2011 looks to be a bit of a down year in the Big Ten. Actually, it looks to be a down year in that there are not two or three teams that are set up to be heads-and-tails above the rest and in contention for national honors.
However, the conference does project to be extremely competitive.
I would call all but one of the 12 teams competitive and potentially bowl eligible.
Moreover, as things stand right now, I wouldn't be at all surprised if any of nine teams won their respective divisions. On the other hand, I don't foresee any Big Ten teams going undefeated. In fact, I don't foresee any Big Ten teams going undefeated in conference play.
My guess is there will be one-two teams at the bottom, and a whole slew of teams between 3-5 and 6-2.
Of course, the key there is "as things stand right now." Between now and next September, plenty of things could change. Players could transfer or get injured or suspended. Between now and January 15, a key defensive end could declare for the NFL Draft.
Things happen and things change. We know that.
Nevertheless, this is something of a cursory look at the Big Ten next year. It is not terribly in depth; at least, it is not what I would describe as "in depth," which means hours wasted pouring over statistics.
Also, I have not gone over the schedules to see what is mathematically possible.
Regardless, to me, it looks like next year could be full of plenty of surprises. Kings may fall, and new kings may be crowned. And where will Nebraska, the new red-headed stepchild, fit into all of it?
It's been a great year of football. Only nine more months until the next season.
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