Here is an early look at the Big 10, based on personnel losses and schedules.

East:
1. Michigan State. Keeping their offensive backfield intact is a big break for a team that must replace gtheir go-to WR and 3 starters along the O-Line. The defense takes a hard hit, losing both DT's two LB's and two in the defensive secondary. They also must travel to Eugene to play an Oregon team who will still be running a very fast paced offense. MSU gets the edge here because they host both Michigan and Ohio State.

2. Ohio State. QB Miller returns, but gone are 4 starters from the O-line, and workhorse RB Hyde. The offense is going to need some rebuilding. The Defense returns everyone along the line and 2 LB's but must replace the secondary. Their schedule is rather soft, ducking Wisky, Nebraska, and Iowa from the West, but they do travel to Penn State and Michigan State.

3. Penn State. The sanctions hurt, but PSU is in good shape to make some noise in the Big 10. They have their star QB returning on offense. They must replace three starters on the O-line, and their #1 Pass Catcher, but they do have plenty of RB's and TE's to pick up the slack. The defense returns 9 starters. The schedule is not real hard, with their toughest away game, at Michigan, sandwiched in between two bye weeks. They get both Michigan State and Ohio State at home.

4. Michigan. Brady Hoke is on the hot seat, no matter what people might think. The Alum are getting tired of 7 and 8 win seasons and expect much more. A lot will depend on their on again-off again starting QB Devin Gardener, who was mostly off last season. The offense must replace both starting tackles and two starting WR's. Better line play will be needed. The defense returns seven starters but will have to beef up the D-line. The Schedule is no help, with games at Notre Dame, Michigan State, and Ohio State, plus a home game against a very unpredictable Utah team. Hoke had better produce this season.

5. Maryland. One of the two new kids on the block will have a much better team than their record will indicate. The Offense returns oft injured QB C.J. Brown and WR Stefon Diggs, along with 4 starters on the line. The defense returns 10 of 11 bowl game starters. The major problem with the Terps is the schedule. They host Ohio State, Iowa. and both Michigan schools while going to Penn State and Wisconsin. This may be a very good team to take point spread wise when the Conference play starts.

6. Indiana. If you like scoring, this is your team. The offense, behind QB's Sudfeld and Roberson, should be able to put points on the board despite two starting WR's and a TE. The O-Line returns in tact. The Defense is the problem. Sure they have 10 starters returning, but is that a good thing? This defense was amongst the worst in College Football last season. The Schedule is also no help. 6 very difficult Conference games, plus non-con games at Bowling Green and Missouri make getting to a bowl game a very difficult task. They should also get rid of those terrible new helmets.

7. Rutgers. New kid on the block #2 will have a tough go of it in their inagurial season in the Big 10 (+4). They return starting QB Nova and 8 others on offense, and 7 starters on defense. The D-line will need some work. The bad news is the schedule. On top of a difficult Big 10 East schedule, Rutgers must play crossover games against Nebraska and Wisconsin, plus a non-con game against Washington State in Seattle. Another team to keep an eye out on the line.

Next Up: Big 10 West.