Big Ten: What’s in the future?

1 Michigan

Coach: Lloyd Carr

2006: 11-2 (7-1 Big Ten)

Circle it: Nov. 17 vs. Ohio State

Players to watch: QB Chad Henne, RB Mike Hart, WR Mario Manningham

Key stat: The Wolverines have lost four consecutive bowl games, including three Rose Bowls.

Outlook: Hart, Henne and offensive tackle Jake Long returned for their senior years with the hope of finishing their careers on a positive note. With an explosive offense and enough veteran leadership, the Wolverines finally might make something happen.

2 Wisconsin

Coach: Bret Bielema

2006: 12-1 (7-1 Big Ten)

Circle it: Nov. 3 at Ohio State

Players to watch: RB P.J. Hill, TE Travis Beckum, LB Jonathan Casillas

Key stat: The Badgers have 31 victories over the past three seasons.

Outlook: The Badgers must replace quarterback John Stocco and offensive tackle Joe Thomas, which won't be easy. But the return of Hill and a stout defense should make the Badgers contenders again, even though their schedule is much more difficult this year.

3 Ohio State

Coach: Jim Tressel

2006: 12-1 (8-0 Big Ten)

Circle it: Nov. 17 at Michigan

Players to watch: LB James Laurinaitis, TB Chris Wells, CB Malcolm Jenkins

Key stat: Laurinaitis collected a team-high 115 tackles last season as a sophomore.

Outlook: The Buckeyes lost their Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, top running back and top two receivers from a year ago. That's tough to overcome. But come on, it's still Ohio State. The defense should be good enough until the offense finds its footing.

4 Penn State

Coach: Joe Paterno

2006: 9-4 (5-3 Big Ten)

Circle it: Sept. 8 vs. Notre Dame

Players to watch: WR Deon Butler, LB Dan Connor, CB Justin King

Key stat: Quarterback Anthony Morelli broke school records for completions (208) and attempts (386) last season.

Outlook: The Nittany Lions say they think they have the pieces in place to make a run at the Big Ten title. Morelli has a terrific group Nittany Lions need to establish a running game with the departure of Tony Hunt. Connor anchors a defense that features a talented secondary.

5 Iowa

Coach: Kirk Ferentz

2006: 6-7 (2-6 Big Ten)

Circle it: Sept. 22 at Wisconsin

Players to watch: RB Albert Young, DE Kenny Iwebema, LB Mike Klinkenborg

Key stat: The Hawkeyes lost six of their final seven games last season to finish with their first losing season since 2000.

Outlook: Was last season an aberration or a sign of something more? There's no denying the Hawkeyes were a dysfunctional mess when they limped into the Metrodome for the regular-season finale. But embattled quarterback Drew Tate is gone, and the schedule doesn't include Ohio State or Michigan.

6 Purdue

Coach: Joe Tiller

2006: 8-6 (5-3 Big Ten)

Circle it: Oct. 20 vs. Iowa

Players to watch: QB Curtis Painter, WR Dorien Bryant, DE Cliff Avril

Key stat: Purdue finished first in the Big Ten in total offense (415.7 yards per game) and last in total defense (432.4 yards allowed per game) last season.

Outlook: The Boilermakers will put up big numbers on offense, but they'll also give up a lot on defense. The offense, with Painter and his receiving corps, is dangerous if it gets rolling. But it won't matter if the defense isn't improved. Purdue plays Notre Dame, Ohio State, Michigan and Iowa in four-game stretch.

7 Illinois

Coach: Ron Zook

2006: 2-10 (1-7 Big Ten)

Circle it: Nov. 3 at Minnesota

Players to watch: QB Isiah (Juice) Williams, LB J Leman, CB Vontae Davis

Key stat: Leman collected 152 tackles last season, third-most nationally.

Outlook: Many prognosticators think Illinois could be a team that makes a significant jump this season. Williams is an exciting quarterback who learned on the job as a freshman. He should be more consistent and comfortable this season. Zook's staff has upgraded the talent in recruiting.

8 Michigan State

Coach: Mark Dantonio

2006: 4-8 (1-7 Big Ten)

Circle it: Nov. 3 vs. Michigan

Players to watch: QB Brian Hoyer, RB Javon Ringer, LB SirDarean Adams

Key stat: The Spartans gave up a Big Ten-leading 32 touchdown passes last season.

Outlook: Michigan State long has been an enigma for conference followers. Talent doesn't seem to be an issue, but for myriad reasons the Spartans always self-destruct. Goofball coach John L. Smith was replaced by Dantonio, who will try to bring some discipline to the program.

9 Gophers

Coach: Tim Brewster

2006: 6-7 (3-5 Big Ten)

Circle it: Nov. 17 vs. Wisconsin

Players to watch: RB Amir Pinnix, C Tony Brinkhaus, DE Willie VanDeSteeg

Key stat: The Gophers led the nation in turnover margin (plus 1.38 per game) last season.

Outlook: Brewster undeniably has brought new energy and momentum to the program, but there are questions on both sides of the ball. A new offense and a first-year starter at quarterback could lead to struggles. The defense needs to be better if the offense takes time to develop. A much easier schedule this season should help.

10 Northwestern

Coach: Pat Fitzgerald

2006: 4-8 (2-6 Big Ten)

Circle it: Nov. 17 at Illinois

Players to watch: QB C.J. Bacher, RB Tyrell Sutton, DE Corey Wootton

Key stat: Sutton rushed for 1,000 yards last season despite a nagging shoulder injury and patchwork offensive line.

Outlook: Fitzgerald and the Wildcats did an admirable job last season after the unexpected death of coach Randy Walker. The team has its sights set on a bowl trip this season. Bacher needs to cut down on his interceptions. Sutton can be effective if the line comes together.

11 Indiana

Coach: Bill Lynch

2006: 5-7 (3-5 Big Ten)

Circle it: Nov. 17 vs. Purdue

Players to watch: WR James Hardy, QB Kellen Lewis, CB Tracy Porter

Key stat: The Hoosiers allowed 37.8 points per game in conference play last season.

Outlook: The death of coach Terry Hoeppner is a huge blow to the program, and it's hard to know how the team will respond. The Hoosiers were on the verge of becoming bowl eligible last season before losing their final three games. Lewis and Hardy give the offense a spark, but the defense has to pick up the slack.

What's in the future?

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GLANCING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL

Chip Scoggins makes his predictions for Big Ten honors:

Offensive Player of the Year

MIKE HART, RB, MICHIGAN

Hart is tough and reliable and gets to run behind Jake Long. That's a winning combo.

Defensive Player of the Year

JAMES LAURINAITIS,

LB, OHIO STATE

It will be difficult for the former Wayzata star to repeat his 2006 season, but he's still a special talent.

Coach of the Year

JOE PATERNO, PENN STATE

Back on the sideline after leg injuries, Paterno, in his 42nd year at PSU, returns plenty of talent.

Freshman of the year

ARRELIOUS BENN,

WR, ILLINOIS

Rated second-best prep receiver nationally last season. He is Illinois' best receiver right now.