1. Michigan
Coach: Lloyd Carr
Last Year: 11-2, 7-1
Key Returners: QB Chad Henne, RB Mike Hart, WR Mario Manningham, OT Jake Long
Key Losses: CB David Harris, DT Alan Branch, DE LaMarr Woodley
What's Up: This team's loaded. Pretty much all of Michigan's offense returns after its Rose Bowl season. A year after Carr was on the hot seat, his squad should be an early favorite to win the national championship.
What's Down: The Wolverines lost seven defensive starters, including projected first round picks Harris and Branch. They could end up relying heavily on the offense to win games, but it shouldn't be too much of a problem.
2. Wisconsin
Coach: Bret Bielema
Last Year: 12-1, 7-1
Key Returners: RB P.J. Hill, WR Paul Hubbard, CB Allen Langford
Key Losses: QB John Stocco
What's Up: The Badgers silently crept to the top of the Big Ten standings and are poised for another run at the conference title thanks to bruising tailback Hill. He led the Big Ten in rushing with 1,569 yards last year. Hill and the Big Ten's highest scoring defense will be a formidable foe for anyone in the country.
What's Down: Although Wisconsin is a run-first team, it has to find a competent replacement for Stucco, who seemed like he spent 10 years under center. Right now Bielema is considering senior Tyler Donovan, junior Allen Evridge and sophomore Dustin Sherer.
3. Ohio State
Coach: Jim Tressel
Last year: 12-1, 8-0
Key Returners: LB James Laurinitis, CB Malcolm Jenkins
Key Losses: QB Troy Smith, WR Ted Ginn Jr., RB Antonio Pittman, WR Anthony Gonzalez
What's Up: The Buckeyes are coming off an undefeated regular season and are certainly going to reload their plethora of talent. Their loss to the Florida Gators in the BCS title game will certainly fuel the Buckeyes' quest for a national championship.
What's Down: Graduation and the NFL Draft were cruel to Ohio State in the offseason, as they must find a way to replace 13 starters including Heisman Trophy winner Smith. Jim Tressel will prove his worth with a young, inexperienced team. He might even earn a new sweater vest.
Spring Break
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