2016 Big Ten Expert Picks: Overrated, underrated, predicted order of finish

The CBS Sports college football staff is laying it all on the line ahead of the season, calling out each of our most overrated and underrated teams, making a bold prediction and predicting the order of finish for each of the Big Ten's divisions.

Let's take a look. You can also check out our Big Ten superlatives and awards.

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Most overrated team

Michigan: It's not that I think Michigan will be bad, I just feel we're christening them as a great team too quickly. We don't know who its quarterback is yet, and last year's offense was pretty mediocre overall, particularly the run game. Throw in road games against Ohio State, Michigan State and Iowa, and I think this is a very good team, but not a great team just yet. -- Tom Fornelli (In agreement: Dennis Dodd, Jerry Palm)

Wisconsin: The Badgers, often picked second in the Big Ten West, went 10-3 in 2015 but avoided playing Ohio State, Michigan and Michigan State. They draw all three this year plus play LSU for what amounts to the biggest schedule jump in the country, according to Phil Steele. And Dave Aranda is now LSU's defensive coordinator, not Wisconsin's. -- Jon Solomon

Minnesota: There is nothing but love for Jerry Kill, Tracy Claeys and a Minnesota team that has provided tons of inspiring moments for college football fans over the last couple of years. But this year, I'm not buying Minnesota as a dark horse team in the Big Ten West. The schedule is favorable and a bowl game is in reach, but there's not enough continuity to bank on the Gophers knocking off the likes of Iowa, Northwestern, Nebraska and Wisconsin. -- Chip Patterson

Michigan State: I just think Michigan State will take a step back in 2016 with the departures of Connor Cook, Jack Conklin and Jack Allen from the offense. Cook was really good and stepped up in key spots for the Spartans, like against Michigan last year, and Conklin and Allen are going to be tough to replace up front. This isn't to say Sparty can't win eight or nine games, but I think they'll slide to third in the division this year behind the Buckeyes and Wolverines. -- Robby Kalland

Ohio State: Something doesn't feel totally right about naming Ohio State as the most overrated choice when the Buckeyes have recruited as well as anyone. Plus, you know, they have Urban Meyer as a coach and J.T. Barrett as a quarterback. Still, Ohio State lost 12 players to the NFL draft, plus another three who went undrafted. It's so hard to replace that many key contributors and not take at least a little step back. -- Ben Kercheval

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Most underrated team

Northwestern: Northwestern has the top returning rusher in the Big Ten in Justin Jackson and a solid front seven, led by CBS Sports Preseason All-American linebacker Anthony Walker. The schedule isn't favorable, but no coach gets more out of his guys than Pat Fitzgerald. -- Jerry Palm (In agreement: Jon Solomon, Robby Kalland)

Michigan State: No one is talking about the defending champs. Fifth-year senior quarterback Tyler O'Connor helped beat the Buckeyes in Columbus, Ohio. Three offensive linemen return. The Spartans will knock your socks off. Get ready, the Big Ten title will not be relinquished without a fight. The Spartans get Ohio State and Michigan at home. -- Dennis Dodd

Nebraska: Too many people are writing Nebraska off after a 6-7 season, which I understand, but that record is misleading. Of those seven losses, the largest deficit was 10 points and many of the losses came in the final minute (or even seconds). The Huskers will bounce back and give Iowa a challenge this season. -- Tom Fornelli

Minnesota: Minnesota benefits from its schedule as much as anyone in college football -- no Michigan, no Ohio State, no Michigan State. There are some tough road games -- at Penn State, at Nebraska, at Wisconsin -- but get even one of those and this team is looking at nine wins. With a veteran quarterback and tough defense, the Gophers are going to give teams hell. -- Ben Kercheval

Michigan: Michigan's schedule isn't favorable. The draw includes road trips to Michigan State, Iowa and Ohio State in a one-month run that will certainly determine whether Jim Harbaugh's second Wolverines team meets those surging expectations. In Urban Meyer's second season with the Buckeyes (2013), a team with instant-impact talent won 12 games before finally falling in the Big Ten title game. It's Harbaugh's second season with Wolverines, and there's definitely instant-impact talent on the roster. If Michigan can beat out Ohio State and Michigan State and win the division, a conference title and playoff bid should follow. This team won't fall short, but getting there will likely come down to the tiebreakers. -- Chip Patterson

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Conference champion

Ohio State: Despite the fact that Ohio State lost seemingly its entire starting lineup to the NFL, the Buckeyes are still loaded. That's what having the top recruiting class in the league every year will do for you. Quarterback J.T. Barrett, who finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting two years ago, returns to lead the offense. -- Jerry Palm (In agreement: Dennis Dodd, Tom Fornelli, Chip Patterson, Robby Kalland)

Michigan: Everything to love about Michigan starts on defense. Between do-it-all player Jabrill Peppers (now at linebacker) to the stout defensive line and cornerback Jourdan Lewis, the Wolverines are stacked with arguably the best unit in college football. There's more than enough firepower on offense, too, with guys like Jehu Chesson, Amara Darboh and Jake Butt. The question is quarterback, but coach Jim Harbaugh hasn't missed in naming a starter. He's earned the benefit of the doubt in developing at least a serviceable quarterback. Heading into Week 1 of the 2016 season, no Big Ten team is more complete than Michigan. -- Ben Kercheval

Iowa: Ohio State's youth will bite the Buckeyes in a Big Ten Championship Game loss to veteran Iowa. The Hawkeyes will be highly motivated after barely losing last year's title game to Michigan State. If in doubt, pick a veteran and hungry team. -- Jon Solomon

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Bold Big Ten prediction

Dennis Dodd: With both games at home, Michigan State will beat Michigan or Ohio State -- or both.

Jon Solomon: Urban Meyer will get his young and talented team to win the East, but the Buckeyes will be upset by more experienced Iowa in the Big Ten Championship Game as the hungry Hawkeyes will redeem last year's Big Ten title loss.

Jerry Palm: The Big Ten will get left out of the College Football Playoff this year.

Tom Fornelli: Maryland will finish ahead of Penn State in the East.

Chip Patterson: Northwestern will win the West.

Robby Kalland: Michigan State will lose four games for the first time since 2012.

Ben Kercheval: Despite winning the Big Ten East, Michigan will extend its losing streak to Ohio State.

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Predicted order of finish