Buckeyes No. 1 in the Big 10 poll

Associated Press

CHICAGO

Will Ohio State rule the Big Ten for a record-tying sixth straight year?

The conference’s preseason media poll says yes.

The Buckeyes, who return 16 starters from an 11-2 team, were picked to win their sixth straight title during Monday’s Big Ten football gathering. That would tie the record they set from 1972-77. The Buckeyes are 36-4 in conference games over the past five seasons.

“They’ve had unprecedented success,” Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio said. “They have a great recruiting area in Ohio and that translates into great success.”

Ohio State returns four veteran running backs in Brandon Saine, Jordan Hall, Daniel Herron and Jaamal Berry, plus adds another quality freshman running back in Carlos Hyde.

Iowa and Wisconsin were projected to be Ohio State’s biggest challengers. Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said the Buckeyes are the team to beat.

“If you’re trying to win a Big Ten championship,” he said, “you have to find a way to beat them.”

High expectations don’t bother Tressel, who has gone 94-21 in nine years at Ohio State with one national championship and two other national title game appearances.

“The reality is we normally have a target on our back,” Tressel said. “We should be a team that’s being targeted. We’ll always get everybody’s best shot. We have to make sure our best shot is ready every game.”

Leading the way will be quarterback Terrelle Pryor, who was named the Big Ten’s preseason offensive MVP for the second straight season. The junior has led the Buckeyes to conference titles in his first two years. Last season he threw for 2,094 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also led the team in rushing (779 yards). He was the Rose Bowl offensive MVP.

“Things started to crystallize for him during bowl practice,” Tressel said. “He was able to focus on what he needed to do. He did the same thing in the spring. Now he has a new team and he’s looked to as a leader. He’s always thinking about football.”

Iowa returns 16 starters from an 11-2 team that beat Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl. Wisconsin returns a Big Ten-best 18 starters from a 10-3 team.

“Because of all the players returning there are a lot of high expectations,” Badgers coach Bret Bielema said. “People are saying nice things about us, but it’s like I tell our players, the only way to guarantee tomorrow’s success is if you put in the work today.”

Michigan State linebacker Greg Jones was named the preseason defensive player of the year for the second straight season. Jones earned All-America honors last year. He led the Big Ten in tackles (11.8 per game). He had nine sacks.

“He’s a great physical presence on the field who gives us a guy who can make plays all over the field,” Spartans coach Mark Dantonio said.