Can College Football take the Big Ten for granite in '08?

Prior to 2006, the Big Ten entered BCS Bowls at 15-7. Setting the pace for other conferences, including the SEC. In the past two years, the table shifted with the Big Ten 0-4 and the SEC 4-0.

Plenty of talent returns around the Big Ten, especially with the top flight Ohio State Buckeyes for 2008. The Buckeyes return 20 starters and only lose 4 starters from last year.

Outstanding all-Big Ten first team returnees are back and will hit the field again in 2008

Offense

• QB Todd Boeckman, Ohio State, senior
• RB Beanie Wells, Ohio State, junior
• C A.Q. Shipley, Penn State, senior
• TE Travis Beckum, Wisconsin, senior
• PK Austin Starr, Indiana, senior

Defense

• DE Maurice Evans, Penn State, junior
• DE Greg Middleton, junior
• DT Mitch King, Iowa, senior
• LB James Laurinaitis, Ohio State, senior
• CB Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State, senior
• CB Vontae Davis, Illinois, junior
• PT Jeremy Boone, Penn State, junior

As well, all-Big Ten second team performers return for '08, as well

Offense

• QB Kellen Lewis, Indiana, junior
• RB Javon Ringer, Michigan State, senior
• C Ryan McDonald, Illinois, senior
• OG Kraig Urbik, Wisconsin, senior
• OG Rich Ohrnberger, Penn State, senior
• OT Alex Boone, Ohio State, senior
• OT Xavier Fulton, Illinos, senior

Defense

• DE Matt Shaughnessy, Wisconsin, senior
• DE Will Davis, Illinois, senior
• DT Terrance Taylor, Michigan, senior
• LB Marcus Freeman, Ohio State, senior
• PT Justin Kucek, Minnesota, senior
• * LB Sean Lee, Penn State, senior will not play in '08 due to ACL injury*

But, as we all know, football is a team sport and it will be the work of 11 man units that really pull teams together. Having an all-star type player to build around is always valuable, especially at the major play making positions, but it always comes down the sum of all parts.

peace