the Badgers will once again rely on physical play to impose on opponents.  The monstrous offensive line will also remain intact with the lone loss being OT Joe Thomas to the NFL draft.

The Wisconsin Badgers will have the experience and talent to reach National title aspirations in 2007.  Bret Bielema is a young and enthusiastic coach that knows how to motivate his players.  Wisconsin will certainly challenge Michigan for the Big Ten Title this year, as they go head to head late in the schedule on November 10th.  Mark your calendars.
2007 Prediction: 11-1 (7-1)

Ohio State Buckeyes: 2006 Record 12-1 (8-0)

The great run towards a National title last season, leaves the Buckeyes of Ohio State replacing a lot of talent, most of which left for the NFL.  The 2007 Buckeyes return a total of nine starters (4 offense, 5 defense).  All Big Ten First Team selections, DB Malcolm Jenkings and LB James Laurinaitis will lead Ohio State defense heading into the fall.  RB Chris Wells will carry the load on the offensive side of the ball, while inexperienced players will need to step up to continue the rich Ohio State tradition.

Once again, Jim Tressel’s Buckeyes do not lack overall talent.  Experience, on the other hand, will play an essential part with the wear and tear of the Big Ten Conference.  The Ohio State Buckeyes will provide the Horseshoe with new faces, but will the results be the same?
2007 Prediction: 10-2 (6-2)

Purdue Boilermakers: 2006 Record 8-6 (5-3)

 Coming off last year’s disappointing campaign, Joe Tiller will have his Boilermakers ready in 2007 as eighteen starters return (9 offense, 9 defense).  Returnees, QB Curtis Painter and WR Dorien Bryant, will lead the 2007 Boilermakers’ passing attack heading into the fall.

The Purdue Boilermakers will strive for a very productive 2007 season.  They certainly have the talent and experience to provide West Lafayette with lots to cheer about.  With a favorable bottom and top half schedule, the Boilermakers should provide plenty of wins.  The middle of the season will provide the test for what this team really is made of when they play Notre Dame, Ohio State, and at Michigan three weeks in a row.
2007 Prediction: 9-3 (6-2)

Iowa Hawkeyes: 2006 Record 6-7 (2-6)

An extremely disappointing 2006 campaign will leave the Iowa Hawkeyes searching for immediate answers for the upcoming fall.  Kirk Ferentz will provide stability in the ground game with RBs Albert Young and Damian Sims.  Through the air, WR Dominique Douglas will lead that attack, but an unproven QB must step up to lead this team.  Leadership is an issue, but with fourteen returning starters (6 offense, 8 defense), the Hawkeyes should be solid particularly on the defensive side of the ball.

Look for the Hawkeyes to bounce back with authority this upcoming fall, as they do not play Michigan or Ohio State.  With an easy non-conference schedule, the Hawkeyes should reel off a good win total this season.
2007 Prediction: 8-4 (5-3)

 
Penn State Nittany Lions: 2006 Record 9-4 (5-3)

The legendary Joe Paterno enters his 42nd season and will once again provide a worthy opponent for the entire Big Ten to contend with.  Penn State returns fourteen starters (8 offense, 6 defense), from an “average” 2006 season.  Average only in the eyes of Penn State fans.  However, with QB Anthony Morelli and the entire wide receiving corp. returning, the offense should be back on track.  A pair of linebackers Dan Conner and Sean Lee will lead the defense.

Penn State has a very favorable non-conference schedule in 2007 with the only bump in the road is having a young Notre Dame squad come to Happy Valley.  The downside to the Big Ten schedule is playing top-heavy opponents Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ohio State.
2007 Prediction: 7-5 (4-4)

Illinois Fighting Illini: 2006 Record 2-10 (1-7)

Ron Zook enters his third year at Illinois with a buzz about the Fighting Illini football program, which has not been present in an extremely long time.  Zook’s recruiting expertise has instilled promise among the football program and it’s followers.  Returning from a year ago are eighteen starters (9 offense, 9 defense).  The offense will rely on quarterback play from Juice Williams.  Williams has shown great promise and will lead this offense.  Incoming freshman sensation Arrelious Benn will provide an immediate spark in this program.  Look for this athlete to be a factor throughout his career at Illinois.

The Fighting Illini has another tough schedule in 2007.  Some non-conference foes include Missouri and Syracuse.  The Big Ten schedule will offer some stiff competition for Zook’s team this year.  However, with three years under the Zook reign, look for things to start clicking in 2007.
2007 Prediction: 6-6 (3-5)

Indiana Hoosiers: 2006 Record 5-7 (3-5)

Terry Hoeppner has brought life back to the Indiana Hoosier program.  He has uplifted the spirits of players and fans since his takeover just two seasons ago.  Hoeppner has to like what is returning to the 2007 squad with the QB-WR combination of Kellen Lewis to James Hardy.  Standout CB Tracy Porter will once again roam the secondary and lead the Hoosiers defense.  Overall the Hoosiers return sixteen starters (8 offense, 8 defense).

Although last season posed some surprise victories, this year’s squad will have a favorable schedule to match or better last years win total.  Non-conference games of Indiana State and three MAC schools will provide the Indiana with a much-needed confidence heading into Big Ten play.
2007 Prediction: 5-7 (2-6)

Michigan State Spartans: 2006 Record 4-8 (1-7)

Mark Dantonio takes the over the Spartan football program in 2007, with much needed rebuilding.  Michigan State takes the field year after year with aspirations of Big Ten Title contenders, but year in and year out they take the wrong turn, into the bottom half of the conference.  This year’s squad brings back twelve starters from 2006 (6 offense, 6 defense).  An impressive running back Javon Ringer will provide the Spartans with a consistent ground attack, while free safety Otis Wiley will once again provide leadership on the defense.

The Spartans have a good core of talent, but the pieces need to be put in place, and stay in place all season long.  With Dantonio taking over, things are bound to change, wins will once again be apart of the Spartan football program.  Just give it time.  The Spartans have a moderately tough non-conference schedule with games against Pittsburgh and at Notre Dame.
2007 Prediction: 4-8 (2-6)

Northwestern Wildcats: 2006 Record 4-8 (2-6)

Pat Fitzgerald enters his second season with the Wildcats with many positive to bring into the 2007 season.  Northwestern struggled mightily at times last season, especially with the Big Ten powers, but with wins late in the season over Iowa and Illinois, the 2007 Wildcats have something to build upon.  The Wildcats return fifteen starters (7 offense, 8 defense), with experience among the skill positions returning, led by RB Tyrell Sutton and defensive standout LB Adam Kadela. 

However, the Wildcats will continue to struggle, as the Big Ten schedule is too rigorous for an immediate change in the win column.  A favorable non-conference schedule will provide the Wildcats with some wins to build chemistry leading into the Big Ten season. 
2007 Prediction: 5-7 (1-7)

Minnesota Golden Gophers: 2006 Record 6-7 (3-5)

Tim Brewster takes over the Minnesota football program in 2007 with a desire need to improve.  The Golden Gophers have been an up and down team in the past, and consistency needs to be the focus of this year’s team.  Brewster will have some experience to work with in 2007 with fifteen starters returning (6 offense, 9 defense).  RB Amir Pinnix will once again lead the ground attack, while standout defensive LB Mike Sherels will provide the leadership on defense. 

Brewster and the Golden Gophers have an extremely favorable non-conference schedule this year with games including Florida Atlantic and North Dakota State.  The conference schedule on the flip side will offer Michigan, Ohio State, and Wisconsin.
2007 Prediction: 4-8 (0-8)