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VOLUME 25, ISSUE 6 85 POWER RANKINGS EAST DIVISION 1. OHIO STATE: The Buckeyes problem at quar- terback is one that every other program wishes it had. Still, being the favorite to repeat as national champs has its challenges, but this team appears to be up to the task. 2. MICHIGAN STATE: The Spartans will reload again this year, and if they get by Oregon early on, a playoff berth will be on the line when they visit the 'Shoe on Nov. 21. But winning at Michi- gan and Nebraska won't be easy, either. 3. PENN STATE: A notch below OSU and MSU. If QB Christian Hackenberg returns to form of a cou- ple years ago, the Lions could use the momentum of having five of their first six games at home to surprise some people. 4. MICHIGAN: The Wolverines have a defense capable of competing with just about every- one, and offense is new coach Jim Harbaugh's strength. But patience may need to be at the top of the list before the Wolverines are. 5. MARYLAND: Mark Oct. 3 on the calendar. If the Terps can beat Michigan at home that night, they could find their way to a top-four spot. Building a line on both sides of the ball in college football's most competitive division is a must. 6. INDIANA: The return of quarterback Nate Sud- feld and the addition of Jordan Howard means the IU offense might not miss a beat in 2015. Having Rutgers at home may be the difference to staying out of last. 7. RUTGERS: The Scarlet Knights were a pleasant surprise in their first season, but a tough sched- ule, including crossover games with Wisconsin and Nebraska, will leave them swimming up- stream. WEST DIVISION 1. NEBRASKA: With new coach Mike Riley, there will be changes in Year 1, but the same can be said for the 'Huskers' biggest competitor in Madison. Revenge from last year's 59-24 loss will be front and center for the Oct. 10 game with the Badgers in Lincoln. 2. WISCONSIN: Paul Chryst likely will return UW to more traditional Badgerball. Still, holes in the offen- sive line are a concern for the first time in a while as Wisconsin tries to return to more of a power football mantra. But the Badger defense, especially the sec- ondary, is good enough to steady the ship. 3. MINNESOTA: Jerry Kill does a fabulous job with the Gophers and the fact that they play Nebras- ka and Wisconsin at home is huge, but crossover games against Michigan and Ohio State won't make it easy. Yet, expect Kill's team to do what it always does, and that is fight to the finish. 4. IOWA: There is no place in the league where the natives are more restless than Iowa City. Coach Kirk Ferentz has given much in his 16 years at Iowa, but right now it doesn't seem to be enough. Lack of enough playmakers to penetrate the top of the division is a concern. T-5. ILLINOIS: It is critical for Coach Tim Beckman to rally his team after some highly publicized off- field issues. If he does, the Illini have a chance to be competitive. But distractions, the ability to keep quarterback Wes Lunt healthy and a porous defense could make things interesting. T-5. PURDUE: The Boilermakers are inexperienced, really inexperienced, at the skill positions. Still, the coaching staff is optimistic good things are in store, and if Purdue can get through September with con- fidence, and October with a healthy roster, getting out the basement can happen. T-5. NORTHWESTERN: Pat Fitzgerald's team has underachieved the past two years, and an unproven quarterback will add to the list of questions. But toughness has been a problem too for the 'Cats, leading to their recent issues. — Alan Karpick