Because Michigan's regular season finale against Ohio State is in Ann Arbor, the Wolverines get the edge in the Big Ten. Coach Lloyd Carr's team has an offense that potentially is as potent as any in the country. Consider this: Carr lost all-American wide receiver Braylon Edwards, the third overall pick in the NFL draft, and maintains one of the nation's best receiving corps. That's partly because of how dangerous junior Steve Breaston is in the open field.

Also back are two players who had better freshman seasons than anyone not named Adrian Peterson. Quarterback Chad Henne and running back Mike Hart combine to form the league's best backfield. The holes are on defense, which allowed 37 and 38 points, respectively, in losses to Ohio State and Texas to end last season. If Michigan can avoid trouble at Iowa on Oct. 22, the Wolverines should welcome Ohio State on Nov. 19 with an undefeated record.

We'll start with the best news for Purdue: The Boilermakers won't play Ohio State or Michigan. Coach Joe Tiller's toughest game, Oct. 8 against Iowa, will be played in West Lafayette, Ind. The other good news is that Purdue returns 20 of 24 starters. Tiller lost no starter from a defense that last season led the conference in sacks. One of the few concerns is whether Purdue can replace Kyle Orton, who started four bowl games at quarterback before being picked in the fourth round of the NFL draft. Junior Brandon Kirsch is capable and unafraid to improvise in the pocket.

Clearly the Buckeyes' strength is their defense, particularly the linebacking corps. But Ted Ginn Jr., their wide receiver-return specialist, is one of the most exciting players in the country. The sophomore should help Ohio State improve its offense and special teams unit. Ginn, who has run the 100 meters in 10.5 seconds, led the nation last season with a 25.6-yard punt return average. He should be mentioned in the same sentence as "Heisman Trophy" repeatedly during the season.

Questions surrounding Joe Paterno's eventual departure will grow louder unless Penn State can post a winning record, which the Nittany Lions have not done since 2002. Paterno has the requisite defense, which held every opponent to 21 or fewer points last season. And he has a favorable schedule, which could allow Penn State to start 5-0 before back-to-back games against Ohio State and Michigan. Freshman Derrick Williams, the former Eleanor Roosevelt star, could emerge as a much needed playmaker at wide receiver.

Ohio State at Michigan, Nov. 19: Little explanation is needed, other than the winner could land a spot in the Rose Bowl to play for the national championship. The Buckeyes look for their fourth win in five years.

1. Michigan
2. Ohio State
3. Purdue
4. Iowa
5. Penn State
6. Minnesota
7. Michigan State
8. Wisconsin
9. Northwestern
10. Indiana
11. Illinois