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Big Ten Preview
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Stewart Mandel's Projected Standings
(Projected overall record in parentheses)
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1
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Minnesota
7-1 (10-1)
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Hard to believe, but with two 1,000-yard rushers and an experienced defense, this could finally be the Gophers' year.
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2
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Ohio State
6-2 (9-2)
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The Buckeyes' defense technically returns just four starters, but most of the newbies have significant experience.
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2
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Michigan
6-2 (9-2)
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Replacing Chris Perry and John Navarre won't be easy, but a strong defense and unmatched receiving corps sure help.
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4
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Iowa
5-3 (8-3)
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The Hawkeyes have the potential to be outstanding on D, but must develop a new quarterback and some playmakers.
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4
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Wisconsin
5-3 (8-3)
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Anthony Davis gets to run behind five returning O-linemen, but new coordinator Bret Bielema must rev up the defense.
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6
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Purdue
4-4 (6-5)
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QB Kyle Orton is great, but Purdue might struggle on defense after having seven of last year's starters drafted.
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7
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Michigan State
3-5 (6-6)
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John L. Smith made significant strides in his first season but now must replace 15 starters, including QB Jeff Smoker.
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8
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Penn State
3-5 (5-6)
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Coming off a school-worst 3-9 campaign, the Lions will be slightly improved, enough to finally win some close games.
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9
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Northwestern
2-6 (4-8)
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The 'Cats are finally putting together a competent defense, but a tougher-than-usual schedule may prove too much.
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10
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Indiana
2-6 (3-8)
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The Hoosiers, who return 20 starters, could put together a decent offense, but the defense still has a ways to go.
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11
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Illinois
1-7 (3-8)
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Barring dramatic improvement, this could be the end for Ron Turner, who just three years ago won the Big Ten.
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Photo credit: Harry How/Getty Images
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Cream of the Crop
Anthony Davis, RB, Wisconsin: The senior, who was limited by injury to roughly four games last year, ran for 3,021 yards in his first two seasons.
Braylon Edwards, WR, Michigan: The Wolverines' No. 1 target is aiming to become the first receiver in Big Ten history to post three straight 1,000-yard seasons.
Kyle Orton, QB, Purdue: NFL scouts are drooling over the senior's strong arm and leadership ability following his breakthrough junior season.
Marion Barber III, RB, Minnesota: Along with fellow 1,000-yard rusher Laurence Maroney, Barber helped the Gophers finish No. 3 nationally in rushing.
A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio State: After leading the Buckeyes with 106 tackles in his first year as a starter, the junior is now the leader of OSU's young defense.
Others Marlin Jackson, CB, Michigan; Matt Roth, DE, Iowa; Anttaj Hawthorne, DT, Wisconsin; Abdul Hodge, LB, Iowa; Steve Breaston, WR, Michigan.
Poised for a Breakout
LaMarr Woodley, DE, Michigan: After seeing significant action as a freshman, the former linebacker is poised to become a monstrous pass-rusher.
Anthony Schlegel, LB, Ohio State: The Buckeyes' newest middle linebacker transferred from Air Force, where he had 118 tackles as a sophomore.
Noah Herron, RB, Northwestern: Herron, who gained 739 yards as a backup, takes over full time for graduated 1,388-yard rusher Jason Wright.
Others: Ray Edwards, DE, Purdue; Bryan Cupito, QB, Minnesota; Donte Whitner, S, Ohio State; BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, Indiana; DeAndra Cobb, RB, Michigan State.
Burning Questions
Is there hope for Joe Paterno? Coming off three losing seasons in four years, Penn State irked some of its followers by offering the 77-year-old legend a four-year extension. His big change this offseason was to part ways with longtime offensive coordinator Fran Ganter in favor of journeyman Galen Hall. Will it make a difference?
Can Matt Gutierrez take the heat? Navarre finished as Michigan's all-time passer -- and still was reviled nearly 'til the end. The sophomore replacing him has the unenviable task of following in the footsteps of seven straight NFL quarterbacks, and he needs to develop quickly to take advantage of the nation's top receiving corps.
Will instant replay work? This season, Big Ten officials will become the first in college to work with instant replay, utilizing it for all conference and most non-conference contests. The system sounds fairly rudimentary -- a guy sits in the press box watching the game on TV -- but it could be more efficient than the NFL's time-consuming process.
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