Megan Ryan's picks in the Big Ten

1. Nebraska (No. 24)

The Cornhuskers have a favorable schedule and a talented quarterback in Adrian Martinez. That 0-6 start under Scott Frost seems long ago.

2. Wisconsin (No. 19)

Jonathan Taylor, the best running back in the nation, will carry this team, literally.

3. Iowa (No. 20)

Nate Stanley is one of the few returning starting quarterbacks in the conference this year, and that experience will aid the Hawkeyes.

4. Northwestern

5. Gophers

The offense looks great, but the defense is still the looming question for a team that is 5-13 in Big Ten play under coach P.J. Fleck.

6. Purdue

The Boilermakers lost several offensive players from last season, and receiver Rondale Moore can only do so much.

7. Illinois

1. Michigan (No. 7)

This is coach Jim Harbaugh's year to finally best Ohio State, which could mean an East title and eventual Big Ten championship.

2. Ohio State (No. 5)

Ryan Day takes over for Urban Meyer with new quarterback Justin Fields and the most talent-rich team in the Big Ten.

3. Michigan State (No. 18)

4. Penn State (No. 15)

The Nittany Lions have the depth to replace losses like longtime quarterback Trace McSorley, but it's still a youthful team at key positions.

5. Maryland

Mike Locksley's first year as coach will be respectable for an inaugural season.

6. Indiana

7. Rutgers

The Scarlet Knights must win only two games to do better than last season, but that likely won't make coach Chris Ash's seat any cooler.