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2014-2015 BIG TEN CONFERENCE FOOTBALL PREVIEW

2014-2015 BIG TEN CONFERENCE FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Aug 11, 2014

East Division

Ohio State– Ohio State has maintained a level of excellence over the last decade. The 2014-2015 Buckeyes have the makings of a team who could be in serious contention for a National Championship. The return of Heisman Trophy candidate Braxton Miller gives the Buckeyes a viable threat at the quarterback position. Miller is a “nightmare” for opposing defenses due to his ability as a runner and passer. Defensive Tackle Michael Bennett returns to wreak havoc on opposing offenses. A top flight recruiting class and superb coaching from Urban Meyer make OSU a favorite to win the Big Ten Conference title.

Michigan State– The reigning Big Ten Conference Champions return two key cogs to their offense. Conner Cook provides steady play at the quarterback spot while Jeremy Langford returns off an 18 touchdown season at the running back position. The Spartans will continue to showcase one of the best defenses in the country. Head Coach Mark Dantonio coaches a blue-collar style of play that seems to bring the best out of his players. At season’s end there could be a serious battle with Ohio State for a spot in the Big Ten Conference Championship game.

Penn State– Penn State returns leading passer Christian Hackenberg, who threw for 20 touchdown passes. Nittany Lions Head Coach James Franklin has a lot of work ahead of him. The lost of Allen Robinson to the NFL, will have a profound effect on the passing offense. Senior Zach Zwinak will need to be the focal point of the rushing attack. Last year’s numbers of 989 yards and 12 touchdowns will need to be further enhanced. Linebacker Mike Hull leads an optimistic defense capable of making plays.

Michigan– Devin Gardner is a dual threat quarterback who has the ability to make plays with his legs or in the pocket. The rise of wide-receiver Devin Funchess will provide Gardner with a viable threat on every part of the field. The Wolverines have to improve a rushing attack that saw the starting quarterback have the second most rush yards last season. Michigan may use the “running back by committee” format to obtain a resemblance of a functioning offense.

Maryland– Newcomer to the Big Ten Conference in 2014-2015. The Terrapins expect a breakout season from wide-receiver Stefon Diggs. The young receiver showed flashes of brilliance last season in the ACC. Diggs will be the focal point of most passes being thrown by quarterback C.J. Brown. Maryland has a physical defense capable of making plays in the trenches or the secondary. The Terrapins may be a “middle of the pack” team in Big Ten Conference play.

Indiana– Wide receiver Shane Wynn will become the primary focus of the Hoosiers high powered attack. The Indiana aerial show was lead by quarterback Nate Sudfeld who finished the year with 2,523 passing yards. If the Hoosiers can improve on last year’s defense, they will have a shot at making a bowl game.

Rutgers– Another newcomer to Big Ten competition, the Scarlet Knights may have their work cut out for them. They have arrived at one of the toughest conferences in America. Rutgers has to improve on the defensive side of the ball, along with making more plays on offense. The expected bright spot of the Knights offense will be tight end Tyler Kroft, who finished last season with 573 yards and 4 touchdowns.

 

West Division

Wisconsin– Badgers will continue their steady climb to the top of the Big Ten ladder. They have a stout defensive line, a very productive offensive line, and as always a top flight running back in Melvin Gordon. Gordon comes off a season where he rushed for 1,609 yards and 12 touchdowns. Wisconsin is expected to win the Big Ten Conference West Division.

Iowa– Hawkeyes return a great defensive unit led by defensive tackle Carl Davis. Iowa has an opportunistic defense that forced a ton of turnovers throughout the season. The Hawkeye offense will have to produce at a high level in order to give the team a balance attack on both sides of the football.

Nebraska-The running attack has been the staple of Cornhusker football for decades. Enter the elusive power-back Ameer Abdullah. The All-Big Ten performer rushed for 1,690 yards and 9 touchdowns last season. The hard-nosed black-shirt defense of the Huskers along with solid quarterback play, keeps Nebraska in contention for a Big Ten title.

Northwestern– The Wildcats return a balanced team. On defense, top performer Chi-chi Ariguzo will be expected to be a big difference maker. The offense will be lead by Trevor Siemian at quarterback and Treyvon Green as the featured running back. Siemian has to improve his passer efficiency, which in turn will allow the running attack to become more viable than it is.

Minnesota– A tough defense and efficient running attack has the Gophers expecting “big things” in Minneapolis this season. The defense is one of the best in the country, often forcing turnovers and confusing offenses. David Cobb is a dual threat at the running back position, having the ability to run for tough yards while catching passes out of the backfield.

Illinois– The Fighting Illini showcased an excellent passing attack lead by quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase and his 3,272 yards and 21 touchdowns last season. The Illinois quarterback will have to duplicate this production with a new batch of wide receivers after losing last year’s top pass catcher Steve Hull. Illinois will have to make serious strides on one of the worst defensive units in the conference, often giving up over 35 points a game.

Purdue– The Boilermakers are coming off their worst season in over a decade. First year Head Coach Darrell Hazell and the players struggled with scoring on offense and stopping opposing teams on defense.  There is a chance the team can become competitive this season but it is highly unlikely due to the level of talent they have on both sides of the football. Improving on a 1-11 season with no conference wins has to be the focal point of this year’s Boilermaker campaign.    

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