Shot clock data: Wisconsin's BIG opponents

The following charts represent the shot clock data for all of Wisconsin's Big Ten opponents in every game vs. the Badgers. I also included the score of the game, points per possession, and effective field goal percentage (eFG%). If you are unfamiliar with either of those stats, I'll give a quick run-down.

Points per possession is quite simply a measure of how many points are scored in every offensive possession. Didn't expect that did you? A PPP north of 1.00 is typically considered good.

Effective field goal percentage is almost the same as regular field goal percentage with added weight for 3 point shots. eg. 4/10 from three: (4x1.5)/10 = 60% eFG is the same as 6/10 (60% eFG) from two while both netting 12 points.

Wisconsin 60-51, 0.86 PPP, 41 eFG%

Wisconsin 47-41, 0.72 PPP, 39 eFG%

Wisconsin 74-51, 0.86 PPP, 37 eFG%

Wisconsin 64-59, 1.00 PPP, 40 eFG%

Iowa 70-66, 1.06 PPP, 42 eFG%

Michigan State 49-47, 0.89 PPP, 43 eFG%

Wisconsin 45-44, .86 PPP, 40 eFG%

Ohio State 58-49, 1.05 PPP, 54 eFG%

Wisconsin 74-68, 0.97 PPP, 45 eFG%

Wisconsin 74-70 F/2OT, 0.89 PPP, 37 eFG%

Wisconsin 65-62 F/OT, 0.91 PPP, 43 eFG%

Minnesota 58-53 F/OT, 0.97 PPP, 41 eFG%

Wisconsin 71-49, 0.82 PPP, 40 eFG%

Wisconsin 69-41, 0.74 PPP, 37 eFG%

Rodgers still put up MVP numbers - and no one seems to notice

For Weeks now we’ve been hearing about two MVP candidates in the NFL; Adrian Peterson, and Peyton Manning. Let me first start off by saying that Adrian Peterson is my MVP. He single handedly carried the Vikings into the playoffs with a season that most won’t forget anytime soon—finishing only 9 yards short of the single season rushing record. Now that I’ve got that off my chest, let’s talk about Aaron Rodgers.

Peyton Manning had a great year. There’s no question about it, but the fact that Rodgers isn’t even being mentioned when the “Who should be the MVP” talks come up in the sports world is mind-boggling. It’s even evident in the All-Pro voting which was released earlier this morning. Manning received 43 votes while Rodgers received only 4. It’s a shame no one is taking notice of Rodgers MVP caliber numbers.

Looking at the stats suggest these are two pretty even quarterbacks. Manning has thrown for 37 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 4,659 yards—in 583 attempts, and a 68.6% completion percentage. On the other hand, Rodgers has thrown for 39 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, 4,295 yards—in 552 attempts, and a 67.2% completion percentage. Rodgers also had a passer rating (108.0 to 105.8). Not to mention Rodgers’ mobility both inside and outside the pocket.

I’d like to see what Manning would be able to do in Rodgers’ shoes. Manning has the luxury of playing behind one of the NFL’s best offensive lines, only being sacked 21 times this years as opposed to Rodgers’ 51. Now, some of those Rodgers sacks are his own fault as he has a tendency to hang on to the ball too long at times, but the Packers O-line has been abysmal all year. I can almost guarantee Manning does not put up the same numbers if he had the Packers’ O-line protecting him, as Peyton doesn’t have the ability to escape the pocket when things collapse as well as Rodgers can.

If you gave Aaron Rodgers the time in the pocket that Manning receives, this wouldn’t even be an argument. You would think that the reigning NFL MVP would be getting a little more love from the hype machine known as ESPN, but it appears as if they’re putting all their eggs in Peyton’s basket. It’s almost as if he being penalized because his numbers are down from perhaps the greatest season by a quarterback ever last year. But make no mistake, Aaron Rodgers still put up MVP caliber numbers this year.

Wisconsin should hire Petersen or from within

After annihilating Nebraska in the Big Ten Championship game this past weekend 70-31, things were looking up for the Wisconsin Badgers football program after a disappointing five loss season. The Badgers were headed for their third consecutive trip to Pasadena and the Rose Bowl and the coach that made it all happen? There was no way would leave and the program would be in great hands for years to come.

Fast forward to today and it’s a much different story in Madison. Bret Bielema has left for Arkansas and the UW is in need of a new head football coach. Now, I don’t know about you, but this departure has left me wondering why a coach who just won his third consecutive conference title would leave a place where he, quite frankly, had it made.

Although Bielema endured some criticism for the five loss season, as Barry Alvarez’s hand-picked successor he had an unbelievable amount of job security, and most of his recruiting ties were in the Midwest. Now he goes to Arkansas where he has no recruiting ties (I think he’ll soon find that SEC recruiting is a different animal from BIG recruiting as well), and less job security—What happens if he struggles to right the ship at Arkansas within a few years?  

So what made him leave? Judging from his comments at his press conference where he was announced as Arkansas’ new head coach, it might not have been just for a pay raise.

“When I began to have more and more success at Wisconsin, I stayed, but a lot of my coaches left. I just wasn't able to compensate them in a way that other coaches were.” said Bielema. He continued on saying; “I had three coaches come to me the day after the game and they had been contacted by other schools, offering them money that I can't bring them at Wisconsin. Wisconsin isn't wired to do that at this point.”

Clearly, Bielema didn’t feel as if he could put together the staff he wanted based on the resources available at Wisconsin. Nationally, Wisconsin ranks 11th in terms of athletic department revenue (Arkansas is 14^th), so why can’t the University afford to pay more for their assistants? I understand a lot of the money goes towards academics but if a six million buyout is not an issue to bring former offensive coordinator and current Pittsburgh head coach, Paul Chryst back to Wisconsin, then why can’t that money be used for assistant coaches? This whole problem could have potentially been avoided.

As for the new coach, I would like to see Wisconsin hire someone who has ties to the program, preferably one of the current assistants such as co-defensive coordinators Charlie Partridge or Chris Ash. Wisconsin has been putting together one of their best classes ever in 2013, and even better in 2014. Promoting someone from within would help retain a good number of those recruits and would be the way to go if Barry Alvarez would like to keep the staff intact—something that didn’t happen at all last year.

Alvarez stated in his press conference that he wants to hire somebody with head coaching experience, which rules out any of the current assistants. If Alvarez is set on finding someone with those qualifications, Chris Petersen from Boise State is mine (and probably most Badger fans) top choice. Much like Bielema, he recruits high character guys that fit his system and generally outperform their recruiting rankings. Peteresen has a very impressive resume at Boise State that includes two BCS wins and would be a dynamic name for the university to hire. Other names have of course been brought up, such as Miami’s Al Golden and North Carolina State’s Dave Doeren—who is almost certainly staying there after accepting the head coaching job roughly one week ago.

I’m sure Alvarez will look at all the options and make the decision he feels is best for the program, but I really hope it’s Petersen or an in-house promotion.

The Wisconsin student section needs changes

It’s nearly kickoff time in Madison. Wisconsin’s marching band has just finished their pregame show and are lining up to welcome the Badgers onto the field. U2’s ‘Where The Streets Have No Name’ begins to play along with a video highlighting all of the Badgers greatest moments. The crowd is fired up and the team runs out of the tunnel to a full house at Camp Randall – or so I wish.

Way too often I find myself looking at the Wisconsin student section at kickoff and wondering why it’s only half-full. It looks bad to opposing fans, potential recruits, TV viewers across the country, and it brings the overall atmosphere in the stadium down. This is not a new occurrence, either. It’s been happening for years and will continue to happen unless the athletic department decides to do something about it.

The student section as the team runs onto the field to face MSU in October

I’m fully aware of the party culture in Madison and how it almost surely has a lot to do with this problem, but is it really that difficult to be in the stadium for kickoff? Unfortunately, that answer for most is “yes” so it’s time for some changes. The Athletic Department’s laissez-faire approach to this problem isn’t working so here are a few suggestions for next year.

Oversell the student section. The student section consists of approximately 15,000 seats, so sell 16,000 seats. The first 15,000 get into the game, and the rest get turned away. It creates a need to get to the game on time before the seats run out and could potentially be a solution. Some might ask; “But what about the 1,000 students that don’t get in?” Just bring the unused voucher to the athletic department a few days later and receive a full refund – no harm done.

Other solutions include selling the tickets on game day instead of before the season. A separate UW Athletics account could be added to student IDs. Show up at the gate, get your ID scanned like a debit transaction, and you’re good to go. If enough workers are scanning IDs it wouldn’t take very long at all to get into the stadium.  It gives incentives for students to show up before the tickets are sold out, but the athletic department might have issues with not being able to sell the tickets prior to gameday.

At the very least, offering incentives like better chances at future tickets or reduced prices on tickets to students who show up prior to kickoff is another possible alternative. I just hope the athletic department does something, anything, to fix this problem; but if their efforts to fix the eat s***, f*** you chants are any indication, don’t expect a resolution to this problem.

While I’m on the subject of that chant, can we all agree how idiotic it is? There’s a time a place for vulgarity, but it’s not in a stadium filled with 80,000 people, some of them children. Opposing fans have even criticized our fan base for chants like that and it’s got to stop. It even broke out, very loudly I might add, during a key 3^rd down play last week when the Badgers were on offense. I really hope this chant dies down, and soon.

The Badgers welcome 6^th ranked and undefeated Ohio State to town at 2:30 on Saturday for the last home game of the season. Many highly regarded recruits will be in attendance for the game and the senior day presentations take place before kickoff. I’m sure those seniors would love to see a full student section as they run onto the field for the last time. It’s time we start changing the culture at football games; be loud every play (not just 3^rd downs) when OSU has the ball and be on time. After all, you wouldn’t want to miss Montee Ball tie the NCAA’s all-time touchdown record on the first play from scrimmage, would you?

2012-2013 Big Ten Basketball Preview pt. 3/3

 We've looked at the the non-contenders in the Big Ten, now let's take a look at the contenders.

Wisconsin Badgers

Last year: 24-9 overall, 12-6 (4^th)

Prediction: 13-5

Coach: Bo Ryan (11 years, 269-101)

Losses: PG Jordan Taylor (14.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 4.1 apg); SG Rob Wilson (4.0 ppg, 1.4 rpg); F Jared Uthoff (redshirt)

Newcomers: PG George Marshall; G Zach Bohannon; SF Sam Dekker; G Zak Showalter

Starting 5: PG George Marshall, Fr.; SG Ben Brust, Jr. (7.3 ppg, 2.2 rpg); C Frank Kaminsky , Soph. (1.8 ppg, 1.4 rpg); C Jared Berggren, Sr. (10.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.7 bpg); F Ryan Evans, Sr. (11.0 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.6 apg)

I hear it all the time; “Wisconsin was good last year, but how will they replace (insert player name here)?” Year after year Bo Ryan manages to find players to fill the gaps and contend for a Big Ten title. This year will be no different. The Badgers lose their starting point guard and leading scorer from last year in Jordan Taylor, but RS Freshman George Marshall drew rave reviews from the coaching staff over the summer. He wasn’t named the starter, but due to Josh Gasser’s ACL tear a few weeks back, Marshall will have to step up if the Badgers have dreams of a Big Ten title. The bigger question now is the SG spot (Gasser was thought to split time between the two positions). Junior guard Ben Brust should fill that role nicely but is nowhere close to the defensive presence of arguably the 2^nd best defender in the conference in Gasser. The good news is that, of all the contributors outside of Brust and Dekker, the Badgers are a solid to phenomenal defensive team. Should the Badgers need someone to step up and score as the shot clock is winding down, look to freshman forward Sam Dekker, who is widely considered to be one of, if not the top, incoming recruits in the entire conference. The Defense will carry this team to it’s 15^th consecutive NCAA tournament.

Ohio State Buckeyes

Last Year:  27-7 overall, 13-5 (t-1^st)

Prediction: 13-5

Coach: Thad Matta (8 years, 221-65)

Losses: C Jared Sullinger (17.5 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 1.2 apg); G William Buford (14.5 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 2.7 apg); G Jordan Siebert (3.0 ppg); F J.D. Weatherspoon (2.9 ppg)

Newcomers: SG Amedeo Della Valle

Starting 5: G: Lenzelle Smith G, Jr. (6.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.0 apg); Aaron Craft, Jr. (8.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.0 apg); F Sam Thompson, Soph. (2.1 ppg, 1.1 rpg); F: Deshaun Thomas, Jr. (15.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.7 apg); C: Amir Williams, Soph (1.7 ppg, 2.1 rpg)

The Buckeyes lose two of their top three scorers from a team that went to the Final Four last season, but it’s what they return that will keep them near the top of the league.  Junior guard Aaron Craft is by far the best defender in the Big Ten, and Deshaun Thomas is one of the best returning players in the conference. But questions still remain; will the Buckeyes have a post presence this year? If they can get any type of solid production Amir Williams, look out, as that will draw the defense in and give more space for Deshaun Thomas to operate. If Williams doesn’t work out, Ohio State can turn to Evan Ravenel who scored 3.4 ppg last year as a junior. The Buckeyes aren’t very deep, but they are talented—talented enough to challenge for a Big Ten title.

Michigan Wolverines

Last Year: 24-9 overall, 13-5 (t-1^st)

Prediction: 13-5

Coach: John Beilein (5 years, 91-77)

Losses: G Zack Novak (9.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.8 apg); G Stu Douglass (7.5 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.3 apg); F Evan Smotrycz (7.7 ppg, 4.9 ppg); G Carlton Brundidge (0.4 ppg); F Colton Christian (0.4 ppg)

Newcomers: SF Glen Robinson III; C Mitch McGary; SF Nick Stauskas; SG Caris LaVert; F Max Bielfeldt

Starting 5: G Trey Burke, Soph. (14.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 4.6 apg); G Tim Hardaway Jr., Jr. (14.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.1 apg); G Matt Vogrich, Sr. (2.3 ppg, 1.3 rpg); F Glenn Robinson III, Fr.; C Jordan Morgan, Jr. (7.3 ppg, 5.6 rpg)

When looking at the Wolverines, one thing stands out; the duo of guards Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr. Both scored over 14 ppg last season and are primed to be the go-to guys for Michigan this year. The Wolverines might be the most talented team in the Big Ten but their depth is a glaring problem. Outside of the starting 5 (which already includes a freshman), only one player has gotten meaningful minutes—Jon Horford averaged 2.7 ppg in 10.8 minutes last year through 9 games before being shut down with a foot injury. Michigan has a great incoming class that should see a lot of playing time this year. Robin, McGary, and Stauskas are all top 100 recruits. They’re young and talented, but can they play defense? Michigan was in the middle of the pack in that regards last year, so it will be interesting to see if they can improve on that.  If they can, Michigan will have a fantastic season.

Indiana Hoosiers

Last Year: 25-8 overall, 11-7 (5^th)

Prediction:  14-4

Coach: Tom Crean (4 years, 55-75)

Losses: G Verdell Jones III (7.5 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 3.2 apg); F Tom Pritchard (1.3 ppg); F Kory Barnett (0.4 ppg); G Matt Roth (4.3 ppg); G Daniel Moore (0.1 ppg)

Newcomers: PG Yogi Ferrell; SF Jeremy Hollowell; PF Hanner Mosquera-Perea; Ron Patterson; C Peter Jurkin

Starting 5: PG Yogi Ferrell, Fr.; G Jordan Hulls, Sr. (11.7 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 3.3 apg); G Victor Oladipo, Jr. (10.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 2.0 apg); F Christian Watford, Sr. (12.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.3 apg); C Cody Zeller, Soph. (15.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 1.3 apg)

When talking about Indiana, it starts with sophomore center Cody Zeller. Not only will he be in the running for BIG player of the year, but he could also be in the running for National POY. Zeller is a force in the paint and a big reason why so many are high on Indiana this season, but their best attribute is depth and experience—the Hoosiers return their top five leading scorers from last season. Added to the mix is highly touted PG, Yogi Ferrell. Ferrell is quick and has a strong defensive game, which certainly will be welcomed by the Hoosier faithful. If Indiana wants to compete for more than just a Big Ten title, their defense has got to improve. Since Pomeroy began keeping stats in 2003, the average defensive efficiency of the national champion was ranked around 9^th in the country. The Hoosiers were 64^th last year. They already have a great offense—probably the Big Ten’s best—but if they have aspirations of a championship, that has got to improve. I think it will, but not by that much and that’s why I have a hard time seeing Indiana as the nation’s top team. They will, however, be top-10 good and that’s why they will tie for the Big Ten title.

Michigan State Spartans

Last Year: 27-7 overall, 13-5 (t-1^st)

Prediction: 14-4

Coach: Tom Izzo (17 years, 412-169)

Losses: SF Draymond Green (16.2 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 3.8 apg); G Brandon Wood (8.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.9 apg); G Austin Thornton (5.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg); G Joe Sweeny (0.2 ppg); C Anthony Ianni (0.1 ppg); G Dan Chapman (0.0 ppg)

Newcomers: SG Gary Harris; C Matt Costello; PF Kenny Kaminski; SF Denzel Valentine

Starting 5: G Keith Appling, Jr. (11.4 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 3.9 apg); G Gary Harris, Fr.; C Adreian Payne, Jr. (7.0 ppg, 4.3 rpg); F Branden Dawson, Soph. (8.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg); F Derrick Nix, Sr. (8.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.0 apg)

Michigan State lost Big Ten POY, Draymond Green, but that won’t stop them from competing for yet another Big Ten title, Tom Izzo always finds a way. Even with the departure of Green and Wood, the Spartans are still loaded with depth and experience. The only questions I have revolve around how the Spartans will operate without a dominant post player.  If Appling and incoming freshman Harris can still have space on the outside it could be a huge year for the Spartans. Defense will once again be what carries the Spartans so the offensive post play will be the x-factor. I think the combo of Nix, Payne, and Dawson are primed for huge years and that is a big reason why I have them atop the conference once again.

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Once again here are my predictions for this year:

Projected standings

Michigan State            14-4

Indiana                        14-4

Michigan                     13-5

Ohio State                   13-5

Wisconsin                   13-5

Minnesota                     9-9

Iowa                            8-10

Purdue                         6-12

Penn State                   6-12

Illinois                         6-12

Northwestern              4-14

Nebraska                     2-16

BIG POY: Cody Zeller (Indiana)

BIG DPOY: Aaron Craft (Ohio State)

BIG COY: Tom Izzo (Michigan State)

Obviously I think the race for the Big Ten title will be a close one all season and some of you might be surprised that I think teams such as Indiana, Michigan and Ohio State will all pick up a fair amount of losses this season. All three will be good to great, yes. However, the BIG is an incredibly strong conference top to bottom and those losses are more or less a representation of how good the middle and bottom half of the conference will be. One thing is for sure, this will be a fun year to watch to Big Ten basketball.

2012-2013 Big Ten Basketball Preview pt. 2/3

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 Yesterday I covered the bottom third of the Big Ten, now it's time to take a look at the middle of the conference.

Penn State Nittany Lions

Last season: 12-20 overall, 4-14 (t-11^th)

Prediction: 6-12

Coach: Patrick Chambers (one year, 12-20)

Losses: G Cammeron Woodyard (8.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg), F Billy Oliver (6.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg), G Trey Lewis (5.6 ppg, 1.4 rpg) G Matt Glover (2.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.3 apg), F Peter Alexis

Newcomers: G D.J. Newbill, PF Donovan Jack, PF Brandon Taylor, SF Akosa Maduegbunam

Starting 5: G Tim Frazier, Sr. (18.8 ppg, 6.2 apg, 4.2 rpg); G D.J. Newbill, Soph. (9.2 ppg, 6.2 rpg); SF Jermaine Marshall, Jr. (10.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg); F Ross Travis, Soph. (4.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg); F Jon Graham, Soph. (3.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg)

Penn State will be improved from last season; book it. They return their top two scorers from last year in Tim Frazier and Jermaine Marshall. I have no trouble saying Frazier will be one of the top 5-10 players in the Big Ten this year. He scores points in bunches, passes pretty well and forces steals. He can do it all. PSU will also be helped by incoming guard D.J. Newbill, the transfer from Southern Misssippi, who averaged 9.2 ppg and 6.2 rpg in his freshman season—he transferred last year and sat out all season. But questions remain, Travis and Graham are first year starters and the Nittany Lions lack quality depth. They need to work on being more consistent offensively as they ranked last in FG percentage last year (39.3 percent) in the Big Ten. I think they will improve on that and they could have an outside shot at an NIT bid.

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Iowa Hawkeyes

Last Year: 18-17, 8-10 (t-7^th)

Prediction: 8-10

Coach: Fran McCaffery (2 years, 29-37)

Losses: G Matt Gatens (15.2 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.0 apg), G Bryce Cartwright (6.0 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 4.8 apg), F Andrew Brommer (1.4 ppg), F Devon Archie (1.3 ppg), G Branden Stubbs (1.2 ppg)

Newcomers: PG Anthony Clemmons, PG Mike Gesell, SG Patrick Ingram, C Adam Woodbury, C Kyle Meyer

Starting 5: G Mike Gesell, Fr.; G Roy Devyn Marble, Jr. (11.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.6 apg); F Aaron White, Soph. (11.1 ppg, 5.7 rpg); F Zach McCabe, Jr. (7.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg); C Melsahn Basabe, Soph. (8.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.0 bpg)

Fran McCaffery has the program going up in Iowa. Even though The Hawkeyes will lose it’s top scorer from last season in Matt Gatens, Iowa will be improved this season. Down low the Hawkeyes will feature a rotation of sophomore Center Melsahn Basabe, one of the top freshmen in the conference last season, and highly regarded Center Adam Woodbury. Both look to have solid seasons but if Iowa truly wants to contend in the Big Ten this year, they really need to improve their defense—they were ranked 180^th in defensive efficiency last year by Pomeroy. That’s not very good but it can only improve, right? Unfortunately the two freshman that will get lots of playing time (Gesell and Woodbury) need work on the defensive side of the ball (the rest of the team should be improved there). The Hawkeyes are relatively inexperienced but talented. The only reason they won’t surpass their win total from last season is the overall strength of the Big Ten.  Don’t be surprised to see the Hawkeyes on the bubble come March.

Minnesota Golden Gophers

Last year: 23-15 overall, 6-12 (t-9^th)

Prediction: 9-9

Coach: Tubby Smith (5 years, 103-64)

Losses: G Ralph Sampson III (7.9 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.9 apg), G Chlip Armelin (5.2 ppg, 2.1 rpg)

Newcomers: F Maurice Walker, SG Wally Ellenson, PF Charles Buggs

Starting 5: G Julian Welch, Sr. (9.5 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.9 apg), G Andre Hollins (8.7 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 1.8 apg), G Austin Hollins, Soph. (9.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.1 apg), F Rodney Williams, Sr. (12.2 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 1.7 apg), F Trevor Mbakwe, Sr. (14.0 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 1.4 apg)

Minnesota should be a lock for the NCAA tournament barring injuries of course. Trevor Mbakwe is returning this year after tearing his ACL early last season. If Mbakwe is able to play like he is capable of it could be a good year for Tubby Smith and the Gophers. Rodney Willams stepped up in Mbakwe’s absence, leading the team in scoring after Mbakwe’s injury. The Gophers also have a strong trio of guards and will employ a three guard rotation this season. If they run it to trouble, it could be due to a lock of size and lack of a true center. I think the Gophers will do fine regardless and will be dancing in March.

Check back for the title contenders tomorrow!

 

2012-2013 Big Ten Basketball Preview pt. 1/3

The calendar has turned to November and that means it’s time for yet another exciting season of college basketball. By most accounts the Big Ten was the best conference last season and looks to be even better this year. Three teams were ranked in the top five of both the AP and coaches preseason polls. Michigan holds the no. 5 spot, Ohio State comes in at no. 4 and Indiana is the top dog in both the polls. Outside of those three, Michigan State comes in at no. 14 in both polls, while Wisconsin stands at no. 23 in the AP poll and no. 21 in the coaches poll. Minnesota is unranked but garnered some votes in both polls. Needless to say, the Big Ten will be a very tough and competitive conference this year and figures to be yet another force in the college basketball world; but how will the conference shape up this year? Which team will walk away with a Big Ten title at the end of the season? Every team is a little bit different than last year so let’s take a brief look at all of them. We'll start with the bottom four...

Nebraska Cornhuskers

Last season: 4-14 (t-11^th)

Prediction: 2-16

Coach: Tim Miles (first year)

Losses: G Bo Spencer (15.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 3.3 apg); G Toney McCray (9.9 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.3 apg); C Jorge Brian Diaz (8.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.9 bpg); G Brandon Richardson (7.0 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 3.3 apg); G Caleb Walker (6.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 1.2 apg); G Josiah Moore (1.9 ppg)

Newcomers: PG Deverell Biggs, SG Shavon Shields, C Serej Vucetic, PG Benny Parker

Starting 5: G Dylan Talley, Sr. (8.9 ppg; 3.3 rpg, 1.8 apg); G Ray Gallegos, Jr. (2.8 ppg, 1.0 rpg); F David Rivers, Soph. (1.1 ppg, 0.8 rpg); C Andre Almeda, Sr. (5.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg); F Brandon Ubel, Sr. (6.7 ppg; 5.3 rpg; 1.3 apg).

Nebraska is easily the worst team in the Big Ten and it isn’t close. The Cornhuskers lost over 81% of their scoring from a team that finished tied for last in the conference last year. Need I say more? I gave them 2 wins this year in conference play and even that might be generous. Fortunately they have an incoming guard named Deverell Biggs who is transferring from junior college—He was an All-American last year averaging 14.1 ppg, 3.1 apg, and 3.3 steals per game.

Tim Miles led Colorado State to an NCAA tournament birth last season, but he has a lot of work to do in Lincoln. There’s no place to go but up, but it won’t happen this season.

Northwestern Wildcats

Last season: 19-14 overall, 8-10 (t-7^th)

Prediction: 4-14

Coach: Bill Carmody (12 years, 179-191)

Losses: SF John Shurna (20.0 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.8 apg); C Luka Mirkovic (5.9 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.7 apg); F Davide Curletti (3.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.8 apg); G Nick Fruendt (1.0 ppg)

Newcomers: F Jared Swopshire, C Chier Ajou, SF Kale Abrahamson, C Alex Olah, SG Sanjay Lumpkin

Starting 5: G Dave Sobolewski, Soph. (8.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 3.7 apg); G Reggie Hearn, Sr. (7.4 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.3 apg); G Sanjay Lumpkin Fr; F Nikola Cerina (5.4 ppg, 4.1rpg); F Drew Crawford, Sr. (16.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.1 apg).

Northwestern failed to make the NCAA tournament yet again last year and this year should be no different. They lose the top scorer in Northwestern history in John Shurna, but senior G Drew Crawford returns—he averaged 16.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg, and 3.7 apg. They also add two transfers to the mix. F Jared Swopshire is a graduate student who’s transferring from Louisville. He didn’t get a ton of playing time there but averaged 3.3 ppg and 2.8 rpg. F Nikola Cerina is cleared to play this year after sitting out last year because of his transfer from TCU. The Wildcats have good depth in the frontcourt especially with 7-foot newcomers Olah and Ajou, however, guard depth might be an issue. Junior guard JerShon Cobb was suspended for the entire season by the Northwestern in September for violating team rules. Cobb averaged 7.1 ppg in 20 minutes per game last season.

The bottom line is until Northwestern changes their awful 1-3-1 defense, things won’t change in Evanston. NIT? Unlikely.

Illinois Fighting Illini

Last Season: 17-15 overall, 6-12 (t-10^th)

Prediction: 6-12

Coach John Groce (first year)

Losses: C Meyers Leonard (13.6 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 1.3 apg); G Sam Maniscalco (6.1 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 2.3 apg); G Jean Selus (1 minute per game)

Newcomers: F Sam McLaurin, G Mike LaTulip

Starting 5: G Brandon Paul, Sr. (14.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.9 apg); G D.J. Richardson, Sr. (11.6 ppg, 3.0 rpg); F/C Nnanna Egwu, Soph. (1.9 ppg, 1.5 rpg); SF Joseph Bertrand, Jr. (6.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg); F Tyler Griffey, Sr. (4.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg).

They finally got rid of Bruce Webber. Rejoice Illini fans! John Groce will take over after leading Ohio to a Sweet Sixteen last season. He inherits a team that loses arguably it’s best player in Meyers Leonard to the NBA, but what they lost at center, they will gain back (somewhat) at forward. Sam McLurin is a 6-8 grad student who transferred to Illinois from Costal Carolina over the summer. He averaged 10 ppg, 7.5 rpg and 1.2 blocks during his junior year at CC. McLurin is eligible to play because he graduated in May. And of course, they still have guard Brandon Paul who could challenge for First Team All-Big Ten. Outside of Paul, Richardson, and McLaurin, the Illini don’t have a whole lot of depth. Without a true post presence, The Illini need to improve their outside shooting—Illinois only made a Big Ten worst 30.4% from beyond the arc last season. I have trouble seeing Illinois shooting well, though they will be better, and as a result, I think they will struggle in the Big Ten this year and will have a difficult time getting into the NIT.

Purdue Boilermakers

Last season:22-13, 10-8 (6^th)

Prediction: 6-12

Coach: Matt Painter (6 years, 160-77)

Losses: SF Robbie Hummel (16.4 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.9 apg); G Lewis Jackson (10.4 ppg, 3.2 rpg,4.2 apg); G Kelsey Barlow (8.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.7 apg); G Ryne Smith (9.1 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.1 apg); G John Hart (1.6 ppg)

Newcomers: F Donnie Hale, C A.J. Hammons; SG Rapheal Davis; PG Ronnie Johnson; PF Jay Simpson; G Stephen Toyra

Starting 5: G Terone Johnson Jr. (9.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.0 apg); F D.J. Byrd, Sr. (8.9 ppg, 2.3 rpg); G Ronnie Johnson, Fr.; C A.J. Hammons, Fr.; F Travis Carroll, Jr. (2.6 ppg, 2.9 rpg)

It’s a rebuilding year in West Lafayette. Purdue loses 63.6% of their scoring from a team that made it to the second round in the NCAA tournament last season. No loss is bigger than Robbie Hummel. Hummel led the team in scoring and rebounding last year and his experience will be missed. Coming in to replace all that was lost will be three top recruits in C A.J. Hammons, SG Raphael Davis, and PG Ronnie Johnson. Hammonds might be the best of the bunch and his size certainly helps—he’s 7’0” and 275. Problem is, Purdue will be very young and inexperienced this season. There’s talent there, but I don’t see the freshmen making a big enough impact for Purdue to compete.  There’s always next year…

Check back for my mid-conference predictions tomorrow!