BIG TEN POWER POLL

1. Ohio State (12-0 last year)

Urban Meyer won big in Year 2 at Bowling Green, Utah and Florida.

2. Wisconsin (8-6)

Three-time defending Big Ten champs play Ohio State on Sept. 28.

3. Nebraska(10-4)

First Legends Division team on this list; team faces big questions on defense.

4. Michigan (8-5)

Like Nebraska's Bo Pelini, Brady Hoke is 12-4 so far in Big Ten play.

5. Northwestern (10-3)

The Wildcats came a few plays from winning the Legends Division last year.

6. Michigan State (7-6)

Last year was an aberration. The Spartans won 11 games in 2010 and 2011.

7. Penn State (8-4)

Strong starting lineup, but depth will be an issue with scholarship limits.

8. Gophers (6-7)

Minnesota needs to take the next step after three consecutive 2-6 Big Ten finishes.

9. Iowa (4-8)

Coach Kirk Ferentz needs a quick turnaround; opening vs. Northern Illinois is tough.

10. Indiana (4-8)

Next three opponents will be a challenge: Navy, Bowling Green and Missouri.

11. Purdue (6-7)

New coach (Darrell Hazell) opens as a 10-point underdog this week at Cincinnati.

12. Illinois (2-10)

The Gophers will miss not having this team on their schedule this year.

JOE CHRISTENSEN