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
The Gophers were outscored 5-0 at even strength and were outshot 46-21 by the Buckeyes.
