After three weeks Sports Headliners has seen enough to rate the Big Ten football teams from 1-12. Here’s how they rank:
Wisconsin: Quarterback transfer Russell Wilson elevates Badgers offense to elite national level.
Nebraska: Remember these names: quarterback Taylor Martinez, defensive lineman Jared Crick, linebacker Lavonte David. Remember these dates: Huskers at Wisconsin, October 1; home against Ohio State on October 8 and Michigan State October 29.
Ohio State: Injuries, suspensions and the departure of quarterback Terrelle Pryor put a major hit on what was once the conference’s most talented roster.
Illinois: Illini have high impact assistants in offensive coordinator Paul Petrino and defensive coordinator Vic Koenning.
Michigan State: Spartans have Big Ten’s best passing offense but need to play more physical football on both sides of the ball.
Michigan: Defense is part of the Wolverines vocabulary this season, but how in the hell do you take the most exciting quarterback in the league and move him under center?
Penn State: quarterback dilemma in Happy Valley has Joe Paterno undecided and Nittany Lions fans worried.
Iowa: Hawks gave up 71 points in last two games and are still trying to figure out how to put defense back on a pedestal in Iowa City.
Northwestern: Super coach Pat Fitzgerald still needs to attract better players to Evanston.
Minnesota: Keep the faith but talent this season seems better suited to competing in the MAC.
Purdue: Boiler fans clamoring for a game against Slippery Rock after opening 2-1 against Middle Tennessee State, Rice and Southeast Missouri State.
Indiana: Hoosiers wear uniforms and helmets like No. 1 Oklahoma, play like last place Indiana.