Big Ten Predictions for 2008: In-Depth Records and Bowl Matchups

I’m going out on a limb and predicting not just the final 2008 season standings in the Big Ten, but also pre-conference records, conference game picks, and projected bowl appearances.  I will even throw in a couple of projected bowl matchups.  I figure that there is no better or easier way for readers to decide just how off base I am. Before getting into the details, let me preface things by saying that this is going to be a down year for the Big Ten.  Yes, I said it: a down year for the Big Ten.  Ohio State is going to be even better than last year, and Wisconsin is going to be a very solid team.  Sadly, the second tier is going to be really hit and miss. I think Illinois and Michigan State are going to be good and even better next year.  Iowa hit bottom last year and will be better this year, but they still have a long way to go.  Michigan and Penn State are both huge question marks for me, mostly due to coaching issues (Rich Rodriguez has a whole new ... (link)