Brian Bennett

  (3:00 PM)

Good afternoon, everybody, and welcome to another Big Ten Monday chat.

Brian Bennett

  (3:00 PM)

I'll be here for the next hour to take your Big Ten questions, so fire away!

Dylan (East Lansing)

What do you think of Bob Asmussen's justification for his no. 1 pick going to the Wolverines? Well informed decision or a completely illogical, reputation destroying pipe dream?

Brian Bennett

  (3:02 PM)

Bob does a great job on the Illinois beat. I like that he's being different, but I just don't see it. Michigan simply doesn't have the depth to be No. 1. That said, if they beat Alabama, the Wolverines should be ranked No. 1 in Week 2.

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

  (3:03 PM)

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.

Zach [via mobile]

Despite being bowl ineligible, is Ohio State still under some of the heaviest pressure in the Big Ten given the losing record last season and the hype over Meyer/the team?

Brian Bennett

  (3:05 PM)

There's always pressure in Columbus, but I don't think this particular team is under a ton of it. It's all about building for 2013. With that schedule, I have a hard time seeing Ohio State being worse than 8-4. Anything better than that should build optimism for next year.

Josh (Nebraska)

Why do people tend to think Nebraska's defense will be a lot better? Losing a great player at each level seems a lot to overcome. Yes, there is better depth, but does that equate to overall better defensive numbers?

Brian Bennett

  (3:06 PM)

It's a great question. Nebraska players have said they're more comfortable and knowledgeable in the system, and better depth on the defensive line will be very important. But they still need a couple of players to make the jump to become big-time difference makers.

Brian (Chicago)

What game plan do you expect Michigan to have for Bama?

Brian Bennett

  (3:08 PM)

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.

Thomas (Minneapolis)

How many pairs of underwear should I pack for college? Interesting article on Burkhead in the lunch links today talking about how Sexy Rexy lacks a standout moment on the field. What would you say is Burkhead's defining moment on the field at this point in his career?

Brian Bennett

  (3:10 PM)

At least two. I admit I didn't watch Nebraska closely before they came into the Big Ten, but for me his biggest moments came in last year's Ohio State game with the way he ran the ball in that comeback win. Aren't many standalone highlights that really come to mind, however. It's more of a cumulative body of work.

Kevin (Chicago)

I think some people are getting to worried about Colters ability to throw. Obviously it would be nice that he could be able to throw the ball as a first string QB Especially with McCall's past history of turning scramblers into high percentage passers. But if worse comes to worse that he can't complete the passes this offense requires, Trevor Siemian fills in for Dan Persa and Northwestern runs the same offense as last year with Colter playing multiple positions. Agree?

Brian Bennett

  (3:12 PM)

It's a bit much to think he'll complete 70-plus percent of his passes the way Persa did. Those were historic numbers. And Colter's arm is getting stronger. Can he manage a game and lead a team as the full-time QB? I think so. Even if his accuracy is lower than Persa's, he can do a lot of other things. And he's got a lot of really good receivers.

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

  (3:15 PM)

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

Bernard (Philly)

Should Urban Meyer consider redshirting RB Jordan Hall? He is going to miss a few games this season due to injury and the team will not be competing for a championship. Unless the coaches think he is leaving for the NFL after this season (which seems unlikely), why not save him for next year?

Brian Bennett

  (3:17 PM)

Only if his foot injury is worse than feared. The team has been optimistic that he'll be back in September. If that's the case, he should be good to go for the Big Ten schedule, and there's no reason not to play him. He's a big key for the offense. And he's already a senior

Tony (Richmond, CA)

How do you think Danny O'Brien will fare in his first season as the Badgers starting quarterback? Does he get Wisconsin back to Pasadena?

Brian Bennett

  (3:19 PM)

I think he'll do well, though not as well as Russell Wilson. The best news for the Badgers from camp was how he threw only one interception in over two weeks. They don't need him to be Superman; he just has to manage the offense, make some throws and protect the ball. That should be enough to get Wisconsin to Indianapolis at least

Michael (East Lansing, MI)

Are you coming to East Lansing to check out the new scoreboards and MSU vs. Boise State? I figure either you or Adam will be here or in Texas.

Brian Bennett

  (3:19 PM)

I will be there. Little more excited about the game than the scoreboards but can't wait to see both.

Butch (Iowa)

Iowa is obviously not overflowing with depth at the running back position, I was wondering who you thought would get the majority of the snaps towards the end of the year rather than the start and do you think that a freshman could erupt for them? And who?

Brian Bennett

  (3:21 PM)

The Hawkeyes are running out of options. If I had to guess, I'd say Damon Bullock starts the year, but Greg Garmon overtakes him. Liked the reports I heard about Garmon's vision and running style from Saturday's scrimmage. Provided, of course, that neither of them spontaneously combust.

Matt (Windy City)

I'm going with Purdue winning the Leaders division as my biggest surprise of 2012. Agree? If not, waht's your biggest surprise?

Brian Bennett

  (3:23 PM)

I see Purdue as having real sleeper potential, but I still have trouble figuring out how they get past Wisconsin. The Badgers do have to come to West Lafayette, though. Not sure I have any major surprise teams this year, though Purdue, Illinois and Iowa all have that potential.

Colin (Sterling Heights)

Fill in the blank: Michigan's depth issues at Defensive Line are_________?

Brian Bennett

  (3:24 PM)

Scary. Unless Mattison and Hoke can work wonders with their coaching, that's my No. 1 concern for Michigan, besides the schedule.

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

  (3:25 PM)

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.

Josh (Nebraska)

Out of Wisconsin, Ohio St, Michigan, and Michigan St, who do you think Nebraska has the best chance of beating? If you could rank them from most likely to win, to least likely that would be great.

Brian Bennett

  (3:27 PM)

Best to least: 1. Wisconsin. 2. Michigan. 3. Michigan State. 4. Ohio State. Gotta factor home fields in here. Badgers much different team on the road than at home.

Carl (DC)

I'm sure you love your job most of the time, but what's the biggest challenge about sacrificing every weekend from late August to December?

Brian Bennett

  (3:27 PM)

Missing family events and other fun activities. It helps to have a very understanding wife!

Matt (St. Paul)

10 days until Vegas!!! Are you ready for the season to start???

Brian Bennett

  (3:28 PM)

Heck yeah. Going to need some serious caffeine for that 11 pm Minnesota kick, followed by early flight to Michigan the next day and a night game. But adrenaline will be flowing.

Nick (Evanston)

With a tougher than usual non-conference schedule, Northwestern seems to be in position to lose one of there non-con games, which do you think will present more of a challenge to them: @Syracuse, or Vandy or Boston College in Evanston?

Brian Bennett

  (3:29 PM)

I think Vanderbilt, believe it or not, is the best of the three teams. Even though it's a home game, that might be the toughest. All three could probably go either way. Tough way to start the year.

Lance (E.L.)

Brian, are the media (besides this blog) and the coaches undervaluing Michigan State? #13 in both polls is a little surprising to me given where Georgia and Michigan (both teams MSU beat) are ranked.

Brian Bennett

  (3:30 PM)

I believe so. The Spartans are a Top 10 team in my book. People are underestimating the talent and depth on the lines, in my opinion

Jack (Ohio)

i see Bradley roby and Ryan shazier being breakout stars, how bout u?

Brian Bennett

  (3:32 PM)

Agree. Big fan of Shazier and Roby has looked really good this preseason. Love his attitude.

Mike (Atlanta, GA)

I'm a big fan of the blog. Tougher road game for the Buckeyes: at Michigan State or at Wisconsin? And why?

Brian Bennett

  (3:32 PM)

Wisconsin. Both are definitely tough. But the Badgers have been practically unbeatable at Camp Randall.

Brett (Conshohocken, PA)

Do you think Penn State will consider scheduling more unconventional start times with the new coaching staff? Possibly a Friday night kickoff game in early season non-conference games?

Brian Bennett

  (3:33 PM)

Most of that is dictated by TV and not the schools.

Zac (Wisconsin)

Brian, what type of impact do you see for new transfers like DeAnthony Arnett at MSU and Kyle Prater at Northwestern?

Brian Bennett

  (3:34 PM)

If Prater is healthy, I think he'll make a bigger impact. Arnett is more of a third-option, slot-guy from what I've seen. Prater has the skills to be true No. 1. But I think both could get off to quiet starts

Tom (Chicago)

Brian, everyone seems to be up in arms about Michigan getting 1 #1 vote. Why is this such a big deal? It's one person's opinion, and isn't that the point of these polls? Besides, until the games are played, no one knows any better.

Brian Bennett

  (3:35 PM)

Means nothing in the grand scheme of things, especially considering whom Michigan is playing in the opener. But preseason polls were made to ignite debates.

Jared (San Diego)

Who's BCS dreams does OSU bust this season? And if OSU does go BCS busting, does the B1G end up with only one team in a BCS bowl as a result?

Brian Bennett

  (3:37 PM)

I'm really wondering if the league gets two in the BCS this year. Michigan could easily have two losses going to Ohio State. What if Wisconsin is 10-2 and loses in the Big Ten title game?

Matt (Detroit)

Brian, would you eat the moon if it were made out of ribs? Also, is it more likely the B1G has an undefeated team or a winless team this year?

Brian Bennett

  (3:39 PM)

I'm actually making ribs for dinner tonight, so yes on the first question. And I'd say undefeated is more likely, because I have a hard time seeing any Big Ten team going winless. Surely Indiana can beat Indiana State, Ball State or UMass, at the very least

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

  (3:41 PM)

Awesome name and great town (so I here; 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.

Brett (Conshohocken, PA)

What is the key to Purdue surprising Wisconsin in the Leaders Division?

Brian Bennett

  (3:41 PM)

Playing with more discipline. Forcing more turnovers. Coming up with more big plays on offense. And lastly, making Ross-Ade inhospitable, as Michigan and Wisconsin have to come there.

Spencer Main Denver [via mobile]

As a die hard Michigan fan I was wondering if you think that fitzgerald toussant will start the game against Alabama . And if you think Michigans defense can stop alabama's offense

Brian Bennett

  (3:43 PM)

I don't think Brady Hoke will start him, though he may play. Michigan should be able to hold its own on defense. It's the other side I'm worried about

Craig (Braintree MA)

Got a Gophers question for you - if Minnesota is to make it to a bowl, what should we be looking for in the first few games?

Brian Bennett

  (3:44 PM)

Two things: Good performances from the skill players around MarQueis Gray, and a decent pass rush.

Ben Ingersoll (CA)

How do you feel being known as the "other Brian Bennett" considering Oregon's quarterback is better :)

Brian Bennett

  (3:45 PM)

Well, first of all, he spells his name with a Y. Big mistake there on his part. Makes me question his judgment.

Bruce (Columbus, Georgia)

The pre-season polls are notoriously out of whack. Which teams do you think are over-rated early and which under-rated?

Brian Bennett

  (3:46 PM)

I continue to not believe in Oklahoma. Or Florida or Notre Dame, at the back end of the poll. I'm higher on South Carolina than most.

Shaun (New Mexico)

Brian, who do you have with the highest national ranking heading into B1G conference play and why?

Brian Bennett

  (3:47 PM)

I think Michigan State will gain some spots in the poll after beating Boise and Notre Dame. No other B1G team will have wins over two teams that start the season ranked by that point

Josh (Nebraska)

Do you think the Husker/Hawkeye black Friday game will become a tradition, or is this it's last year? What have you heard from people regarding this topic?

Brian Bennett

  (3:48 PM)

The two schools plan to make the Heroes Game an annual Black Friday tradition. Good for TV purposes, maybe not for female (or male) Huskers fans who love to shop that day

Craig (Braintree MA)

Thanks for your feedback. How do you feel your transition to B1G blogger is going?

Brian Bennett

  (3:49 PM)

I'll say this: I feel a heck of a lot more confident going into this season than I did last year, when I was still learning the teams. Hope that leads to better coverage.

Heisinburg (NM)

Are you part of the empire business?

Brian Bennett

  (3:49 PM)

This blog is all I have left.

Kevin (MI)

tougher road game for MSU: Michigan or Wisconsin? I know you said earlier that Wisc is nearly unbeatable at home, but the Mich-MSU rivalry is really intense now adays

Brian Bennett

  (3:50 PM)

Probably have to say Michigan, even though the Spartans have handled them and Camp Randall is so tough. MSU and Wisconsin are so well matched and so familiar with each other that it's tough to predict anything but a close game. Michigan will be sky high for the Spartans at home.

James (Texas)

Brian what do you expect out of Akeem Shavers from Purdue?

Brian Bennett

  (3:51 PM)

I like him a lot. With Bolden's health a major question, I think he becomes the main back and ends up with close to 1,000 yards. He'll still split carries some, though.

Nate (Nebraska)

I know he isnt considered a favorite or even on most peoples list...but in your opinion, what does Burkhead have to do stat wise in order to be in heisman running assuming Nebraska has a solid season.

Brian Bennett

  (3:52 PM)

Probably run for at least 1,700 yards, score 20 touchdowns and have some signature moments in big games.

Tim (Boulder)

Out of the B1G, texas 12, sec, and pac12, rank the bottom half of the conferences. Also, I predict Jesse is going to end up killing Walter.

Brian Bennett

  (3:54 PM)

I'm not sure there's a team in the other conferences that Indiana could beat. Maybe Kentucky or Kansas. Other than that, the bottom of the Big Ten is pretty competitive with anyone else. Oh, and I think it's going to be Hank who gets Walt.

TK (Philly)

A Lot of people are saying that PSU will finish around .500 for the year and that even Ohio presents a big time upset special for the Nit's... lets be honest.. the starting 22 is REALLY solid... it's DEPTH that could hurt than later in the season more than anything... They stay healthy, watch out.... right?

Brian Bennett

  (3:55 PM)

Absolutely. Penn State isn't going to be bad this year unless it is really ravaged by injuries. Should be highly competitive, and if O'Brien can get anything out of that offense ... . But the schedule offers few true breaks.

Ashley (JC, MO) [via mobile]

If Martinez really has greatly improved his throwing motion and looks like he did in the 2010 Okie State game these first few weeks, how worried are the other B1G D-coordinators going to be?

Brian Bennett

  (3:57 PM)

Well, it's not like that Oklahoma State defense was really good. But Martinez is a huge key for Nebraska. If he can become a respectable passer, that entire offense takes a big step up.

Eric (TriBeCa)

Hi Brian, love the blog. I've found the best/worst case fairly entertaining. I was taking a look at UofM's, and was wondering if you would be willing to say what scenerio you believe to be more likely? An 11-1 national championship season, or the 6-6 disappointing season. While I think they have the talent to put in an 11-1 season, I could also see them dropping games to Bama, Air Force, @Notre Dame, @Purdue, Michigan State, @Nebraska, @Ohio State.

Brian Bennett

  (3:58 PM)

I've got them somewhere in the middle but think 6-6 is probably more possible than (what would actually be) 13-1. Think the schedule is too difficult.

Bobby (WI)

Montee Ball over/under 30 total td's

Brian Bennett

  (3:59 PM)

Under. He was simply ridiculous last year. Let's say 29

Adam (Columbus)

Which, if any, BIG coach do you think is on the hot seat this season?

Brian Bennett

  (3:59 PM)

None, unless Purdue totally flops or some crazy off-the-field scandal develops. After the past two years with Ohio State and Penn State, I'm really hoping the latter does not occur

Brian Bennett

  (4:00 PM)

OK, folks, that's all my time for this week. Thanks for all the questions. See you next Monday, when we'll actually be in game week. Huzzah!