Big Ten Football Preview: Michigan

OFFENSE: When Devin Gardner wasn't available for the bowl game because of injury, all fans of the Wolverines looked to a young southpaw quarterback with the name of Shane Morris to lead the team to victory over Kansas State. Michigan unfortunately lost and Devin Gardner and Coach Brady Hoke come into the year under heavy pressure from not only Michigan fans but fans of all of college football. The offense losses a lot of talent including: Fitz Toussaint, Jeremy Gallon, Taylor Lewan and Michael Schofield. Gardner is surrounded by playmakers, however, with two capable backs in Derrick Green, who will be competing against fellow sophomore De'Veon Smith for the starting job. Junior TE/WR Devin Funchess will probably line up at wideout this year and will be accompanied by slot receiver and fellow junior Dennis Norfleet and true freshman Freddy Canteen, who, after an impressive spring became the starter. The offensive line was Michigan's biggest problem a year ago, and the case could get even worse this year as they lose first round bookend tackle Taylor Lewan and his partner on the right side Michael Schofield. Replacing Lewan is Erik Magnuson, who is making the switch to tackle after starting seven games at guard last year. At left guard, fellow sophomore Kyle Bosch will remain at guard after starting three games last year. Coach Hoke will then plug junior Graham Glasgow at center, a physical being who will be a mauler in the run game. A sophomore who started eight times at right guard, Kyle Kalis hopes to remain at his position and learn, as he's only an underclassmen. Ben Braden hopes to get the call to replace the productive Schofield, although inexperience may make Hoke look elsewhere. Hoke and all the hopeful Wolverine fans hope to get a productive season out of a very inexperienced group of offensive lineman. At kicker, Michigan will probably look to former punter Matt Wile, who after kicking 5 for 8 on FG's is the most experienced place kicker on the team.

DEFENSE: Everyone in Ann Arbor is very hopeful this year for the defense, as it is considered a strength for the team. It starts with probably the strongest part of the team which is a group of very experienced linebackers. Senior Jake Ryan is the unquestioned leader of the whole team and is joined by fellow s

enior Desmond Morgan who moves to the outside to accommodate the rise to stardom by Ryan. Junior James Ross completes the group and comes in after 85 tackles last year. The defensive line is led by two seniors at the ends in Frank Clark, who had a career-high 43 tackles last year, and Brennen Beyer, who has made astonishing plays at linebacker and end in his career in Ann Arbor. After losing big NT Quinton Washington, the interior defensive line will be reserved for sophomores Willie Henry and Chris Wormley, both long and athletic tackles that will help in pass rush and run defense. The defensive backfield returns some experience but loses starting SS Thomas Gordon from a year ago. He will most likely be replaced by sophomore Delano Hill. Starting beside him at free safety will be junior Jarrod Wilson who is a returning starter and made 50 taclkes and two interceptions last year. At cornerback, they return both starters from last year in turnover machine Blake Countess and senior leader Ray Taylor. Former  Big Ten Punter of the Year Will Hagerup returns from a year long suspension last year and is ready to return to All-Big Ten form.

RECRUITING: The Wolverines hauled in the 20th best class in the country and it included one five star, eight four stars and seven three stars to complete the 16 man class. Five star Jabrill Peppers was the third best recruit in the country and the best athlete in the class and figures to not only make an impact in the secondary this year but also in a big way on special teams. He is an absolute lock down corner and is reminding people in Wolverine country of Charles Woodson. The eighth best defensive tackle recruit and four star Bryan Mone comes in and looks like a future star for Michigan as his 6-4 315 pound frame will be welcomed with open arms in Ann Arbor. Finally the freshman with the best chance to make a lasting impact come this fall, four star wideout from Maryland Freddy Canteen comes to Michigan as a dynamic and speedy presence and the 6-1 170 pounder from Elkton is ready to make an impact for new offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier.

2015 needs: 247Sports Steve Wiltfong: "The Wolverines did not sign a running back in 2014 after signing two touted guys in 2013, so look for Michigan to try and lure a big time back in 2015. Weakside and strong side defensive end are two more needs for the wolverines as they try to shore things up at the point of attack."

Overview: The defense should once again be strong led by Jake Ryan and Blake Countess. The offense remains a concern in my mind, as the inexperience along the line and controversy at running back and quarterback feeds the concern that this unit will struggle against the strong defenses of Ohio State and Michigan State. I don't expect an appearance in the Big Ten title game this year as Michigan is not on the level of play as Ohio State and Michigan State are on. I do expect a bowl game for them and one that is a little better than the Buffalo Wild Wings one they appeared in last year.

LB Jake Ryan

CB Blake Countess

QB Devin Gardner

WR Devin Funchess

DE Frank Clark

Big Ten Football Preview: Indiana

OFFENSE: There can be no doubt that Indiana's offense was one of the most feared units in the Big Ten last year. And with returning starters QB Nate Sudfeld, WR Shane Wynn, and RB Tevin Coleman, it should remain a potent unit. Nate Sudfeld brings loads of experience, and even after losing top target Cody Latimer to the early rounds of the Draft, Sudfeld has another receiving threat filling his role named Shane Wynn. Joining him at WR are fellow seniors Isaiah Roundtree, a former RB with great, strong hands, and Nick Stoner, a former track star who excels with breakaway speed. The three WRs along with Sudfeld are seniors, giving Coach Wilson an experienced and deadly passing attack. Tevin Coleman should be a top five Big Ten running back and will improve behind a decent O-line. He possesses a good balance of speed and power and will take pressure off the passing game. My prediction for the Hoosiers' starting offensive line is: LT Jason Spriggs, LG Bernard Taylor, C Collin Rahrig, RG Dan Feeney, and RT Peyton Eckert. The junior Spriggs, standing at 6-7 and weighing 307 pounds, is by far the most athletic and talented on the line. Taylor is a three year starter whose best trait is his superb run blocking ability. Rahrig is a tough player and leader on the line with a shot at the NFL. Sophomore Feeney was Freshmen All-American with a great work ethic. Peyton Eckert is a decent player who excels in pass blocking. Indiana has a pair of freshmen kickers but I have to give the starting nod to Aaron Del Grosso over Griffin Oakes, as Del Grosso has a strong leg but needs to show some consistency.

DEFENSE: Indiana ranked 120th in total defense last year but should take a step forward with young guys challenging the starters for playing time. Indiana is switching from the 4-3 to the 3-4 this year, and I feel this will definitely improve upon a lackluster unit. On the defensive line, the coaches will go with a four year guy in senior Bobby Richardson at defensive end, who brings a lot of speed off the edge. Indiana will then plug former All Big Ten Freshman Ralph Green at Nose Guard. Finally at Defensive Tackle, they have junior Adarius Rayner, who possesses a great motor and showed that off during his impressive Spring. The new four linebackers will be a quick and scary unit. Junior Nick Mangieri is very athletic and effective in rushing or dropping back in coverage. Senior Flo Hardin is very experienced and brings a lot of speed off the edge. Sophomore T..J. Simmons is coming off a great freshman year and loves to hit. As leader of the defense, senior linebacker David Cooper brings a lot of experience to the defense and led the team in tackles last year. The defensive backfield is very experienced but needs to play better to help improve upon a disastrous last year.  Senior cover corner Tim Bennett led the nation in pass breakups last year and is the best player on the defense. Fellow corner Michael Hunter is improving and has good size with decent hands. Senior strong safety Mark Murphy is a heady leader who has a knack for always being in the right spot. Sophomore free safety Antonio Allen displayed great promise before an injury halted his season last year. Junior punter Erich Toth averaged 40.6 yards per punt last year and should once again be a consistent force in Indiana's special teams.

RECRUITING: Indiana had the 51st best recruiting class in the nation hauling in 26 recruits with one four star and twenty three stars. Indianapolis four star wide receiver Dominique Booth, a very competitive player with strong hands, will probably compete this coming Fall. I suspect he will take on more of a reserve role this year as he learns the playbook but should be Indiana's number one receiving threat in 2015 as all three wideouts ahead of him on the depth chart graduate. The number twenty-eighth rated athlete in the country, Tommy Mister, will probably be a running back at Indiana. From Chicago, he will get a chance to share carries with fellow Windy City back Tevin Coleman as Mister battles with D'Angelo Roberts for that backup role. Three star cornerback/safety Tony Fields from Tallahassee brings incredible ball-hawking ability to an Indiana secondary desperate in need of turnovers. He will bring some versatility  to a unit that will lose Tim Bennett and Mark Murphy after this season.

2015 Needs: Steve Wiltfong, from 247sports thinks that: "The Hoosiers head into the 2015 recruiting class looking for their next franchise quarterback, speed at the receiver position and an every down tight end. On the defensive side of the ball the Hoosiers are young, but Kevin Wilson and company eye an edge rusher and help in the secondary."

OVERVIEW: With yet another deadly offensive attack and an improved defense, I predict Indiana can get to the six win plateau and become eligible for a bowl. Kevin Wilson is a great coach, and Indiana will definitely get him to a bowl game led by star juniors Nate Sudfeld, Tevin Coleman, and Jason Spriggs and senior standouts Shane Wynn, Collin Rahrig, Tim Bennett, and David Cooper.

CB Tim Bennett

RB Tevin Coleman

LT Jason Spriggs

QB Nate Sudfeld

LB David Cooper