Finally, somebody else agrees with me. Michigan State is not the 3rd best team in the conference...it's Iowa.
Big Ten position rankings - Secondary
Rittenberg likes Iowa's defense. And why wouldn't he with 8 returning starters from the 5th best scoring defense. He has Iowa with the best secondary, second best linebackers (behind PSU), and the third best defensive line (behind OSU and PSU). I would say that equates to the best overall defense. Here's his blurb on why he picked Iowa's secondary as the best:
Three starters return from a unit that helped Iowa lead the Big Ten in takeaways (32) and allow the fewest passing touchdowns (9) in 2008. Junior Amari Spievey is the league's best cover corner, and he'll be joined by safety Tyler Sash, who shared the league lead in interceptions with teammate Pat Angerer last fall. Bradley Fletcher will be missed and depth is a mini concern, but the back four will anchor Iowa's D.
On Iowa - Paint it or Keg it
I know, I know...I keep posting about painting the water tower. There's a pretty funny photoshop in this linked post so check it out. Also, if you haven't, sign the petition.