Big Ten Football predictions

ESPN's spring wrap up includes a VERY early prediction of Big Ten standings...

Big Ten Spring Wrap
Predictions:
1. Wisconsin
2. Michigan
3. Ohio State
4. Iowa
5. Penn State
6. Michigan State
7. Illinois
8. Purdue
9. Northwestern
10. Indiana
11. Minnesota

LAST in conference?!? I don't hold out any hope that Gopher Nation will be spending the New Year in Pasadena (at least not this year), but I also don't see last place as a reality. As I recall we finished ahead of 5 teams a year ago and we return 9 of 11 defensive starters, starting RB and most of our OL. We also were a pass interference call away from beating Penn State a year ago which would have lead to a .500 conference finish.

A closer look shows that we have Purdue and Illinois at home, NW and Indiana on the road. All are winnable and would put us at 4 conference wins. Remaining games are OhioState, @Michigan, @Iowa and Wisconsin. Certainly 3 losses with the hope of an upset in there. At this point I see 4-4 as a realistic conference record. Not a rosey season be certainly not last place worthy.