The Bone Yard

This is a program in collapse.

The B1G Legends Division is going to look different in the next few years. With Hoke going to a Pro-style offense, that leaves both Michigan Universities doing so, which plays into Bo's defensive scheme's advantage. Northwestern and Minnesota are emerging with DT QB's and coaches on the rise, and Iowa looking to descend to the bottom.

This leaves Nebraska is a very, very good position. It is very conceivable that the Huskers can be in a consistent position to win the Legends Division for the foreseeable future. The Husker's cross-over rival, PSU, is only going to get worse with their sanctions decimating their depth and ability to recruit.

I don't see Bill O'Brien sticking around PSU very long, as he'll be sought after by an ACC team. Wouldn't be surprised to see Boston College go after him hard. It will be interesting to see if Iowa sticks with Ferentz for another year.

Legends Division next year ? ...
1. Nebraska
2. Michigan
3. Northwestern
4. MSU
5. Minnesota
6. Iowa

While I agree the Bill O'Brien at Penn State may not stick around long term and may be setting himself up for a better job, I don't see a scenario where Boston College is appealing. That is the minor leagues of college football. Penn State may be down but a guy would have to see going from the facilities at Penn State to Boston College as going in reverse. BC's stadium is high school-esque at best. O'Brien could set himself up to take over an SEC program but he also has a good thing in Penn State if he wants it and is patient. Pennsylvania is still stocked with talent and it is an elite academic university. If he makes it through the sanctions, he could return Penn State to greatness. He has limited pressure to win.

Ohio State is a completely different animal with Urban Meyer. They are going to be super talented until Meyer burns out again in 4-5 years.

I think home base if overplayed -- it was appealing for Urban Meyer to head home because home is close to Ohio State. BC, no matter the money they throw his way, doesn't play championship level football and won't, no matter the coach. New England doesn't have a big talent base. Not sure why you don't see him in the SEC. The NFL may be the more logical jumping point but if he wants to stay in college then I think he stays at PSU or moves up a level in terms of programs/conference. BC is a step backwards.

I agree Klein. As we saw this year, the backup QBs need some work. I haven't studied who is returning for the Wolverine D, but Northwestern should be better all around.

Gardner comes back correct?

I think Michigian is more dangerous with Devin back there than Dennard.

Gardner's not staying at QB... Hoke will give Shane Morris or that RS-Soph the job.... Hoke wants Gardner at WR. I'll be surprised if he's at QB in 2013.

he also threw a really bad interception against Northwestern that should have iced the game.

Nope, Gardner will be the Qb for next year.

guess we'll find out next year. It's no secret that Borges and Hoke are not fans of their current offensive style though. And wen they go to a pro-style attack they'll need a weapon like Gardner out on the edges making plays. Gallon is a slot receiver and Roundtree is gone after this season, Dileo is only 5'10" and will be a senior next season. He's only made a handful of plays for them this year. Gardner is a valuable asset at WR for them, and for a team that wants to run pro-style anyway with highly touted recruits like Shane Morris coming in and Russell Bellomy already there (the kid had no chance against Nebraska coming in like that, he might still be a good QB) I think Hoke moves to his pro-style system and relies on Gardner as a WR threat.

I mean, he didn't even want Gardner playing QB up until a month ago, and if this question was asked a month ago everyone would say the same thing: Gardner will be playing WR next year. Now that he's played two games (against Minnesota and NW) all of the sudden he's the heir apparent?