Welcome back for day two of AnnArbor.com's Big Ten previews.

Yesterday, sports reporters Dave Birkett and Michael Rothstein really stepped out on a limb and predicted that Indiana would finish ... last in the conference.

Today, they're back with four stories on the Purdue Boilermakers.

Even though the Boilermakers have a new coach bringing optimism to the program -- see the video below -- and a new run-oriented offense, there's no reason to expect them to finish higher than 10th in the conference, according to Dave and Mike, who are publishing their team previews in reverse order of their expected finish.

VIDEO: NEW COACH DANNY HOPE'S 'WE ARE ONE' COMMERCIAL

Quarterback Joey Elliott has waited four years for his chance to follow in the footsteps of former pass-happy Boilermaker QBs Drew Brees, Kyle Orton and Curtis Painter. Now that Elliott's finally under center, the Boilermakers expect to run the ball a heck of a lot.

Of course, Elliott has nonetheless been preparing for the job, working out with a few big-name quarterbacks from the NFL and college football.

Here's a ringing endorsement: Dave Birkett feels Purdue could be "bad but competitive." Michael Rothstein pretty much agrees, but sees the Boilermakers pulling off an upset. Over which Big Ten foe? You'll have to read their back and forth "For argument's sake," to find out.

And finally: You've read a lot about the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry over the years. But Danny Hope is showing a lot of love for that other famed college football tradition, the fight for the Old Oaken Bucket.

Come back tomorrow for a look at the Big Ten's ninth-best team.