Big Ten at a glance

A capsule look at the teams in predicted order of finish:

1. OHIO STATE — The Buckeyes' defense returns just two starters and loses ferocious linebacker A.J. Hawk and a trio of talented defensive backs in Ashton Youboty, Donte Whitner and Nate Salley. Besides wide receiver and first-round draft pick Santonio Holmes, the offense said goodbye to top linemen Rob Sims and Nick Mangold ... Versatile Ted Ginn Jr. becomes the top passing catching threat for Troy Smith, and 1,000-yard rusher Antonio Pittman returns ... Key game comes early in the second week when the Buckeyes play at Texas.

2. MICHIGAN — The Wolverines are coming off a five-loss season, their worst in Lloyd Carr's tenure that began in 1995, but have 18 starters returning ... Chad Henne, who threw 23 TD passes and just eight interceptions, heads an offense hoping for a healthy season from RB Mike Hart, who as a freshman two years ago led the league in rushing ... DB Leon Hall counted on for leadership.

3. IOWA — The Hawkeyes have RB Albert Young, who rushed for 1,334 yards, and Drew Tate, who threw 22 TD passes. It's defense where Iowa will have to plug holes, most notably those created by the departures of LBs Abdul Hodge and Chad Greenway ... Renovated Kinnick Stadium has received a $90 million overhaul.

4. WISCONSIN — The Badgers return eight defensive starters, a steady leader in John Stocco and an all-league OT Joe Thomas, but lost 1,600-yard rusher Brian Calhoun ... Rookie coach Bret Bielema is only 36 and was hand-picked by Barry Alvarez to succeed him. Alvarez's office as athletic director is not far away. But Bielema says the former coach who won three Rose Bowls has kept his distance.