2010 Big 10 Preview – Part 2
August 17th, 2010 by Mike Ware
Northwestern
The biggest concern here is how to replace Kafka. It won’t be easy but it looks like QB Dan Persa is the front runner for the job. Persa is an accurate and mobile quarterback which is good news for Wildcat fans. Let’s just say he might be scrambling at times.
The running game is still unclear for the Wildcats. Last year Arby Fields got the bulk of the carries. Now we have RB Alex Daniel returning from injury. Mike Trumpy and Adonis Smith both should contribute some to the running game this year. There may not be a clear front runner or fantasy starter in the bunch but Adonis Smith is worth watching to see how he does on the season. He could be the future of the Wildcats.
The receivers Sidney Stewart and Drake Dunsmore return but with concerns at the QB spot it is hard to expect a lot from these receivers this year. Neither receiver caught over 600 yards last year but with both Brewer and Markshausen gone they should see an increase in yardage this season. Just don’t draft them expecting 800 yard seasons.
The defense is a weak spot and should be drafted with great concern. Kicker Stefan Demos is one of the top kickers in the Big Ten and will get plenty of field goal chances with this offense.
Michigan State
QB Kirk Cousins had a great year in 2009 (2680 yards, 19 TD’s and 9 INT’s) and looks to improve on those numbers this year. This team is ready to move forward and forget about the off-field problems of last year, which will benefit Cousins. If he can improve at getting the ball downfield consistently, then his receivers will find a way to help him improve his passing yards. Funny how that works.
The running game is helped by the return of RB Larry Caper (468 yards, 6 TD’s). Edwin Baker (427, 1) is also capable of helping take pressure off Cousins and keeping the ball moving downfield.
The receivers are still trying to emerge and define themselves. Keith Nichol and Keshawn Martin are the projected starters for now. The primary concern is getting this unit to stop dropping passes no matter who is lining up.
The defense is anchored by the hardest hitting LB in the Big Ten, Greg Jones. The defense returns 6 starters this year but the Spartans have plenty of talent to fill any holes in their defense. One of the players to watch will be William Gholston.
Purdue
Hopes run high for the Boilemaker offense and the new QB transfer Robert Marve. If he can keep his head on straight and stay out of trouble, he might just have one heck of a season. The other option is Caleb TerBush. Both guys have strong arms but Marve looks like the bigger playmaker of the two. If Marve struggles then TerBush could be called upon to take full advantage of the opportunity.
The running game has suffered some rough times lately with RB Ralph Bolden tearing his ACL in March and Al-Terek McBurse suffering a hairline fracture in his arm. McBurse should be the main guy and has signs of potential. Dan Dierking will also be available to help out but he is also coming off a hyperextended knee.
The receivers at least are healthy. Keith Smith returns and should have another great year (1,100 yards, 6 TD’s). He will be joined by Cortez Smith and Keith Carlos along with tight end Kyle Adams in one of the strongest receiving units in the Big Ten. Both Smith and Adams are worth adding to your fantasy roster.
The defense is not a strong spot for the Boilermakers. The secondary has lost all four starters. The linebacking unit is the heart of this defense and is solid.
Carson Wiggs remains one of the top kickers for fantasy teams because he gets plenty of field goals. The problem is he isn’t accurate. He made 8 of 14 from over 40 yards last year.
Michigan
You would hope that things would get better after the 2009 season but I’m not sure this team is ready to improve much over last year’s 5-7 record.
QB Tate Forcier returns to lead the passing game and should improve on his 2,050 passing yards and 13 TD’s. The only problem is he has more competition this year should he struggle like he did in the second half of last season. Denard Robinson and Devin Gardner could challenge Forcier for the job before the end of the season.
The running game is also a toss up at this point. The front runner appears to be Vincent Smith (276 yards, 1 TD). Michael Shaw (185, 2) should also see plenty of carries this season. Both runners have great speed and the luxury of running behind an offensive line that returns three starters with plenty of depth. With an offensive line this solid, it should make it easy for both backs to improve on their rushing yards this season.
The receivers are another area of concern. Roy Roundtree (434, 3) and Martavious Odoms (272,1) have the ability to make the big plays and should be fun to watch if given the opportunity. Tight End Kevin Koger (220, 2) returns and should see improvement in his numbers this year. If the quarterback spot can cut down on mistakes and deliver to these guys, their numbers will improve.
The defense at least returns 8 starters from last years. Craig Roh will be a player to watch this year with his speed at getting to the ball. There are not many proven playmakers on this squad though.
Illinois
I’m sure there are plenty of Gator fans right now going “told ya so” about Ron Zook and the Illinois job. It certainly looks like this will be his last season in Champaign.
At quarter back we have (insert player here). I don’t know either. So the point is don’t draft the Illini QB for your team. The Illini will most likely name Nathan Scheelhaase as the starter given his speed. Jacob Charest may get the job but I think the edge goes to Scheelhaase. Then there is Chandler Whitmer who is probably the most accurate of all three candidates. When the head coach’s job is on the line, you may see all of these guys before the end of the season or week 3. All kidding aside, once the quarterback spot is resolved you should see improved accuracy from this position. Watch to see who emerges as the starter then go to the waiver wire in your league.
The running game at least is a bright spot for the Illini with Mikel Leshoure (734, 5) and Jason Ford (588, 4) running the ball. Expect to see Leshoure rack up a few more 100 yard plus games this season and Ford’s numbers should improve as well.
The receivers lack depth but that’s ok, there are plenty of options at quarterback to make up for it. Look for Eddie McGee, Jarred Fayson (218, 1) and Fred Sykes to benefit from the improvement at the QB spot. Again, these may be better candidates to get off the waiver wire in your league than by drafting them in the late rounds.
The defense returns 7 starters but this unit yields too many yards and points per game. They may be a surprise this year but you are better off looking for another defense for your fantasy team.
Minnesota
QB Adam Weber will do better this year even though his best receiver is gone and we are worried about that offensive line. He had a great spring and appears to be focused. He should improve on his numbers this year including his accuracy, which took a step back last season. Expect improvements over the 2,582 passing yards and 13 TD’s he compiled in 2009.
The running game is not bad with Duane Bennett (376, 6) and Devon Wright joining the group this fall. The problem is the line. If they could get more consistency from the front men, their numbers could improve and the Gophers would not have to go to the air attack so much.
The receivers will enjoy improvements from Weber this year. Expect to see gains in the numbers for Troy Stoudermire (306, 2) and Da’Jon McKnight (311, 0). Both players should see dramatic increases in yardage totals with the departure of Decker.
The defense returns 2 starters and will be tested often as Big Ten play gets underway. This is another defensive unit you will want to take a pass on.
Kicker Eric Ellestad though does deserve a look. He was 13-17 last year with a long of 39 yards. He did go 0-3 over 40 yards so he has trouble with the long kicks. He missed no XP and only 1 FG less than 40 yards.
Indiana
This has to be one of the most interesting teams in the Big Ten. They have good players. They have skill players. They just have breakdowns at areas that impact the game. The offensive line needs improvement. If they can fix the problem there then this team is going to give a lot of folk’s problems.
The quarterback situation is great with Ben Chappell returning to lead the way. In 2009 he threw for 2,941 yards, 17 TD’s and 15 INT’s. He completed 62.6 percent of his throws. That is the 3rd best completion percentage among last years Big Ten starters. He also has two of the best receivers in the game and a decent running attack to help him out.
The running game is solid with Darius Willis (607, 6) pounding the ball in the middle. He will improve on those numbers if he can stay healthy and his line gives him a chance.
The receivers are led by Tandon Doss (962, 5), Damarlo Belcher (770, 5) and Terrance Turner (443, 1). All these guys are great possession receivers and can help move the chains. The only thing lacking is a real deep threat to this group. Expect to see improvement in their numbers though if the line gives Chappell time to throw and not scramble.
The defense is returning 4 starters and is led by Larry Black and Adam Replogle. This unit still gives up a lot of points and yards per game and you may want to take a pass on them for your fantasy team.
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