BlockONation's Win/Loss Record Predictions For Every Big 10 Team For The 2011 Season

Scout.com affiliate CollegeFootballNews, a site which I am an occasional contributor, recently released their Big 10 win/loss predictions for each of the conference's 12 teams.

I did not partake in those predictions, but after looking them over, I disagree with several of their team forecasts and decided to post my own in contrast.

Here are the predictions from CFN.

LEADERS DIVISION

Illinois
2011 CFN Pred. 7-5

Sep. 3 Arkansas State W
Sep. 10 South Dakota State W
Sep. 17 Arizona State L
Sep. 24 Western Michigan W
Oct. 1 Northwestern W
Oct. 8 at Indiana L
Oct. 15 Ohio State L
Oct. 22 at Purdue W
Oct. 29 at Penn State L
Nov. 5 OPEN DATE
Nov. 12 Michigan W
Nov. 19 Wisconsin W
Nov. 26 at Minnesota L

Indiana
2011 CFN Pred. 4-8

Sep. 3 at Ball State W
Sep. 10 Virginia L
Sep. 17 South Carolina State W
Sep. 24 North Texas W
Oct. 1 Penn State L
Oct. 8 Illinois W
Oct. 15 at Wisconsin L
Oct. 22 at Iowa L
Oct. 29 Northwestern L
Nov. 5 at Ohio State L
Nov. 12 OPEN DATE
Nov. 19 at Michigan State L
Nov. 26 Purdue L

Ohio State
2011 CFN Pred. 10-2

Sep. 3 Akron W
Sep. 10 Toledo W
Sep. 17 at Miami W
Sep. 24 Colorado W
Oct. 1 Michigan State W
Oct. 8 at Nebraska L
Oct. 15 at Illinois W
Oct. 22 OPEN DATE
Oct. 29 Wisconsin W
Nov. 5 Indiana W
Nov. 12 at Purdue W
Nov. 19 Penn State W
Nov. 26 at Michigan L

Penn State
2011 CFN Pred. 7-5

Sep. 3 Indiana State W
Sep. 10 Alabama L
Sep. 17 at Temple W
Sep. 24 Eastern Michigan W
Oct. 1 at Indiana W
Oct. 8 Iowa W
Oct. 15 Purdue W
Oct. 22 at Northwestern L
Oct. 29 Illinois L
Nov. 5 OPEN DATE
Nov. 12 Nebraska W
Nov. 19 at Ohio State L
Nov. 26 at Wisconsin L

Purdue
2011 CFN Pred. 5-7

Sep. 3 Middle Tennessee W
Sep. 10 at Rice W
Sep. 17 SE Missouri State W
Sep. 24 OPEN DATE
Oct. 1 Notre Dame L
Oct. 8 Minnesota L
Oct. 15 at Penn State L
Oct. 22 Illinois L
Oct. 29 at Michigan L
Nov. 5 at Wisconsin L
Nov. 12 Ohio State L
Nov. 19 Iowa W
Nov. 26 at Indiana W

Wisconsin
2011 CFN Pred. 10-2

Sep. 3 UNLV W
Sep. 10 Oregon State W
Sep. 17 NIU (in Chicago) W
Sep. 24 South Dakota W
Oct. 1 Nebraska W
Oct. 8 OPEN DATE
Oct. 15 Indiana W
Oct. 22 at Michigan State W
Oct. 29 at Ohio State L
Nov. 5 Purdue W
Nov. 12 at Minnesota W
Nov. 19 at Illinois L
Nov. 26 Penn State W

LEGENDS DIVISION

Iowa
2011 CFN Pred. 8-4

Sep. 3 Tennessee Tech W
Sep. 10 at Iowa State W
Sep. 17 Pitt W
Sep. 24 ULM W
Oct. 1 OPEN DATE
Oct. 8 at Penn State L
Oct. 15 Northwestern W
Oct. 22 Indiana W
Oct. 29 at Minnesota W
Nov. 5 Michigan W
Nov. 12 Michigan State L
Nov. 19 at Purdue L
Nov. 26 at Nebraska L

Michigan
2011 CFN Pred. 9-3

Sep. 3 Western Michigan W
Sep. 10 Notre Dame L
Sep. 17 Eastern Michigan W
Sep. 24 San Diego State W
Oct. 1 Minnesota W
Oct. 8 at Northwestern W
Oct. 15 at Michigan State W
Oct. 22 OPEN DATE
Oct. 29 Purdue W
Nov. 5 at Iowa L
Nov. 12 at Illinois L
Nov. 19 Nebraska W
Nov. 26 Ohio State W

Michigan State
2011 CFN Pred. 8-4

Sep. 3 Youngstown State W
Sep. 10 Florida Atlantic W
Sep. 17 at Notre Dame W
Sep. 24 Central Michigan W
Oct. 1 at Ohio State L
Oct. 8 OPEN DATE
Oct. 15 Michigan L
Oct. 22 Wisconsin L
Oct. 29 at Nebraska L
Nov. 5 Minnesota W
Nov. 12 at Iowa W
Nov. 19 Indiana W
Nov. 26 at Northwestern W

Minnesota
2011 CFN Pred. 5-7

Sep. 3 at USC L
Sep. 10 New Mexico St W
Sep. 17 Miami University W
Sep. 24 North Dakota St W
Oct. 1 at Michigan L
Oct. 8 at Purdue W
Oct. 15 OPEN DATE
Oct. 22 Nebraska L
Oct. 29 Iowa L
Nov. 5 at Michigan State L
Nov. 12 Wisconsin L
Nov. 19 at Northwestern L
Nov. 26 Illinois W

Nebraska
2011 CFN Pred. 9-3

Sep. 3 UT Chattanooga W
Sep. 10 Fresno State W
Sep. 17 Washington W
Sep. 24 at Wyoming W
Oct. 1 at Wisconsin L
Oct. 8 Ohio State W
Oct. 15 OPEN DATE
Oct. 22 at Minnesota W
Oct. 29 Michigan State W
Nov. 5 Northwestern W
Nov. 12 at Penn State L
Nov. 19 at Michigan L
Nov. 26 Iowa W

Northwestern
2011 CFN Pred. 6-6

Sep. 3 at Boston College L
Sep. 10 Eastern Illinois W
Sep. 17 at Army W
Sep. 24 OPEN DATE
Oct. 1 at Illinois L
Oct. 8 Michigan L
Oct. 15 at Iowa L
Oct. 22 Penn State W
Oct. 29 at Indiana W
Nov. 5 at Nebraska L
Nov. 12 Rice W
Nov. 19 Minnesota W
Nov. 26 Michigan State L


And here is how I see the season results for each team.

LEADERS DIVISION

Illinois
2011 BlockONation Pred. 8-4

Sep. 3 Arkansas State W
Sep. 10 South Dakota State W
Sep. 17 Arizona State W
Sep. 24 Western Michigan W
Oct. 1 Northwestern W
Oct. 8 at Indiana W
Oct. 15 Ohio State L
Oct. 22 at Purdue W
Oct. 29 at Penn State L
Nov. 5 OPEN DATE
Nov. 12 Michigan L
Nov. 19 Wisconsin L
Nov. 26 at Minnesota W

Indiana
2011 BlockONation Pred. 5-7

Sep. 3 at Ball State W
Sep. 10 Virginia W
Sep. 17 South Carolina State W
Sep. 24 North Texas W
Oct. 1 Penn State L
Oct. 8 Illinois L
Oct. 15 at Wisconsin L
Oct. 22 at Iowa L
Oct. 29 Northwestern L
Nov. 5 at Ohio State L
Nov. 12 OPEN DATE
Nov. 19 at Michigan State L
Nov. 26 Purdue W

Ohio State
2011 BlockONation Pred. 12-1

Sep. 3 Akron W
Sep. 10 Toledo W
Sep. 17 at Miami W
Sep. 24 Colorado W
Oct. 1 Michigan State W
Oct. 8 at Nebraska L
Oct. 15 at Illinois W
Oct. 22 OPEN DATE
Oct. 29 Wisconsin W
Nov. 5 Indiana W
Nov. 12 at Purdue W
Nov. 19 Penn State W
Nov. 26 at Michigan W
Dec. 3 vs. Nebraska W (Big 10 Championship Game)

Penn State
2011 BlockONation Pred. 6-6

Sep. 3 Indiana State W
Sep. 10 Alabama L
Sep. 17 at Temple L
Sep. 24 Eastern Michigan W
Oct. 1 at Indiana W
Oct. 8 Iowa W
Oct. 15 Purdue W
Oct. 22 at Northwestern L
Oct. 29 Illinois W
Nov. 5 OPEN DATE
Nov. 12 Nebraska L
Nov. 19 at Ohio State L
Nov. 26 at Wisconsin L

Purdue
2011 BlockONation Pred. 4-8

Sep. 3 Middle Tennessee W
Sep. 10 at Rice W
Sep. 17 SE Missouri State W
Sep. 24 OPEN DATE
Oct. 1 Notre Dame L
Oct. 8 Minnesota W
Oct. 15 at Penn State L
Oct. 22 Illinois L
Oct. 29 at Michigan L
Nov. 5 at Wisconsin L
Nov. 12 Ohio State L
Nov. 19 Iowa L
Nov. 26 at Indiana L

Wisconsin
2011 BlockONation Pred. 10-2

Sep. 3 UNLV W
Sep. 10 Oregon State W
Sep. 17 NIU (in Chicago) W
Sep. 24 South Dakota W
Oct. 1 Nebraska W
Oct. 8 OPEN DATE
Oct. 15 Indiana W
Oct. 22 at Michigan State L
Oct. 29 at Ohio State L
Nov. 5 Purdue W
Nov. 12 at Minnesota W
Nov. 19 at Illinois W
Nov. 26 Penn State W

LEGENDS DIVISION

Iowa
2011 BlockONation Pred. 7-5

Sep. 3 Tennessee Tech W
Sep. 10 at Iowa State W
Sep. 17 Pitt W
Sep. 24 ULM W
Oct. 1 OPEN DATE
Oct. 8 at Penn State L
Oct. 15 Northwestern L
Oct. 22 Indiana W
Oct. 29 at Minnesota W
Nov. 5 Michigan L
Nov. 12 Michigan State L
Nov. 19 at Purdue W
Nov. 26 at Nebraska L

Michigan
2011 BlockONation Pred. 7-5

Sep. 3 Western Michigan W
Sep. 10 Notre Dame L
Sep. 17 Eastern Michigan W
Sep. 24 San Diego State W
Oct. 1 Minnesota W
Oct. 8 at Northwestern L
Oct. 15 at Michigan State L
Oct. 22 OPEN DATE
Oct. 29 Purdue W
Nov. 5 at Iowa W
Nov. 12 at Illinois W
Nov. 19 Nebraska L
Nov. 26 Ohio State L

Michigan State
2011 BlockONation Pred. 9-3

Sep. 3 Youngstown State W
Sep. 10 Florida Atlantic W
Sep. 17 at Notre Dame W
Sep. 24 Central Michigan W
Oct. 1 at Ohio State L
Oct. 8 OPEN DATE
Oct. 15 Michigan W
Oct. 22 Wisconsin W
Oct. 29 at Nebraska L
Nov. 5 Minnesota W
Nov. 12 at Iowa W
Nov. 19 Indiana W
Nov. 26 at Northwestern L

Minnesota
2011 BlockONation Pred. 2-10

Sep. 3 at USC L
Sep. 10 New Mexico St L
Sep. 17 Miami University W
Sep. 24 North Dakota St W
Oct. 1 at Michigan L
Oct. 8 at Purdue L
Oct. 15 OPEN DATE
Oct. 22 Nebraska L
Oct. 29 Iowa L
Nov. 5 at Michigan State L
Nov. 12 Wisconsin L
Nov. 19 at Northwestern L
Nov. 26 Illinois L

Nebraska
2011 BlockONation Pred. 11-2

Sep. 3 UT Chattanooga W
Sep. 10 Fresno State W
Sep. 17 Washington W
Sep. 24 at Wyoming W
Oct. 1 at Wisconsin L
Oct. 8 Ohio State W
Oct. 15 OPEN DATE
Oct. 22 at Minnesota W
Oct. 29 Michigan State W
Nov. 5 Northwestern W
Nov. 12 at Penn State W
Nov. 19 at Michigan W
Nov. 26 Iowa W
Dec. 3 vs. Ohio State L (Big 10 Championship Game)

Northwestern
2011 BlockONation Pred. 10-2

Sep. 3 at Boston College W
Sep. 10 Eastern Illinois W
Sep. 17 at Army W
Sep. 24 OPEN DATE
Oct. 1 at Illinois L
Oct. 8 Michigan W
Oct. 15 at Iowa W
Oct. 22 Penn State W
Oct. 29 at Indiana W
Nov. 5 at Nebraska L
Nov. 12 Rice W
Nov. 19 Minnesota W
Nov. 26 Michigan State W


You may or may not have noticed that I also included a prediction for the 2011 Big 10 Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Dec. 3, with Ohio State getting revenge against Nebraska for their mid-season loss to the Cornhuskers in Lincoln.

Who do you agree or disagree with more?

Let me know and please feel free to post your own predictions in the comments section.


HD Handshoe is founder of BlockONation, a part-time Big 10 Blogger with CFN, and your LEADING SOURCE for all things Ohio State Buckeyes Football.

Email HD at HD@BlockONation.com and follow HD @BlockONation on Twitter


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CFN's Big 10 Bloggers: 5 Thoughts On The New Big 10

CFN's Big 10 Bloggers give you five different perspectives on the new and improved (?) alignment.

What we'll miss the most -- what we'll miss the least -- the key rivalries that will be put on hold, and what's the story behind those division names? An overall in-depth look at the new Big Ten.

And coming next week, a look at all the key Big Ten spring games happening this weekend.

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HD Handshoe: On new rivalries to get excited about

Almost every program goes through highs and lows, meaning that the best new Big 10 rivalries created by the addition of Nebraska and the new divisions is likely to be a fluid situation from year to year. That being said, there are new matchups to very much look forward to every year regardless of those fluctuations.

In the Legends Division,.....

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Click here to read the full story at

Partners in the Scout.com/FoxSports.com Network

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Ohio State 2011 Football Schedule: Game-By-Game Breakdown

By Tim Beilik - BlockONation Featured Contributor


After finally getting the SEC monkey off their backs in the Sugar Bowl over Arkansas, Jim Tressel and the Buckeyes have their work cut out for them in the 2011 season.

This season will be a challenge not only because of the loss of the Suspended Five, but also because the Big Ten is as strong as it's been in quite a few seasons.

For the Buckeyes to make a seventh straight BCS bowl game, they will need to find a way to stay afloat without Terrelle Pryor and company for at least the first month of the season, and then find a flow immediately upon their return.

The schedule is not too favorable past September, especially in their own division.

Here is a look at the Buckeyes' 2011 schedule.

Week One - Akron Zips

When: September 3

Where: Home

Time: TBA (most likely noon)

Opponent's 2010 Record: 1-11, 118th in scoring offense

Breakdown: Rob Ianello's club is a good chance for Ohio State to see what they have in their backups.

The Zips did not win a game in 2010 until the last week of the season at home against Buffalo, but return QB Patrick Nicely for his third year under center.

However, even without the Suspended Five, don't be surprised if the Buckeyes win by at least 30 in their home opener.

Week Two - Toledo Rockets

When: September 10

Where: Home

Time: TBA (most likely noon)

Opponent's 2010 Record: 8-5, lost to Florida International in Little Caesar's Pizza Bowl

Breakdown: Tim Beckman's crew presents a little more of a challenge than the Zips, although this is still somewhat of a typical MAC cupcake game.

The Rockets had a strong 2010 including an upset win at Purdue, featuring a talented wideout in Eric Page in a two-QB system.

This game will put some stress on an OSU secondary that must replace both starting corners, but they should be able to take care of business against the Rockets pretty handily.

Week Three - Miami Hurricanes

When: September 17

Where: Away (Sun Life Stadium - Miami, Fl.)

Time: TBA (3:30/8:00 depending on national preference)

Opponent's 2010 Record: 7-6, lost to Ohio State 36-24

Breakdown: Last season was the first time since the 2003 Fiesta Bowl, in a game where the Buckeyes fell behind early but used big turnovers and explosive plays to take down the Canes.

This matchup might not have Terrelle Pryor, but the Canes also have to replace several skilled players including DE Allen Bailey, WR Leonard Hankerson and DB Brandon Harris.

Much of the success for Al Golden in 2011 will depend on if Jacory Harris doesn't continue to regress like he did last season.

Regardless of who starts at QB for OSU—whether it's Braxton Miller, Kenny Guiton, Taylor Graham, or Joe Bauserman—expect a heavy dose of the ground game, which should help the Buckeyes get a big road win in South Beach (sorry LeBron).

Week Four - Colorado Buffaloes

When: September 24

Where: Home

Time: TBA (most likely noon)

Opponent's 2010 Schedule: 5-7, left Big 12 for Pac-12 beginning in 2011

Breakdown: This game appeared late on the schedule when the Buckeyes had a vacancy on the 2011 schedule, so they host a Colorado team in its first season in the Pac-12.

After the disappointing reign of Dan Hawkins as head coach, Jon Embree takes over a team that returns 16 starters.

Their third game, all away from Boulder, will be their toughest test against a Buckeye team that should by this point have learned how to play without the Suspended Five.

This will most likely be a win for OSU as they should get to 4-0.

Week Five - Michigan State Spartans

When: October 1

Where: Home

Time: TBA (most likely 3:30)

Opponent's 2010 Record: 11-2, lost to Alabama 49-7 in Capital One Bowl

Breakdown: Without question, this is the toughest of the first five games of the 2011 schedule.

After Michigan State's breakout season in 2010, Sparty returns Kirk Cousins, their three best RBs, and WRs B.J. Cunningham and Keshawn Martin.

But the loss of LB Greg Jones is a huge loss for Michigan State to overcome, although returning depth on the defensive line might help the defense to stay afloat early on in the season.

Were Pryor and Co. intact for this game, and they potentially still can be depending on NCAA appeals, this could be the matchup many fans wanted considering the three-way tie atop the Big Ten last season.

But this year, it will be a war where Ohio State should just be able to escape behind an aggressive defense and a powerful running attack.

Week Six - Nebraska Cornhuskers

When: October 8

Where: Away (Memorial Stadium)

Time: TBA (most likely 8:00)

Opponent's 2010 Record: 10-4, Big 12 North Champions, lost to Washington 19-7 in Holiday Bowl

Breakdown: This is the game everyone in the Big Ten is talking about, with the new kid on the block in Nebraska squaring off with the powerhouse of the conference in the Buckeyes.

The Suspended Five will return for this game, so OSU should be at full strength albeit lacking chemistry because of missing the first five or less games.

Nebraska returns both Taylor Martinez and Rex Burkhead from a team that ranked No. 9 in rushing offense, and also keeps DT Jared Crick and DB Alfonzo Dennard from a powerhouse defense.

The Buckeyes' first game in the Sea of Red might be a rough night, as even the return of Pryor might not help them escape their first loss of the 2011 season.

Week Seven - Illinois Fighting Illini

When: October 15

Where: Away (Memorial Stadium, Champaign, Ill)

Time: TBA (most likely noon)

Opponent's 2010 Record: 7-6, defeated Baylor 38-14 in Texas Bowl

Breakdown: Should Ohio State fall to Nebraska in Week Six, that might be the worst possible thing for the Illini.

Mikel Leshoure and Martez Wilson have moved on to the NFL, but Illini fans should expect big things from second-year starter Nathan Scheelhaase at QB.

But the problem for the Illini is that the last time Ohio State lost a Big Ten game, they shut down Purdue 49-0 and held the Boilermakers to just over 100 yards of offense in an emotional blowout win.

If OSU loses in Lincoln, the Buckeyes should win this one going away.

If the Buckeyes are still undefeated going into this game, this will be a matchup similar to last year where it was too close for comfort for OSU, but they still pulled off the win.

Week Eight - Bye

Week Nine - Wisconsin Badgers

When: October 29

Where: Home

Time: TBA (anytime but 8:00 would be a shock)

Opponent's 2010 Record: 11-2, lost to TCU 21-19 in Rose Bowl

Breakdown: Two weeks to prepare for Ohio State, plus a motivated senior class upset at the 2010 loss in Madison = bad news for Wisconsin.

The Buckeyes should have this game circled and come out fired up to send a reminder to Bucky Badger that the guys in the scarlet and gray are still in charge.

After a loss at Wisconsin where the Buckeyes were physically whipped in a way they had not been in a long time, to say OSU will come out with a chip on their shoulder would be an understatement.

With the departures of J.J. Watt, John Clay and Scott Tolzien, Wisconsin might not be in great shape to make a repeat run to the Rose Bowl.

All signs point to a big time OSU win considering the motivational edge and the fact that this matchup is in Columbus and not Madison, which is good news for the Buckeyes in just about every sport.

Week 10 - Indiana Hoosiers

When: November 5

Where: Home

Time: TBA (most likely noon)

Opponent's 2010 Record: 5-7, lost to Ohio State 38-10

Breakdown: Former Oklahoma offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson is the latest to get his shot at trying to make Indiana football relevant in the Big Ten.

However, he will not have gunslinger Ben Chappell to lead the offense, and will have to find a QB between sophomore's Dusty Kiel and Edward Wright-Baker.

Unless the Buckeyes lack emotion after what could potentially be a draining game against Wisconsin, Tressel's crew should win going away.

Week 11 - Purdue Boilermakers

When: November 12

Where: Away (Ross-Ade Stadium)

Time: TBA (most likely noon)

Opponent's 2010 Record: 4-8, ended season on six-game losing streak

Breakdown: Ohio State fans still remember the last time the Buckeyes traveled to West Lafayette, where Danny Hope's Boilermakers stunned OSU in an upset win 26-18.

Devastated by injuries last season, Purdue should return Robert Marve at QB and sensational RB Ralph Bolden, who missed 2010 with an ACL injury.

Should they be healthy, Purdue can certainly give the Buckeyes a late season scare. But don't count on it, especially in November where OSU is dominant.

Week 12 - Penn State Nittany Lions

When: November 19

Where: Home

Time: TBA (most likely 3:30)

Opponent's 2010 Record: 7-6 lost to Florida 37-24 in Outback Bowl

Breakdown: Penn State struggled in 2010, but that didn't stop them from holding a good first-half lead on Ohio State last season.

But the Buckeyes exploded in the second half for 35 unanswered points including two pick-sixes to win 38-14.

Joe Paterno's team makes an unusual second-straight trip to the Horseshoe and still has to decide whether or not QB Matt McGloin who played well for the second half of the season is their guy in 2011.

However, RB Silas Redd is very much the real deal and should have a breakout season.

This game, like most OSU-PSU games, should be a close one but expect the Buckeyes to prevail one more time, and in what always could be Paterno's last season as coach.

Week 13 - Michigan Wolverines

When: November 26

Where: Away (Michigan Stadium)

Time: TBA (noon based on history of the rivalry)

Opponent's 2010 Record: 7-6, lost to Mississippi State 52-14 in the Gator Bowl

Breakdown: Rich Rodriguez is no longer at Michgan, and "Michigan Man" Brady Hoke along with former Ravens' defensive coordinator Greg Mattison are in town.

Those two coaches understand what The Game means, something Rodriguez never fully grasped.

And while they should be able to help rekindle the rivalry, Michigan does not have enough talent to match up against an Ohio State team looking for a berth in the inaugural Big Ten Championship Game.

This game may be closer than some think, but expect the streak for Ohio State to continue to eight straight years where the Wolverines lose.

Week 14 - Big Ten Championship Game (if winner of the Leaders division)

When: December 3

Where: Lucas Oil Stadium

Time: TBA (most likely 8:00)

While the Big Ten Championship Game is not necessarily a guarantee for Ohio State, they should be able to sweep the Leaders' Division and make an appearance in Lucas Oil Stadium come December 3.

Their opponent will most likely come down to either Nebraska, Michigan State or Iowa.

Of course, there is plenty of time for some surprises along the way before December.


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Big Ten Unveils New Logo, Division Names

So, the Big Ten unveiled its' new logo today that will go into effect starting in 2011 when Nebraska moves in from the Big 12.



Notice how easy it can go from B1G Ten to B16 Ten, leaving the door open for future expansion without another major logo overhaul?

The new divisions will be called Legends and Leaders.


Legends Division

Michigan, Nebraska, Iowa, Mich St, Minn, Northwestern


Leaders Division

Ohio State, Penn St, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Purdue


A few fans who really are not happy with the changes (the logo and especially the division names) have had a reaction similar to this:




Trophy Names

The Stagg-Paterno Trophy will go to the Big Ten title game winner.

The Grange-Griffen Trophy will go to the title game MVP.

There are 18 new trophies total, and you can view all of them over on the Big Ten Network's website.

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So, what does everyone else think?

The trophy names are actually pretty cool, and the logo is OK, but I'm not sure the division names are all that great...

Then again, I do like that they didn't just cop-out and call them East-West, or North-South.

However, if they truly wanted the division names to reflect on the history of the conference and the teams of yesteryear that used to be good, along with the future of the conference and the teams that are good now and going forward, then the LEGENDS Division should have been Michigan, Nebraska, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, & Purdue and the LEADERS Division should have been Ohio State, Wisconsin, Penn State, Iowa, Michigan State, & Northwestern.



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Ohio State vs. Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl—Ryan Mallett, Buckeyes Meet Again

When former Michigan QB Ryan Mallett transferred to Arkansas as a freshman on January 9, 2008, nobody would've imagined that the highly-touted superstar would see the Ohio State Buckeyes ever again.

Fast forward almost three years where Mallett has developed into a top-10 NFL prospect under the eye of Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino and taken the Razorbacks to their first-ever BCS bowl game.

And in an ironic twist of fate, Mallett's BCS opponent is none other than the team we all thought he would share battles with in Ann Arbor: the Buckeyes.

Mallett's transfer happen two months before Terrelle Pryor committed to Ohio State in March of 2008, meaning that a chance to imagine a Mallett vs. Pryor matchup in The Game never materialized.

The Arkansas gunslinger has gotten a taste of Ohio State's defense, filling in for Chad Henne in a rainy and windy contest in 2007 where he was 1-3 for just eight yards and was sacked once.

But this is different. This is a fully-developed QB under a coach who has coached in the NFL, albeit for only 13 games, and who loves to air it out.

And the defense Mallett will face is a much different unit compared to the group he saw in 2007.

This OSU defense is much more aggressive and faster than the 2007 defense, and most of all, they are opportunistic, tied for 12th with 29 takeaways.

The difference for Mallett is that he has seen good defenses in the SEC, including against Alabama and LSU, so this challenge may be nothing new to him.

And although OSU is ranked No. 4 in passing defense, they have not faced a better passer all season than No. 15 for the Razorbacks.

But for Mallett, looking back at his experience and his year at Michigan, he might have an extra edge to play against Ohio State simply because of that year with the Wolverines.

Even Jim Tressel felt relieved that he did not have to worry about seeing Ryan Mallett in Michigan, as he told The Ozone's Brandon Castel on Sunday.

"What was my reaction when he left? I'm not gonna lie, I was happy," he told Castel. "I thought I was done with Ryan Mallett."

Even back in early 2008, Tressel knew of the type of talent that Mallett would turn out to be.

And he has lived up to that billing and so much more.

Just imagine for a second if Les Miles had taken the Michigan job instead of Rich Rodriguez and had Mallett as his QB...

Scary thought. That winning streak over Michigan would not be as easy to extend as it has been in the past three seasons.

But nevertheless, Tressel must gameplan to shut down one of the game's best passers and arguably the best pure passer OSU has faced since NC State's Philip Rivers in 2003.

The OSU secondary has been banged up tremendously all season, but DBs Chimdi Chekwa and Devon Torrence have been very good and should help take away favorite targets in WRs Jairus Wright and Joe Adams.

Rarely does a transfer from one big school to another work as a benefit for a QB.

But for Ryan Mallett, it has worked out better than anyone could have imagined.

Now he gets his chance to show his old rivals just how much he has improved since his days under Lloyd Carr at Michigan.


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Written by BlockONation Contributor Tim Bielik

Ohio State Football: Why Jim Tressel's Buckeyes Are a College Football Dynasty

For as much as Ohio State struggled in the 1990's under John Cooper, Buckeye fans have great reason to be proud of the work that Jim Tressel has done.

Since 2001, Tressel has won a BCS national title, played for two more, and won or shared seven Big Ten conference titles, including a record six straight.

Even coaching legends such as Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler weren't able to do what Tressel has.

So does this make Jim Tressel's OSU teams of the 2000's a dynasty? Considering their consistency of staying in the top ten, the answer has to be yes.

While in Columbus, Tressel has won at least 10 games in eight of his 10 seasons.

Although he gets flack for not being flashy and having an inability to beat big non-conference opponents, he has mostly avoided the type of seasons that Texas and Florida are going through currently.

The most common complaint about Tressel has been his overly conservative nature on offense. Some would even say at times watching the Buckeyes is about as exciting as watching paint dry.

But plain and simple, he wins.

He wins conference games in November and he owns Michigan, having gone 9-1 against the arch-rival Wolverines during his tenure.

Tressel, however, has an Achilles heel—the SEC. He is 0-4 in bowl games vs. teams from that conference and overall, Ohio State is 0-9 vs. SEC teams in bowl games dating back to the 1970's.

Ironically, the other teams in the Big Ten that Ohio State has dominated in recent years have not had as much of a problem with SEC teams for some reason.

Despite Tressel's struggles against SEC teams, he has pulled off a few bowl upsets as well, including the 2010 Rose Bowl where Oregon was favored.

The game that everyone will remember him for is the shocking upset of double-digit favorite Miami in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl, where a powerful Hurricane offense came up against a roadblock defense from Ohio State.


And consider the Miami offense featured powerful weapons including WRs Andre Johnson and Roscoe Parrish, TE Kellen Winslow, Jr. and RB Willis McGahee, all of whom have been good to great in the NFL.

While the pass interference call heard 'round the world is what most people will associate with that game, don't forget how Tressel's team was in control of that game for a majority of the second half.

Since then, it seems as if Tressel's Buckeyes have put up a residence in the BCS, playing in seven BCS bowl games in nine seasons (not including this season).

While other programs like Miami-FL are has-been dynasties, Ohio State has been a model of consistency.

Does Tressel need to improve on flaws? Like all coaches, of course.

Tressel's offensive philosophies hinge on protecting the football and not turning the offense loose unless he trusts his players to keep possession and not make costly turnovers.

But this philosophy does at times restrict the playmaking ability of his skill players by not using them in the most effective and explosive manner.

Regardless of the criticisms, there is no doubt that Ohio State football under Jim Tressel is as good as it's ever been, going back to the days of Woody Hayes.

The bottom line here is that Buckeye fans can almost certainly celebrate a win over Michigan and a trip to the BCS practically every season, and nobody should be complaining about that.

If you're a Buckeye fan, life in Columbus is very good these days...


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Written by BlockONation Contributor, Tim Bielik

Ohio State-Iowa History Lesson, Game Outlook, and LIVE In-Game Blog Chat

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Ohio State—Iowa History Lesson

• This will be the 63rd meeting between Ohio State and Iowa.

• Ohio State leads the all-time series 45-14-3.

• Ohio State has won 11 of the last 12 meetings vs. the Hawkeyes.

• Ohio State is 16-3-1 in the last 20 meetings vs. the Hawkeyes (1984-2009).

• Ohio State is 12-2-1 in the last 15 meetings in Iowa City (1968-2006).

• Ohio State's defense has allowed just one 100-yard rusher in their last 33 games.

• Ohio State ranks 1st nationally in turnover margin with 26 takeaways (+14).

• Ohio State is 20-2 in their last 22 Big 10 road games.

• Ohio State is 14-1 in November games since Oct., 2005.

• Ohio State is 7-2 in Big 10 road finales under Jim Tressel.

• Ohio State is 27-4 in November games under Jim Tressel.

• Jim Tressel is 4-1 overall vs. Iowa (2001-2009).

• Terrelle Pryor is now 28-4 as Ohio State's starting quarterback.

• Iowa is 1-6 vs. Ohio State under Kirk Ferentz (1999-2009).

• Iowa is 16-4 in their last 20 home finales.

• Iowa has won or shared 11 Big Ten titles, their last being a co-championship in 2004.

• The last time Iowa finished ranked ahead of Ohio State in the final AP poll was 2004 (Iowa No. 8, OSU No. 20).



Brief Game Outlook

In 2009, Northwestern derailed previously undefeated Iowa's dream season the week before the Hawkeyes played the Buckeyes.

Last week, the Wildcats upset Iowa again to drop the Hawkeyes to a disappointing 7-3 mark.

QB Ricky Stanzi missed the 2009 game with an ankle injury, but he will play today. The Buckeyes have the best defense in the conference meaning Stanzi might just wish he would have missed this game too.

The key to the game for the Buckeyes will be the offensive line. They must continue to play well and protect Terrelle Pryor when he drops back to pass and open up the running lanes for Dan Herron and company.

Iowa has a talented receiving corp led by Derrell Johnson-Koulianos and Marvin McNutt and the Buckeyes will have to focus on containing both receivers and look to force Stanzi into mistakes.

This game once looked like it would be a matchup of two top 10 teams who would both be playing for a chance at the conference title and a trip to the Rose Bowl. Now it appears more likely that if the Buckeyes come in focused and play well, the game may not be close.


Final Score Prediction

Ohio State 41
Iowa 20


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Ohio State vs. Penn State LIVE In-Game Blog Chat TODAY AT 3:15pm

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Ohio State—Penn State History Lesson

• This will be the 26th meeting between Ohio State and Penn State.

• Ohio State leads the all-time series 13-12-0 (the first meeting was in 1912).

• Ohio State is 6-2 in the last eight meetings vs. Penn State.

• Ohio State has lost just twice at home to Penn State since 1978.

• Ohio State is 26-2 against unranked conference opponents, dating back to 2005.

• Ohio State's defense has allowed just one 100-yard rusher in their last 32 games.

• Terrelle Pryor is now 27-4 as Ohio State's starting quarterback.

• Jim Tressel is 6-3 overall (3-1 at home, 3-2 on the road) vs. Penn State.

• Penn State is 7-8 on the road all-time vs. Ohio State.

• Penn State has never scored more than 13 points vs. Ohio State in Columbus.

• Penn State is 6-11 vs. Ohio State since joining the Big Ten in 1993.

• Penn State has one outright and two shared Big Ten titles: 1994, 2005, and 2008.

• Joe Paterno is 8-13 vs. Ohio State as Penn State's head coach (1966-2009).

• This is Joe Paterno's 45th season as Penn State head coach and he is the DI leader with 400 career wins.


Brief Game Outlook

Penn State has been playing better as of late, but this will be Matt McGloin's 1st Big Ten road start and he has not faced a defense like what he will be facing today.

Ohio State is No. 1 against the run, No. 1 against the pass, and they have the top defensive unit in both points and total yardage allowed.

A win by the Nittany Lions today would be a shocker, and would end the Buckeyes hopes of a sixth straight shared or outright Big 10 title.

Don't worry Buckeye fans, and don't hold your breath PSU fans...


Final Score Prediction

Ohio State 37
Penn State 9


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The Buckeyes Start Here: Six Ohio State Players Who Will Lead the Team to the BCS Title

Despite the title of my article, I am certainly not a blind homer, nor am I an out-of-touch fool.

In order for the Ohio State Buckeyes to win the 2010 BCS title, all 22 starters, the majority of the second-team players that add depth to each unit, and the players that help to comprise the special teams units (kicker and punter included) will all have to contribute significantly.

That being said, there are three players from the defense and three players from the offense who will individually have the biggest roles in making sure their respective units succeed in ultimately giving the Buckeyes the best chance to win every game up to and including the BCS championship game.

I will now reveal them one at a time for your viewing and reading pleasure.


# 36 Brian Rolle: Linebacker

A year ago, the Buckeyes had to replace three-time All-American linebacker James Laurinaitis.

Enter Brian Rolle.

Rolle, a senior from Immokalee, Fla., is entering his second season as a starter and a solid middle anchor for the Ohio State defense.

Prior to last season, Rolle was a special teams veteran, having seen significant playing time in that role in both 2007 and 2008.

At just 5'11'' and 220 pounds, Rolle is fast, compact, yet deceivingly powerful when it comes to separating a receiver from the ball.

Rolle was the hero for the Buckeyes last year when he intercepted Navy QB Ricky Dobbs' pass attempt on a two-point conversion and returned it 98 yards for the defensive PAT with just 2:23 remaining to seal the win in the season opener.

For the season, he was the second leading tackler for Ohio State with 94 solo take downs.

He is expected to make key contributions and will bring invaluable senior leadership to a defensive unit once again expected to be the best in the Big 10 and one of the best in the nation.


# 51 Ross Homan: Linebacker


Homan returns for his senior season and his third as a starter at LB.

If experience truly is priceless, Homan is worth his weight in gold.

In 2006 as a freshman, he was not a starter, but saw action in all 13 games that season and recorded 28 tackles.

He missed the 2007 season due to injury and took a medical redshirt.

When he returned in 2008, he earned a starting role and was fourth in solo tackles that season with 67.

In 2009, Homan assumed the role of the top LB at Ohio State and led the team in tackles with 108.

All signs point to him once again leading the team in tackles and will likely continue the tradition of linebackers from Ohio State finding themselves heading to the NFL.

At 6'0 and 225 pounds, Homan has excellent speed and big-play ability.

All Homan has done is work hard, improve every year, and become the quiet leader of a great defense.

He may not be flashy or have the household name of some of his predecessors, but he's silently as good, if not better.

He is yet another star linebacker in-the-making at Ohio State, the real linebacker U, and opposing QBs and WRs would do well to take note.


# 97 Cameron Heyward: Defensive End

The son of the late Craig "Ironhead" Heyward, Cameron Heyward is a 6'5, 290-pound defensive lineman for the Buckeyes.

To the pleasant surprise of many Buckeyes fans, Cam decided to skip the NFL for one more season and return for his senior year—one he intends on making his best season yet.

Heyward has had starting experience since his freshman year of 2007, but he seized that role permanently in 2009.

A year ago, he had 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 QB sacks. With the talent along the defensive line, Heyward will look to post double digits in each of those categories this coming season.

Recently named to the 2010 Nagurski and Lombardi watch lists, Heyward is blessed with size, agility, and excellent speed for his size.

Clearly, he has all the physical tools to be one of the best defensive lineman in the country in 2010.


# 3 Brandon Saine: Running Back

Saine, now a senior tailback, played high school football and ran track for the Piqua, Ohio Indians.

He was compared favorably to Reggie Bush while entering his freshman year at Ohio State due to his ability to be a jack of all trades—running, blocking and even spending time in the slot as a WR, which he may also do this season in Columbus due to the depth behind him in the Ohio State backfield.

Saine has been officially timed at 4.40 seconds in the 40-yard dash, although he has been unofficially timed at 4.25 seconds.

After being stuck in the shadow of Beanie Wells in 2007 and being injured in 2008, Saine was finally healthy for most of the 2009 season. He split carries with Dan Herron, who had impressed coaches in 2008 when Beanie Wells went down with injury, but is expected to be featured more as the top back in 2010.

Last season, Saine finally showed flashes of brilliance and the potential greatness Buckeye fans expected from him when he committed to OSU in 2007.

For those who doubt Saine is a potential top RB, consider that as a healthy featured back during his senior year of high school, he ran for 1,895 yards and scored 27 touchdowns on 259 carries, while recording 30 receptions for 412 yards.

Last year, Saine averaged 5.1 yards per carry while rushing for 739 yards and scoring four touchdowns. He also had 224 yards receiving and caught two touchdown passes.

He will definitely be a featured option for OSU this year and if he stays healthy, he will be one of the top backs in the Big 10.


# 8 DeVier Posey: Wide Receiver

Not a newsflash: Junior wide receiver DeVier Posey will be the top WR target for Ohio State in 2010.

Posey wasn't always great in 2009, but he was almost always good, improving his game from week to week, culminating in the Rose Bowl with his eight catches and 101 yards receiving, including a picture-perfect touchdown pass and catch to help seal the victory.

Overall, Posey caught 60 balls for 828 yards in 2009. What is best for the team is what matters most, but anything less than 80 receptions and over 1,000 yards receiving in 2010 for Posey will be somewhat of an individual disappointment.

I believe the running game will open up the passing lanes for Posey and those numbers should be attainable.

Dane Sanzenbacher, Taurian Washington, and Chris Fields are also other talented receivers that should help prevent defenses from doubling up on Posey.

Of course, Posey's overall success will also depend heavily on the play of the quarterback...


# 2 Terrelle Pryor: Quarterback

Junior QB Terrelle Pryor is clearly the centerpiece of the Ohio State offense and the face of the program.

I wonder if any other quarterback that boasts a 19-3 record as a starter has ever had to face the level of criticism that Pryor has had to endure since taking over for the Buckeyes in week four of his freshmen season.

It's not all negative, though. Pryor is considered by several notable sources as the preseason 2010 Heisman Trophy favorite.

It hasn't always been perfect or pretty, especially when it comes to mechanics and footwork, but this kid is a winner, pure and simple.

As advertised when he was the No. 1 overall recruit in the entire 2008 recruiting class, he's also an amazing freak of an athlete.

It's not often that a 6'6, 240 pound quarterback can run a sub 4.4 40-yard-dash and shove countless would-be-tacklers to the ground.

Defensive coordinators may want to pull their hair out when defending against Pryor and the Buckeyes as 2010 unfolds.

In his 22 career starts, Pryor has amassed 3,405 passing yards, 30 touchdown passes, 1,410 rushing yards, and 13 rushing touchdowns.

With his improved footwork and mechanics, it's safe to expect a similar path for Pryor that Troy Smith took from 2005 to 2006 as Coach Tressel gains more and more confidence in him, just he did Smith.

Pryor came to Ohio State because he wanted to become a pro-style QB and he should take significant steps towards that goal this year. His passing stats are sure to increase and his rushing numbers should decline somewhat.

One thing that is for sure...

He still has the ability to scramble away from pressure and keep a drive alive if need-be, but he is improved and will continue to improve as a passing QB with each passing week. Opposing defenses are going to have few options when it comes to game planning against him.

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In closing, I just want to add that I am not guaranteeing or predicting that the Buckeyes are going to win, or even play for the BCS title.

I am only suggesting that they have a very high probability of accomplishing that goal if they remain healthy and the six players I mentioned live up to the hype.

I know I will enjoy the journey no matter what. It's going to be a great season and hopefully expectations meet reality and it culminates in another national title for the Buckeyes.

I just found this Sports Illustrated cover that features Ohio State. I had not seen it until just now. I must be on to something seeing as how SI used the same players for the cover that I mentioned in the story.


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