Leaders Division 2012: May the Best Mediocre Team Win
By Adam
There has been no shortage of conversation about the Ohio State postseason ban in 2012 over the past couple of weeks. Whether or not you are in agreement with the punishments or not, the fact of the matter remains that Ohio State cannot play for the B1G Championship (or bowl game) next season.
The competition might be stiff in the Legends Division next fall, with M*chigan, Sparty, Nebraska, and possibly Iowa having a shot to fight their way into the game — I ruled out Northwestern based on the loss of Dan Persa, though Kain Colter and his awesome name could breathe life into the team, and Minnesota based on the fact that they are Minnesota. In the other division, however, there could be an ugly scramble between mediocre teams to decide who is the “Leader” in 2012.
Wisconsin
The Badgers will probably be the frontrunners for the title again, but this team is losing a LOT this offseason. The exciting QB, Russell Wilson will be out of eligibility after his Rose Bowl appearance. His experience, maturity and ridiculous stats will surely be missed by Wisconsin players, coaches, and fans alike. The young man was able to throw 31 TD passes to just 3 INTs, complete 72.5% of his passes, and rush for another 320 yards and 5 TDs. In contrast, the only other QB to take snaps, not counting RB Montee Ball, was freshman QB Joe Brennan. Brennan completed 6 of 15 passes for just 48 yards, 0 TDs and 1 INT. The Badgers have a highly ranked prospect joining the team this coming season in Bart Houston, but he will obviously come with a learning curve, as he adapts from his high school team’s veer option. Jon Budmayr, who would have started this season for the Badgers, if not for Russell Wilson’s arrival, underwent surgery in 2011, but will likely be the top candidate for the starting job in 2012. Even with Budmayr at the helm, the inexperience will show, as he has completed only 8 passes in his tenure at Wisconsin.
Key losses: Russell Wilson (QB), Nick Toon (WR), Kevin Zeitler (OT), Josh Oglesby (OG), Aaron Henry (FS), Antonio Felenus (CB), Kevin Claxton (LB), Patrick Butrym (DT), and Louis Nzegwu (DE) – Montee Ball (Junior RB) could also be a consideration for the NFL Draft
Penn State
Oh boy. How do I discuss this issue delicately?
Because of the actions of one sick man, and the lack of action by several others, Penn State has essentially cleaned house in its coaching staff and athletic department, has no idea what kind of legal charges or NCAA sanctions await the school and its former employees, and still does not have a coach for the 2012 season.
Needless to say this is a situation that could result in a rushed, average-at-best hire for a school that hadn’t seen a head coaching change since the years prior to Woodstock (both the music festival and the little, yellow bird). On the other hand, the school could prolong the search process until it finds “the right guy,” but the time it takes to find him may cost them dearly in recruiting.
The Nittany Lions have (had) talent on their roster, but have little help coming in with the 2012 recruiting class (Thanks Urban!). They also lose a ton on defense thanks to graduation. For a school that takes pride in reloading its defense, “Linebacker U” will have its work cut out for it in 2012.
Key losses: Joe Paterno (HC), Derek Moye (leading WR in 2009, 2010, and 2011), Drew Astorino (S), Jack Crawford (DE), D’Anton Lynn (CB), Eric Latimore (DE), Devon Still (OT), Nick Sukay (S), Quinn Barham (OT), DeOn’tae Pannell (OG), Andrew Szczerba (TE), and Nate Stupar (LB)
Illinois
The Fighting Illini are losing several leaders from their 2011 roster, including 2 of their top 3 leading tacklers, their top 2 running backs, and their best wide receiver (by about 1000 yards over the next closest player on the team). On the bright side, Nathan Scheelhaase is returning for his junior year, and should continue to grow and mature as a leader. Even brighter for the Illini is the fact that Ron Zook was recently fired, making way for Tim Beckman to take the reigns as the new head coach. Beckman, unlike Zook, is not a complete moron.
Illinois won their first 6 games and lost their last 6, which made for, what I can only imagine, was an extremely frustrating season for their passionate fans. The Illini have a talented RB in Donovonn Young returning next year, and could potentially have an impressive 2013 campaign in Champaign – see what I did there – but I’d expect there to be another painful year for fans in 2012 with a new coach and loss of several senior leaders.
Key losses: AJ Jenkins (WR), Jason Ford and Troy Pollard (RBs), Jeff Allen (OT), Jack Cornell (OG), Tavon Wilson (CB), Trulon Henry and Ian Thomas (LBs), and Derek Dimke (K)
NOT a key loss: Ron Zook (HC)
Purdue
Even with Caleb TerBush, the Boilermakers’ starting QB, and an overwhelming majority of the offensive specialty players returning in 2012, it’s highly unlikely that Purdue will have enough firepower to overcome Wisconsin, Penn State and Illinois. If there is a wildcard in this division, then it could very well be in West Lafayette, but they tend to lack the overall skill level to win week in and week out in the Big Ten. Even with a couple of surprises going their way, with Notre Dame, M*chigan, and the rest of the Leaders Division on the schedule next year, I can’t see them winning 4 conference games, let alone the 6 or 7 that it should take to win the league. However, this school could be one good quarterback away from being competitive in the conference again.
Key losses: Robert Marve (QB), Justin Siller (WR), Dennis Kelly (OT), Nick Mondek (OG), Carson Wiggs (K/P), Albert Evans (S), Logan Link (S), Joe Holland (LB), and Gerald Gooden (DE)
Indiana
No. Not for a very, very long time. Sorry. You’re getting better with Tre Roberson and could potentially upset a team or two, but consider yourselves lucky if you’re ahead of any of the other teams in the standings next year. On the bright side, you could be eligible for a bowl game, so you’ve got an edge on us.
My Prediction: Wisconsin will “win” the Leaders Division in 2012 despite the losses of a couple of its best offensive performers, because an average Badger team will still be better than the competition. As long as the replacement QB is able to hand the ball off to James White or Montee Ball, this team will be able to coast through most of the Leaders Division.
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