As many of you know, the Big Ten no longer issues an official preseason top three or any type of poll (lame). Fortunately, our media brethren have you covered.
For what it's worth, the league releases a preseason players to watch list, featuring five players from each division.
This year's list is out, and here it is ...
LEGENDS DIVISION
Michigan QB Devin Gardner
Michigan OT Taylor Lewan
Michigan State LB Max Bullough
Nebraska QB Taylor Martinez
Northwestern RB Venric Mark
LEADERS DIVISION
Ohio State QB Braxton Miller
Ohio State CB Bradley Roby
Ohio State LB Ryan Shazier
Penn State WR Allen Robinson
Wisconsin LB Chris Borland
There aren't too many surprises here. Ohio State (3) and Michigan (2) are the only teams with multiple selections, while five teams -- Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota and Purdue -- don't have a player on the list. Ohio State's Miller, Michigan's Lewan and Penn State's Robinson all won Big Ten individual awards after the 2012 season.
Snubs? I can make a really good case for Michigan State cornerback Darqueze Dennard, perhaps over Gardner, who played well late last season but in limited action. Nebraska offensive lineman Spencer Long, a 2012 All-America selection, also wouldn't have been a bad choice.
We don't put too much stock in this list and neither should you. It would be much nicer if the Big Ten followed the path of other leagues and came out with a more comprehensive preseason poll/award list.