Wisconsin

Big Ten Basketball Preview: 2009-10

CHN — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:36:59 -0500

With six teams in CHN's preseason Top 25, and 3 more teams with NCAA Tournament hopes, no league has more depth than the Big Ten. And an improving Indiana into the mix, and this should be quite a season for Big Ten fans.

Conference Rank: 1st

10 year average: 4th

Big Ten Page

All-BIG TEN Team
Pos.	Player	Team	Yr.

G	Kalin Lucas	Michigan St	Jr
G	Manny Harris	Michigan	Jr
G	Talor Battle	Penn St	Jr
G/F	Evan Turner	Ohio St	Jr
F	Robbie Hummel	Purdue	Jr
Second Team
G	William Buford	Ohio St	So
G	Trevon Hughes	Wisconsin	Jr
F	Kevin Coble	Northwestern	Sr
F	Mike Davis	Illinois	Jr
C	JaJuan Johnson	Purdue	Sr

Player of the Year - Kalin Lucas Freshman of the Year - Maurice Creek (Indiana)
CHN Award Winners		Returning Leaders
CHN All-Americans Kalin Lucas (1st Team) Evan Turner (1st) Manny Harris (3rd) Talor Battle Robbie Hummel JaJuan Johnson All-Freshman Team Maurice Creek (3rd)		Points: Evan Turner 17.3 Rebounds: Mike Davis 8.1 Assists: Talor Battle 5.0 Team: Michigan State 72.0

Big Ten Standings
Nat'l	Team	League	Tourney

3	Michigan State	Big Ten	1	NCAA
10	Purdue	Big Ten	2	NCAA
13	Ohio State	Big Ten	3	NCAA
14	Michigan	Big Ten	4	NCAA
18	Minnesota	Big Ten	5	NCAA
21	Illinois	Big Ten	6	NCAA
36	Wisconsin	Big Ten	7	NCAA
54	Penn State	Big Ten	8	NIT
71	Northwestern	Big Ten	9	NIT
109	Indiana	Big Ten	10	CBI/CIT
123	Iowa	Big Ten	11	CBI/CIT

*Click on links for full Top 144 team preview

Poll: Who Do You Think Will Win the Big Ten?

Other Big Ten Content

Other

Big Ten 5-Year Ranking

Big Ten Top 25 Players

Big Ten: Fantasy Stats Preview

College Basketball Preview - 348 Team Ranking - Alphabetical Ranks/Previews

Wisconsin Signs Three For 2010

Press Release — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:21:13 -0500

Wisconsin head coach Bo Ryan announced three additions to the men’s basketball team Wednesday when Evan Anderson, Duje Dukan and Josh Gasser signed national letters of intent to attend the University of Wisconsin. The three high school seniors will enroll at UW next year and play basketball for the Badgers beginning in the fall of 2010.

EVAN ANDERSON

Evan Anderson is a 6-foot-11, 240-pound center from Eau Claire, Wis., who averaged 8.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game in an injury-shortened junior season. Despite the abbreviated season for Eau Claire North High School, Anderson still earned all-state honorable mention honors from the Associated Press a year ago.

As a sophomore, he was named second-team All-Cloverbelt Conference after posting per-game averages of 9.0 points and 6.0 rebounds. During his freshman campaign at Stanley-Boyd High School, Anderson set the school’s single-season record with 98 blocks.

“It’s great to have a young man in Evan who knew very early in the process that Wisconsin was where he wanted to be and never looked back,” Ryan said. “He’s continued to improve and even while battling through an injury last season, he rebounded to have an excellent July with his AAU team. His size and physical presence will help him as he starts with us next year. He’s developed a very good back-to-the-basket game and already has a collegiate physicality to his game that will serve him well during his Badger playing days.

“He’s a great kid, who does well in the classroom and comes with very down-to-earth, humble and hard-working parents. Our staff is excited to help mold him in the future and build off what we have seen him do thus far. He plays with an edge to his game and has a passion for the University of Wisconsin which will help him have a successful Badger career both on and off the court. I know our fans will enjoy watching him on the Badger front lines of the future.”

DUJE DUKAN

Duje Dukan (pronounced DOO-yay, DOO-kahn), a 6-foot-8, 190-pound forward from Deerfield, Ill., averaged 16.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game as a junior. Dukan shot nearly 46 percent from 3-point range and 80 percent from the free throw line for Deerfield High School last season en route to earning All-Central Suburban League honors. During this past AAU season, Dukan was also named MVP of the Full Package Fall League.

A native of Croatia, Dukan is ranked as one of the top seniors in Illinois by the City Suburban Hoops Report and ChicagoHoops.com. Dukan is the son of Ivica Dukan, who is currently the Director of International Scouting for the Chicago Bulls. The elder Dukan played professionally in Europe for 15 years.

“I’m sure it’s been a whirlwind for Duje and his parents over the past few weeks,” Ryan said. “He saw his recruitment just explode and we are elated to have him decide to join us in Madison. With his skill level, size, mobility and feel for the game, he has the potential to be an excellent player in what we do. Obviously, his bloodlines are terrific and his parents have done a great job exposing him to so much about the game of basketball at an early age. Duje has the potential to play multiple positions for us and we believe he’s only scratching the surface of how effective he can be once he gets entrenched into the daily regimen of college basketball.

“He’s done a very good job in the classroom and that, combined with his passion and work ethic towards the game of basketball put him in position to have a lot of very good choices for school. Our coaching staff is really excited to get a chance to help Duje maximize his potential. Our university, facilities and people really made a favorable impression when he visited campus and all those factors really made Duje and his family feel at home. I think Badger fans everywhere will be excited to watch him in the future.”

RYAN GASSER

Ryan Gasser (pronounced GAH-ser) is a 6-foot-4, 190-pound guard from Port Washington, Wis., who has averaged double figures in both points and rebounds in each of the last two seasons. As a junior at Post Washington High School, Gasser averaged 22 points, 11 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game earning conference MVP honors. During his sophomore season he posted averages of 21 points and 10 rebounds per game.

A two-time Milwaukee Journal Sentinel first-team all-state honoree, Gasser shot 49 percent from the field, 41 percent from 3-point range and 81 percent from the free throw line. Gasser also merited North Shore first-team all-conference honors as a sophomore and junior as well as first-team all-state accolades from the AP last season. Heading into his senior season, he is already Port Washington High School’s all-time leading scorer, rebounder and hold the free throw percentage record.

“Josh probably saw his stock rise more over a two-month summer period than anyone we’ve recruited in a while,” Ryan admitted. “Josh had an excellent summer on the circuit which followed an outstanding junior season. Anytime you can average 20 points and double figure rebounds as a sophomore and as a junior in one of the best conferences in the state, you must be playing the game awfully well.

“He is an excellent student who has a very mature outlook on life. Josh plays the game with a toughness and tenacity that many of the good players we’ve had at Wisconsin possessed. He’s a great leader who has earned the respect of his teammates at Port Washington by the example he portrays on the court. Josh has the ability to play both guard spots for us because of his basketball I.Q., ball handling and ability to make plays with good decisions. He told me he always dreamed of playing at Wisconsin and he has put himself in position to have that dream become reality. We’re really excited to have Josh and his parents joining our basketball family.”

Big Ten Basketball: Top 25 Players

Shawn Siegel — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:33:46 -0500

Ranking players is more art then science. How do you compare the potential of freshmen with seniors who have already peaked? How much does physical talent come into play versus intangibles and experience? How big a role do numbers play?

In some situations, the bigger challenge is deciding what position to list a player. College basketball is filled with combo guards, wings who can play from the 2 to 4, centers who are really power forwards, and so on.

All of these questions make lists like this fun and debatable.. if you disagree with CHN's rankings, post what you think below.

BIG TEN

PG
1. Kalin Lucas - Michigan State
2. Talor Battle - Penn State
3. Demetri McCamey - Illinois
4. Lewis Jackson - Purdue
5. Michael Thompson - Northwestern

SG
1. Evan Turner - Ohio State
2. Manny Harris - Michigan
3. Trevon Hughes - Wisconsin
4. E'Twaun Moore - Purdue
5. William Buford - Ohio State

- The SG position is particularly deep in the Big Ten. Iowa's Matt Gatens, MSU's Chris Allen & Durrell Summers, are also quality players. The Big Ten's crop of freshmen guards is rather weak this year. Indiana's Maurice Creek might be the best in the league.

SF
1. Kevin Coble - Northwestern
2. Raymar Morgan - Michigan State
3. David Lighty - Ohio State
4. Jon Leuer - Wisconsin
5. Royce White - Minnesota

PF
1. DeShawn Sims - Michigan
2. Robbie Hummel - Purdue
3. Mike Davis - Illinois
4. Delvon Roe - Michigan State
5. Derek Elston - Indiana

C
1. JaJuan Johnson - Purdue
2. Mike Tisdale - Illinois
3. Andrew Jones - Penn State
4. Ralph Sampson III - Minnesota
5. Tom Pritchard - Indiana

- You don't see too many future NBA stars here, but there's a lot of depth. Minnesota's White was recently suspended, but I'm leaving him on the list, until his future is decided. The center position is filled with a lot of workman-like players, but nothing terribly exciting beyond Johnson and the improving Tisdale.

-- SEC Top 25 Players

-- Pac-10 Top 25 Players

College Basketball Preview - 144 Teams in 144 Days - Alphabetical Ranks/Previews

Big Ten Basketball: 5-Year Ranking

Shawn Siegel — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:14:09 -0500

BIG TEN 5-YEAR STANDINGS

CHN's annual 5-year ranking answers a simple question is in a simple manner: Who has been the best team in the Big Ten over the last five years?

Teams get points for league wins, making the postseason (NIT or NCAA) and winning games in the Big Dance. NIT wins are meaningless here, as are non-conference wins. Also, league tournaments wins are not taken into account. (An original trial-scoring system included points for conference tourney wins. But the flukish nature of these tourney's did more harm than hurt: ie, 2008 Georgia, 2006 Syracuse, and 2004 Maryland ended up getting too much credit despite the reality that they were mediocre to sub-par teams.)

100 total points is set up to be the equivalent of batting .300 in baseball.. anything above and beyond is all-world stuff. 50 points is mediocre and you only start to get bad below 40 points.

Pos.	Was	Team	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	Wins	Gms.	Points

1	2	Michigan St	13	8	8	12	15	56	84	67	Win %
			Final Four	1st Round	2nd Round	Sweet 16	Finals			33	Post Pts.
										100

2	1	Wisconsin	11	9	13	16	10	59	84	70	Win %
			Elite 8	1st Round	2nd Round	Sweet 16	2nd Round			24	Post Pts.
										94

3	4	Ohio State	8	12	15	10	10	55	84	65	Win %
			X	2nd Round	Finals	NIT	1st Round			18	Post Pts.
										83

4	3	Illinois	15	11	9	5	11	51	84	61	Win %
			Finals	2nd Round	1st Round	X	1st Round			19	Post Pts.
										80

5	5	Indiana	10	9	10	14	1	44	84	52	Win %
			NIT	2nd Round	2nd Round	1st Round	X			11	Post Pts.
										63

6	7	Purdue	3	3	9	15	11	41	84	49	Win %
			X	X	2nd Round	2nd Round	Sweet 16			14	Post Pts.
										63

7	6	Iowa	7	11	9	6	5	38	84	45	Win %
			1st Round	1st Round	X	X	X			4	Post Pts.
										49

8	9	Minnesota	10	5	3	8	9	35	84	42	Win %
			1st Round	NIT	X	NIT	1st Round			6	Post Pts.
										48

9	8	Michigan	4	8	8	5	9	34	84	40	Win %
			X	NIT	NIT	X	2nd Round			8	Post Pts.
										48

10	11	Penn State	1	6	2	7	10	26	84	31	Win %
			X	NIT	X	X	NIT			2	Post Pts.
										33

11	10	N'Western	6	6	2	1	8	23	84	27	Win %
			X	X	X	X	NIT			1	Post Pts.
										28

-Ties are broken by favoring conference winning %

Big Ten Thoughts

- Michigan St retakes the top spot after an impressive Final Four run.

- Wisconsin is the only other team besides MSU to make 5 straight NCAA Tourneys.

- Purdue and Iowa are heading in opposite directions.

- Penn State moves up from the cellar after a surprise 10-win season.

Postseason Points

NIT = 1

NCAA 1st Round = 2

NCAA 2nd Round = 4

Sweet = 6

Elite 8 = 8

Final Four = 10

Final = 11

Champs = 12

Other 5-Year Rankings

ACC

Big 12

Big East

Pac-10

SEC

.. All

Big Ten Basketball: Fantasy Preview

Shawn Siegel — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:02:57 -0400

This is the 3rd of six fantasy stats projections for BCS conference starters. One of my favorite series of the year, and a helpful guide when drafting for fantasy college basketball leagues. For an idea of whether I know what I'm talking about, check out last year's Big Ten Stats Projection. As always, some teams were nailed better then others.. Wisconsin was solid, Purdue rather weak.. and I strongly overrated BJ Mullens.

Keep in mind stats are highly dependent on minutes, and freshmen are obviously the hardest to predict. I try to note places below where other starters not listed may emerge or where competition for major minutes exist. Stats are listed by ppg, rpg, and then apg.

BIG TEN

ILLINOIS

G Demetri McCamey - 14, 4, 5
G Alex Legion - 8, 2, 2

G DJ Richardson - 9, 3, 3
F Mike Davis - 12, 10, 2
F Mike Tisdale - 12, 6, 1

Notes: Richardson is a freshman. Along with Brandon Paul, the two could eat up minutes from Alex Legion who was a major bust last year. Paul is a big-time scoter who should average 8-12 ppg even if he comes off the bench.

INDIANA

G Jeremiah Rivers - 5, 3, 3
G Devan Dumes - 14, 4, 2
G Verdell Jones - 11, 4, 3
F Derek Elston - 9, 5, 1

C Tom Pritchard - 10, 7, 1

Notes: Jones had the best numbers out of Indiana's returning players, but he could lose minutes to freshman Maurice Cheek. Matt Roth is a streaky shooting guard off the bench capable of putting up points.

IOWA
G Cully Payne - 5, 3, 3
G Matt Gatens - 14, 4, 3
G Anthony Tucker - 13, 3, 2
F Aaron Fuller - 7, 5, 1
F Jarryd Cole - 7, 7, 0

Notes: Gatens & Tucker are capable scorers, but don't expect any exiciting stat-stuffing numbers from anyone here.

MICHIGAN

G Manny Harris - 20, 6, 5
G Laval Lucas-Perry - 10, 3, 2

G Stu Douglass - 8, 2, 3
F DeShawn Sims - 17, 9, 1
C Zack Gibson - 6, 5, 1

Notes: Zack Novak saw starter minutes last year, and should contribute between 8 and 10 ppg. If Harris gets his fg% up from 41.5 to 45 or above, he can score 20 ppg easy.

MICHIGAN STATE

G Kalin Lucas - 14, 4, 7
G Durrell Summers - 12, 4, 2
F Raymar Morgan - 14, 7, 2
F Delvon Roe - 9, 8, 1
F Draymond Green - 6, 6, 1

Notes: With a healthy Morgan and an improving surrounding cast of scorers, don't expect a further jump in Lucas' production, though his assists could jump. Chris Allen will also approach double-digit scoring off the bench.

MINNESOTA

G Al Nolen - 6, 4, 5
G Lawrence Westbrook - 12, 3, 2
F Royce White - 10, 5, 2
F Damian Johnson - 12, 6, 2
C Ralph Sampson - 10, 7, 1

Notes: White, a freshman, could crack the starting rotation. But I also expected big things out of Devan Bostick last year and he never really panned out. He's still an option off the bench, as is Blake Hoffarber who has 10 ppg potential if given the minutes.

NORTHWESTERN

G Michael Thompson - 14, 3, 4
G Jeremy Nash - 8, 3, 2
F John Shurna - 10, 5, 2
F Kevin Coble - 16, 6, 3
C Kyle Rowley - 7, 3, 1

Notes: Thompson's scoring output was only 9.9 ppg, but I expect a bounce back season on the scoring end. Shurna has the potential to score 15 ppg by the time he's a senior.

OHIO STATE
G William Buford - 13, 4, 2

G Jon Diebler - 13, 4, 4
G Evan Turner - 18, 7, 6
F David Lighty - 10, 7, 2
C Dallas Lauderdale - 6, 5, 1

Notes: Evans is a legit stud, and could see a boost in apg if he plays more point. PJ Hill & Jeremie Simmons see decent minutes off the bench, but neither offers much in terms of fantasy.

PENN STATE

G Talor Battle - 18, 5, 6
G Chris Babb - 9, 2, 1
F Jeff Brooks - 6, 5, 1
F David Jackson - 7, 5 1
F Andrew Jones - 10, 8, 1

Notes: Battle contributes solidly in the 3 main categories. Jones averaged 6 & 5 last year but should see the biggest bump. Freshman Tim Frazier is good enough to see 15-20 mpg as the 1st guard off the bench.

PURDUE

G Chris Kramer - 7, 3, 3
G Lewis Jackson - 8, 3, 5
G E'Twaun Moore - 16, 5, 4
F Robbie Hummel - 12, 9, 2
6 JaJuan Johnson - 15, 7, 1

Notes: Last year, I underrated Johnson's output and overrated Moore's. Keaton Grant will also see big-time minutes, and should score 7-8 ppg.

WISCONSIN

G Trevon Hughes - 15, 4, 4
G Jason Bohanon - 13, 3, 3
G/F Tim Jarmusz - 6, 5, 1
F Jon Leuer - 12, 5, 1
F Keaton Nankivil - 8, 5, 1

Notes: Wisconsin usually features a well-balanced attack, so don't expect a 20 ppg scorer. Wisconsin welcomes 5 freshmen, and big man Jared Berggren probably has the best chance to contribute immediately.

Projected Big Ten Leaders

Top PPG
1) Manny Harris (20)
2) Talor Battle (18)
3) Evan Turner (18)

Top RPG
1) Mike Davis (10)
2) DeShawn Sims (9)

3) Robbie Hummel (9)

Top APG
1) Kalin Lucas (7)
2) Talor Battle (6)

3) Harris/Jackson/McCamey/Nolen (5)

Fantasy Stats Preview Archive

- ACC

- Big 12

Big Ten

Poll: Who Will Win the Big Ten?

Shawn Siegel — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:04:24 -0400

Wisconsin Basketball Preview: #36

Joel Welser — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:48:52 -0400

Overall Rank: #36

Conference Rank: #7 Big Ten Conference

2008-09: 20-13, 10-8

2008-09 postseason: NCAA

Coach: Bo Ryan (192-70 at Wisconsin, 222-99 overall)

Every season Wisconsin loses a key player or two, but they always come back and at least make the NCAA Tournament. In fact, most of the time under Coach Bo Ryan they win their first round game in the tournament as well. This season the big losses are Marcus Landry and Joe Krabbenhoft, the team’s top two rebounders, but expect the Badgers to back in the dance…and probably win a game.

Key Losses: G Joe Krabbenhoft, F Marcus Landry

Key Newcomers:

This is a team that needs some depth in the paint and Coach Ryan hopes he can get it from Jared Berggren and Mike Bruesewitz. Berggren redshirted last year and that year in the program should help immensely. The 6-10 Princeton, Minnesota product was a very highly regarded recruit and could immediately step into a starting role. Bruesewitz is an undersized 6-6 power forward, but he has the ability to play some minutes off the bench. The backcourt adds redshirt freshman Ryan Evans and incoming freshmen Dan Fahey, Jeremy Glover and Diamond Taylor, who will all battle for minutes off the bench.

Backcourt:

The backcourt remains relatively intact with two returning players who averaged double digits in the scoring column. Jason Bohannon is the team’s main three-point shooting threat and will even occasionally get to the basket. However, Bohannon needs to work on that even more and turn into more than just a shooter. The bigger issue on the perimeter is replacing Krabbenhoft. Krabbenhoft was a great do-it-all wing who would use his size to get to the basket and hit the glass. Tim Jarmusz has been biding his time on the bench and he needs to turn into a more productive player now that he is an upperclassman. Jordan Taylor will likely be the backup point guard again and will compete with the newcomers for minutes off the bench.

Frontcourt:

The frontcourt may lack experienced depth, but Jon Leuer and Keaton Nankivil both had productive sophomore campaigns and showed plenty of potential. Those two split time at the four spot last year, but they could both be starting this time around. Leuer, a 6-10 junior, is the typical Wisconsin big man who can scorer inside and out. However, his lack of rebounding is a concern. Nankivil proved to be a dynamic scoring threat when he was on the floor, but he only averaged 14.0 minutes per contest. He can be a great inside/outside scoring threat with a little more strength and confidence.

Who to Watch:

Leuer and Nankivil could be in for surprisingly good seasons now that they have to step up and play a bigger role, but this team belongs to Trevon Hughes. The 6-0 senior was second on the team last year with 12.1 points per game and led the squad with 2.8 assists. Hughes is more than a scoring point guard though; he is also a superb defender and a very good rebounder for a player his size.

Final Projection:

And it will be the defense and rebounding that will be the difference between a great season and just another NCAA Tournament trip for the Badgers. Last season the defense struggled early in the year, but made big strides as the season progressed. Yet, that does not necessarily mean the team’s defensive struggles are over since Landry led the team in blocks and Krabbenhoft was an extremely versatile defender. Those two were also the best rebounders on the team and somebody, preferably Jarmusz, Leuer and Nankivil, have to get tougher on the glass.

Projected Post-season Tournament: NCAA

Projected Starting Five:

Trevon Hughes, Senior, Guard, 12.1 points per game

Jason Bohannon, Senior, Guard, 10.3 points per game

Tim Jarmusz, Junior, Guard, 3.4 points per game

Keaton Nankivil, Junior, Forward, 4.5 points per game

Jon Leuer, Junior, Forward, 8.8 points per game

Next Top 144 Teams
37		38		39		40

College Basketball Preview - 144 Teams in 144 Days - Alphabetical Ranks/Previews

Big Ten Basketball: High-Low Preview

Shawn Siegel — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:04:38 -0400

Everybody loves a prediction. It's a fact. People that claim to hate sports predictions are just jealous that no one cares what they have to say (or their predictions are never right). But sometimes when making predictions, certain teams or groups of teams are truly to close to call. On CHN or in preview mags, we do our best to slot teams into specific spots, but sometimes you just want to say honestly, teams A, B, and C are virtually the same and luck will determine how they finish. You can't say that in a Top 144 ranking, but I'm saying it here in a series of High-Low predictions, which includes a range for each team's finish and a few reasons why.

(How about the high production values with that picture?..)

BIG TEN HIGH-LOW

Arguably the top conference in the country, the Big Ten features 9 teams that could conceivably make the NCAA Tournament, and 7 that could finish as high as 2nd in the league.

* my projected finish in yellow

ILLINOIS
1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11
Last year, Bruce Weber proved that you can't count out one of his teams. So long as they continue to play stellar D (57 ppg against last year), the Illini have a chance to finish as high as 2nd in the league.

INDIANA
1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11
The Hoosiers are making progress, but simply don't have the talent to compete with the conference elite. Unlike last year, they'll at least be highly competitive.

IOWA
1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11
Iowa's backcourt has promise, while the frontcourt is mostly a mess. Iowa will certainly win a few games here and there, but it's hard to imagine them finishing much higher then 10th.

MICHIGAN
1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11
Harris and Sims form the league's best inside-outside combo, and there's loads of young depth. Still, the Wolverines haven't finished higher than .500 in league play in over 5 years, so expectations may be a bit high.

MICHIGAN STATE
1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11
The hole in the middle left by Goran Suton will be hard to fill, but there's more then enough pieces remaining for Michigan State to advance deep into the NCAA Tournament.

MINNESOTA
1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11
Tubby Smith has loads of depth at his disposal, but perhaps lacks that one player willing to push the program to new heights. Everyone expects a giant leap forward this year, but that might be another year away.

NORTHWESTERN
1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11
Yes, Northwestern is more talented then usual and last year's NIT trip was nice.. but they still finished 8-10 in league play, a record which they probably won't match in 2010. Will battle Indiana and Penn State in the 8-10 race.

OHIO STATE
1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11
Evan Turner is a stud, William Buford is ready to breakout, David Lighty is healthy, and Jon Diebler finally found his range. OSU is right there with Purdue in the battle for 2nd place.

PENN STATE
1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11
Talor Battle is the big name, but look out for junior forward Andrew Jones. Ed DeChellis' Lions have never made the Big Dance, a streak which will likely continue in 2010 (but which may very well end in 2011).

PURDUE
1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11
Purdue is the team with the best shot of knocking MSU out of the top spot. With everyone but Calasan back, another 11-7 finish in conference play would be highly disappointing.

WISCONSIN
1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11
It pains me to put Wisconsin 7th, because you know Bo Ryan has more tricks up his sleeve then any other coach in the league. While other teams look better on paper, you know the Badgers will push for a +.500 record in conference play.

>> ACC: High-Low Preview

College Basketball Preview - 144 Teams in 144 Days - Preview Interviews

The Ultimate Schedule: Big Ten

Raphielle Johnson — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 23:19:40 -0400

There are many articles out there on the best games this season, on a national level as well as by conference. But how would each conference’s (or in some cases division) schedule look if you had to follow the actual rules when doing so? This is just one person’s opinion, so feel free to add your input/suggestions. Today: the Big Ten, a league with two clear favorites and some intriguing matchups on the schedule.

Big Ten Schedule “Rules”:

- Four non-conference games

- Eight conference games

Week 1: Illinois vs. Missouri (in St. Louis) September 5^th

Be it basketball or football this is one of the more enjoyable rivalries in college sports. Unfortunately, this series will be coming to an end following this season, which is a crying shame. Missouri won last year’s meeting thanks in large part to the duo of Chase Daniel and Jeremy Maclin; they’re both gone now so the Illini’s chances improve substantially. But what happens should Illinois encounter some early struggles? They’ve shown the ability to fight back in previous meetings, but it will be a true test of whether or not there was an improvement in team chemistry in the offseason.

Other Games Considered: Minnesota @ Syracuse (9/5), Navy @ Ohio State (9/5)

Week 2: USC @ Ohio State (September 12^th)

There are some appealing matchups on the schedule for the second Saturday of the season, but those are mere appetizers when compared to this showcase. Aaron Corp takes over as the starter at USC, and this trip to the Horseshoe will be his first start in hostile territory. Freshman Matt Barkley could get some playing time as well, but that’s the only question mark for a Trojan offense that returns ten starters. USC thoroughly dominated last year’s meeting, but don’t expect the same this time around. At the least the Buckeyes need to be competitive throughout, if not win the game.

Other Games Considered: Notre Dame @ Michigan (9/12), Iowa @ Iowa State (9/12), Air Force @ Minnesota (9/12), Central Michigan @ Michigan State (9/12), Fresno State @ Wisconsin (9/12)

Week 3: Michigan State @ Notre Dame (September 19^th)

This series has been a wild one in recent years; before Michigan State’s win in South Bend last season the home team had lost seven straight. This series has had thrilling comebacks, flag plantings and entertaining football so don’t expect much of a change. Either Kirk Cousins or Keith Nichol will be the man under center for the Spartans, and given the strength of the defense they won’t be required to pull off any Superman-like heroics. Notre Dame gets a year older, and some expect the Irish to be part of the BCS at-large conversation. Overall, a very good litmus test for both teams in mid-September.

Other Games Considered: California @ Minnesota (9/19), Arizona @ Iowa (9/19)

Week 4: Illinois @ Ohio State (September 26^th)

Two years ago the Illini won in Columbus, getting the ball rolling towards an eventual trip to the Rose Bowl. This meeting comes a lot earlier in the season, but it will be a solid test for an Illinois team that could make some noise within the league. The Buckeyes won in Champaign 30-20 last November despite throwing for just forty-nine yards and being outgained by just over one hundred yards. But with Terrelle Pryor and Beanie Wells both rushing for more than 100 yards Ohio State was able to hold the ball for more than thirty-three minutes. With the Buckeyes having a solid rushing game again this season, Illinois’ defense needs to get off the field when the opportunity presents itself.

Other Games Considered: Iowa @ Penn State (9/26), Michigan State @ Wisconsin (9/26), Minnesota @ Northwestern (9/26)

Week 5: Michigan @ Michigan State (October 3^rd)

Last season’s game didn’t go too well for the maize and blue, who turned the ball over four times and was outgained by more than two hundred yards in the 35-21 defeat. The Wolverines, by the time of the battle for the Paul Bunyan-Governor of Michigan trophy, will hope that Tate Forcier is comfortable as the starter. The Spartans have one of the best defensive units in the Big Ten, and rest assured that this rivalry game means an awful lot to Coach Dantonio (thanks to Mike Hart’s “little brother” comments a couple of seasons ago). It’s the first meeting in East Lansing since those infamous comments; look for Sparty to be more than ready to welcome Michigan to town.

Other Games Considered: Penn State @ Illinois (10/3), Wisconsin @ Minnesota (10/3)

Week 6: Michigan State @ Illinois (October 10^th)

Back with the Spartans, this time to see how well the defense can perform against an Illinois offense that doesn’t lack for playmaking options. The two schools haven’t played since 2006, when the then-struggling Illini picked up their lone conference win of the season with a 23-20 triumph in East Lansing. Juice Williams and Pierre Thomas ran for more than one hundred yards apiece in the win, and it may be a safe bet to say that Greg Jones and company won’t allow that to happen again. The winner leaves with a chance to crack the top two at season’s end, while the loser may be in a dogfight to finish in the top half of the Big Ten.

Other Games Considered: Wisconsin @ Ohio State (10/10), Michigan @ Iowa (10/10)

Week 7: Bye Week (October 17^th)

Seems like a good time to take an off week, with the best games looking to be Northwestern/Michigan State and Iowa/Wisconsin. Ohio State (Purdue) and Penn State (Minnesota) will both be favored by a couple of scores to take care of business.

Week 8: Penn State @ Michigan (October 24^th)

This game has lost a little of its luster with the recent struggles of the Wolverines, but they could be a trendy upset pick when the Nittany Lions visit Ann Arbor. Penn State has a very good shot at going into this one undefeated, with revenge being the theme for Michigan following last season’s 46-17 beating in Happy Valley. The Wolverines actually led that game 10-0 in the first quarter…and things went downhill from there. No one thought that Iowa would beat Penn State last season, and in front of a frenzied crowd in Iowa City that’s exactly what happened. Maybe Michigan can do the same.

Other Games Considered: Iowa @ Michigan State (10/24), Illinois @ Purdue (10/24)

Week 9: Michigan State @ Minnesota (October 31^st)

With the Golden Gophers visiting both Penn State and Ohio State this is the biggest league game to be played in the new TCF Bank Stadium this season. Minnesota won the last meeting (31-18 in 2006) thanks to a +3 turnover margin, holding Javon Ringer to just twenty-five yards rushing and harassing Brian Hoyer all afternoon. Similar pressure could yield similar results with the quarterback situation unsettled and Ringer off to the NFL, but the Spartan defense will bring some things to the table as well. Not expecting this game to garner too much national attention, but it will be an entertaining affair.

Other Games Considered: Michigan @ Illinois (10/31), Purdue @ Wisconsin (10/31)

Week 10: Ohio State @ Penn State (November 7^th)

The Big Ten Game of the Year, with the winner most likely punching their ticket to the BCS. The Nittany Lions won last season’s meeting in Columbus, but since 1997 the road team is just 3-9 in this series (even with visitors winning the last two; stat courtesy of philsteele.com). Ohio State could get nothing done on the ground last season, rushing for just sixty-one yards on thirty-one carries, so it will be on the offensive line and backs such as Dan Herron, Brandon Saine and QB Terrelle Pryor to make an impact in that area. A hard-fought game is to be expected; don’t look for either team to light up the scoreboard since the defenses are solid.

Other Games Considered: Illinois @ Minnesota (11/7), Northwestern @ Iowa (11/7)

Week 11: Bye Week (November 14^th)

Outside of Northwestern/Illinois and Michigan/Wisconsin it’s a lean week on the schedule…or at the least nothing to match up with Ohio State/Michigan looming on the horizon.

Week 12: Ohio State @ Michigan (November 21^st)

No need for cute nicknames or trophies, this rivalry stands up to any in all of sports. With there being a history of underdogs rising up to derail a favorite possibly headed to Pasadena, the Wolverines put up a disappointing effort in Columbus a season ago. There could be a lot riding on this one for the Buckeyes: anywhere from a share of the Big Ten to a possible national title game berth should they go undefeated. Expect Michigan to come out with a lot more fight than a season ago; both teams seemed resigned to the end result before the game even began.

Other Games Considered: Penn State @ Michigan State (11/21), Minnesota @ Iowa (11/21), and Purdue @ Indiana (11/21)

Week 13: Illinois @ Cincinnati (November 27^th)

A solid non-conference game to end the slate with the Illini actually having another game to play the following weekend (Fresno State). The Bearcats, reigning Big East champions, will have found a solution to the question of how you go about replacing ten defensive starters. By the time this game rolls around just about all the questions for both teams will have been answered; it will be more about improving how attractive you are to bowl executives than anything else.

From an individual standpoint, Arrelious Benn will have the opportunity to watch one of the better wide receiving corps in the country. Cincinnati’s stable or wideouts are so good that Marcus Barnett, who was a Second-Team All-Big East selection as a redshirt freshman in 2007, may have a hard time cracking the starting rotation this year. Expect a high-scoring affair at Nippert Stadium.

Week 14: Bye Week (December 5^th)

Fresno State/Illinois and Wisconsin/Hawaii both have the potential to be solid games, but the schedule is complete.

Big Ten Football Preview

Raphielle Johnson — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:39:10 -0400

Buckeyes, Nittany Lions lead the way

By Raphielle Johnson

What the Big Ten has on the national level is a perception problem. The powers that be, most notably Ohio State, can’t seem to get over the hump when it comes to showdowns against the nation’s best, with the most recent blow being Penn State’s blowout loss to USC in the Rose Bowl. But for a composite schedule that lacks in terms of quantity when looking for big-game opportunities doesn’t lack in quality as the Buckeyes host those same Trojans on September 12^th. Is it a must-win game for the league? With USC breaking in a new starting quarterback and replacing an entire stable of linebackers there may be no better opportunity for a big win.

As for where the teams will finish there’s no better place to start than Columbus, where the Buckeyes have won at least a share of the last four Big Ten crowns. Terrelle Pryor is firmly entrenched as the starting quarterback and a team leader, and it will be interesting to see how well their variation of Nevada’s “Pistol” offense works. Under Jim Tressel you know the Buckeyes will be a stout defensive team that won’t make many mistakes on offense. Who’s the most important defensive player? That could very well be senior linebacker Austin Spitler, who has had to wait his turn behind the great James Laurinaitis. This is a program that reloads, but replacing the leadership of guys such as Laurinaitis, Marcus Freeman and Malcolm Jenkins will be a tough thing to do.

Penn State should be the biggest challenger to the Buckeyes this season, with the Nittany Lions playing the Buckeyes in Happy Valley. Quarterback Daryll Clark was the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year a season ago, but a repeat will be tough due to the loss of some key playmakers at wide receiver. However, running back Evan Royster does return on the heels of a 1,236 rushing yard campaign and they’ll lean on him heavily in the early going. The defense lost seven starters but will be boosted by the return linebackers Navorro Bowman and Sean Lee. Lee missed 2008 with a torn ACL, and reports have him back at full strength.

After those two, expect a logjam in the race to become a part of the title hunt. Illinois needs to rebound after a disappointing 5-7 campaign riddled with poor chemistry in the locker room and inconsistent play on the field. Juice Williams and Arrelious Benn are back, giving Ron Zook’s team two big-play options. Eight starters are back on offense, and there’s also a capable backup quarterback in Eddie McGee should anything happen to Juice.

Michigan State has the Big Ten’s preseason Defensive Player of the Year in linebacker Greg Jones, and the increased toughness under Mark Dantonio is unmistakable. However, there is the matter of replacing Javon Ringer in the backfield, but with fifteen starters back expect the Spartans to be a threat in the Big Ten. Iowa needs to replace running back Shonn Greene and defensive tackle Mitch King, among others, and the fact that the Hawkeyes visit both Penn State and Ohio State won’t help matters either. Ricky Stanzi improved significantly under center as 2008 progressed, and the hope in Iowa City is that he and Derrell Johnson-Koulianos can continue their growth in the passing game.

Northwestern won nine games last season but they’ve got to replace six starters on offense including QB C.J. Bacher and RB Tyrell Sutton. The Wildcats have a manageable non-conference slate and they won’t have Ohio State on the schedule either. It may be too much to ask Pat Fitzgerald’s team to duplicate 2008, but another bowl trip is well within the realm of possibility.

As for Minnesota, it’s out with the old and in with the new. TCF Bank Stadium will be unveiled when Tim Brewster’s Golden Gophers host Air Force September 12^th, and the home folks won’t be cheated when ponying up for season tickets. California, a likely challenger to USC in the Pac-10, invades the following weekend but Minnesota has to visit Penn State and Ohio State on consecutive weekends in late October.

How much better will Michigan be in Year Two under Rich Rodriguez? He’s had a track record of significant improvement following a bad first season, but there’s also the issue of the quarterback position. Freshman Tate Forcier is the guy that many around the program hope can perform well as the starter, and it’s slim picking at the position overall. There is a wealth of experience back at just about every other position on offense, so look for the Wolverines to lean heavily on players such as Brandon Minor as Forcier gets his “sea legs”.

Wisconsin had a tough go of it last season, still qualifying for a bowl game despite a mid-season four-game losing skid. Has Dustin Scherer matured at quarterback? John Clay will be first in line at running back, and look for the Badgers to go with their traditional formula of a tough rushing attack supplemented by a stout defense. But a lot of talent is gone from said defense, with six starters moving on. LB Jaevery McFadden and SS Jay Valai will need to lead the way if Wisconsin is to have a shot at a bowl game.

As for the two schools from the Hoosier State, it could be a tough season. Purdue replaces the retired Joe Tiller with Danny Hope, and four starters return from an offense that played nowhere near the level of Boilermaker offenses of the past. Seven defensive starters, including four of their top five tacklers, return to West Lafayette. As for Indiana, Bill Lynch booted the versatile Kellen Lewis from the team once and for all, sacrificing the team’s best playmaker for improved chemistry and team discipline. Ben Chappell, who saw playing time last season, gets the job full-time in 2009. However, nine starters are back on defense led by All-Big Ten selection Jammie Kirlew.

Storyline: How much can the Big Ten improve its national perception?

Players of the Year: QB Terrelle Pryor (Ohio State) and LB Greg Jones (Michigan State)

How they’ll finish:

Ohio State
Penn State
Michigan State
Illinois
Iowa
Michigan
Northwestern
Minnesota
Wisconsin
Purdue
Indiana

Next: Big Ten Ultimate Schedule