It's becoming more and more appearant that the Rittenberg does not watch many Big Ten games. I've got to learn to stay away from his stuff. I understand he's a sheep and has to follow the consensus that Wiscy is a top team, but the Sparty love kills me. Check out the incredible insight from his preseason rankings.

4. Penn State: I had the Lions tied with Michigan State coming out of the spring, but Penn State's historic success on defense and its superior line play provides an ever-so-slight edge right now. Given the inexperience at quarterback, Penn State will need to rely on its run game and its defense. Joe Paterno has won that way a few times before.

5. Michigan State: The Spartans boast more depth at the offensive skill positions than any Big Ten team. Linebacker Greg Jones returns to lead the defense. My only hesitation here is the line play on both sides of the ball. I'm tempted to buy into Michigan State, but I'm going to take a wait-and-see approach for now.

Ever so slight edge? Where's all that Sparty skill position depth been the last couple of years?  And I don't get the love for Greg Jones, he seems like a smaller, less gifted version of LaVarr.  Dude racks up lots of stats and makes a few big plays but he runs him self out of even more plays.