Michigan no longer qualifies as a sleeper. Neither does Michigan State, which has won the Big Ten in two of the past three years. And Ohio State is Ohio State. Like most, I expect one of those teams to win the East Division -- and, most likely, the Big Ten title -- so the sleeper must come from the West. Several Big Ten coaches label Nebraska as a potential sleeper after coach Mike Riley's debut season of frustration and close losses.
"Their win total should jump," a Big Ten West Division coach said.
"They've got a lot of guys back," added a Big Ten East Division coach.
Among those returnees is senior quarterback Tommy Armstrong, who boasts 33 career starts and has eclipsed more than 3,400 yards in each of the past two seasons. While Armstrong can be both electrifying and infuriating (28 interceptions the past two seasons, 54 percent career completions), his presence gives Nebraska a chance to make a run. "Tommy Armstrong's a really good player," a Big Ten defensive coordinator told Insider. "He has the lapse game here and there that can cost them, but he's very talented."
The Huskers miss Michigan State and Michigan in the East but must elevate their play on the road, where they face Ohio State, Iowa, Northwestern and Wisconsin.
"Their win total should jump," a Big Ten West Division coach said.
"They've got a lot of guys back," added a Big Ten East Division coach.
Among those returnees is senior quarterback Tommy Armstrong, who boasts 33 career starts and has eclipsed more than 3,400 yards in each of the past two seasons. While Armstrong can be both electrifying and infuriating (28 interceptions the past two seasons, 54 percent career completions), his presence gives Nebraska a chance to make a run. "Tommy Armstrong's a really good player," a Big Ten defensive coordinator told Insider. "He has the lapse game here and there that can cost them, but he's very talented."
The Huskers miss Michigan State and Michigan in the East but must elevate their play on the road, where they face Ohio State, Iowa, Northwestern and Wisconsin.
