Who will win the Big 10 in football in 2006?

Question

I think Wisconsin(I'm a little biased). What about you?

Answer 1

Let me say right off the bat, that Tiller's answer is the most complete and well thought out, but he makes a couple of points that seem to conflict to me.

The first is that defense wins in the Big 10. I agree with this, but it also seems to me that this supports a potential run by Wisconsin. They are returning 8 starters on defense, and their defense was pretty good last year.

Also, I would worry a lot less about new running backs than the middle O-line being green. I don't know how those guys will gel, but that could be the whole key to the Badgers hopes for 2006.

I think Michigan has a tough way to go. If the Badgers start out hot, that September 23 game in Ann Arbor could be a let-down for Michigan after a big game the week before in South Bend.

I still think you have to look at Penn State and Ohio State. One of them will be able to keep up the pace and end up on top in 2006.

Answer 2

Ohio State seems to be the popular choice right now... but I think they're going to slip up in that treacherous mid schedule slate. So for the time being I'm going to create an argument for the Nittany Lions... That's Right !! Remember them?? They played in and won a BCS Game just like the Buckeyes did last year... and I believe they're returning just as good of a team as them too...

Poslusney, King and Connor are returning on defense, and the offense is returning all their backs and receivers. We all know Michael Robinson is gone... but did you know his new replacement Anthony Morelli was the top player in the state of Pennsylvania and a member of the countries top 10 overall recruits in the year 2004 along side Ted Ginn, Chad Henne, Adrian Peterson, Rhett Bomar and company !!! They'll fight for the Big 10, no doubt about it, and they did beat OSU last year...

Answer 3

First of all, to Shrimp, Missouri isn't in the Big Ten, so it will be a little hard for them to win.

To answer the question, though, it seems that a lot of people will say Ohio State. Ted Ginn is pretty unstoppable. But the Buckeyes are only returning two Defensive Starters, and the loss of linebackers AJ Hawk, Bobby Carpenter, and Anthony Schlegel leave the middle of the feild wide open. The secondary is very young, with three Sophomores atop the depth chart. In the vicious Big Ten, you need a strong defense, and a lot will depend on this young group gelling early in the season. The schedule is somewhat favorable, getting Penn State and Michigan at home. But the road trips to Austin (Texas) and Ames (Iowa) will be challenges in September (I hope that the defense gels early!!!).

My pick for the Big Ten is going to be Michigan, though. The tandem core of QB Chad Henne, TB Mike Hart, and WR Steve Breaston is as impressive as Ohio State's Smith, Pittman, and Ginn. And sophomore Mario Manningham scored six touchdowns last year as the third receiver (as a true freshman). Look for him to continue to shine this year. The Wolverines may have finished 36th in yards allowed per game on defense last year, but they return eight players on Defense that finished in their top nine in tackles last season. The defensive experience will come in handy with their early trip to Notre Dame, hosting Wisconsin, and at Minnesota. The schedule is tough, having to travel (as I just said) to ND, Minn, Penn State, and Ohio State, but they get Iowa at home and lots of cupcakes in between the tough games. If they can beat ND, Iowa, and Ohio State, then they should be undefeated and playing for the National Championship....but that's a big "if".

Your claim that Wisconsin will win is, sadly, just wishful thinking. The best thing that the Badgers had going for them got drafted last year. QB John Stocco is a tough guy, and his arm is strong, but the passing game last season was helped out alot by the rushing threat of Brian Calhoun. With Calhoun gone, the passing game will falter---you can't win outright without a running game. And the running game will suffer, since the top two guys in the depth chart are redshirt freshmen. A rookie Head Coach, a second year Offensive Coordinator, new receivers, tight ends, and tailbacks paint an awfully dark picture for the Badgers Offense. Just hope that the seven returning starters on Defense can keep the other team out of the endzone long enough to squeak an offensive score occasionally. The schedule includes trips to Michigan, Purdue, and Iowa---ouch!

Good luck to your Badgers---they're going to need it.

Answer 4

Well....

If we beat ND (at South Bend), which we most certainly will, then beating Ohio St this year at the shoe isn't a far reach. We haven't beat them yet at the horseshoe but all streaks come to an end.

We will beat Michigan this year. This time the beav will be rocking louder then it was last year for the greatest game of the season against Ohio St.

We will win against the rest of the big 10. Which leads us to 8-0 and smelling roses. Or even better yet, going to have a fiesta in AZ.

We are... PENNNN STATEEE

Answer 5

Ohio State...I m also A lot biased about Wisconsin there hands down my favorite team but Ohio State has a proven coach,system,players and the Badgers have maybe one of them but I am not 100% just yet.

Answer 6

I'd go with Ohio State, with Penn State behind them.

Wisconsin will battle for third or fourth. They may have the easiest schedule in the conference, missing OSU and MSU, with the tough road games being at Michigan at the beginning of the conference season and at Iowa at the end.

Answer 7

Michigan

Answer 8

Michigan

Answer 9

I hate to say this because I hate this team with a passion:

Ohio State Buckeyes

I can tell you who won't win it this year:

Penn State ( one hit wonders )

Answer 10

THE OHIO STATE BUCKEYES , They are reloaded and Troy Smith will win the Hiesman.