Big 10 weak?

There seems to be this assumption that the Big 10 will be weak this year based on last year.

Those same people who assume that the Big 10 will be weak also say that OSU isn't going to be good enough to beat USC or an SEC bowl opponent because "they aren't the only team to be moving forward just because they have so many starters returning."

I will agree that the Buckeyes aren't the only team to be moving forward.  Every year is a different year.

Based on this logic, I disagree with the some of the talking heads, keyboard bangers and posters inference of weakness in the Big 10 based on last year.  Every team, including the ones in the Big 10, faces a new year with a chance for improvement.

I could be proven wrong, but I do not see the Big 10 as a cupcake conference that the Buckeyes will easily march through.  If they win it, it will be earned IMO.

In my opinion, the Buckeyes will only have 2 breathers in their Big 10 schedule...

Minnesota and Northwestern.

I think that Wisconsin, Michigan, Penn St., Illinois, Michigan St. and Purdue will all provide challenges to the Buckeyes that I hope they can overcome.

Big Ten is down  overall and MAC is up this year.  Big Ten might see a few of its teams upset by the MAC, as the close Motor City Bowl result between Central Michigan and Purdue shows the good MAC programs are gaining. The reduction of scholarships from 105 to 80 has leveled the playing field a bit.  No question the MAC has several QB's that could start in the Big Ten.  CMU and Ball State will have a better starting QB that Michigan this year.  No substutute for playing exerience.  Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan State and Purdue  struggled against the MAC in games last year.  Even Ohio State only led Akron 3-2 at the half.  I think Miami-Oh has a real shot at Michigan this year. Ohio and Frank Solich should give Ohio State something to think about besides USC in week 2.  

Huh?!?

Central Michigan was the MAC champion, Purdue finished 6th in the Big Ten.