Big Ten Football: 2015 preseason power rankings

Aug 30, 2014; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois receiver Geronimo Allison (8) catches a Wes Lunt (not pictured) pass in the game against Youngstown State at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports

No. 14 Illinois – No. 12 Indiana

14. Illinois

It’s been tough sledding for the Illinois Fighting Illini over the past couple of months as accusations had been flying regarding Tim Beckman. Was the head coach treating his players right or was he abusing his power?

Must Read: MSU Football: Game by game predictions for 2015

Evidently, it was the latter as he was fired a week before the season started and many of his players were rejoicing by the news. That’s one reason why our writers believe the Fighting Illini are on a direct path toward the basement of the Big Ten. Even with Wes Lunt at quarterback, this team is too deflated to do much in 2015.

13. Purdue

Third-year Purdue head coach Darrell Hazell has been predicted by basically everyone to fail once again in 2015. Many experts have the Boilermakers finishing in last place in the conference, but not us.

No, we went against the grain significantly — not really — and ranked the Boilermakers as our 13th-best team in the Big Ten. The Boilermakers have some solid pieces — Austin Appleby, Danny Anthrop, Ja’Whaun Bentley and Markell Jones — but there’s just not enough fire power yet.

12. Indiana

Kevin Wilson is just hoping for some sign that his team isn’t a lost cause. Indiana is just 14-34 since he became head coach four years ago and it’s mostly due to the fact that the Hoosiers try to outscore everyone and play very little defense.

Don’t expect that to change this season, however, as they return just five defensive starters. Senior quarterback Nate Sudfeld is back under center, so the offense will be much more successful than it was a season ago, despite losing all-conference caliber rusher Tevin Coleman.

Next: No. 11 Rutgers-No. 9 Maryland