Robb (Colorado): Brian, what is your take on the MSU QB situation? Seems like it will take a few games to get comfortable filling Cousins shoes so I am not sold. Of course, a great running game will help.

Brian Bennett: I really think Andrew Maxwell will be fine. He won't be as good as Cousins from the get go, but we're talking about a very poised, fourth-year junior. Bigger issue is chemistry between him and some very unproven receivers. But the passing game should be good enough to win.

Brian (Chicago): What game plan do you expect Michigan to have for Bama?

Brian Bennett: I think you have to take some shots down the field in the passing game to beat 'Bama, something LSU did not do much of in the title game. Really hard to line up and run against that defense. Would think Michigan tries to open up with some throws and hope that loosens things up on Denard. On defense, I still think you make McCarron beat you as much as possible.

Paul (Chicago): Does Illinois' realtively easy schedule and the various scandals plaguing the rest of the Big Ten provide ANY POSSIBILITY of giving the Illini of sneaking their way to Big Ten success and reestablishing itself as a football power?

Brian Bennett: Paul, Illinois is a mystery team in a lot of ways. That's because of the new staff, the questions on offense and the cloud of secrecy Tim Beckman has enveloped the team in during the preseason. I don't think the schedule is all that easy -- road trips to Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio State all look like losses, and I think the Arizona State and Western Michigan games could be toss-ups. I'm thinking more like 6-6 or 7-5. The Penn State and Purdue games at home are must-wins.

Ben (Hoosier Nation) [via mobile] Do you think stephan Huston is IUs best chance at a bowl appearance? Also what do you think the chance Bowl appearance is?

Brian Bennett: I thought Houston had a pretty good rookie year for the Hoosiers. The two keys will be whether the passing game can make huge leaps and if the defense can become respectable. IU was a long, long way away from being a bowl team last year, and even with a potential 3-0 start, they're going to need some major luck to get to six wins.

Brian (Portland, Ore): Yo Brian, your name is very high on the awesome scale. About Penn State, who in their Big Ten schedule do you think they will play spoiler to? I think it's Wisky but I drink the blue and white koolaid.

Brian Bennett: Awesome name and great town (so I hear; really need to get there). Wisconsin is possible, with that game at home to end the year. But I kind of think the Badgers can win the division even with a loss there. Watch out for Nebraska. Huskers play Penn State after the back-to-back games against the Michigan schools. Even though it's in Lincoln, Nebraska seems to lose a curious home game every year.