Campus Confidential

By Adam Abramson

I spent the morning talking to Virginia Tech quarterback Sean Glennon. Entering his junior season, I think he's poised for a big year. Tech has a great ambassador in him and his face should be in front of every TV camera that rolls through town. Well spoken, good answers, generally honest (as opposed to a cliche machine).

The Hokies announced that stud freshman Tyrod Taylor is now the backup and former back up Ike Whitaker has moved to wide receiver. I propose a few wrinkles be added to the playbook: end around pass, WR screen pass or line up with Ike at WR, running back Branden Ore at QB, then motion Ike to the backfield and give it a go. I guess it's easy to be a keyboard coach.

I'm working on a VT story for the college football preview this weekend, I'll post a link when it runs.

On to business.

Big 10

Having your own network doesn't get you any extra credit points with Campus Confidential.

If Ohio State had a roster similar to last year's (especially on offense), they could pitch a serious argument why they're the toughest conference in the country. But the loss of that powerhouse this year has bumped the Big 10 down some. Don't get too down, Big 10ers, third place still gets a spot on the medal stand.

One theme about the conference is that all the major players have questions concerning the depth chart.

Can Michigan rebound from the defensive overhaul? Can Ohio State rebound from the offensive overhaul? How will a new quarterback do up in Wisconsin this year? Can Penn State be elite 22 guys they put on the field this year (they've been good, not great)?

But the questions don't stop there. How good is the depth?

What is life in Iowa going to be like with Drew Tate graduated? Is this the year for Illinois to break out under Ron Zook? Can Purdue string together a season of solid performances? How will Indiana fare without Coach Hep as a guiding force? Can Michigan State and Minnesota quickly adapt to their new coaches? What's going on at Northwestern…in any sense?

Teams like Minnesota and Iowa have to put up better records than .500 if they want to give their conference more bragging rights. The Hawkeyes avoid Michigan this year, but travel to Wisconsin and Penn Sate to make up for it.

In Champagne, it's no surprise that Zook is recruiting his tail off, as he did in Gainesville. It might take another year for Juice Williams to become a consistent threat, but having a guy like Arrelious Benn as a target will help. It has to be better than a two-win season for Illinois. The Illini should shoot for six wins, seven would be a huge step forward.

Purdue could win 10 games this season. You heard it here. In order to do such, the following games are must-win: at Penn State, vs. Notre Dame, vs. Iowa and at Indiana.

Speaking of Indiana, we've asked if they'll be fine without Coach Hep. The answer is yes. Indiana went 5-7 last year and I wouldn't be surprised to see that the other way around this year (meaning 7-5…yup).

As far as Michigan State and Minnesota, I'm not expecting much from either. One of them has to finish .500, otherwise it could be a down year for the Big 10 when bowl season runs around.

It would look like: Michigan, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Penn State, Purdue and two of Indiana, Iowa, Michgian State and Minnesota. If three of those last four can make a bowl and six of those eight win their bowl games, you have to argue that it's the best, or second-toughest conference in the land. We'll see.

Can we just add a team and get a championship game, please?

Predicted order of finish:
1. Michigan
2. Penn State
3. Wisconsin
4. Purdue
5. Ohio State (crazy, I know)
6. Indiana
7. Minnesota
8. Michgian State
9. Iowa
10. Illinois
11. Northwestern