Gold and Black is a multi-platform media company that covers Purdue athletics like no one else.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/141859
Ohio State's resurgence after a tumultuous period in its history has sort of brought things full circle at the top of the Big Ten, where the Buckeyes and Michigan have almost always resided. With the Wolverines apparently re-established under Brady Hoke, winners of 19 games the past two seasons after winning just 15 in three years under Rich Rodriguez, the potential exists for back-toback Ohio State-Michigan games — once at the end of the regular season, then in the Big Ten title game — in the final year such a thing would be possible. In 2014, the Big Ten will switch to a new alignment that will place the bitter rivals in the same division. Standing in the way of Michigan's path to Indianapolis would seem to be Nebraska and Northwestern in the Legends Division. Nebraska, fresh off its first appearance in the Big Ten title game, POWER RANKINGS A look at the Big Ten this season 1 2 3 4 5 6 Leaders Division Ohio State: The Buckeyes have all the makings of a national title contender. They are clearly the class of the conference and it's not all that close. Wisconsin: There's some unknown to the Badgers with a new coaching staff taking over, but Gary Andersen seems like an ideal fit. Here's guessing that James White is Wisconsin's next star running back. Penn State: It's just a matter of time before the bottom drops out on the Lions, but there are enough solid upperclassmen left to be highly competitive one more time. Freshmen have to deliver and injuries must be avoided, though. Purdue: Tough call on the Boilermakers considering all that's new, but some of the fundamental changes made this offseason could make them a more solid, consistent football team. Indiana: We might be under-rating the Hoosiers here, because they took a step last season. But the defense must improve significantly and IU must show it can win close games. They could be a tough out, however. Illinois: You see much reason for optimism after the Illini were 2-10 — and looked every bit that bad doing it — in 2012? We don't either. — Brian Neubert 88 • Gold and Black IllustrateD • volume 23, issue 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 Legends Division Michigan: What separates Michigan from the other contenders in the Legends is physicality and defense. And here's guessing Devin Gardner will be just fine taking over for Denard Robinson at QB. Nebraska: The Cornhuskers will be carried by a deadly offense that really, really, really needs help from a defense that's still licking its wounds after giving up 70 in the conference title game last season. Northwestern: This is supposed to be the year for the Wildcats where all the stars are lined up. The stars might be, but the schedule sure isn't. Great offense, improved defense, bad schedule. Michigan State: The Spartans need to be able to win low-scoring games this season, because that might be pretty much all of 'em. The defense can be great. The offense was toothless last year and loses its best player. Minnesota: It's tough to know what to make of Minnesota, because it'll need so much from sophomore quarterback Philip Nelson. Everything around him is an unknown, as is the defense. Iowa: Things look bleak in Iowa City as the Hawkeyes have been in steady decline and bottomed out last season by not even making the postseason. That offense might be just plain bad. GBIprint.com GoldandBlack.com