8/4/07 - 2007 Football Preview

With opening games less than a month away, it is finally time for the Big Ten Chronicle's 2007 Big Ten Football Preview. Top to bottom the conference should be far better this season, with Michigan and Wisconsin the favorites to win the league. Today we will unveil our Projected Standings and take a look at some of the non-conference schedule's Biggest Games to Watch. BTC 2007 Projection (Conf. record) 1. Wisconsin 11-1 (7-1) 2. Michigan 11-1 (7-1) 3. Ohio State 10-2 (6-2) 3. Penn State 10-2 (6-2) 5. Iowa 9-3 (5-3) 6. Purdue 8-4 (4-4) 7. Minnesota 6-6 (2-6) 8. Northwestern 5-7 (2-6) 9. Michigan State 4-8 (2-6) 9. Illinois 4-8 (2-6) 11. Indiana 5-7 (1-7) Non-Conference Games to Watch: 1.Notre Dame at Michigan, Sept. 15th One of the greatest rivalries in all of college football will not only continue this year, but will extend at least until the year 2031. Last year the Wolverines spanked then ranked #2 Notre Dame 47-21 in South Bend. Expect Michigan to be the highly-ranked favorite in this year's clash and expect Big Blue to knock the Irish around similar to last year's meeting. 2.Ohio State at Washington, Sept. 15th Big Ten teams have a history of heading West during the non-conference schedule and coming home with a surprising loss. The Buckeyes will face-off against what should be a much improved Washington team. The Huskies missed out on a bowl last season, finishing 5-7 in 2006, but can look at this game as a giant opportunity to vault back into national prominence. Ohio State will be a heavy favorite on this Saturday, but don't be too surprised if this game is tight in the 4th quarter. 3.Washington State at Wisconsin, Sept. 1st With 18 starters returning from last year's 12-1 squad, big things are expected from this year's Badgers. Wisconsin has a chance to do something very special this year, and looking at the schedule could very well be 9-0 going into a November 3rd showdown in Columbus versus Ohio State. Those are the expectations in Madison this preseason, but they better not overlook their first opponent and toughest non-conference game. 4.Notre Dame at Penn State, Sept. 8th Notre Dame will go on the "Big Ten Tour" again this years with games against Penn State, Michigan, Michigan State and Purdue in four straight weeks. Those 4 games should be just another reminder to Big Ten football fans as to why Notre Dame refused to join the conference. It will be fun to watch what should be a very strong Penn State defense take on an inexperienced Fighting Irish offense. But the biggest question will be whether JoePa will coach from the sidelines or from the press box. 5.Iowa at Iowa State, Sept. 15th After a very disappointing season last year, the Hawkeyes look to rebound in 2006 and get back above .500. Despite being the favorites in almost every trip, Iowa seems to always have trouble when they travel to Ames to face their cross-state rival. Iowa State's new coach, Gene Chizik, would certainly love to start his tenure by knocking off the hated Hawkeyes. This game won't be easy and Iowa should know that by now. Look for Coach Ferentz's Hawkeyes to be much improved this season.