First Look '09: Michigan State Spartans

Michigan State reached a New Years Day bowl last season for the first time since Nick Saban was head coach. Under uber-disciplinarian Mark Dantonio, the Spartans are entering what most in East Lansing hope is a renaissance period, where bowl games are common, and late season collapses are a thing of the past.

Of course, what would a Michigan State preview be, if I didn't shamelessly plug my perfect third place projection for the Spartans in 2008. I was the only non-MSU blog to peg the Spartans as the third-best team behind Penn State and Ohio State.

While I'm not so high on Michigan State this season, it should be another successful bowl season.

Smile? Harumph! - After coaching Cincinnati to two bowl games in three seasons as head coach, Mark Dantonio left to reign in an erratic Michigan State program that had gained a great reputation for gross underachievement. Known as a hardline disciplinarian, the defensive-minded Dantonio had the immediate impact the Spartan nation was looking for. Playing hard-nosed football, Michigan State was coached to two bowls the last two seasons. Most importantly, Dantonio showed his teams could live up to, if not exceed expectations. And if you ever see Dantonio crack a smile, it was probably an accident.

Dantonio brought in his coordinators from Cincinnati. OC Don Treadwell was the receivers coach at Michigan State from 2000-02 (Charles Rogers, anyone?), and OC with Dantonio at Cincy. Pat Narduzzi was DC with Dantonio at Cincinnati from 04-06.

Defense wins... hopefully - The Spartans will return eight starters from last year's not-terrible defense. Fortunately, the play makers all return, except for all-Big Ten safety Otis Wiley. Linebackers Eric Gordon, Greg jones and Chris Norman make up the second-best LB unit in the conference, and one of the best in the nation. In 2008, Jones became MSU's first first-team All-Big Ten LB since 2001. If the Spartans defense can at least match last year's 22 ppg, and grab a few more sacks (26 in '08), it should be enough to carry the team to a few low-scoring slug fests. I don't see why that can't happen.

Unfortunately, 97 percent of MSU's 2008 rushing yards, and 87 percent of its passing yards graduated. And yes, that wasn't a typo. Ninety-seven percent of the rushing yards are gone. The Spartans do return an experienced QB in Keith Nichol (Okla trans, 3 gms in '06), but could end up starting a true frosh at running back. This team could look a lot like Penn State's 2004 squad.

A schedule to run with - Michigan State could be 11-0 heading into its season finale against Penn State. Sounds crazy, right? But it's completely possible. The Spartans miss Ohio State this year, and outside of a trip to South Bend where MSU has won seven straight, there aren't a whole lot of road blocks.

The slate opens hosting Montana State (FCS) and Central Michigan, followed by trips to South Bend and Wisconsin, in a series where the visiting team has lost four straight. October will be the make or break month for MSU, as three of five are in East Lansing, including Michigan Northwestern and Iowa. Trips to Illinois (Oct. 10) and Minnesota (Oct. 31) are both manageable. If Michigan State can come out of October with a 4-1 record, a Big Ten title will be there for the taking.

November has Western Michigan coming to Spartan Stadium before a trip to Purdue. Then comes the big finish against Penn State. Chances are the Lions will be in the top 15, or even top 10 depending on how the Nov. 7 Ohio State game goes. If Michigan State plays beyond expectations in 2009, this could be the biggest PSU-MSU game ever.

From enemy territory: We had The Enlightened Spartan scheduled for this week, but something came up. We're still trying to get that set up and ready to go. So, stay tuned!

For more on Michigan State:

MSU 2009 Schedule
Complete Spring Game Coverage
First Look '08: Michigan State

More from First Look '09:
Indiana Hoosiers
Ohio State Buckeyes
Northwestern Wildcats
Michigan Wolverines
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Eastern Illinois Panthers
Illinois Fighting Illini
Iowa Hawkeyes
Temple Owls
Syracuse Orange
Akron Zips

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The media's college football preview coverage, summed up in ten questions

College football is shifting into overdrive, preparing for the long haul until January. Every day, you can't spend five minutes on the internet or TV and not find something new previewing the 2009 college football season.

Sports Center now has a daily segment dedicated to kickoff week, while the sports pages are buzzing.

So, let's say this preseason stuff was wrapped up into ten questions. What would they be? Let's find out.

10. Isn't Tim Tebow great?

9. Who's better, Terrelle Pryor or Superman? (Trick question, Pryor is Superman)

8. Will Oklahoma ever win another BCS bowl?

7. Is the Big East still playing football?

6. Who is this year's Utah/Boise State?

5. How bad does the Big Ten stink?

4. How many SEC teams won't go undefeated?

3. Isn't Florida great?

2. Should we just give the BCS National Title to Florida now? I mean, they're going to get it anyway. Why bother even playing the season?

1. Isn't Tim Tebow great?

Did I forget any? I'm sure I did, but you get the idea.

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Poll Results: First Look '09 Ohio State

Is Ohio State in for a down season? Maybe, according to the voters in last week's First Look '09: Ohio State poll. Nearly half say the Buckeyes could hover around nine or 10 wins. While any 10-win campaign is viewed as a success, it's not in Columbus. And if the Buckeyes win only nine, well, that would be a disaster in O-H-I-O.

But all is not lost. The same number of votes for a nine or 10-win season were also cast for 11 or more wins, including an undefeated 13 victories.

Full results below the fold.

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First Look '09: Indiana Hoosiers

Indiana has tried, and come painfully close to, but just can't seem to beat Penn State. Penn State is 12-0 against the Hoosiers, even with some close calls like 2000, 2004 and 2007, all decided by four points or less. Unfortunately for Indiana, 2009 doesn't look like the year its luck changes in this series.

The Hoosiers probably won't make a bowl game this year. Yet, there is no doubt that this year's squad could pull a few surprises along the way. With talent up front to go along with the lingering optimism from the 2007 bowl season, Indiana might be the best worst BCS conference team in 2009.

Lynch Pin - Head Coach Bill Lynch took on a tough situation when Terry Hoeppner lost his battle with brain cancer in 2007. It was Hoeppner's dream for Indiana to reach a bowl game, "Play 13." Indiana did just that under Lynch's guidance that year. Lynch was the head man at Ball State, taking the Cardinals a MAC title and bowl game in 1996, before joining Hoeppner in 2005.

Most of the rest of Indiana's staff is from Hoeppner's group. OC Matt Canada was the QB coach, developing Kellen Lewis into one of the league's best playmakers before his departure this summer. The co-DCs are Brian George and Joe Palcic. The Hoosiers' defense has shown improvement and a talent upgrade under their watch, but injuries masked any progress in 2008.

Tough Trenches - Indiana enters 2008 as the only Big Ten team with two First Team All-Big Ten defensive ends in the starting lineup. Greg Middleton and Jammie Kirlew return this season, having traded the conference honors in 2007 (Middleton) and 2008 (Kirlew). With the return of linebackers Will Patterson and Matt Mayberry, Indiana boasts one of the best front-sevens in the Big Ten. 2007 All-Big Ten safety Austin Thomas also leads a secondary that welcomes back three starters from 2008. This could be Indiana's best defense in years, if not decades.

On offense, it will be up to QB Ben Chappell to use last year's starting experience (replaced an injured Lewis) to keep the offense functional. The Hoosiers return five of their top seven receivers, and 4/5 of the offensive line.

No Backing Down - Usually, teams that aren't very good, or are in a construction stage, tend to schedule easy opponents to rack up confidence-building wins. Not Indiana. When faced with an open date to fill on Oct. 10, the Hoosiers locked up BCS opponent Virginia for a game in Charlottesville.

Indiana should have a nice warm up opener hosting Eastern Kentucky (FCS), because it doesn't get easier. Western Michigan comes to Bloomington, followed by the Hoosiers traveling to Akron. September ends with a nice trip to Michigan. Then comes the October gauntlet: Ohio State, at Virginia, Illinois (Homecoming), at Northwestern and at Iowa. The Hoosiers are usually good for one mammoth upset each October, but this time the situation looks pretty dire.

If Indiana can't pull one off in October, it could be until the finale against Purdue that the Hoosiers can win again. After the brutal October stretch, Indiana hosts Wisconsin, then travels to Penn State before wrapping it up battling for the Old Oaken Bucket. Indiana might be a better team in 2009, but the record may not show it.

From enemy territory: This week, John from the Crimson Quarry was kind enough to talk a bit about Indiana.

What's one positive about this year's Hoosiers?

CC: Experience on the defensive side. Defensive ends Greg Middleton and Jammie Kirlew, linebackers Will Patterson and Matt Mayberry, and safeties Nick Polk and Austin Thomas have multi-year starting experience. Last's year's defense was horrid, at least in part because of injuries, but it's now or never for these guys.

What's one negative about this year's Hoosiers?

CC: Loads of question marks on the offensive side of the ball at the skill positions. QB Ben Chappell has been good at times, including in IU's upset of Northwestern last year, but overall he was a 52 percent passer. RBs Bryan Payton and Demetrius McCray have been good backups, but neither has ever been "the man." Redshirt freshman RB Darius Willis was Indiana's 2007 Mr. Football and played very well in the spring game, but has never seen college game action. Receivers Damarlo Belcher, Tandon Doss, and Terrence Turner have shown glimmers, but IU's top two receivers from 2008 are gone. To be any good, IU's offense has to get substantial contributions from guys who have never been in that position.

Tell us something most casual fans might not know about this year's Hoosiers.

CC: While the casual Hoosier fan knows it, Penn State fans might not be aware that IU recently completed a substantial end zone addition to the football stadium. Because of the demolotion of the rickety old end zone bleachers, the addition will increase the capacity only by only a few hundred seats, but the program facilities for players and coaches, including the NCAA's largest weight room, and the general appearance of the stadium will make IU an easier sell to recruits--not an easy sell, certainly, but easier.

For more on Indiana:

Indiana 2009 Schedule
Complete Spring Game Coverage
Memorial Stadium Renovations
First Look '08: Indiana

More from First Look '09:
Ohio State Buckeyes
Northwestern Wildcats
Michigan Wolverines
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Eastern Illinois Panthers
Illinois Fighting Illini
Iowa Hawkeyes
Temple Owls
Syracuse Orange
Akron Zips

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First Look '09: Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State is the early favorite to win the Big Ten. Again. The losses are severe on both sides of the ball, and the schedule is tougher than nails. But it's Ohio State, and there is always more elite talent waiting on the bench.

No team has dominated the conference more so than Ohio State this decade. The Buckeyes are led by an elite coach. And their closest challengers -- the Nittany Lions -- have their own issues going into 2009.

So, what do we really know about the 2009 Buckeyes? Let's find out, in today's First Look.

The Senator - Jim "The Sweatervest" Tressel has rolled up an 83-19 record in Columbus, including five Big Ten championships (co-champs in '02, '05 and '08), three BCS bowl wins, and the 2002 National Championship. His style of using defense and special teams to win games has gone a bit by the wayside, particularly since 2004, when QB Troy Smith took over the offense, leading the Buckeyes to a new era of wide-open offensive football.

As you would expect with any elite coach, Tressel's coordinators have had a lot to do with his success. OC Jim Bollman and DC Jim Heacock have been with Tressel from the beginning. Heacock, the 2007 Broyles Award winner, was actually a holdover from John Cooper. Since 2005, Heacock has worked with co-DC Luke Fickell, but Heacock still calls all the plays.

Hype, thy name is Pryor - Ohio State must reload yet again. After 2003, 2005 and 2006 the Buckeyes had to rebuild on both sides of the ball, but ended up just fine. This offseason's project could be the toughest yet, as the Buckeyes lose nearly every elite talent from last year's championship team. LBs James Laurinaitis, Marcus Freeman, CB Malcolm Jenkins, RB Chris Wells, and WRs Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline all depart.

You wouldn't know Ohio State lost all those guys, not by the chatter coming from Buckeye fans. QB/Superman Terrelle Pryor returns this season, making everything alright in the land of nuts. After all, he can throw the ball 350 yards on a rope, run the 40 in 2.3 seconds, and has proactively won three Heisman Trophies.

USC or bust - Ohio State has the talent to win the BCS National Championship. They did much more with much less during their actual title run in 2002, so anything is possible this season. But unless the Buckeyes win at home against USC, there will be nothing more than another trip to the Arizona desert.

Ohio State has a tune up game hosting Navy before the Trojans visit, followed by a recoup game against Toledo in Cleveland. The Big Ten season opens with Illinois coming to Columbus in a showdown that could set the stage for the rest of the conference race. The middle of the slate includes a trip to Indiana, hosting Wisconsin, away at Purdue, then hosting Minnesota for homecoming. The Buckeyes take on the last-third of the schedule by hosting New Mexico State, which should amount to a rest for the starters before the brutal trifecta of a trip to Happy Valley, home against Iowa, and then up to Ann Arbor.

From enemy territory: This week, Jeff from the Buckeye Battle Cry was kind enough to talk a bit about Ohio State.

What's one positive about this year's Buckeyes?

BBC: Three-quarters into the 2008 season, if you had told me that Beanie Wells would leave early for the NFL, I'd have been genuinely scared for our outlook at RB. In the past, we have always had one great RB and one more waiting in the wings. The years we don't have that scenario are often ugly. As a matter of fact, the only year we lost to Michigan in this millennium, our leading RBs were Lydell Ross and Craig Krenzel. Yeah, I know.

But late through last season, we didn't appear to have anybody waiting in the wings. Brandon Saine wasn't living up to potential and Boom Herron had one TD in six games and was injured for another three.

The more dedicated Buckeye fan will tell you that having a monster game against Michigan will be the pathway to great things at Ohio State the following year. Boom Herron must have known that as well. He ran for 80 yards and two touchdowns (in only 8 carries) as a backup to Beanie.

So, yes....a relatively new superstition is what has me excited about Herron.

What's one negative about this year's Buckeyes?

BBC: The linebacking crew is new. James Laurinaitis is gone. So is Marcus Freeman. Now we lose Tyler Moeller to a bad head injury, thanks to the stupidity of some drunken Florida fan, and things look slim in the middle of the defense.

Austin Spitler, Ross Homan, Brian Rolle, and Jermale Hines. Do any of you Penn State fans know who these guys are?

That's what has me worried.

Our LBs have always been a major strength for us, and all of the aforementioned names have had playing time in games. One or two will step up strong for us this year, but as of this moment, we don't know which ones will be the leaders.

Name something most casual fans might not know about this year's Buckeyes.

BBC: There is not a single player on this year's team....even the fifth-year and sixth-year seniors....who have ever lost a single game to any team from the entire state of Michigan. Yes, that includes both the Wolverines and the Spartans.

Also, nobody on this team has lost to any team that did not make a BCS bowl later that season.
2005, Texas and PSU made BCS bowls.
2006, Florida in the BCS NC game
2007, Illinois made a BCS bowl, LSU in the BCS NC game
2008, USC and PSU made BCS bowls, and Texas in the Fiesta

For more on Ohio State:

Ohio State 2009 Schedule
Complete Spring Game Coverage
First Look '08: Ohio State

More from First Look '09:
Northwestern Wildcats
Michigan Wolverines
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Eastern Illinois Panthers
Illinois Fighting Illini
Iowa Hawkeyes
Temple Owls
Syracuse Orange
Akron Zips

More below the fold...

Poll Results: First Look '09 Northwestern

Pat Fitzgerald has Northwestern on the right track after going from four, to six, to nine wins last year. Now his coaching abilities will be really tested with several key losses from the 2008 Alamo Bowl team. According to this week's reader poll, nearly 60 percent of voters say Northwestern will win eight or nine games, while another 30 percent say at least six wins are in store for the Wilcats. If that holds true, Fitz's team will be in a bowl game for another season.

Results below the fold.

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First Look '09: Northwestern Wildcats

Northwestern is the last team not named Michigan or Ohio State to beat Penn State in Beaver Stadium. Lions fans will remember Nov. 7, 2004 as the day Penn State fell to a very lonely last place in the Big Ten, thanks to Northwestern. This series has had plenty of great moments, like 1995 for Cats fans, and 2001 and 2005 for Penn Staters. It could get even better in 2009, as Penn State travels to Evanston for what is being pegged as a major trap game for the Lions.

So, what do we really know about the 2009 Wildcats? Let's find out, in today's First Look.

In Fitz they trust - Northwestern really hit a home run with Pat Fitzgerald. Since Randy Walker's sudden death in 2006, "Fitz" has taken his teams from 4-8 to 6-6 to a fantastic 9-4 last year, including an overtime loss to Missouri in the Alamo Bowl, in which Northwestern actually outplayed the Tigers. Fitzgerald has been able to instill in his teams a kind of grit an toughness that could only come from the former two-time Bednarik Award winner.

Fitzgerald's coaching team is just as good, too. Defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz made an immediate impact in 2008, as Northwestern's defense allowed 20.2 ppg, it's best mark since Gary Barnett was head coach. On offense, Mick McCall should be able to have his unit improve on last year's 24.4 ppg. McCall was OC at Bowling Green in 2006 and 2007, when the Falcons went from 19 ppg to 30 ppg in one offseason.

One-sided affair - Northwestern's defense, considering it's Northwestern, was fantastic last year. Even better for the Wildcats? Eight starters return, including AA candidate DE Corey Wootton. After allowing a very good 214 pass ypg last year, all four starting defensive backs return, plus CB Justan Vaughn, who actually beat out eventual FR AA Jordan Mabin. But Vaughn was injured and missed the final 11 games last year. It's a good thing the Wildcats' defense should be so good, because...

The offense could have some issues, returning 5.5 starters (QB Mike Kafka only started six), with four being on the offensive line. Those four linemen should be able to give Kafka time to work his dual-threat magic. But with 73 percent of last year's receiving yardage gone, and less than 500 total rushing yards returning (Kafka and RB Stephen Simmons), the offense might not have the firepower to win in a shootout.

Start fast - If Penn State fans thought the Lions' non-conference schedule was a cupcake, they should take a look at Northwestern's. With Towson (FCS), Eastern Michigan, away at Syracuse, and Miami(OH) on the slate, the Wildcats have a great chance to win all their non-conference games for just the second time since 1963 (4-0 in 2008). The first three teams I just listed are also the first three on the schedule, followed by Minnesota, at Purdue, then the date with Miami(OH). The Wildcats have a great chance, depending on how improved Minnesota is this year, to open 5-1 or even 6-0.

That kind of success out of the gate would allow Northwestern to get into a nice rhythm before traveling to Michigan State, hosting Indiana and Penn State, then heading to Iowa and Illinois, before wrapping it all up against Wisconsin in Evanston. Missing Michigan and Ohio State is always a plus, but returning Penn State and Wisconsin is an equal trade. Northwestern could finish with 7-8 wins, but in the lower tier of the Big Ten standings.

From enemy territory: This week, Lake the Posts was kind enough to talk a bit about Northwestern.

What's one positive about this year's Wildcats?

LTP: One? There are about 20!!! I would say the biggest positive is the strength of the defense, which barring injury, has a chance to be the premiere "D" in the entire conference. With a loaded secondary, an All-American DE in Corey Wootton and a rising star as his bookend (Vince Browne), our "D" should give us a chance in almost every game.

What's one negative about this year's Wildcats?

LTP: The game learning curve of our skill players. RB is still a "by committee" approach which is translation for "question mark". I'm less concerned about the WR corps which gets all of the media attention for having to replace three accomplished seniors (Peterman, Lane, Ward). We've got a lot of game experience there and talent. Thankfully, we've got a forgiving non-conference schedule to get our game legs at the skill slots on "O".

Name something most casual fans might not know about this year's Wildcats.

LTP: QB Mike Kafka has a good arm. All the hype surrounds his ability to run, but I think those "in the know" believe he will actually put up better numbers than CJ Bacher did last year, in part b/c of his ability to force defenses to respect the run, but in part due to his arm strength and accuracy. He had nearly a 70% completion percentage last year, which is significant as he played almost the equivalent of 25% of the games.

For more on Northwestern:

Northwestern 2009 Schedule
Complete Spring Game Coverage

More from First Look '09:
Michigan Wolverines
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Eastern Illinois Panthers
Illinois Fighting Illini
Iowa Hawkeyes
Temple Owls
Syracuse Orange
Akron Zips

More below the fold...

Poll Results: First Look '09 Michigan

Rich Rodriguez might have Michigan headed in the right direction this year, but don't expect any miracles in Ann Arbor, voters in our reader poll said. Nearly 60 percent said Michigan will hover around .500 in 2009, which would mean a low level bowl game. The other 40 percent of voters were torn evenly between the Wolverines winning 4-5 games or 8-9 games. One lone (most likely UM homer) voter pegged Michigan for 10 wins or more.

Results below the fold.

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The Lions' secondary in a familiar place

Tom Bradley has been here before. The man is not only in charge of the team's defense, but the cornerbacks and secondary. As preseason camp inches closer (begins Aug. 10), Bradley knows all too well the challenge of having to completely rebuild a secondary that loses all four senior starters from the previous season's Big Ten Championship team.

In 2004, Penn State's pass defense was ranked No. 6 nationally at 162.3 ypg, while the Lions were No. 4 in pass efficiency defense with a 99.8 rating. Penn State allowed only five touchdown passes all season, with just two coming in the eight Big Ten contests. That unit only lost one starter, Andy Guman, but he was replaced by a former starter, Chris Harrell.

The next season, 2005, the unit slipped a bit statistically, allowing 211.7 ypg and 11 touchdown passes. But those numbers were mostly due to opponents' frantic garbage time passing as Penn State rolled to easy blowout wins. The secondary also grabbed 16 interceptions, and held opponents to just 5.8 yards per attempt.

With all the starters off to the NFL (all four were either drafted or FA), combined with the loss of 3/4 of an elite defensive line (93 ypg), the defense looked shaky at best going into 2006.

But Bradley pulled off a remarkable feat. The defense was not only as good as the 2005 edition, it actually improved. Penn State allowed a paltry 284.5 total ypg (87 rush ypg and 197 pass ypg) which was even better than the 2004 defense. The 14.4 ppg allowed in 2006 was Penn State's best mark this decade, until last year's defense matched it.

So, we know Bradley can do this. He's done it before. But there is a twist this time around -- Penn State now has the benefit of four years' worth of top-notch recruiting behind it, when in 2006, the talent level depth still left much to be desired.

The defensive line, despite the recent losses, still has plenty of VHTs (a little Phil Steele action for ya) in the two-deep and the best DT duo in the Big Ten, and the linebackers return the best group in five years.

The secondary will remain the main concern for Bradley and Joe Paterno, but all the doom and gloom could be premature, just as being overly optimistic would be.

AJ Wallace and Knowledge Timmons have been around the program a long time. Wallace was rated as the No. 1 corner out of high school, and has started six in his career. True soph D'Anton Lynn is another VHT, who played in almost every game last season.

Penn State brought in five defensive backs in this year's recruiting class, which should give the overall talent here a shot in the arm.

Although Bradley doesn't directly coach the safeties (Asst. Kermit Buggs), this group must be in lock-step with the corners this year.

Drew Astorino filled in as the third safety (PSU uses 3 safties instead of a nickelback) last year, and also started three games. Behind him is soph Nick Sukay, a VHT who has been caught by the injury bug. Sukay is now healthy and ready to push for Astorino's spot.

Penn State's HERO (SS) position is an open race, but VHT soph Andrew Dailey (former LB) is now leading. Behind Dailey is junior Cedric Jeffries, who has seen action in 26 games. The wildcard in all of this is VHT true frosh Gerald Hodges, who saw significant time in the spring game, and who the coaches are very high on.

At last week's Big Ten Media Days, Paterno told reporters, "We're going to have to take some young people and put them in key spots. There will probably be a couple of kids I haven't seen play yet. But that will go on for a while."

Looking at Penn State's defensive backfield, it's hard to imagine Paterno's comments were directed elsewhere.

You will also be able to find this article on PhilSteele.com soon!

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First Look '09: Michigan Wolverines

Michigan. There might not be a single team in the history of American athletics that symbolizes a sport more than the Wolverines. (Ok, maybe the Yankees and Notre Dame) However, in 2008, the pillar of college football came crashing down, as Michigan went a paltry 3-9, suffering some of its worst ever defeats along the way. Now, it's up to the returning players, sophomore head coach, and a loyal fanbase to start to rebuild.

This series has given Penn State fans something of a headache for more than a decade, even with last year's blowout win for the Lions. But what do we really know about the 2009 Wolverines? Let's find out, in today's First Look.

The Rod - Like him personally or not, Rich Rodriguez can coach. From his days as a Tulane coordinator, to building West Virginia into a national power, RichRod has proven his ability to produce winning teams. Most will look at the 3-9 record from last season as just part of a process. After all, Rodriguez went 3-8 in his first year at West Virginia, going 9-4 the following season in Morgantown. The Wolverines could very well get to a bowl game next season.

While most observers (and some UM fans) chuckled at the announcement that fired Syracuse HC Greg Robinson would become Michigan's DC, the unit could see an immediate boost under his leadership. Robinson has two Super Bowl rings, and a Rose Bowl ring. The OC is Calvin Magee, who produced the last three offenses for Rodriguez at West Virginia. This is one of the best combination of coordinators in the nation.

Nowhere to go - ... but up, right? Well, sort of. Michigan has 10 returning starters on offense this season, but only five on a defense that wasn't very good in 2008. The only new starter on offense will be projected starting QB Tate Forcier, as all other skill players, and the entire offensive line returns intact. Turnovers (-10) were a major factor in Michigan's offensive woes in '08, so with more experience returning, look for a much better year on this side of the ball.

On defense, it could be a different story. The 2008 defense wasn't the worst in the league, but it had a lot of trouble against teams with a pulse. Star DE Brandon Graham returns (10 sks), but the defensive line as a whole was demolished this offseason. Add that to a severely depleted secondary, and opposing offenses could put up big numbers through the air against this defense. Robinson has installed a 3-4 base defense for 2009, to compensate for the losses up front. However, it could be problematic overall to make the switch.

Home sweet home - In 2008, Michigan had to host eventual No. 2 (only undefeated team in nation) Utah in the opener, travel to Notre Dame, Penn State and Ohio State. This season, all of those away games will be in the Big House. Even though Illinois, Michigan State, Wisconsin and Iowa all get the Wolverines at home, they aren't the toughest teams on the docket.

Opening with Western Michigan, Notre Dame, Eastern Michigan and Indiana all at home, Michigan has a great shot to go 4-0 to open, before heading to East Lansing and Iowa City. Plus, hosting Delaware State before Penn State's visit, Michigan's record could be as good as 5-2 or 6-1 before the Lions. The last four games are at Illinois, home against Purdue, at Wisconsin and home for the big one against Ohio State.

Don't be surprised if Michigan ends up easily bowl bound this season with more than seven or eight wins.

From enemy territory: This week, Brad from Maize n Blue Nation was kind enough to talk a bit about the '09 Wolverines.

What's one positive about this year's Wolverines?

MBN: Well, I guess just having a chance to wash the taste of 3-9 out our mouths is as big of a positive as we can ask for going into 2009. But that's really not such a positive as it is just something that MUST happen. For this squad, the biggest positive is that these players (most importantly the offense) has had another year to learn and adapt to this system under Rodriguez. The spread-option was long considered a huge mystery around Ann Arbor, so for a coach to waltz into town and try and implement this system is a drastic undertaking.

But, as most know, Rodriguez's second season's are historically far more impressive than his firsts. And much of that has to do with just getting players used to moving and reacting to this style. That's not something you can just teach, it has to be ingrained into the mindset of each player on the team. It's getting players to stop thinking, and just react. And that takes time. Expecting every guy to pick it up in 1 year is just not realistic. It's having another year of training these players under this system where it really starts to pay off.

What's one negative about this year's Wolverines?

MBN: Easy. For the 2nd straight season, we have two totally untested QB's as our front runner's the for the starting job. Last year it was sophomore walk-on Nick Sheridan and freshman transfer Steven Threet. We all know how well that worked. This year, it's true freshmen Tate Forcier (For-See-AY)...who enrolled early in January, and incoming freshman Denard Robinson.

The big bonus for 09 is that both guys have been hand-picked by Rodriguez and QB coach Rod Smith to come in and run this system. Last year Rodriguez inherited Sheridan/Threet, neither of which were adequately equipped to handle this style of offense. Odds are Tate Forcier is going to get the start on Sept. 5th. Enrolling early and getting all of the spring reps was a huge advantage for him. But Rodriguez has said that it's still any one's race...so I expect both to see game time early in the season.

Both kids were very highly rated coming out of high school, so expectations are enormous...but they're still totally untested. So that position remains the biggest liability for this team.

Name something most casual fans might not know about this year's Wolverines.

MBN: Well, I guess the biggest thing most casual fans don't know is what to expect. I mean 2008 really screwed up the casual fan base for this football team. 3-9 just ain't the kinda thing that happens 'round here. So I think most fans are just concerned that 2009 could turn out the same way.

Those fans who follow more closely see the improvements being made and see the caliber of talent that is coming in to run this newfangled spread...so we're less weary. Although I still have to manage my expectations. My hope is for a bowl game at the end of the year. Somewhere in the 6-8 wins range probably a good mindset to have. We do have a new QB...but we also have 10 starters back on offense. And aside from the gutted interior defensive line, that side of the ball should show some improvement as well. We're not going to contend for the Big Ten title, but we may pull a couple surprise wins out of nowhere.

And one more thing that the casual fan surely does not know, but will...is that Zoltan Mesko is a Space Emperor (of space).

For more on Michigan:

Michigan's stadium renovations
Michigan 2009 Schedule
Complete Spring Game Coverage
First Look '08: Michigan

More from First Look '09:

Minnesota Golden Gophers
Eastern Illinois Panthers
Illinois Fighting Illini
Iowa Hawkeyes
Temple Owls
Syracuse Orange
Akron Zips

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Poll Results: First Look '09 Minnesota

It could be a close call this year for Minnesota, according to the voters in last week's First Look poll. Almost half the votes (48 percent) were for a bowl-eligible Gophers squad this season. But the other large chunk (36 percent) of votes were for only five or six wins. With such a tough schedule this season, every win will matter for the Gophers' bowl hopes.

Full results below the fold.

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The week in review, July 30

The past 10 or so days have been very interesting for me, to say the least. But things are settling down, and I can get back into the swing of things here at ZN. To kick off what should be a blitz of posts the next 48 hours, I'll wrap up the news that you've already heard, but I wasn't able to cover here.

The Big Ten Media Days...

• Hail to the Orange gives us classic Joe Paterno at the Big Ten Media Days, complete with tablecloth doodles. It's a must-see over at HTTO.

• Black Shoe Diaries informs us that "James Laurinaitis was retroactively awarded 32 solo tackles by the statisticians in Columbus, bringing his total to 4,835 for the 2008 season," following the selection of Terrelle Pryor as the Media's Offensive POY.

• Lake the Posts gives a big ol' tip of the hat to Joe Paterno, for his performance at the Big Ten Media Days.

• ESPN's Adam Rittenberg wraps everything up.

In other news...

• The Nittany Line discusses the week in Penn State arrests. On the stand: Ako Poti and Glenn Carson.

• Penn State was named No. 1 Party School this week.

• Nittany White Out (as the name would suggest) was all over the full-stadium WhiteOut for Iowa this season.

• Happy Hour Valley throws down a little "goo punch" for TE Kevin Haplea, who committed to Penn State this week.

I've got plenty more stuff to post between today and tomorrow, so stay tuned. First Look: Michigan Wolverines, poll results, recruiting updates (Dakota Royer came aboard today!), and some other stuff is all on the way!

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First Look '09: Minnesota Golden Gophers

Penn State has an interesting history with Minnesota. In 1993, the Gophers were the Lions' very first Big Ten win. Penn State went on to win four straight. But the tables would turn in dramatic fashion in 1999, when Minnesota toppled No. 2 Penn State at home. The Gophers went on a four-game streak of their own.

The battle for the Governor's Bell was tied going into the 2005 matchup in Happy Valley. Penn State pummelled the Gophers on their way to the Orange Bowl, followed by a 2006 overtime win in the Metrodome. Minnesota fans will cry foul about a controversial interference call that kept the Lions alive to win; Lions fans will turn around and say any bad call against the Gophers is retribution for the 1999 upset.

This is a very fun series, and it renews this season after a two-year break. But what do we really know about the 2009 Gophers? Let's find out, in today's First Look.

Brew' Master - Tim Brewster came in as a "no name" to many fans, but was far from it. He was widely respected as a master recruiter and developer of talent. Brewster got Vince Young to come to Texas, and made an unsigned free agent named Antonio Gates into a Pro-Bowl tight end. The Minnesota athletic department did their homework, and looks to have gained a really good head coach.

Brewster is popularly known for his high-excitement way of doing things, particularly spewing regularly entertaining Tweets on Twitter. But on the field, he was able to guide the Gophers to one of the most oustanding turnarounds we've seen, going from 1-11 in '07 to 7-6 in '08, with a bowl bid!

Better, on paper - Minnesota will return a Big Ten-leading 17 starters from the '08 bowl team. Yet, that might not be enough to manage a return to the post season (more on that in a sec). All but two offensive starters return this season, and projected starter LT Matt Stommes got the nod once last year at RT. QB Adam Weber should continue to be an oustanding leader, throwing for more than 2,700 yards in each of the last two seasons. Of course, when All-Big Ten WR Eric Decker is on the receiving end of those passes, life is a little easier.

Along the line of scrimmage, the Gophers have to replace the steady DE Willie VanDeSteeg. But with eight overall defensive starters returning, this unit should be able to hold up well enough. In a clear departure from recent seasons, the pass defense might be the strongest part of the Gopher defense. With the entire secondary coming back, it won't take much to continue improving the numbers.

Tough road ahead - Minnesota could be the fourth or fifth best Big Ten team going into the season, but could finish much lower due to their schedule. The '08 non-conference schedule did not include a single BCS team, and the rest of the slate was set up for a big early run. Jumping out to 7-1, Minnesota was ranked No. 20 before losing the last four. The problem with last season was that the Gophers benefited from an outstanding turnover ratio (+12), which were either converted into points directly, or by the offense.

In '09, the Gophers open with a trip to Syracuse, then host a good Air Force team and an excellent California team. To come out of that 2-1 should be a big win for Minnesota. The conference slate opens at Northwestern, home vs. Wisconsin and Purdue, then consecutive trips to Penn State and Ohio State. Ending the season against Michigan State, Illinois, South Dakota St. (FCS/I-AA) then at Iowa is no peach either. With the strength of the conference piled into many of those opponents, and a much tougher non-con test, it'll be a tough road for this year's Gophers.

From enemy territory: This week, Tom from The Daily Gopher was kind enough to talk a bit about the '09 Gophers. It looks like Tom is drinking some of Tim Brewster's maroon and gold Kool-Aid.

What's one positive about this year's Gophers.

TDG: We have many positives heading into the season (the new stadium, a lot of returning starters, some very talented underclassmen, some key transfers at key positions)! I'll pick one though and go with Eric Decker. He's potentially an All-American and when healthy he makes our offense really click. It is no coincidence that when he went down with an injury we lost the final four games of the regular season.

What's one negative about this year's Gophers.

TDG: The Gophers change defensive coordinators every year and this year they are changing the offensive coordinator as well. On the offensive side this could be a positive, but with so many returning weapons I'm nervous that there will be some adjustment time for them to learn the third different system on their career. Defensively, we showed significant improvement from 2007 to 2008 with Ted Roof as D-Coord, but he is gone and we bring in a new head of the defense.

Name something most casual fans might not know about this year's Gophers.

TDG: Adam Weber. Most casual fans have probably heard of him but most probably don't realize how good this kid is. I firmly believe he is the most underrated QB in the Big Ten (Juice Williams = most overrated). Weber lead the league with 62.2 completion percentage, 2nd in yards passing (2,761) and had the second fewest INTs among the QBs with more than 320 attempts. And he was sacked far more than other B10 QBs, the kid was running for his life on nearly every play. Juice, Pryor and Clark are the sexier QBs in the Big Ten, but Weber is in their class as far as productivity and value to their team.

For more on Minnesota:

Minnesota's NEW STADIUM
Minnesota 2009 Schedule
Complete Spring Game Coverage

More from First Look '09:

Eastern Illinois Panthers
Illinois Fighting Illini
Iowa Hawkeyes
Temple Owls
Syracuse Orange
Akron Zips

More below the fold...

First Look '09: Eastern Illinois Panthers

When Penn State hosts Eastern Illinois this season, it will be the third FCS (formerly I-AA) opponent since 2006. Many upset fans have pointed to this game as a major reason Penn State's non-conference schedule has been mocked by everyone in the main stream media. But the game is here to stay, so we can only hope Penn State uses it wisely to fine-tune its attack and rest up during the thick of the Big Ten slate.

The problem with FCS opponents is that they are not covered in any substance by the ESPNs or SIs of the world. There's not a whole lot of in-depth information floating around; so you have to go by stats and records. To top it all off, FCS teams rarely have a blog dedicated to them. As we dive into Eastern Illinois, let's see what we can find out about Penn State's most enigmatic 2009 opponent.

Two decades of consistency - Head coach Bob Spoo has shown he can win at Eastern Illinois, with a 140-114-1 record since taking over in 1987. Spoo has led his team to 12 winning seasons and nine playoff appearances. His EIU teams have always displayed a remarkable capability to put out a balanced attack, even during down seasons. In 2008, a 5-7 year, the Panthers still put out a 143/160 rush/pass ratio, and holding opponents to 189/173 ratio. Two seasons ago, an 8-4 playoff-bound team, EIU had a 191/191 rush/pass ratio, holding opponents to a 143/210 ratio. Spoo's Panthers might not win in flashy blowouts, but he's proven that winning is the ultimate goal, flashy or not. Sounds like a coach we all know in State College.

Lost, but not irreplaceable - The Panthers lose some key players from 2008, but all is not lost, as several younger athletes should step up and play well. Running back Travorus Bess is gone after rushing for 1,086 yards, but backups Chevon Walker and Desmin Ward have every chance to make up for the loss of Bess. Ward scored a team-high 11 touchdowns, but rushed for only 322 yards, which indicates that he's most likely the go-to guy at the goal line, ala Michigan State's Jehuu Caulcrick a few years back. In the pass game, quarterback Bodie Reeder returns with his top target, Charles Graves. If the air attack can keep opponents from crowding the line, it should give Ward and Walker some space in the run game.

On defense, two of the top four tacklers, including the tackle leader from '08, are gone, but all is not lost. Defensive backs, Seymour Loftman and Rashad Haynes both return after combining for 130 tackles last year and seven interceptions. What could prove to be the biggest issue for the Panthers is the loss of two stars on in the front seven. Donovan Johnson and Pierre Walters combined for 30 TFL and 10.5 sacks last season, with no one else coming close to their production. If the front wall cannot fill those holes, then the back seven could be in deep trouble.

Tough road ahead - Eastern Illinois has to travel to six of its 11 games this season, including the sure-loss in Happy Valley on Oct. 10. The Panthers are coming off their first losing season since 2004, having gone 9-3, 8-5 and 8-4 prior to 2008's 5-7. With such a tough schedule in 2009, things might not get any better. After hosting Illinois State in the opener, the Panthers must play three consecutive away games, then two home games sandwiching the Penn State trip. The good news is that the Panthers could end on a nice note, with two home games to end the year. I wouldn't count on a playoff appearance this year, but Spoo is a clever guy who knows how to get the most out of his teams.

For more on Eastern Illinois:

EIU 2009 Schedule
Full Team Roster
Spring Game Review

More from First Look '09:

Illinois Fighting Illini
Iowa Hawkeyes
Temple Owls
Syracuse Orange
Akron Zips

More below the fold...

2009 Depth Chart

THIS DEPTH CHART IS OUTDATED, CLICK HERE FOR THE MOST CURRENT DEPTH CHART.

Projected Penn State depth chart for 2009.

Last Updated July 31

	First_Team________________	Second_Team______________	Reserves__________________
QB	17 Daryll Clark, Sr.	12 Kevin Newsome, Fr.	11 Matt McGloin, rFr.
RB	22 Evan Royster, Jr.	21 Stefphon Green, rSo.	3 Brandon Beachum, So. 32 Brent Carter, Jr. FB 37 Joe Suhey, So.
WR	5 Graham Zug, Jr.	14 AJ Price, rFr.	84 Patrick Mauti, Sr.
WR	6 Derek Moye, So.	2 Chaz Powell, rSo	NA Shawney Kersey, Fr.
WR	83 Brett Brackett, Jr.	8 James McDonald, rSr.	NA Justin Brown, Fr.
TE	10 Andrew Quarless, Sr.	82 Mickey Shuler, Sr.	80 Andrew Szczerba, So.
LT	50 DeOn'Tae Pannell, So.	72 Nerraw McCormack, Sr.	70 Andrew Radakovich, rFr.
LG	54 Matt Stankiewitch, rFr.	74 Johnnie Troutman, So.	67 Quinn Barham, So.
C	61 Stefen Wisniewski, Jr.	68 Doug Klopacz, Jr.	LS 40 Andrew Pitz, Sr.
RG	77 Lou Eliades, Jr.	65 JB Walton, So.	60 James Terry, rFr.
RT	73 Dennis Landolt, Sr.	79 Ako Poti, Sr.	78 Mike Farrell, rFr.
K	36 Colin Wagner, Jr.	29 Anthony Fera, Fr.	28 David Soldner, rFr.
DE	81 Jack Crawford, So.	56 Eric Latimore, So.	94 Mikel Berry, rFr.
DE	5 Jerome Hayes, rSr.	44 Kevion Latham, So.	51 Jonathan Stewart, Jr.
DT	91 Jared Odrick, Sr.	71 Devon Still, So.	92 Chima Okoli, So.
DT	85 Ollie Ogbu, Jr.	99 Brandon Ware, rFr.	55 Tom McEowen, rJr.
OB	42 Mike Mauti, So.	34 Nate Stupar, So.	33 Mike Yancich, rFr.
MB	45 Sean Lee, rSr.	43 Josh Hull, Sr.	31 Mike Zordich, rFr.
OB	11 Navorro Bowman, Jr.	15 Bani Gbadyu, Jr.	88 John Ditto, rSo.
CB	1 AJ Wallace, Sr.	20 Devin Fentress, Sr.	35 Jesse Alfreno, Jr.
S	28 Drew Astorino, rSo.	10 Nick Sukay, So.	27 Jacob Fagnano, rSo.
S	13 Andrew Dailey, rSo.	6 Gerald Hodges, Fr.	7 Cedric Jeffries, rJr.
CB	4 Knowledge Timmons, Sr.	8 D'Anton Lynn, So.	NA Darrell Givens, Fr.
P	41 Jeremy Boone, Sr.	49 Ryan Breen, rSo.	NA
KR	2 Chaz Powell, rSo.	6 Gerald Hodges, Fr.	NA
PR	2 Chaz Powell, rSo.	NA	NA

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First Look '09: Illinois Fighting Illini

Illinois has gone to a paltry two bowl games this decade. But, oddly enough, both of them were BCS bids (Sugar '02, Rose '08). So if there were ever a better example of inconsistency in a football program, you'd be hard pressed to find one that doesn't wear the Orange and Blue.

Heading into this season, Illinois is getting a lot of hype as a Big Ten title contender, and could finally live up to expectations. It will be Ron Zook's fifth season at the helm, and has what could be his best team yet. But what do we really know about the 2009 Illini? Let's find out, in today's First Look.

The Fightin' Zookers - Ron Zook came to Illinois after being booted from the University of Florida. In Gainesville, he led the Gators to mediocre records and no BCS bowl games. But he was a fantastic recruiter, highlighted by the fact that it was mostly his players that won the 2006 BCS Championship Game for second-year head coach Urban Meyer.

Now in Champaign, Zook has led the Illini to steady improvement. Illinois' 2007 Rose Bowl run was one for the ages, especially considering the Illini were 2-10 in 2006. Zook's team is primed for another big season, due in no small part to his and his staff's recruiting efforts the last four years. Even if they are not officially the "Fighting" Illini anymore, Zook has definitely restored the fight to this program.

Pitch and catch - While still a bit erratic, Juice Williams has become one of the top quarterbacks in the Big Ten, having thrown for almost 6,500 yards, and running for 2,000 more in his career so far. In 2007, he did just enough to keep the offense going; last year, it was his show to run. But his success can also be attributed to his favorite target, Arrelious Benn.

Benn is by far the best returning wide receiver in the Big Ten. Penn State fans know just how dynamic he can be, accounting (virtutually single-handedly) for two touchdowns in Illinois' 2007 upset of the Lions; in 2008, Benn again did more than his fair share to shred Penn State's secondary (even in the losing effort), with 100 yards and two touchdowns.

Expect Williams and Benn to continue to be a big thorn in Penn State's side.

Road to the Rose - This team is much, much better than the 2007 Rose Bowl team. But the thing is, the 2009 Illini don't even need to be better than the '07 team to get to Pasadena. The Sept. 26 trip to Columbus and the Big Ten home opener a week later against Penn State seem to be the only scary games on this year's slate. Then again, Illinois beat both of those teams in 2007.

Illinois just has to show up this season, and it could win six games. The opener against Missouri in St. Louis will be a good gauge for the rest of the year, even if the Tigers are not the same team of late. The next two weeks will host Illinois St. (FCS) and a bye week before PSU and OSU. Michigan State could catch a tired Illinois team, particularly if they lose to PSU and OSU, or have very tough games. The first half of this schedule will determine if this team is for real.

From enemy territory:

I talked to Joe, of Hail to the Orange, about this season's Illini. He said he really liked the offense going into this season, and not just Williams and Benn.

"An offense that made huge steps last year and is returning almost everyone. All 3 of the top running backs from last year, the starting and backup QB's, standout wide receivers Arrelious Benn, Jeff Cumberland, A.J. Jenkins and Tight End Mike Hoomanawanui all return to an offense that led the Big Ten in passing yards last season. Whats more they add HS All American WRs Terry Hawthorne and Jarred Fayson, so the offense should only get better."

But all is not rosy on defense, in Joe's mind. The Illini did lose a great linebacker in Brit Miller, and cornerback Vontae Davis, a first-rounder in this year's NFL Draft.

"Defense loses two starting linebackers and have inexperienced replacements. The secondary was inconsistent last year and loses its best defender, to top it off, the best defensive tackle may be sidelined due to legal trouble. All in all, I would say that the defense is a question mark."

Oh yeah, about that legal trouble stuff, Illini atheletes seem to have trouble staying out of trouble at a place called FuBar (yeah, that's really the name). Although, that trouble doesn't always mean it's the Illini on the wrong side of the law.

"The team's returning tackle leader Martez Wilson, was stabbed last December while attempting to help his former teammate D'Angelo McCray, who was being jumped.

"The bar at which this occurred, FuBar, is the exact same bar that only a few months earlier basketball player Jamar Smith was arrested for violating his probation leading to his dismissal from the team. A lesson to all athletes, stay away from Fubar."

For more on the Illinois Fighting Illini:

2009 Illinois Schedule
Illinois Spring Practice Review
First Look '08: Illinois

More from First Look '09:

Iowa Hawkeyes
Temple Owls
Syracuse Orange
Akron Zips

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First Look '09: Iowa Hawkeyes

Penn State hosts Iowa in its Big Ten opener, an 8 p.m. kickoff on Sept. 26. This will be a revenge game of epic proportions, since the Lions fell by a mere point in Iowa City last season, ruining any chances for a national championship. Iowa has been dominant over Penn State this decade, losing only once, a 27-7 thrashing in Beaver Stadium two years ago. But the series has been closer than it looks, with the one-point loss last season, and two overtime wins for the Hawkeyes (2000, 2002). Both teams lose stars from their 2008 squads, but enough return on both sides to make for an early-season Big Ten Title showdown. But what do we really know about the 2009 Iowa Hawkeyes? Let's find out, in today's First Look.

More with less - Head coach Kirk Ferentz has gained a decent reputation at Iowa for getting a lot of production out of his players, who are usually not very highly recruited out of high school. From 2002-04, Ferentz's Hawkeyes won 31 games, and shares of two conference titles. But the most impressive part of all those wins was that Iowa's roster wasn't a star-studded roll of elite high school recruits. Ferentz knew how to will his team to play above their competition, and deservedly earned the reputation for developing talent.

But over the last few seasons, Iowa hasn't performed as well, despite 2005 recruiting class boasting seven U.S. Army All-Americans. Iowa has gone 28-22 since its last 10-win season in 2004, including last year's 9-4 record, its best during that span.

Filling the gap(s) - Iowa averaged 189 rush yards per game in 2008, most of those yards coming from everyone's All-American, Shonn Greene (1,850 yards). Greene never broke the two-deep until last season, but then exploded for a school-record-setting year. Now, he's off early to the NFL, and there's a gigantic hole to fill in the Hawkeye backfield. Going into this season, Jewel Hampton was supposed to be the projected starter, but word came in this past Friday (July 3) that he sustained a knee injury. It could be minor, but also could be enough to keep him out or down for a while. Keep an eye on this situation, as it might be the biggest issue this summer.

On the other side of the ball, Iowa lost the single best pair of defensive tackles in college football from 2008 -- Matt Kroul and Mitch King. The two accounted for more than 100 tackles and 16 TFL, as the soul of a defense that allowed only 94 rush yards per game last year. Replacing them will be impossible, but enough returns on defense to minimize that impact.

Back on the slate - Iowa didn't have to play Ohio State or Michigan the last two seasons, but now they're both back on the rotation. It was a mixed back last year, as playing Michigan might have been a blessing, but missing Ohio State is always a good thing. This season, the Wolverines should be a much better team, and the Buckeyes remain a title contender. The Hawkeyes host Michigan on Oct. 10, and travel to Columbus on Nov. 14.

The Big Ten overall should be weaker than it was in 2008, so Iowa has a shot to do well with its schedule. Opening against Northern Iowa (FCS), @Iowa St and hosting Arizona should be a manageable road before the big showdown at Penn State. If Iowa can go 4-0 to open the season, I wouldn't doubt if the Hawkeyes were 10-0 heading into the Ohio State game. Much of this season could depend on Iowa's performance at Penn State under the lights.

2009 Iowa Schedule
Iowa Spring Practice Review
First Look '08: Iowa Hawkeyes

More from First Look '09:

Temple Owls
Syracuse Orange
Akron Zips

More below the fold...

Big Ten Bloggers '09 Preseason Picks

The summer months offer a plethora of predictions, previews and, well, bull crap. After all, what the hell else is there to do during the calmest of calms before the autumn storm. The Big Ten Bloggers usually gets together around this time of year to let loose with a heavy dose of "rabble! rabble! rabble!" quality, thoughtful preseason predictions for the coming Big Ten football season. As was the case last season, Lake the Posts was pegged to organize the voting. Today, albeit a little tardy, I give you the results -- including LTP's commentary -- of this year's round of voting, plus my own ballot.

LTP is a glutton for punishment. Each year around this time the collective ad hoc group known as the Big Ten Bloggers send backchannel emails asking who will host the ballot box for preseason awards.* [*ZN: That would be yours truly!] LTP is the last one with the finger to the nose and thus gets stuck tabulating each blogger's tallies. I did it in year one thinking my backchannel lobbying would prop NU up a few notches. The theory seems to be working in the awards category. Today I reveal the 2009 Big Ten Bloggers' 2009 Predictions. I've also added the LTP ballot at the end for good measure.

I will go through each ballot question, quoting the results from LTP, followed up by my own submission.

2009 Big Ten Bloggers' Preseason Awards:

Coach of the Year: Pat Fitzgerald

We're off to a flying start as the host gets his wish on this one. Fitz edged Jim Tressel by two votes with only Joe Paterno and Michigan State's Mark Dantonio getting any other significant votes. The buzz for Fitz continues and when you consider the curmudgeony nature of this group, this is saying something.

My pick: Ron Zook. Yeah yeah, make fun of the Zooker all you want, but I felt that his team is in the best position for significant improvement (record-wise) in 2009. The Illini went 5-7 last season. If Zook can get his team to win 9 or 10 games (especially 10), he'll be in the top three. Going from a losing season to a winning one will always make a coach a contender for "...of the year" honors.

Heisman Hopeful: Terrelle Pryor

Yes, I know, not much of a shock here. However, as BHGP so eloquently pointed out in his unsolicited essay responses, "This can only go to an offensive skill position player on a high-level team upon whom his team depends at a surreal rate. This necessarily excludes all players but two: Pryor and Royster." It is scary to think we all had the same thought and the ballot box was almost unanimously either Pryor or Penn State's Evan Royster. The only non-Royster/Pryor ballot came from Enlightened Spartan who cast a lot for Juice Williams.

My pick: Evan Royster. Terrelle Pryor won't win the Heisman this year. Period. He won't even make the top five finalists. Just beating USC won't do it this year. Pryor would have to light them up like no one has in years.

Royster got my vote because he's already proven he can do his job, and do it at a Heisman-level. I would be surprised if Royster fails to reach 1,600 yards this season. And with games against Ohio State, Michigan State and Illinois, there will be plenty of opportunities to have that "Heisman Moment."

Upset of the Year: Tie - Michigan State over Ohio State & Northwestern over Penn State

Sparty was a popular pick to rebound from last year's buzzkill game in East Lansing. I'm not sure what voters saw in that absolute beatdown that gave them hope Sparty could pull off the feat in the 'Shoe. Then I realized I'd been duped by a string of voters - MSU doesn't even play Ohio State this year. This goes in the 'ol "I guarantee NU won't lose to Ohio State this year" bucket.

Surprisingly no love for the Illini who seem to always play the Bucks tough. Northwestern's Halloween match-up with Penn State was the other popular pick as the potential for puns in this one must have been too tough to pass up. Surprisingly LTP did not pick NU in this category and opted for Ohio State's September 12 win over USC as my upset special.

My pick: Michigan over Ohio State. Ok, so I went all hack-ish for this one. I was thiiiis close to picking Northwestern over Penn State. But I figured it would win anyway, so why not go out on a limb? I mean, come on, how many times can you lose to one team? Oh, wait...

Sleeper Team To Crack Big Ten Upper Tier: Minnesota

Good-bye Mike Dunbar and the spread, hello top four? Wow. Here I was thinking I was original picking Brewster's Millions (and Millions) of Twitter exclamation points to help bust through the Big Ten's elite. Not so. The Gophers inaugural season at TCF Stadium has high hopes from most everyone around the league.

My pick: Michigan State. I was the only non-homer to pick MSU to place third in the Big Ten last season. So, yeah, I'm kinda proud of that pick. But this year could be a different kind of third-place Spartans. While Javon Ringer and Brian Hoyer were the main triggers on offense, their presence might not be missed as much as we think. The defense will keep getting better under Mark D'Antonio, and the offense will score just enough to get by.

I'm not at all high on Minnesota this year. Last year's record was inflated by a remarkable turnover ratio (31-19), in which the defense frequently bailed out a pretty anemic offense (23 ppg). But then again, the defense wasn't nearly as good as advertised, either. Remember those last four losses? Pretty ugly. While I think Minnesota will be a better team this year, they won't have a better record than last season, especially with their schedule.

Shonn Greene Award: Greg Jones, LB - Michigan State

The Shonn Greene Award goes to the player most likely to be a household name in December that you don't know right now. Last year you'll remember most everyone including BHGP were joking about the projected ineptitude in the Iowa backfield at this point. Shonn (who?) Greene then promptly put up a Heisman-esque campaign and catapulted Iowa to a New Year's Day bowl harrumph. This category was by far the most wide open as there were a slew of one vote-getters ranging from Purdue's Ralph Bolden to Minnesota's Hasan Lipscomb. No Wildcat received a vote.

My pick: Hasan Lipscomb (RB, Minnesota). How could I have picked him, after claiming MInnesota won't do too well? Easy, the offensive line will be very good, and the Adam Weber-to-Eric Decker combo will keep the defenses back. Lipscomb may not fall under the traditional "out of nowhere" label, because he's only a freshman. But I think he could surprise a lot of people this year, particularly with so many premier running backs departed from the Big Ten.

Most Likely to John L. Smith: Rich Rodriguez - Michigan

In case you missed the reference, this award pays homage to the Spartans' former head coach who just absolutely lost it at halftime of a game in his final season against Ohio State. It was the breaking point in a painful season that just signaled you knew he wasn't going to make it. This year's candidates essentially boiled down to a three dog race between RichRod, Minnesota's Tim Brewster and the Illini's Ron Zook. This is essentially a veiled award for coach on the hot seat, yet it has more of a twist. Indiana's Bill Lynch, the coach with the most job insecurity didn't even get a vote which shows you where Indiana football is in the minds of Big Ten Bloggers.

My pick: Rich Rodriguez. I just have a funny feeling about DickRod. He's either going to turn out to be the calmest head coach we've ever seen, or the most obnoxious. I'm counting on the latter.

Highest NFL Draft Pick: Arrelious Benn - Illinois

This category was the biggest laugher of the group. Rejus nearly pulled in the unanimous vote. Sean Lee and Novorro Bowman cracked the list, but it was all Benn.

My pick: Arrelious Benn. I know, shame on me for not going homeristic by picking a Nittany Lion. But wide receivers go very high in the draft, especially one like Benn. Bowman and Lee will be lucky to go before No. 20 overall. Sorry.

Must See Game of the Year: Ohio State @ Penn State

Again a runaway winner. Iowa at Penn State got some serious consideration but the definitive #1 vs #2 by the Big Ten Bloggers (see below) was the one. A non-conference game of epic proportions - USC @ Ohio State only received three votes.

My pick: Iowa @ Penn State.I went with the better story line. Yes, Ohio State @ Penn State is the mammoth showdown in the Big Ten (sorry Michigan, you're old news), but Iowa, in 2009, has more personal meaning to Penn State fans. And it should. Ohio State didn't ruin Penn State's national title hopes for 2008... IOWA DID. REMEMBER THAT.

Big Ten Predicted Order of Finish:

1. Penn State
2. Ohio State
3. Iowa
4. Michigan State
5. TIE - Northwestern
5. TIE - Illinois
7. Wisconsin
8. Minnesota
9. Michigan
10. Purdue
11. Indiana

If this voting is any indication of the upcoming season's results, we're in for a helluva ride. The swing of votes after Penn State and Ohio State was like nothing I've seen. Take Iowa, Illinois and Northwestern, for example. Iowa received votes as high as #1 and at every slot through #7. Illinois had almost equilateral votes at every slot from #2 through #8. Northwestern received votes as high as #3 and as low as #10 and everything in between. Purdue and Indiana were consistently the cellar dwellars and Michigan was all over the map. Fun times for sure.

My predicted final standings:

1)Penn State
2)Illinois
3)Ohio State
4)Iowa
5)Michigan
6)Michigan State
7)Wisconsin
8)Minnesota
9)Northwestern
10)Purdue
11)Indiana

I'm not sold on Ohio State this season. I know, I know. "They don't rebuild, they reload!" But there's a difference between reloading an M-16, and reloading a musket. The Buckeyes could "suffer" though another 10-2 kind of season, and depending on how well Illinois does (which is my bet for the positive), a 10-2 finish could land you anywhere from No. 1 to No. 4. Although I pegged Michigan State as the sleeper for an upper-tier finish, that doesn't mean I'm going to definitively say they'll finish up there. I'm also not sold on Iowa, Minnesota (as we discussed earlier), or Northwestern. That being said, the top three could also finish with the same conference record (say, 6-2), creating even more controversy around picking a true No. 1.

Ok, now I'm officially fired up for the season!

See also: Big Ten Bloggers '08 Preseason Picks

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First Look '09: Temple Owls

Temple will be better this season. And that's saying a lot after a 5-7 campaign in 2008, which included THREE gut-wrenching losses on the last play of the game. That's like three Michigan 2005's in one season. Temple returns a ton of talent, and has even more waiting on the sidelines. When Penn State scheduled Temple for a regular series, fans rolled their eyes, but this year's Owls could turn out to be an unlikely bowl contender, and Penn State's toughest non-conference opponent. But what do we really know about the 2009 Temple Owls? Let's find out, in today's First Look.

Coaching homecoming – All three main Temple coaches came from Penn State: Al Golden was a tight end and later a coach at Penn State; defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio played on the same Lions team as Golden; and offensive coordinator Matt Rhule played four years in Happy Valley in the mid-90s. All of them played under Joe Paterno. Now, for the third straight season, they will go up against their former teacher.

While the storyline of former Lions coaching against their old team is a good one, to me the real headline is just how good Golden's staff has been. Temple was one of the real bottom feeders in college football for a long time. Now, although not exactly a juggernaut (10-26 overall under Golden), Temple has shown more steady improvement than most other teams in the FBS. And should the Owls make a bowl, it can be directly attributed to the talent and perseverence of this staff.

Defense for D Owls – Temple will boast, hands down, the best defense in the MAC this season. Nine starters return from 2008, while seven more have starting experience. The defense does lose its best player in tackle Terrance Knighton (09 NFL Draft pick). However, the rest of this unit is much more experienced than it was going into 2008, when all 22 starters returned!

The 2009 defense will be anchored by a fantastic set of linebackers ("Linebacker U"-lite?) that should be one of the best in the MAC, if not the best.

Ripe in the bowl – Temple's schedule manages to spread out all the tough competition from start to finish. Opening with Villanova, at Penn State, Buffalo, at Eastern Michigan, Ball State and at Toledo should allow the Owls to face some more difficult opponents, while not overwhelming them early, as some mid-majors are forced to do when scheduling BCS teams for September dates. Temple has a very good chance to win five of the first seven games, setting up for a do-or-die stretch to end the season.

A trip to Navy, Miami (OH), at Akron, Kent State, and finishing up at Ohio could mean Temple has to pull one upset to secure a bowl bid. The trips to Akron and Ohio will be by far the most difficult games late in the year, if not the entire season.

From enemy territory:

I asked Mike Gibson, Temple Football Forever blogger, about the 2009 team. Gibson said this year's Owls will have to lean heavily on the defense, at least until the offense comes together.

"Temple's red zone defense two years ago was ranked No. 1 and this is defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio's best unit," Gibson told me.

But even with a really good defense coming back almost intact, uncertainty around the quarterback position is the dominant concern right now.

"There was a significant dropoff when Adam DiMichele didn't play the last two seasons, except for two games: Vaughn Charlton leading the Owls to a 21-10 win over Kent in 2007 and Chester Stewart leading the Owls past Miami, 28-10, last season," Gibson said. "Neither one has shown he can be a consistent winner at this level. One must or the Owls have to go to [true freshman] Chris Coyer or redshirt [freshman] Mike Gerardi."

For more on the Temple Owls:

2009 Temple Schedule
Temple Spring Game Review
First Look '08: Temple Owls

More from First Look '09:

Syracuse Orange
Akron Zips

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First Look '09: Syracuse Orange

Following its traditional opening day bloodbath, Penn State will turn its claws of destruction to the visiting Syracuse Orange. The old rivals–arguably the hottest eastern rivalry outside of PSU-Pitt–met last year for the first time since 1992. Although the series renewal was signed when Syracuse was coming off a 10-2 season, this should be as much of a one-sided contest as it was in 2008. But what do we really know about the 2009 Syracuse Orange? Let's find out, in today's First Look.

Channeling the 'Cuse – If you just started watching football the last few seasons, it would seem absurd to find out Syracuse is No. 14 all-time in total wins (674-472-49). But the recent performance on the field is a far cry from what Orange fans are used to. Prior to the disaster known as Greg Robinson (10-37, '05-'08), there was Paul Pasqualoni ('91-'04) and Dick MacPherson ('81-'90), who combined to go 173-107-5, including five 10-win seasons, and an undefeated run (11-0-1) in 1987.

But now the program is at the bottom of the bottom... of the bottom. In comes former-Orangeman (the name changed to just "Orange" a few seasons ago) Doug Marrone. Marrone was a captain and three-year letterman at Syracuse, playing from 1983-1985 on the offensive line. He's been a successful position coach (OL/TE) at the college and pro levels, and led a pretty good offensive attack as the New Orleans Saints' OC ('06-'08).

Th Orange went defense with Robinson. Now, it's time to try offense with Marrone.

Looking for 44 – Although the surrounding cast was far from competitive on a national scale, Orange running back Curtis Brinkley had a quietly outstanding season in 2008, rushing for 1,164 yards and seven scores. The problem for Syracuse, is that he's gone this year. All is not lost, though, as junior Delone Carter steps in after leading the team in '07 with 713. He's been banged up since, but should be healthy this year.

If the offensive line (lost 2/5 from '08) can come together, the running game could be a focal point for this year's offense. Redshirt frosh Ryan Nassib will have some decent targets to throw to, as six of the top seven receivers return from '08, and add in '07 all-Big East performer Mike Williams after his suspension all last year.

Big Ten-lite – Joe Paterno's idea for Syracuse to consider moving over to the Big Ten might not be all that far-fetched. The Orange play three Big Ten teams (Minnesota 9/5, @PSU 9/12, Northwestern 9/19) on this year's schedule. The schedule sets itself up to be a real pain in the butt for Syracuse, with the possibility of player as many as NINE bowl-bound teams. However, Syracuse only plays four road games, and some of the toughest competition comes to the Carrier Dome.

The record may not look good once December rolls around, but remember that Syracuse is taking on easily the toughest schedule of any Big East member. Orange opponents went 98-57 in '08, and went 4-5 in bowl games. The goal this year, with this schedule, should be to be competitive in as many games as possible. Four wins would be admirable.

From enemy territory:

I asked Brian Harrison, Orange::44 blogger, about the 2009 team. He was a bit more excited than I'd expected, but looking at this year's team, he makes a good point: "No where to go but up."

"While Syracuse is most assuredly in a rebuilding year with a coach that can do the job, this season we take comfort in knowing actual improvement will be seen as there is a different guy with the headset on," Harrison said.

Yet, Harrison said Robinson's recruiting successes (or lack of) gives Marrone a lot of work to do, on and off the field.

"Syracuse is still just not as talented as they should be. They are getting better, but Syracuse is still burdened with the majority of poorly recruited players that [name redacted] left us," he told me.

And remember when Syracuse was known for "The Loud House?" Well, Harrison thinks with the eight home games coming this season and growing enthusiasm around Marrone, ticket sales should be up this season.

"This means that at least the hostile away crowd factor will not be a factor for the majority of Syracuse’s games," Harrison said about the schedule. "Syracuse could actually see some decent crowds during the bigger games this season as well. Season ticket holders have vastly dwindled the past few years, but they should increase this season for the first time in a while. Syracuse football fans, despite having bad seasons lately, are knowledgeable football fans and like supporting their team, especially the locals. The Carrier Dome, one of the best on campus facilities in the nation, could again be friendly confines for the home team and become “The Loud House” again."

For more on the Syracuse Orange:

2009 Syracuse Schedule

Syracuse Spring Game Review

First Look '08: Syracuse Orange

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