THE BIG TEN
Tribune college football reporter Teddy Greenstein’s early look for 2008:
1. Ohio State
Some are beginning to call Ohio State “Avis U.”
2. Wisconsin
Heat will be on new QB, Kansas State transfer Allan Evridge.
3. Penn State
Baton will be passed from LB stud Dan Connor to Sean Lee.
4. Illinois
Don’t underestimate apparent loss of RB Rashard Mendenhall.
5. Michigan
Lloyd Carr should take this as a compliment.
6. Purdue
Curtis Painter gunning for Drew Brees’ all-time passing yards mark.
7. Michigan State
Opposing LBs should celebrate: Jehuu Caulcrick is gone.
8. Northwestern
Who will be Pat Fitzgerald’s coordinators?
9. Iowa
Kirk Ferentz needs to rebuild — again.
10. Indiana
Loss of NFL-bound WR James Hardy will hurt.
11. Minnesota
Tim Brewster still looking for first Big Ten victory.
NATIONAL PICTURE
And Teddy Greenstein’s early Top 10 in the country for 2008:
1. Oklahoma
Massive talent, but Sooners have lost 4 of 5 bowl games.
2. USC
Intriguing QB battle: Mark Sanchez or Arkansas transfer Mitch Mustain?
3. Georgia
Just say no … as in stud running back Knowshon Moreno.
4. Ohio State
Buckeyes tackle USC on Sept. 13 in prime-time road battle.
5. Florida
Will Tim Tebow join Archie Griffin in the game’s most exclusive club?
6. LSU
Enter QB Ryan Perrilloux. Exit defensive stars Glenn Dorsey, Ali Highsmith.
7. Missouri
Heisman finalist Chase Daniel & Co. open against Illinois.
8. Kansas
Oklahoma and Texas are back on the Jayhawks’ schedule.
9. West Virginia
Should finish way higher than Rich Rodriguez’s new team.
10. Virginia Tech
Boast premium QB combo of Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor.
