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Five things to watch in the Big Ten:
1. TOUGH UP FRONT: If you love the big guys up front, check out the offensive linemen of the Big Ten. Senior Jack Mewhort leads an experienced group for Ohio State, and Martinez raves about the unit at Nebraska. Michigan left tackle Taylor Lewan flirted with the NFL draft before deciding to return for one more season. He prepared for his final year by adopting a strict diet that he said helped increase his strength and quickness. "I've cheated a couple times, here and there," Lewan said. "I'm a sucker for ice cream."
2. DUAL THREATS: Miller, Gardner and Martinez will grab all the headlines, but they aren't the only Big Ten quarterbacks who can score through the air or on the ground. Northwestern's Kain Kolter helped the Wildcats to a 10-3 record last season and their first bowl victory since 1949. Illinois' Nathan Scheelhaase rushed for 303 yards and four touchdowns last year.
3. WHO'S THE NEW GUY: There are two new head coaches this year, with Andersen taking over at Wisconsin and Darrell Hazell going from Kent State to Purdue. The Badgers routed Nebraska in the Big Ten title game on Dec. 1, but Bret Bielema still decided to leave for Arkansas before Wisconsin's narrow loss to Stanford in the Rose Bowl. Enter Andersen, who left Utah State for quite the unusual transition with the Badgers. "There's going to be differences when you take over a program," Andersen said. "It's important to put your own stamp on it."
4. SLEEPERS: Pat Fitzgerald has coached Northwestern to five consecutive bowl berths, culminating in the Wildcats' 34-20 victory over Mississippi State in the Gator Bowl in January. Ohio State, Michigan and Michigan State come to Evanston this year, where Northwestern doesn't enjoy much of a home-field advantage but could begin to build one with a couple victories. Indiana also could surprise people, with 19 starters back from last year's 4-8 team.
5. GO DEEP: Penn State star Allen Robinson is the big name, but there are plenty of other solid receivers spread throughout the Big Ten. Kenny Bell (Nebraska), Jared Abbrederis (Wisconsin) and Jeremy Gallon (Michigan) each had over 800 yards receiving last season while averaging at least 16.9 yards per catch. Also keep a close eye on Cody Latimer (Indiana) and Corey Brown (Ohio State).
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Predicted order of finish:
Legends: Michigan, Nebraska, Michigan State, Northwestern, Iowa, Minnesota.
Leaders: Ohio State, Wisconsin, Penn State, Indiana, Purdue, Illinois.
Title game winner: Ohio State.
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