D-Money's 2014 College Football Predictions- Big Ten & Independents

 

 

2014 Big 10 Predictions

Well, folks it’s time I kick off D-Money’s 2014 NCAA College Football Predictions blog with something different this year. I plan to break down the Big 5 Major Conferences and predict the conference champions of the smaller conferences. This just one of my fantasies of being a college football analyst. But, being a college football blogger is close enough. Today, I’m going to start out with the conference that I know best since I live in the Region, watched many of their games, and my Favorite Sports Team is in this conference, THE BIG TEN CONFERENCE.

            This year in the Big 10 we have 2 new teams to make the conference now have 14 teams. The Maryland Terrapins & Rutgers Scarlet Knights are now official members. Though I don’t know if this makes the conference any stronger other than financially stronger now that they got a hold of the East Coast Market but time will tell if they both transition well. The good thing is that now the Big 10 gets rid of those ridiculous names for Divisions(Legends & Leaders), and it’s now East & West.

West Division	East Division
Purdue*	Indiana*
Illinois	Maryland
Iowa	Michigan
Minnesota	Michigan State
Nebraska	Ohio State
Northwestern	Penn State
Wisconsin	Rutgers

The only protected cross-division game will be Indiana–Purdue. I’ll go in order with each team in each division in the order I think they’ll finish. First of course is THE OHIO STATE BUCKEYES!!!!

EAST DIVISION

T 1.) THE OHIO STATE BUCKEYES (7-1 B10  12-1 Overall)

 

Offense

The Buckeyes did receive a huge boost when QB Braxton Miller returned for his senior year. He had offseason shoulder surgery, however  he re-injured his throwing shoulder that he had surgery on Aug 19th. Now Redshirt Freshman JT Barrett & (SOPH) Cardale Jones will have to step up. Barrett is the leader for the new starting job. He had one redshirt year to learn the offense from the coordinators & Miller.  Despite that I still think Ohio State will win Big 10 or maybe lose one game.

 

As for Running Back who is going to replace Carlos Hyde who ran for over 1500 yds and scored 18 touchdowns?  The Favorite could be Ezekiel Elliot (Soph) who ran for 262 yds. But Rod Smith (SR), Bri’onte Dunn (Soph), & Warren Ball (Soph) will see some time as well as Dontre Wilson (soph) who some signs of what he can do in Urban Meyer’s offense and on Punt Returns.

 

The Receiving Core returns all but one as Corey Brown leaves. Devin Smith (SR) is the leading returner, along with Evan Spencer (SR) and a whole slew of young receivers who we could hear their names called this season like Jalin Marshall (RS FR), Curtis Samuel (FR). Tight Ends Jeff Heuerman & Nick Vannett return to help Braxton Miller with the passing game.

 

The offense line lost 4 starters from last year’s team unfortunately that included All American Jack Mewhort. But, with I think with the best O-Line Coach in the country in Ed Warriner and young talent waiting I think it won’t be long before they start to click with each other.  OT Taylor Decker (JR) is the lone returning starter, but OG Pat Elfien (SO) has seen some time. Jacoby Boren (JR) and Chad Lindsay (SR), who transferred from Alabama will vie time for Center.

 

Defense

Last year’s Defense was anything but the traditional Silver Bullet type of Defense we have seen in the past at Ohio State. But, with the arrival of Defensive Backs Coach/Co-Defensive Coordinator Chris Ash & New Defensive Line Coach Larry Johnson from Penn State, the defense hopes to turn the corner this season.

 

I think when it’s all said and done the Buckeyes will have the Best Defensive Line in the country as they return all 4 starters and have a slew of talent that will rotate and see time as well. Like he did at Florida, Urban is recruiting NFL caliber Linemen. Michael Bennett (SR) is the leader of the Defensive Line & he is protected to be an all Big Ten Candidate along with Noah Spence(JR) & Joey Bosa (SOPH). Spence will have to sit out the first 2 games of the year. Bosa was named to the All American Freshman Team last year. Adolphus Washington(JR) is another good starter.

 

The Linebacker Corp will miss All American Ryan Shazier. Joshua Perry(JR) returns at Strongside LB. Curtis Grant(SR) would like to end his career on the good note. Super Athlete Darron Lee(SOPH) could be a name we could hear a lot this season. Trey Johnson(SOPH) played some time last season. I would not be surprised if Freshman sensation Raekwon McMillan sees some time.

 

The Defensive Backfield is the area Buckeye fans will be watching for sure to see if they have improved especially being ranked 110^th in passing defense last year (268 yards per game). All-Big Ten Cornerback Bradley Roby is gone. But, Doran Grant(SR) want to become the leader of the Backfield. Armani Reeves(JR) has played some significant times last year also returns. The safeties will be young but extremely talented. Tyvis Powell(Soph) is the lone returning starter at safety as C.J. Barrett , last years’ leader in Interceptions(4) is gone. But, Powell will be backed up but very talented guys whose time is now in Eli Apple(FR), Cam Burrows(FR) and Vonn Bell(SOPH). Bell saw a little time last year late in the season.

 

Special Teams will hurt a little as Kicker Drew Basil is gone but Sean Nuernberger(FR) hopes to fill the gap. Cameron Johnston(JR) returns for Punting duties and he is on the watch list for the Ray Guy Award.

 

The Non Conference Schedule is better than last year’s as the Buckeyes go to Baltimore and face Navy , with homes games against Virginia Tech, Kent State, and Cincinnati. The Bucks should be favored in almost every game. Nov 8^th at Michigan State could determine who wins the East Division, The Big 10 and possibly represent the B10 in the new College Football Playoff. Ohio State is the Favorite to win the Big 10. I’m not saying that because I’m a fan. Hopefully they’ll continue without Braxton Miller this season.

 

On to the next team I promise you the next 13 won’t be as long as Ohio State’s I just know about the Buckeyes more. I’m going in order of how they’ll finish in the B10.

 

T1.) MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS  (7-1 B10  10-2 OVERALL)

The defending B10 Champs & Rose Bowl Champs from last year have a good group coming back. They have 7 returning starters on offense led by QB Conner Cook(JR) who became the QB the Spartans were looking for last year in their B10 title run. RB Jeremy Langford(SR) who ran for 1422 yards and 18 td’s returns. The Spartans return most of their receivers from last year with Tony Lippett(SR) as their leading returning catcher.

The defense lost a couple leaders from last year’s team including first round draft pick Darqueze Dennard but they return 5 starters and a few guys who could come in and play. Head Coach Mark Dantonio has really made Michigan State’s defense be very tough over his 7 years here and has made them a program on the rise. They go to Oregon in their non-conference but do host Ohio State in November which could determine who goes to the B10 Championship game.

3.      MICHIGAN WOLVERINES (5-3 B10  8-4 OVERALL)

 

When Michigan won the Sugar Bowl back in 2011-12 season with an 11-2 Record in Brady Hoke’s first season everybody thought Michigan was back. Not yet LOL. Sorry Buckeye in me. They lost their last 2 bowl games and have gone 15-11 in the last 2 seasons. They have recruited good but not as good as Ohio State. Brady Hoke is not on the hot seat yet but this year the fans want some progress. A double digit win season could do it but they could fall a little short with what they got in front of them

 

QB Devin Gardner(SR) returns but Shane Morris(SOPH) could get some time and is the future QB. RB Derrick Green(SOPH) hopes to replace Fitzgerald Toussant. Receiving could be a problem as the Wolverines lose Jeremy Gallon to graduation but return young guys like Tight Ends Devin Funchess(JR) & Jake Butt(SOPH) (HUH HUH BUTT, my Butthead impersonation there).

 

The Defense last year was either on or off. This was due to losing LB Jake Ryan(SR) to a spring 2013 ACL injury. He returned for half a season last year to provide a little boost. DB Blake Countess, & LB Desmond Morgan are 8 of the other returning starters on Defense.

 

As a Buckeye fan I hate to give Michigan credit. They will be a better team this year but their road schedule will be very difficult especially when your 3 biggest rivals (Notre Dame, Michigan State, and of course Ohio State) are all on the road.

 

4.     Penn State Nittany Lions  (4-4  B10  8-4 OVERALL)

 

The Nittany Lions, unfortunately, have 2 more years(Maybe 1) of being on a bowl ban. But, Bill O’Brien left new coach James Franklin in a better situation. Franklin is recruiting like crazy and he could have Penn State back in the national spotlight soon.

 

QB Christian Hackenberg(SOPH) is back. I think this guy is the best Pro Style QB in the Big 10. I still think Braxton Miller is the best QB but Hackenberg will be a really good NFL QB. RB Zach Zwinak & Bill Belton return for the running game. The top 2 receivers graduate but they have young guys waiting.

 

On Defense, CB  Jordan Lucas(JR), & LB Mike Hull (SR) return as the leading tacklers. Anthony Zettel(JR) returns on DE & had 4 sacks last year. Penn State plays Central Florida in Dublin Ireland first game of the year. James Franklin did a good job making Vanderbilt a good team in the SEC. This is another transition year but record wise I think Penn State will be better than last year’s 7-5.

 

T5. Maryland Terripans (3-5 B10 6-6 OVERALL)

This is Maryland’s first year in the Big 10 and with 8 starters back on both offense & defense they want to make an impact. QB C.J Brown will lead the offense and he has WR’s Deon Long & Stefon Diggs to throw it who those 2 could be Receiving Leaders in the B10 when it’s all said and done. On Defense, LB Cole Farrand, DE Andre Monroe, and S Sean Davis are the returning leaders. The Terripans have a competitive non-conference schedule with West Virginia, at Syracuse, and at South Florida as 3 out of 4 non-conference games but I think they can be 3-1. Big 10 schedule has them facing 4 of the best teams in the Big 10. This is a much better team than last year(7-6) but unfortunately their record might not show it.

T5.   Indiana Hoosiers (3-5 B10  6-6 Overall)

If the Hoosiers want to get back into a bowl game for the first time since 06-07 then this may be the year to do it before the B10 gets too competitive. Nate Sudfield (JR) returns at QB and he’ll be back by RB Tevin Coleman(JR). The WR Corp lost All Big ten Receiver Cody Latimer & Kofi Hughes but Shane Wynn(SR) & Isiah Roundtree(SR) will keep the passing offense going for Indiana like last year. FR Dominique Booth hopes to see time at receiver.

The weakness for the Hoosiers last few years has been the Defense. New D Coordinator Brian Knoor hopes to change that.  CB Tim Bennett(SR)  & Ralph Green III(SOPH)  returns as defensive leaders.

I think Indiana will be bowling this year. A lower bowl game but I think their fans would take it.

7. Rutgers Scarlet Knights  (0-8  B10  3-9  Overall)

 I believe the first year in the Big 10 will be a tough transition year for Rutgers. Sorry to my buddy Chris who went to Rutgers and is a fan but the Big 10 is a huge upgrade from the crappy American Athletic Conference. On offense leading rusher Paul James(JR) returns as well as QB Gary Nova(SR) & WR Leonte Carroo(JR). The defense good against the run will have to go against some good running teams in B10 and the Pass Defense was the worst in school history last year giving up 4,056 yards and 31 TD’s. Defense will be lead by DT Darius Hamilton & LB Steve Longa.

WEST DIVISION

1.     WISCONSIN BADGERS  (7-1 B10  10-3 Overall )

-HC Gary Anderson hopes to have Bucky Badger be the top team in a very open West Division. QB Joel Stave(JR) leads the offense behind RB Melvin Gordon(JR) who appears to be the best Running Back in the Big 10. Corey Clement(SOPH) ran 547 yards & 7 TD’s  behind James White(who graduated) & Gordon will be getting more carries this year. Losing most of your leading wide receivers will hurt especially ALL Big Ten Jared Abbrederis but they have some young ones in place and the O will rely on the running game behind usually a great O Line led by Dan Voltz(SOPH). 

 

The Defense lost All Big Ten Defensive Player of the year Chris Borland. (SOPH) CB Sojour Shelton who had 4 INT last year returns, S Michael Caputo(JR) does too to lead a strong backfield for Wisconsin. They open up in Dallas against LSU and if they can pull off a win it could jumpstart their season.

 

2.     Iowa Hawkeyes  (6-2 B10  10-2  Overall)

The Hawkeyes had some up and down moments last year. Being 5-4 at one point they won their last 3 games to earn an Outback Bowl bid but now want to be in the B10 Title Race this year. QB Jake Rudock(JR) returns as does RB Mark Weisman(SR). The O Line is talented and will be led by OT Brandon Scherff(SR) who is getting a look by NFL Scouts. WR Corp has some talent like Kevonte Martin-Manley(SR).

 

On defense they will hurting at Linebacker as all 3 guys graduated. CB Desmond King(SOPH) came on last year for the backfield.

 

If Iowa’s defensive guys come together early in the 4 non-conference games and go undefeated there, then it could set up for a memorable season. They avoid the top 4 teams in the East(Ohio St, Mich St, Michigan, & Penn St) & play Maryland & Indiana. Have Nebraska & Wisconsin at Home. I could see them at 8-4 again or 11-1 & in the B10 Championship game.

 

3.     Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-3 B10  9-3 Overall)

Bo Pelini hopes last year’s Bowl Win against Georgia could have the Cornhuskers competing in the B10 Title Game this year. On offense Tommy Armstrong Jr. (SOPH) came in for Taylor Martinez and looked good at times but needs to take another step in his game. Having RB Ameer Abdullah(SR) in the backfield will help Armstrong as Abdullah is another All-B10 Back. WR Kenny Bell(SR) returns and he will be in the Kickoff/Punt Return game. Mark Pelini(Bo’s son) will be playing Center in the O Line.

 

DE Randy Gregory(JR) & Corey Cooper(SR) will lead the defense. I would have Nebraska winning the West Division but another tough road schedule that has them going to Michigan State, Wisconsin, and Iowa hurts them. We’ll see how it plays out.

 

4.     Northwestern Wildcats (4-4 B10  7-5 Overall)

Northwestern hopes to return to Bowl Game this year after going 5-7 and losing 7 games after losing to Ohio State at home. However, they’ll have to do it without Wideout Christian Jones(who got injured) & RB Venric Mark who decided to transfer. QB Trevor Siemian(SR) will have to lead the offense but Treyvon Green(SR) who saw time at RB when Mark was hurt will help out Siemian. So will Miles Shuler & Kyle Prater at WR.

 

Defense would be led by LB Chi Chi Ariguzo(SR) & S Ibraheim Campbell. I think they have enough talent to go back to a bowl game but with Jones and Mark gone they may not win the division.

 

5.     Minnesota Golden Gophers (3-5  B10  6-6 Overall)

HC Jerry Kill hopes to get the Gophers to a upper tier bowl game in his 4^th year. They would need to have QB Mitch Leidner(SOPH) to open up his passing game. The Running game will still be a big strength as Leidner ran for 407 yards in relief last year & RB David Cobb(SR) had 1207 yards on the ground. The O Line returns 4 out of the 5.

 

On defense,  DE Theiren Cockran(JR) lead Minnesota in sacks last year. Safety Cedric Thompson(SR) & Eric Murray(JR) lead the secondary. They could be a better team than last year but schedule will do them no favors. They will be in another low tier bowl game again.

 

6.     Illinois Fighting Illini (2-6  B10  5-7 Overall)

The Illini hope to return to a bowl game this year. QB Wes Lunt(SOPH) who transferred from Oklahoma State has the edge on the QB job. The majority of the O Line returns but not a whole lot of experience in playmakers. RB Josh Ferguson(JR) is the returning rusher & receiver.

 

SLB Earnest Thomas(SR) had 101 tackles last year returns Mason Monheim(JR) & TJ Ward(SOPH) are the other LB’s with experience as Illinois has 8 returning starters. Their Defense needs to create more turnovers this year in order to become better. HC Tim Beckman could be on the Hot Seat this year if Illinois doesn’t return to a bowl game. Illinois has only won 3 Big 10 games in 3 years. This is Beckman’s 3^rd year and he wants to show fans improvement.

 

7.     Purdue Boilermakers  (0-8  B10  3-9 Overall)

Last year would be one that HC Darrell Hazell would like to forget. They could be better this year. QB Danny Etling(SOPH) was throw into the fire but now has some experience under his belt. RB Akeem Hunt(SR) returns & he’ll handle kickoffs as well. Most of the receiving core returns.

 

  On defense they return 7 starters but didn’t do great as whole but DE Ryan Russell(SR) appears to be the star on defense. Going to Illinois & Indiana will not help their cause this year and they maybe winless again in the Big 10 even though they’ll show a little progress.

 

Well that’s the Big 10 in a nutshell. The records and places I have each team is how I think they’ll finish. I’ll go on and just give you a preview of how I think the Independents will finish and describe them quickly to end this blog.

 

Independents      Overall

Notre Dame        10-2

Navy                     9-3

BYU                     8-4

Army                    7-5

 

Notre Dame will have Everett Golson returning to the team at QB to take over for departing Tommy Rees. Even with a tough schedule HC Brian Kelly will have them ready. Some of their wins and losses last year(9-4 record) were very close. BYU will be led by their dynamic QB Tayson Hill who ran for 1344 yards and passed for 2938 yards. He could be in Heisman discussion if he gets more TD passes, less Int’s and if BYU has a better record than last year’s 8-5. Don’t sleep on Navy. That’s the message for Buckeyes this weekend as they face Navy. They have a good shot to get to 10 wins with QB/RB Keenan Reynolds and led on defense by LB Chris Johnson & S Parrish Grimes. Army will have a lot of rushers back to help them get back to first bowl game since 2010 and hopefully beat Navy as Terry Baggett, Larry Dixon, and Angel Santiago return to lead their offense.

 

That’s the Big Ten and Independents in a nutshell. The other preview won’t be that long. I don’t have a lot of time to review every single team otherwise I would have to make my own college football magazine. I’ll separate the next post as follow, Big 12/Pac 12, ACC/SEC, Other Conferences and College Football Playoff because I’m only doing Power Conferences because many people care about them. Sorry to New Mexico State, LOL.

 

Stay Tuned College Football is around the corner.