TheMat.com Projected Big Ten Finish:  1. Iowa  2. Minnesota  3. Michigan  4. Ohio State  5. Michigan State  6. Illinois  7. Penn State  8. Purdue  9. Indiana  10. Wisconsin  11. Northwestern    The Big Ten will be a tight race this season. As many as four teams will put the pressure on the capture the team title in March, but on paper, the two best teams in the conference over the past 25 years will be the two at the top again this year.    Iowa and Minnesota has become a fierce rivalry. It has become even more fierce since Minnesota started winning national titles. The Hawkeyes dropped into a slight slump and some fans questioned if the glory days are done. This year's Hawkeye lineup returns two NCAA finalists in Luke Eustice (125) and Steve Mocco (285), as well as All-Americans Cliff Moore (133) and Jessman Smith (184). But with more experience, depth and balance, this Hawkeye team is ready to be perched at the top of the conference again. Minnesota returns three NCAA finalists and two of those, Jared Lawrence (149) and Luke Becker (157), were NCAA champions. The other is Ryan Lewis (133). The Gophers must fill gaping holes in their lineup before season's end, though. This is no longer the most consistent lineup in the land. If their two transfers turn out to be as solid as coaches feel, then this team should win the conference title.    Michigan, Ohio State and Michigan State are all equally solid. The Wolverines lose two All-Americans from last year's lineup, but there is some good young talent in the wrestling room still. All-Americans Ryan Bertin (157) and Kyle Smith (197) will lead the charge, but this team is loaded at the lighter weights, and they have addressed some problems in the upper weights with recruiting. The Buckeyes will shift four wrestlers from last year up one weight. This could help their lineup, but they fall into big matchup problems with Michigan in doing so. Nevertheless, NCAA champion Tommy Rowlands (285) may be the best pound-for-pound wrestler in the nation while others in the lineup continue to improve. Michigan State gets a key boost from Nik Fekete (197), who returns to the lineup after redshirting last year. Fekete's return helps the upper weights as a whole and adds great depth. All-American Gray Maynard (157) is also back, but coaches are excited to see the arrival of Nick Simmons (125) in the lineup.    Illinois is still rebuilding somewhat, but with NCAA runner-up Matt Lackey (165) in their lineup, they are never out of any tournament setting. This team could finish in the top three or four if their freshmen step up. The Illini look to start up to four freshmen this year. Penn State is getting back to where they once were, but they are still a couple of years away. All-American "Doc" Vecchio (165) is back, but the rest of the lineup is loaded with talent and now depth as well, especially at 133 and 149. This team needs to improve more at the upper weights to compete with the big boys, though.    Purdue is led by All-American Chris Fleeger (125), but it is the further development of Ryan Lange (174) and others in the lineup that could push this team into the top half of the conference. Indiana may have one of their best all-around lineups in a while, though their talent level is not as high as other teams in this conference. The Hoosiers will be led by NCAA Qualifiers Greg Schaefer (125), Coyte Cooper (141) and Pat DeGain (197).     Wisconsin will return Kevin Black (133), an All-American last year, but this team has a lot of holes to fill in the lineup, especially between 141 and 165. Northwestern will field their best team in a few years. They Wildcats are finally healthy and actually have some depth this year as well. Look for them to maybe win a couple of conference dual meets this season as they start to turn things around. They are led by All-American candidate Jon Giacche (141).    TEAM PREVIEWS:  Illinois  Indiana  Iowa  Michigan  Michigan State  Minnesota  Northwestern  Ohio State  Penn State  Purdue  Wisconsin