B1G predictions way too early (Leaders Division)

I have to admit, with only 8 days until the start of the 2012 college football season, I have been sucked back in and am already wrapped up in all of the hype. So lets dive into the B1G conference and try to see who will be playing in Indy for the championship.

Leaders Division
1. Wisconsin
Whether Wisconsin is a dominant as the past 2 seasons or they take a step back, the Leaders Division seems to be all but wrapped up before Labor Day because OSU and PSU are not elgible for the B1G championship game.  The 3 toughest games on the Badgers schedule are: @ Nebraska, MSU, and OSU.  Wisconsin could lose all of these games and still make the trip to Indianapolis for the 2nd straight season.  I don't think the Badgers are as good as they have been the past 2 seasons, but they still will have some fire power. The defense should be greatly improved from last season, but still will be lacking the overall speed that the elite defenses have.  I think the offense will take a step back with Wilson gone, but the best OL group in the conference will cover some of those problems.  It seems like Bielema will continue his success with another 10+ win season.

2. OSU
The Buck-nuts could be the best team in the Leaders Division, they surely aren't lacking talent, but with the post season ban, ole Urb will be building for a future powerhouse. While the Scarlet and Gray will be missing from Indy for another year, they will still play a major role in determining the 2 teams that do play for the title.  Ohio plays @ MSU, @ Wisc, Michigan and Nebraska. I think Braxton Miller will improve a lot as the season goes on under the new offense. Which might lead them to be a top 15 team by the end of the year. 

3. Purdue

The Boilermakers are my sleeper pick this season.  They ended 2011 with a little momentum, including beating OSU and winning a bowl game, and I think it can carry over into 2012.  If Purdue can stay healthy they might be able to compete for the Leaders Division title. Ricardo Allen is back, and he is one of my favorite cornerbacks in the conference.  Purdue starts the B1G schedule with Michigan, Wisconsin, and @ OSU.  This is the toughest 3 weeks of anyone in the conference all season.  If they could find a way to win one of those games, especially a division opponent, they could be setting up for a January 1^st bowl game.

4. Illinois

Year 1 of the Tim Beckman project in Champaign.  Ron Zook left some talent on the roster so will this be the year that they play up to that talent?  I think the transition will be a difficult one, and that the Illini will struggle to be bowl eligible. Nathan Scheelhasse is back, but he will need weapons around him to be effective. 

5. Penn State

How will Penn State respond to all of the transfers, sanctions, and new coaches?  I have no doubts that the players left are going to play with fire all season, but how far does that take you if you are lacking so much in talent?  We will find out this season.  The Nittany Lions have enough talent left in their first line to compete for 3^rd in the division, but there is little to no depth behind that.  I have a feeling this team will win a few games early, but eventually run out of gas and finish out of the bowls.

6. Indiana

Well it is going to be another long year for Hoosier fans.  Yes, their coaching staff has not changed so they could improve as a team, but Indiana’s talent deficiency is so large that they will struggle to win a B1G game all season.  I guess some team has to finish last… it just seems like Indiana is in the cellar more than most.