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ILLUSTRATED VOLUME 24, ISSUE 6 87 f POWER RANKINGS EAST DIVISION 1. Michigan State: The Spartans get the nod based on last year's fast finish and the momentum of Coach Mark Dantonio's pro- gram. Having Ohio State at home on Nov. 8 doesn't hurt either. 2. Ohio State: The Buckeyes have to find a way to defend the pass and keep Braxton Miller healthy. It they can do both, a trip to college football's version of the Final Four is within reach. 3. Michigan: One of the keys for the Wolverines will be if they can become great defensively. They showed signs in Greg Mattison's first two years as coordinator but fell short last year. There's little margin for error in 2014. 4. Penn State: There is great optimism in Happy Valley with new coach James Frank- lin. Still, maintaining the trend established by predecessor Bill O'Brien won't be easy as depth remains an issue. 5. Indiana: The Hoosiers will score, and then, score some more. As much as Indiana has improved, one still wonders if it can beat the teams mentioned above. The Hoosiers will need to for a breakthrough season under Kevin Wilson. 6. Maryland: Some predict the Terrapins will be the surprise of the Big Ten. But Coach Randy Edsall and Co. will have to find a way to shake off the injury bug from a year ago to make a real impact. 7. Rutgers: The Scarlet Knights need a strong senior season from quarterback Gary Nova. He tailed off when Rutgers lost six of its last eight and the offense failed to score over 20 points in those defeats. — Alan Karpick WEST DIVISION 1. Iowa: With arguably the easiest sched- ule in the conference, the Hawkeyes have enough weapons on both sides of the ball to win the division. Quarterback Jake Rudock must get to the next level for that to happen. 2. Nebraska: The fact the Huskers have to travel to Michigan State, Wisconsin and Iowa puts them behind to start. Still, any offense with Ameer Abdullah has a chance to compete for the crown. It's Bo Pelini's best team in Lincoln. 3. Wisconsin: The Badgers appear to have some work to do on defense if they want to win big. Still, is it ever smart to discount the Badgers? 4. Minnesota: Last year's sentimental favorite, the Gophers have enough to return to a bowl game under Coach Jerry Kill. Having Kill at the helm makes this team worth watch- ing, and there's enough talent there to go with all that effort. 5. Northwestern: Reeling from last year's major disappointment, and an offsea- son with some turmoil, the 'Cats have to adjust to a more pass-oriented offense and hope that running back Venric Mark stays healthy. The defense may have to carry the day, something that isn't said often in Evanston. T-6. Illinois: Tim Beckman's team should be better, but how much? If Wes Lunt plays up to his ability in Bill Cubit's offense, the Illini could be dangerous. Six wins, however, will require more than just instilling fear in opponents. T-6. Purdue: Like Illinois, Purdue will be better, but will it be enough to win any games in the conference? There is enough skill position talent to be decent, but line play and being able to stop the run will tell if there are any upsets in Darrell Hazell's bag of tricks.