1. Ohio State (10-1, 7-0): Urban Meyer has lived up to his promise, going 12-0, 12-2 and 10-1 in three years.

2. Michigan State (9-2, 6-1): Over past five seasons, Mark Dantonio has posted these win totals: 11, 11, 7, 13 and 9.

3. Wisconsin (9-2, 6-1): Second-year coach Gary Andersen, who won nine games in 2013, has settled in nicely.

4. Gophers (8-3, 5-2): The Gophers' annual win totals under Jerry Kill: 3, 6, 8 and 8. In Big Ten play: 2, 2, 4 and 5.

5. Nebraska (8-3, 4-3): If Bo Pelini stumbles to seventh consecutive four-loss season, it will sting after an 8-1 start.

6. Maryland (7-4, 4-3): Since hiring Randy Edsall from UConn, the Terps have posted these win totals: 2, 4, 7 and 7.

7. Iowa (7-4, 4-3): Kirk Ferentz has had far better seasons. And for $4 million per year, fans expect much more.

8. Michigan (5-6, 3-4): The Wolverines have gone 11-2, 8-5, 7-6 and 5-6 in Brady Hoke's four seasons. Curtain time.

9. Northwestern (5-6, 3-4): Ninth-year coach Pat Fitzgerald salvaged a lost season, beating Notre Dame and Purdue.

10. Penn State (6-5, 2-5): James Franklin reached a bowl in his first season. Next year, the scholarship limits are gone.

11. Rutgers (6-5, 2-5): The Scarlet Knights have gone 9-4, 6-7 and 6-5 in Kyle Flood's three seasons, reaching a bowl each time.

12. Illinois (5-6, 2-5): Tim Beckman might have saved his job. The Illini are 2-10, 4-8 and 5-6 in his three seasons.

13. Purdue (3-8, 1-6): Boilermakers have lost five in a row since Illinois victory, spoiling Darrell Hazell's second season.

14. Indiana (3-8, 0-7): Injuries stunted growth. Kevin Wilson's teams have gone 1-11, 4-8, 5-7 and now 3-8.

JOE CHRISTENSEN