The Big Ten conference may have as many as five teams in the top ten poll positions.  Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan State and Michigan will battle for the Big Ten East while Wisconsin will likely lead the Big Ten West.  The Buckeyes are the likely prediction to win the conference and make the playoffs.

Michigan State makes this winner's list for several reasons.  First, Mark Dantonio claims that the team chemistry is as high as he has ever seen it.  High cohesion and leadership wins ball games - it's that simple!  Next is the running back's predicted breakout year for L.J. Scott.  He shared the carries last year but is expected to run for over a 1,000 yards this year.  Then their is the development of quarterback Brian Lewerke.  Starting in 2016 he had a season ending injury but last year he threw for over 400 yards against Northwestern.  The Spartans also have an elite secondary that runs deep with returning starters that is led by safeties David Dowell and Justin Layne and returning All-American Freshman Josiah Scott.  Michigan State's hardest games will be played at home against Ohio State and Michigan.  The Spartans used the home field advantage well last year and this year will be no different.