Let's go team by team and look at how everyone shapes up:

OHIO STATE (+150) has gotten used to replacing star players. The Buckeyes will have to do it again. They lost two top wide receivers in Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline, as well as running back Beanie Wells. At least they got some experience playing without Wells last year. However, one big question mark surrounds sophomore quarterback Terelle Pryor, who came to Columbus with an awesome high school reputation but saw his limitations exposed by the better, quicker defensive teams. Sure, Pryor can run with the NCAA football, but he has shown little ability to get the ball downfield, and Ohio State will have to fine tune its offense, with the spread incorporated, to fit his skill set. Linebackers James Laurinaitis and Marcus Freeman, not to mention cornerback Malcolm Jenkins, will be hard to replace, but once again, coach Jim Tressel has been down this road before. There is depth of talent and the capability of steamrolling many opponents, but there is the feeling that Pryor just won't be able to stretch defenses all that much. It doesn't have anything to do with the conference race, but USC comes to Columbus on September 12, ready to leave its footprints over the backs of all Buckeyes again.

PENN STATE (+250) brings back the Big Ten's top quarterback-running back combination in Daryll Clark, who completed 60% of his passes for 19 touchdowns and only six interceptions, and Evan Royster, who ran for 6.5 yards per carry and has All-America aspirations. The receiving corps will have largely untested personnel, and there are some big questions on this offensive line. The linebacking crew will carry the defense; it is one of the best combos in the country. Sean Lee is one of this year's All-America candidates at the position; he missed last year with a torn ACL. Navorro Bowman will also get All-America consideration. Jared Odrick has the capability of being a real run stopper from his defensive tackle position. The non-conference schedule is very light, and the Nittany Lions get to host Ohio State and Iowa.

IOWA (+550) will have to make do without Shonn Greene, who gained 1850 yards in his one and only season starting at running back. Getting an efficient running game going won't be as difficult as it seems. The Hawkeyes have a massive offensive line that rank among the nation's best, and they can plug in Jewel Hampton, who ran for 5.1 yards a pop last season. Bryan Bulaga may be the best left tackle in the country, and he will give resourceful quarterback Ricky Stanzi (59%, 14 TD's in 2008) enough time to throw. Eight starters return on a defense that limited opponents to just 3.1 yards per rush and 5.5 yards per passing attempt. The Hawkeyes intercepted 23 passes and allowed only nine touchdowns through the air, and the unit will be better. This is undoubtedly the breakthrough team should Penn State or Ohio State falter.

MICHIGAN STATE (+550) lost to Penn State and Ohio State by a combined 79 points last season, and they had to say goodbye to QB Brian Hoyer and RB Javon Ringer (1637 yards last season). Kirk Cousins will probably settle in at quarterback, but they'll have to go with more of "committee" approach in the backfield, and they're going to run behind an offensive line that will have three very inexperienced members. It's a good thing for the Spartans that they bring back eight starters from the defense, and there is an impressive linebacking corps that is led by Greg Jones, who was first-team All-Big-ten last year. Eric Gordon supports him in a big way. Look for this secondary to be a lot better too. The performance of Cousins or Keith Nichol under center will go a long way toward determining whether the Spartans can graduate to the first tier of this conference.

ILLINOIS (+650) was highly disappointing last season, and it should not have happened on Juice Williams' watch. Williams, who now enters his senior year, threw 16 interceptions last year to go with his 22 TD passes. He is not the most accurate passer in the world, but he has one of the nation's very best wideouts in Arrelious Benn, who gained 1055 receiving yards. Daniel Dufrene is the first-team running back, but he's not nearly as explosive as his predecessor, first-round NFL draft pick Rashard Mendenhall. Fortunately, there's some depth at the position. Corey Liuget is a pillar on the defensive line, and he may or may not be joined by Josh Brent, who is serving time after a DUI conviction and has been suspended by coach Ron Zook. The secondary will have to replace Vontae Davis, an All-American who went in the first round to the Miami Dolphins. Illinois has offensive weaponry, but will fall short.


This information is provided in partnership with BetUs Sportsbook

More ...