College football's blue-collar conference lies in the heart of the Midwest. As consistent a powerhouse conference as there is, every year the Big Ten produces smash mouth football from some of the best programs in the country. This year should see the conference reign with the likes of Ohio State, Michigan, Iowa and Penn State all ranked in the top 20 to start the season.

While the Buckeyes have been dubbed one of the best three teams in the country and a favorite for the BCS Championship Game, the Wolverines are ready for a major comeback year while Kirk Ferentz's Hawkeyes are never to be taken lightly. In a conference with middlemen such as Michigan State, Purdue, Northwestern and Wisconsin, no team is a pushover. Expect a tough nose, grind-it-out conference schedule with everything on the line each week.

One year ago The Ohio State University rose to the top of the conference and earned a Fiesta Bowl birth after clinching co-first place with JoPa's Nittany Lions. Both finished 7-1 in Big Ten play and each secured wins in their respective BCS games. Michigan and Iowa had down years with 7-4 records, but expect nothing less than stellar years from both in '06. Doc's look at the Big Ten breaks down the conference team-by-team, based on their expected finish in the standings.

Michigan Wolverines

With head coach Lloyd Carr on the proverbial hot seat, his team will rise to his defense and turn in a wonderful campaign behind Heisman hopefuls Chad Henne and Mike Hart. These dynamic juniors now have the experience along with the skill to challenge rivals Ohio State for the conference's automatic BCS birth. Not just talented on offense, the Michigan defense will be the true standout unit in Ann Arbor. Eight returning starters, including the likes of LaMarr Woodley, Prescott Burgess and Leon Hall, will lead the best defensive unit in the Big Ten and conceiveably to the Rose Bowl come January.

Best Bet: Sept. 23 vs. Wisconsin. Revenge will be on the mind after a late game loss on the road against the Badgers last year. This year in the Big House, the hosts will be easily on top.

Ohio State Buckeyes

As one of the favorites to land in New York City for the Heisman ceremony in December, quarterback Troy Smith is as deadly as they come offensively. His combination of arm and legs will rack up the yardage throughout the year, especially with the help of offensive threats including wideout and return threat Ted Ginn Jr. and running back Antonio Pittman. The Ohio State offense should have no worries finishing off drives and putting up points, however the other side of the ball will raise the bigger question. Can the Buckeye defense consistently get stops when called upon? Returning just two starters, this unit could be hard pressed to force the ball back into its offense's hands when the game is on the line.

Best Bet: Oct. 14 vs. Michigan State. In a game where a shootout is likely, the Buckeyes should get enough defensive stops while its offense will put up over 40.

Iowa Hawkeyes

The Kirk Ferentz era has been exceptional for the program's prestige. Year in and year out he brings in talented skill players to fit into his system and build success. Its current budding star is signal caller Drew Tate. Quick with his feet and on the draw, Tate should again be one of the more efficient quarterbacks in the nation. With a solid defense back and a ground game featuring Albert Young carrying the load, Iowa should soar towards the top of the conference.

Best Bet: Sept. 16 vs. Iowa State. After getting embarrassed in Aimes last year, Iowa will exact revenge and put away its intra-state rivals as they head into its conference schedule.

Penn State Nittany Lions

Is an encore from last year's dream season on tap or will Penn State fall back into obscurity? The latter shouldn't be expected with as much talent back from 2005. Sophomore sensation Derrick Williams is back and healthy along with senior Tony Hunt to lead the offense. Paul Posluszny anchors the defense as perhaps the best linebacker in the country. Without a proven leader calling the plays, Penn State should come back down from cloud nine, however its feet should remain above the ground for another year in the Big Ten.

Best Bet: Oct. 21 vs. Illinois. Everyone remembers how badly Illinois got beat at home last year by Penn State. In case you forgot the score was 63-10. While the Nittany Lions won't put up those kinds of numbers, a win nonetheless they will get.

Purdue Boilermakers

After salvaging 2005 with three straight wins to end the year, Joe Tiller's team should start 2006 on a high note. With a relatively easy non-conference schedule, opening the year 4-0 is not out of the question. The issue will be how they perform when they head to Notre Dame as well as playing some of the class programs of the conference. Tiller's 'basketball on turf' offensive system works well and sophomore gunslinger Curtis Painter is a big time passing threat. With not much of a defensive swagger, Purdue must be a success with the ball to win in '06.

Best Bet: Sept. 23 vs. Minnesota. After losing in double overtime in the dome last year, Purdue should be on the other side of the result this time with a similar offensive output.

Michigan State Spartans

Behind its juggernaut weapon under center, the Spartans should be a tough cookie on offense. Drew Stanton has everything around him to succeed: A wonderful rushing threat in Javon Ringer, a solid receiving core highlighted by the physically gifted Matt Trannon and ample support on the offensive line. The downside, however, is the defense that has trouble making stops. The pressure alone to outscore its opponents could be enough to crack Stanton's usually calm demeanor on the field.

Best Bet: Oct. 28 at Northwestern. When the Wildcats came to East Lansing last year, they walloped the Spartans 49-14. That will not happen twice and a game in Evanston should produce a favorable spread.

Wisconsin Badgers

The first year under Bret Bielema could be a bit shaky. Quarterback John Stocco is expected back after knee surgery, however without a constant rushing game, Wisconsin might be in for a struggle in '06. The defense brings back eight starters, however just three are seniors and a lot of uncertainty resides in its underclassmen. Previously 10-3, the Badgers will take a step back and no longer be in the top five in its conference. With the depth in this conference, a bowl game could be a hard fought achievement.

Best Bet: Sept. 2 at Bowling Green. Opening the 2006 season on the road, Wisconsin should again start the year with a win under its belt against BG. However don't expect 98 total points like a year ago.

Northwestern Wildcats

Rebounding from Randy Walker's sudden death is something that is destined to happen. This team cared so much for its beloved leader and they will be successful playing for him this year. Behind its wonderful sophomore rusher Tyrell Sutton, the offense will be more ground oriented with Brett Basanez graduated. Seven starters are back for the defensive unit and they should be good enough to keep them in most games. Again the Wildcats should fight for a solid bowl game and respect in the conference.

Best Bet: Sept. 31 vs. Miami (OH). Its first game of the year at home should produce a big time win. Both on the scoreboard and in the hearts as they remember Randy Walker.

Minnesota Gophers

Slowly descending down the hill with its dynamic running backs now graduated to the NFL, Minnesota will be in trouble without its ground game. Known for its excellent offensive line and bruising backs, the Gophers should struggle to stay above .500 in conference play. The defense couldn't do much last year, and without the offense keeping the ball, it will be even worse this time out.

Best Bet: Sept. 16 vs. Temple. Minnesota may not be a very good Big Ten team, however they are skilled enough to rout the likes of Temple at home.

Indiana Hoosiers

No longer will they be the cellar occupants of the Big Ten conference. Its starting quarterback and running back are back, along with the exceptionally gifted second year wide out James Hardy. With his large 6'7'', 216 frame, Hardy should again wreck havoc in defensive backfields throughout the Midwest. While the defense only brings back six starters from a year ago, all four return from its secondary that should be much improved. Surely more than one conference win is slated for the Hoosiers in 2006.

Best Bet: Oct. 7 at. Illinois. Blowing out the Illini at home last year showed they are the better team. Now on the road, a more favorable spread should be covered as they make the same point.

Illinois Fighting Illini

Each side of the ball returns all eleven starters from 2005 and Illinois should be improved with another year under Ron Zook. However its hard not to be improved from a year that saw the Illini put up a goose egg in the conference standings. Going 0-8 should spark a reason to go all out, although a lack of talent should keep them from winning more than two. Armed with young talent in its sophomore class, such as wide out Kyle Hudson and running back Rashard Mendenhall, the future is coming, albeit not in 2006.

Best Bet: Sept. 2 vs. Eastern Illinois. Illinois is not going to win many games, however its season opener at home should be a laugher.