Rick Figurin
pigskinpress.com

Illinois- Tavon Wilson/CB- Not since Seattle rock legends Heart, have a pair of Wilsons rocked so hard! Were referring, of course, to Fighting Illini defenders Martez and Tavon who will both have breakout seasons in 2009. While Martez finally started to show some of that amazing potential last season, it will be the sophomore CB Tavon who will have the bigger breakthrough this season. The D.C. native has good vision, and showed coaches that he can be trusted in a number of situations. Wilson played opposing receivers well for a freshman. Look for 70 tackles and 4 picks in 2009.

Indiana- Darius Willis/RB- While Willis is an Indiana native, landing a kid of this caliber is still a bit of a boon if you ask us. This season, Willis will get his chance to shine in the Indiana backfield and will put up good numbers if given sufficient carries. 1,000 yards is a bit of a stretch for a redshirt freshman on this particular team, but the offensive line is experienced and 800 yards and 9 td’s sounds about right to us.

Iowa- Jordan Bernstine/CB- If Jordan Bernstine is able to earn a starting spot in camp, Big Ten teams need to lookout! Bernstine has been banged up in the past, but appears ready to show off his potential that made him one of the most sought after DB’s in the country coming out of H.S. The junior has football smarts, and knows how to play in space. We’ll call for 80 tackles, 4 ints and 3 sacks as a junior.

Michigan-Boubacar Cissoko/CB- One of the great names in the game will be one of the great DB’s after the 2009 season. The sophomore has terrific strength for his size, and can turn on a dime to initiate or make-up on a play. We’ll call for a surprise 2nd team all-conference finish, as Michigan’s defense plays better than expected.

Michigan State- Keith Nichol/QB- Many look at the Spartans and expect them to struggle because of graduations in the backfield, but Nichol is no slouch and will have lots of experienced targets to throw to in 2009. We know were going on a bit of a limb here, but if he can win the job this fall (which we expect) Nichol should easily put up 15-20 td’s and do some serious damage if forced to scramble as well.

Minnesota- Cedric McKinley/DE- As a senior, McKinley will get one shot to show his stuff as the starting DE. In a back-up role last season, McKinley put up 3 sacks. With the graduation of Willie VanDeSteeg, the Gophers will need some big time pass rushing from their ends, and we expect McKinley to provide just that. Double digit sacks? Probably not, but 7-9 with 30-40 tackles will certainly help.

Northwestern- Mike Kafka/QB- People forget that Kafka was a highly ranked arm coming out of H.S. and played admirably backing up C.J. Bacher last season. Kafka will inherit the keys to the kingdom in 2009, and will surprise people with his poise and accuracy. The senior looses Tyrell Sutton, and his top 4 receivers, but OC Mike McCall will set him up for success and Kafka will most certainly execute. 2,100 yards passing, 600 rushing, and 14td’s will be a great curtain call for the Northwestern QB.

Ohio State- DeVier Posey/WR- This was a tough call, because we fell Terrelle Pryor’s numbers will match his hype this season, but it will be Posey that will become the latest household name for the Buckeyes. Posey has capable speed, but his real strength is his shiftiness and fearlessness to find the ball. We expect Posey to pull in 60 passes and eclipse the 850 yard mark. It’s not unreasonable to think the sophomore could haul in 2-3 td’s of 50 yards or more!

Penn State- Jack Crawford/DE- Crawford has a nasty disposition, and knows just enough about playing college DE to be dangerous. This kid will look much different as a senior, but will rely on instincts and raw power to bully his way to a breakout season in 2009. Crawford moves quickly off the snap and isn’t always conventional in his pass rush, but will be extremely effective. We’ll call for 8 sacks in his sophomore year and 25-30 tackles.

Purdue- Aaron Valentin/WR- Valentin made a bit of a name for himself as a kick returner last season, but this year he will make noise as a receiver. He’s more comfortable now than when he arrived in West Lafayette, and should lead the receiving core in both yards and TD’s (sorry Keith Smith). We’ll call for 900 yards, and 7 td’s. Much like OSU’s Posey, Valentin is dangerous on a deep pass.

Wisconsin- Dan Moore/DT- The JUCO transfer played solid football in 2008, and in 2009 he will really step up for the Badgers. Moore won’t end the season on anybody’s all-conference list, but he will put up 35 tackles and a couple of sacks as a guy who works hard in the trenches. Look for the Wisconsin run defense to be solid once again, largely in-part to Moore’s grittiness.

Rick Figurin
pigskinpress.com

Illinois-Ron Zook
How easily we forget! Just two seasons ago, Zook was off the hot seat with a Rose Bowl appearance, yet after last seasons 5-7 performance he may be feeling a little bit warm yet again. One thing Zook can do is recruit, and he’s had some great players under his belt so far. The problem is the rest of the Big Ten is improving while Illinois seems stuck. The good news is the offense should be improved. The bad news is no matter how you slice it, he has three losing seasons out of four.
Stock: Dropping

Indiana-Bill Lynch
What happened to Indiana? The Hoosiers returned a good amount of talent in 2008, but still found a way to lose to Ball State and Central Michigan; both must win games for the Hoosiers. Lynch’s recruits have been below Big Ten caliber, especially on the defensive side of the ball. I highly doubt another bad season will spell the end for Lynch, but it will make his seat a little warmer.
Stock: Dropping

Iowa-Kirk Ferentz
Last year’s 9-4 was a much needed boost after three sub par seasons, but keep in mind that the Hawkeyes were still fourth in a weak conference where Michigan was out of the picture. Many think that Iowa is going to shine this year, and for Ferentz’s sake he’d better hope so. Iowa has had a rough off-season and is starting to put together a rap sheet that doesn’t sit well with midwest folk. Iowa should be thinking change with anything less than .500, new extension or not!
Stock: Dropping

Michigan-Rich Rodriguez
Many Wolverine fans want Rodriguez out! It’s only been one year, but bad press over the WVU buyout and worse play on the field has been his only contribution thus far. Luckily, Rodriguez put together a strong recruiting class and could live to see their potential if he can win a few more ball games in 2009. Bottom line, Michigan fans care about winning, not potential wins.
Stock: Plummeting

Michigan State-Mark Dantonio
A nine win season is reason to celebrate in East Lansing, even if it could have been more. Many feel that Dantonio could be the guy to get MSU over the hump in the Big Ten, but last year they still hit the wall. Regardless, the on-field behavior and tantrums seemed to decrease which can only be a good thing. Mix in an increase in top 150 players, and that’s a recipe for success.
Stock: Rising

Minnesota-Tim Brewster
A year ago, Brewster was on the hot seat, but winning usually fixes that. The Gophers were able to muster seven wins and a bowl appearance, finally putting an end to all the the-guy-can-recruit-but-can-he coach questions. Minnesota should be able to be bowl eligible again in 2009. If not, you’ve got to think he’s right back where he started.
Stock: Rising

Northwestern-Pat Fitzgerald
Let’s face it, the goal at Northwestern is not a national championship, it’s to make a bowl game. Last year, Fitzgerald pulled it off and improved his team to a 9-win season! Recruiting is an issue because of the high academic standards, but Fitzgerald has held his own. So far, so good.
Stock: Steady

Ohio State-Jim Tressel
What do you say about a coach who does exactly what he’s supposed to do? Tressel and the Buckeyes win year in and year out, are always in the national title discussion, and have fantastic recruiting classes. 2009 will be another great season for OSU, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Tressel is the real deal.
Stock: Sizzling

Penn State-Joe Paterno
A year ago, we outlined how Paterno’s stock was falling: inconsistency, recruiting woes, etc. But in 2008, the Nittany Lions showed up to play and had a terrific season. The question is really about Paterno’s health. Is having a frail coach who is easily injured helping the face of the program, or is it just delaying the inevitable? Regardless, Penn State keeps winning so you have to think having Paterno around is more of a positive than a negative.
Stock: Solid

Purdue-Danny Hope
With a last name like Hope, perhaps the new head coach of the Boilermakers will be the Barack Obama of the D-1 coaching ranks. Regardless, Hope is fortunate that the last year of the Joe Tiller era was not a good one. Landing Robert Marve certainly looks good for 2010 but Hope needs to win now and this season could be a long one. From a recruiting angle, Hope’s first round of kids looks very similar to what Tiller was able to put together. Let’s "hope" that changes.
Stock: Neutral

Wisconsin-Brett Bielema
Wow! We said if Bielema had another sub-par season in Madison that there would be trouble; Now there is! The Badgers have struggled mightily and landed Bielema on the hot seat. Factor in that this year’s team may not be terrific and that’s a recipe for dismissal. Bielema has made some questionable calls on the sidelines and the correlation between fewer wins and his own recruits on the field doesn’t fare well. Don’t be surprised if the Badgers win six or less and he’s pushed out the door.
Stock: Plummeting

Rick Figurin
pigskinpress.com

A- Arrelious Benn- The Illinois Junior WR should be able to jump to 2nd place all-time on the Illini receiving yards list. The University has also started campaigning for post-season accolades as they’ve distributed a DVD touting the talents of both Benn and QB Juice Williams. We must say, it's pretty darn good!

B- Brandon Graham- Hands down, the most talented player on the Michigan roster…for now. The senior had 10 sacks and 10 tackles for a loss last season. Graham will need serious help from fellow DE’s Ryan Van Bergen and Steve Watson in a conference that will throw the ball more in 2009.

C- Clark, Darryl- Nobody expected much from Darryl Clark last season, but he responded in kind with a first team All-Big-Ten performance. Clark will have a little breathing room with Pat Devlin having transferred to Delaware. With three winnable games to start the season, Clark will find an early groove and never look back.

D- Decker, Eric- The Minnesota WR has a great chance to pass Ernie Wheelwright as the third best receiver in school history. Decker is a fearless pass catcher who seems to be everywhere. Look for Decker to earn first team All-American honors.

E- Evan Royster- Royster had a spectacular sophomore season as he racked up 1236 yards and 12 TD’s. Nobody is questioning whether Royster will have a terrific 2009, the question is whether he’ll return to school in 2010.

F- Falling Reputations- Long seen as a good ‘ol midwestern school, some are starting to question exactly what kind of athletes Kirk Ferentz is recruiting to Iowa City. The Hawkeyes have spent a fair amount of time in the police blotters over the past two years, and if Iowa has yet another mediocre year, that fact will only be magnified.

G- Garrett Graham- The Wisconsin tight end stepped up his game last year when Travis Beckum was injured and should have a solid 2009. The short pass may be Wisconsin’s best option as new QB Curt Phillips looks to get comfortable behind center which should help Graham’s numbers.

H- Hampton, Jewel- The Iowa sophomore RB had a 5.1 ypc average backing up Shon Greene in 2009. The Hawkeyes return three starters on the offensive line, and if healthy, Hampton should put up 1,000…but his numbers will be nowhere near Greene’s 1,850 from a year ago.

I- Inexperienced RB’s- Aside from Evan Royster (Penn State) and Brandon Minor (Michigan) every Big 10 school will be starting a RB who is inexperienced. The remaining nine RB’s had a combined 447 carries last season.

J- Juice Williams- Juice has been as good as advertised since arriving in Champaign. Williams will become the school’s all-time passing leader in 2009, and has a chance to lead the Illini to a big bowl yet again. Williams has a great chance to increase his NFL stock if he can drop his interceptions in 2009.

K- Kerrigan, Ryan- Most underrated defensive player in the Big 10! Kerrigan has great leg push on the rush and should contend for all-conference honors in 2009.

L- Lawrence, Simoni- Lawrence was solid for the Minnesota linebacking core in 2008, and has great hands for a linebacker. Look for Lawrence to top 90 tackles and 8 sacks this season.

M- Michigan- Rich Rodriguez needs to right the ship at Michigan quick or his regime will be over! Rodriguez has brought in some terrific talent, but anything less than a bowl game this season and there will be real pressure on the A.D. to make a change. It will take time for the offense to click, and the Wolverines could stumble a bit out of the gate.

N- November 7th- Ohio State at Penn State to determine the Big 10 Champ. This game was a defensive battle a year ago, and will more than likely be similar this season.

O- Oren Wilson- The Michigan State DT will be saddled with stepping his game up, as the Spartan front 4 could struggle against the run. Wilson did not have spectacular stats last year, but will get be called upon to plug holes up the gut.

P- Polk, Nick- We felt that the Indiana FS was due for a big season in 2008, but it never came to be. Polk has great vision and can deliver big hits. With 9 back on defense for Indiana, Polk should increase on last year’s numbers.

Q- Quentin Davie- The Northwestern LB had a terrific sophomore season, racking up 57 tackles including 9.5 for a loss. Davie and Northwestern could be the surprise defense of the conference; maybe their best since the Rose Bowl squad.

R- Ross Weaver- The Michigan State CB may not have the best hands in the conference, but he’s always around the ball. Weaver broke up 7 passes last season, and along with Chris Rucker, is part of the 2nd best set of cornerbacks in the league.

S- Simmons, Traye- The best cornerbacks in the league? That would be Minnesota! Traye Simmons broke up 14 passes and intercepted 4 more last season. Look for Simmons to be 1st team Big-Ten as a senior and for the Gophers to surprise some teams.

T- Terrelle Pryor- It was amazing to watch how cool under pressure Pryor looked as a freshman! I think Pryor is still one year away, but could garner All-American honors. Pryor has terrific vision on the field and uses the line of scrimmage as an extra defender. This kid is fun to watch!

U- Upsets- The Big-10 could see a few upsets if they’re not careful. Games that could cause the conference trouble are Arkansas State at Iowa (see upsets article), Central Michigan at Michigan State, Fresno State at Wisconsin, and Toledo at Purdue. Heads up!

V- Vince Brown- The Northwestern DE had four sacks as a redshirt freshman; this year, he’ll be starting! Having Corey Wooton on the other side will help, as Northwestern’s pass rush puts up 20 sacks in 2009.

W- Wilson, Martez- Landing the highly touted linebacker was a great get for Ron Zook, but his progress has been slow. Wilson is an effective player, but not performing at his recruitment level. As a junior, Wilson should be making more impact plays, as the Illinois defense will need someone to step up with only 5 returning starters.

X- X-Games- Not real sports. All the more reason to keep your eyes on the Big-Ten.

Y- Youth- Of the leagues 31 starting WR’s only eight are seniors; Pair that with 6 new starting QB’s and that’s a lot of dropped passes!

Z- Zoltan Mesko- Z’s are hard to come by, but Mesko is worthy. 24 of his 80 punts last season were inside the 20. His 43 yards per punt were tied with Penn State’s Jeremy Boone for best in the Big-Ten.