2007 Big Ten Football Preview (Part One)
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by The Beast
With the start of College Football on the horizon, I thought that it was fitting that I start the first part of a two part 2007 Big Ten football preview.
Player of the Year: The favorite coming in is Michigan running back Mike Hart. Over his entire career, Hart has been as consistent prescence in the Wolverines' backfield. He had his best season in 2006, as the Michigan running back totaled 1,562 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. He's an experienced running back who does not turn the ball over and is a reliable blocker. Besides being one of the Big Ten's best players, Hart is also one of the nation's top players, as "experts" are already regarding him as a Heisman contender. Elsewhere in the conference, Ohio State is led by Linebacker James Laurinaitis, who won the 2006 Nagurski Trophy for best defensive player. Laurinaitis, dubbed as the Baby Hawk, is known for always being around the ball as he had 115 tackles and 5 interceptions in 2006. Another candidate for player of the year, is Wisconsin running back P.J. Hill. As a freshman in 2006, Hill ran for 1,569 yards and 15 touchdowns. His statistics were actually better than the popular Michigan running back, Mike Hart. In the end, the award will come down to either Mike Hart or P.J. Hill with the Wisconsin back winning the award. As of now, Wisconsin has the better team, plays Michigan at home, and Hill should have a monster year that could even more glorified if the Badgers win the Big Ten.
Freshmen to Watch: It'll be really interesting to watch the Illinois freshman wide receiver Arrelious Benn in action. Benn was one of the nation's top high school seniors in 2006, and one of Ron Zook's prized recruits. With the improvement of Quarterback Juice Williams, Benn could have a really good inaugural season in Champaign.
Breakout Players: There are some promising young quarterbacks in the Big Ten but none more so than Curtis Painter. Painter had a solid 2006 campaign as he threw for 3,985 passing yards. However, the touchdown to interception ratio, 22 to 19, was absolutely horrible for. If his consistency can improve than Painter could be one of the conference's best players. Another breakout player could be Minnesota running back Amir Pinnix. The Gophers tailback ran for ten touchdowns and 1,272 yards in 2006. New Head Coach Tim Brewster brings in the highly-productive zone blocking scheme from the Denver Broncos. The Broncos have had a history of excellent running back production out of their blocking scheme and Pinnix could have an even better 2007 season.
Other Things to Watch: Who will win the conference, Wisconsin or Michigan? Wisconsin should have the advantage since they play Michigan at home in November where their better defense will become apparent. It will also be interesting to see if Ohio State will either rebuild or reload after the departure of All-Americans Anthony Gonzalez, Ted Ginn Jr., Antonio Pittman, and Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith. Many college football and Big Ten are also wondering whether the Big Ten Network will succeed or become a total failure. The network will televise many of the third-rate games so don't expect it to become an overnight sensation.
Best Games: - Wisconsin at Ohio State - If the Buckeyes can win this one than they have a realistic chance of winning the conference title. (November 3rd) - Michigan at Wisconsin - Who needs a conference championship. This late season matchup between the Badgers and Wolverines will likely decide the Big Ten championship. (November 10th) - Ohio State at Michigan- Can this year's game possibly be as good as last year's matchup. November 17th)
