Big ten predictions and preview. Here is the leaders division.

This is a four dog race. Yes I said four because nobody is a shoe in here to win it. I won't waste my time on Purdue or Indiana.

Leaders division Conference Overall
1. Wisconsin 6-2 10-2
2. Illinois 4-4 8-4
3. OSU 4-4 7-5
3. Penn State 4-4 7-5
4. Purdue 3-5 6-6
5. Indiana 1-7 5-7

Wisconsin

Offense
Newcomer Russel Wilson will be an upgrade from So. Jon Budmayr and the RB combo of Ball and White is the best the Big Ten has to offer. They lost TE Lance Kendricks, who led the team in catches, but Jake Byrne is a huge target waiting in the wings. Look for Nick toons production to pick up a bit as well. This OL lost two all-americans in Moffit and Carimi but 6'7" 330LB Josh Oglesby returns after an injury and there are huge bodies just waiting to open holes for this RB tandem.

Defense
They return six starters but JJ Watt has left.LB Chris Borland is a stud if he stays healthy and S AAron Henry is one of the best in the big ten. This schedule is weak but will meet up with Nebraska in the Big Ten opener that will probably be the game of the year in the conference.

Illinois

OFFENSE
Scheelhaase completed almost 60% of his passes last year with 17 TD's and 8 picks. That was a freshman learning year also. This young man rushed for over 800 yds and 5 TD's on top of that and Jason Ford is back to take over the RB job. AJ Jenkins returns at reciever and caught 56 balls last year for 746 yds and 7 TD's. He will top that this season. They return 4 on the line and are in good shape with all Big Ten LT Jeff Allen.

DEFENSE
Illinois returns six on D but are less than stellar in the front seven. Terry Hawthorne is back at corner and MLB Ian Thomas will have a great year, FS Trulon Henry can play the run and pass very well. Is this team great? No, but the schedule is lame and they play teams at the right time.

OSU

OFFENSE
When is the last time osu wondered who the QB was going to be come game time? This year it's either 27 yr old Bauserman or an 18 yr old high school stud. A majority says play the high school stud. There is potential at RB but the starter may be FR. Rod Thomas who's reputation was built off a Bowl game practice. Berry ran well in garbage time last year but there isn't anyone in the backfield who rushed for over 266 yds last season. Stoneburner may be the top target for the QB this year and he only caught 21 passes. This OL is led by all-american Mike Brewster but every other position will need to be filled.

Defense
Only 4 starters back with 3 secondary spots needing to be filled. Andrew Sweat is the anchor of the LB's this year with Nate Williams and Simon on the edges. Both ends are quality players but the interior line is green.

Penn State

OFFENSE
This team has QB questions as well. Do you start the walk on with a year under his belt or the SO. spring game star? Silas redd and Green will be the 1-2 punch in the backfield and could have a descent year. WR Derek Moye is one of the best in the big ten and Justin Brown and Devon Smith compliment him well. This OL is sketchy and they may struggle running the ball with a young QB.

DEFENSE
There is 7 back on D and PSU is a blue collar fundamental defense. five of the top six in tackles are back. People expect a lot out of ILB Mauti this year and Crawford, Still and Gerald Hodges should make this defense a top one in the Big Ten. Between Alabama in week 2 and Nebraska in week 11 they could ratlle off 7 straight.

I refuse to talk abot Purdue and Indiana