Dienhart B1GTen Power Rankings

With that said, here is a look at
1. Ohio State. Yes, lots of key personnel has to be replaced—including 12 NFL picks. But, come on – it’s Ohio State. Just shake a Buckeye tree and watch a dozen or so five-star recruits fall to the ground.

2. Iowa. No Big Ten program has more mojo than the Hawkeyes. And no Big Ten program has a better understanding of its identity: tough, gritty, nasty. This program is all steak … no sizzle. This team may be better than last year’s 12-2 gem.

3. Michigan State. Are we underrating the Spartans? After all, Michigan State is the defending Big Ten champ. And the Spartans have won double-digit games five of the last six years. If Michigan was coming off such a roll, Hollywood would be making a movie about it. Moral of the story: MSU just may defend its crown.

4. Michigan. The hype machine has become a runaway train. Credit Jim Harbaugh. No doubt, the roster is starting to swell with talent. And this is a well-coached squad. But let’s pump the brakes, OK? The Wolverines aren’t ready for the Big Ten penthouse … yet. The offense has something to prove. And that Big Ten schedule? It’s a doozy.