2. Michigan (4-0, 1-0)
3. Wisconsin (4-0, 1-0)
4. Ohio State (3-1, 1-0)
5. Minnesota (3-1, 1-0)
6. Purdue (1-3, 0-0)
7. Indiana (3-1, 0-1)
8. Penn State (3-1, 0-1)
9. Northwestern (2-2, 0-1)
10. Illinois (1-2, 0-1)
11. Michigan State (1-3, 0-1)
If you told me before the season began that this would be the standings heading into the second week of conference play, I wouldn't hesitate to ridicule you in front of all your loved ones. However, it is true that Iowa (according to ESPN....) is the front runner to be in the Rose Bowl, while both Michigan and Wisconsin have made grand returns to the national stream of consciousness. Ohio State and Penn State will return to the top soon enough, so that isn't a concern. What is a concern, however, is how both Illinois and Michigan State have been walked all over all the way down to the cellar of the conference. Both teams had high hopes entering 2009, as well as the media and national pundits. Michigan State was more revered by most to be a darkhorse Big Ten title contender, while many people still felt as if Illinois would have the best offense in the Big Ten to compliment an improved defense.
I think that Michigan State will rebound nicely to still make a bowl appearance despite their awful start to the season which has included three CLOSE losses to Central Michigan, Notre Dame and undefeated Wisconsin. Illinois on the other hand should get used to being near the bottom. This team has looked terrible in every game this season and has seemingly quit on coach Ron Zook. I expect the former Big Ten coach of the year to be fired or resign by the end of the season with Illinois finishing in the bottom three of the conference.
Predicted Order of Finish....
1. Ohio State
2. Iowa
3. Penn State
4. Wisconsin
5. Michigan
6. Minnesota
7. Michigan State
8. Northwestern
9. Illinois
10. Indiana
11. Purdue
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