As we continue our series previewing the college football conferences here on GetSportsInfo, it's time to take a look at one of the most disappointing conferences in the NCAA.... The Big Ten.

Favorite: Penn State

Penn State has a great chance at repeating as Big Ten champs again this year. They lose three of the greatest wideouts in Penn State history and their sack leader from last season. However, Sean Lee should be a huge gain as he comes back from an injury to be a force at linebacker. Also, Daryll Clark returns as a heisman contender at quarterback and Evan Royster and Stephon Green look to increase their production. They also have the easiest non-conference schedule in the Big Ten (Akron, Syracuse, Temple, and Eastern Illinois.) The biggest concern will be trying to find production from the wide receiver position.

Sleeper: Illinois

Illinois gets the nod as my sleeper because of two major factors: 1. They have 18-of-22 starters returning in 2009. 2. I don't know that some of the teams expected to finish ahead of them can recover from key losses... (MSU-Javon Ringer). The most important returning member of the Fighting Illini is quarterback Juice Williams, who I fully expect to be one of the top QB's in the nation this year. His 138.09 QB rating from last year was outstanding and with four of five offensive lineman returning it should only get better. Williams also has the benefit of running back Jason Ford returning after a decent freshman campaign and the Illini don't lose a single receiver.


Overrated: Michigan State

The Spartans lose Brian Hoyer and Javon Ringer yet some are still picking them to battle it out at the top of the conference. The Big Ten is bad so that will help the Spartans stay in the thick of things, but I see the loss of their quarterback and their stud running back who carried the offensive load last seasont to be too much. Their defense is decent but not great. Look for the Spartans to falter early, especially as they look for someone to lead them on offense.

Final Take:

The Big Ten is one of the most disappointing conferences in football. Every year they have a few highly touted teams who are supposed to be tops in the nation. Except, when they actually play the top teams in the nation they always seem to lose. The Big Ten will continue to pick on non-BCS bowl-bound schools, but lose to the top teams in the nation once again this season. 

College Football juice williams, big ten, ohio state, illinois, michigan state, penn state, michigan, daryll clark, evan royster, terrell pryor