Put this together to help fill in during this doldrum period. A little excitement during the draft but overall not much else happening. I had created this graph before but needed to update it for the 2011 season. As usual, no big revelations or counter intuitive observations, just puts a lot of info into a visual.
The most noticeable item from last season is Michigan's ~20 point rise in Hoke's first season. This is just about the opposite of RichRod's ~20 point drop his first season. UM is probably feeling confident right now, 10-2, BCS win, solid recruiting class, returning 3 year starter @ QB, etc. I'm sure they will be the pundit's preseason pick to win the Legends. I will be in the stands Oct 27 with my Michigan football buddy. Some payback would be nice.
The second item is probably what will happen with MSU and NU. Can MSU continue their improvement under Dantonio, repeat last year's success. I would think most expect a drop, losing Cousins and a few other key players. They were a solid team last year. Nebraska's win against them look's even better in hindsight.
Nebraska is kind of the wild card. We are going to be competitive but how much. Can they have that season we are all looking for.
If Northwestern follows their recent pattern, they will have a down season.