Big Ten Power Rankings of the 2010 Defensive Lines

An old adage in football says that games are won and lost in the trenches.

And in 2009, that adage presented reality, as the best teams in the Big Ten were typically the ones with the best defensive lines.

The Big Ten has typically been a defensive league, and usually the most stout team finds itself in Pasadena on New Year's Day.

Here's a look at the rankings of the Big Ten's defensive line units as we head into 2010.

11. Minnesota

The Golden Gophers finished 2009 tied for ninth in the Big Ten in sacks and seventh in run defense.

But what hurts the Gophers in 2010 is that they will have to replace all four starters up front in Tim Brewster's defense.

Minnesota should have an anchor in the middle in big Jewhan Edwards at 320 pounds.

Brewster will have to rebuild a full line, so expect a dropoff early in production.

But with Brewster's recruiting ability, his players will get to show whether or not he has the talent to continue the improvement in Minnesota.

10. Indiana

Just like Minnesota, Indiana will lose their entire starting defensive line to graduation.

But the Hoosiers will have bigger shoes to fill with the losses of defensive ends Jammie Kirlew and Greg Middleton.

The unit will struggle to replace the sack production the duo had a year ago.

With Indiana's run defense ranked 9th in the conference, expect the number to decrease even further with this unit being depleted.

But lately, it seems Indiana usually has another solid pass rusher waiting in the wings.

9. Illinois

The Illini ranked last in the conference in sacks and eighth in rush defense.

They lost three seniors to graduation and could be losing their other starter as well.

Defensive tackle Josh Brent was suspended indefinitely by Ron Zook and the program after being arrested for a DUI on a suspended license.

It's unclear whether or not Brent will be able to return to Champaign this year.

And if he doesn't, this will create a huge hole that Zook's club might not have the depth to support in 2010.

Some would find it hard to believe with all of the problems the Illini have heading into 2010 that this team reached the 2008 Rose Bowl Game.

8. Northwestern

The Wildcats were among the middle of the pack in sacks and run defense in 2009.

But Pat Fitzgerald loses possibly his best player in Corey Wootton, arguably one of the best defensive linemen in the country.

Northwestern will return two starters to the unit, who have had substantial playing time due to Wootton's injury history.

As with Minnesota, expect a dropoff in production from this group in 2010.

But knowing how hard Fitzgerald's teams play, this group can continue to be a handful for opponents.

7. Michigan

Michigan is the only team in the Big Ten to run the 3-4, so judging this unit is much different than others.

In the 3-4, defensive linemen are responsible for gap assignments and run stopping to allow linebackers to rush the passer and defend the run better.

But one can say the team was still learning the system a year ago, as the Wolverines were 10th in the conference in run defense.

They might have found a gem on the line in defensive tackle Mike Martin, who has a phenomenal motor and can create havoc up front.

However, losing Brandon Graham will cause this unit to be less effective.

Stud defensive lineman William Campbell is expected to be another contributor in what many hope will be a better Michigan defense.

6. Michigan State

Sparty features a unit on defense that returns three starters on the line for Mark Dantonio for 2010.

The defense last year finished fourth in the conference in run defense and third in sacks.

Gone from East Lansing is Trevor Anderson, who dominated opponents from his end spot.

Dantonio's line will rely on big Oren Wilson to continue the success of 2009's group and open pass rush lanes for linebackers like Greg Jones.

In the flex 4-3, Wilson operates as the nose tackle to plug up opponents running games.

The success for the Spartans will rely on who can produce on the end alongside Colin Neely.

If they can funnel opponents into the strength of MSU's defense up the middle, look for the Spartans to put up more good defensive numbers.

5. Purdue

Purdue was somewhat of a surprise in Danny Hope's first season.

And more surprising than a talented runner like Ralph Bolden was the quality of the Boilermakers defensive line.

The Boilermakers, despite having the worst run defense in the Big Ten, finished fourth in 2009 in sacks.

The defense returns talented sack artist Ryan Kerrigan, who led the Big Ten in sacks and forced fumbles.

If Purdue can shore up the run defense, the Boilermakers have a chance to do big things in 2010, and expect Kerrigan to lead the way.

4. Wisconsin

The team that led the Big Ten in sacks with 37 last season is undergoing a major overhaul, as three starters have graduated.

Among those is stud defensive end O'Brien Schofield, who was second in the conference in sacks and tackles for loss.

But one guy who can replace his production is defensive end J.J. Watt, a sophomore who finished sixth in TFLs.

Wisconsin always sports a physical defense and reloads on the front seven like few teams can.

That has been the expectation in Madison for a long time, and don't expect it to change in 2010 despite a young group moving into starting roles.

3. Penn State

Larry Johnson at Penn State has been one of the best coaches in America, churning out great defensive linemen almost off an assembly line.

He will have his work cut out for him in 2010, as he loses start defensive tackle Jared Odrick to graduation from the top sacking unit in the conference.

But Johnson returns two horses in defensive tackle Ollie Ogbu and defensive end Jack Crawford to work with.

Johnson will need to continue to work his magic because PSU will have to rebuild a linebacker corps that lost all three starters.

If his line continues to be a difference maker, the Nittany Lions will challenge again for the Big Ten title.

2. Ohio State

The strength of Ohio State in 2009 rested on their front four, a unit that never allowed anyone to run the football effectively.

But they do have holes to replace after losing DT Doug Worthington and defensive end Thaddeus Gibson to the NFL.

Cameron Heyward, possibly the best D-lineman in the country, is back for his senior season and will most certainly be a handful for any offense.

And youngsters Nathan Williams and John Simon are expected to be in starting roles this season alongside Heyward.

The strength of this unit showed in big wins against Penn State, Iowa, and Oregon in the Rose Bowl.

For all the great linebackers and defensive backs OSU has put into the NFL, it's only a matter of time before these defensive linemen make an impact in the league.

1. Iowa

The one thing that separates Iowa's defensive line from Ohio State's is that the entire unit is back in 2010.

Iowa had a breakout season in 2009, winning the Orange Bowl over Georgia Tech, and defensive end Adrian Clayborn was the anchor all season long.

Clayborn may be the best pure pass rusher in the league, with 11 sacks in 2009.

He returns along with Broderick Binns, a more slender but effective end opposite Clayborn.

In the middle, Karl Klug and Christian Ballard will look to make life more miserable for interior linemen.

Clearly, Iowa has the opportunity to have a truly special 2010, and a veteran defensive line in front of a talented secondary could give the Hawkeyes a shot at a national title appearance.

But these players are no longer a well-kept secret.

Not in the Big Ten. Not anywhere.