Weyman (Arlington VA): How do you expect the emotion of the PSU defense to play a factor against Ohio? A lot of saved up aggression from this testing offseason....

Brian Bennett: I'll be interested to see how that emotion is channeled. If Michael Mauti can take the passion he had this summer over to the field, that could be something. Some of that wears off over the course of the game regardless. But this defense ought to be pretty darn good no matter what.

Ryan (Ohio): Should anyone in the Big 10 be on upset alert this week?

Brian Bennett: Sure. I'd say Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota and Penn State should all be on some level of upset alert.

Mr. T (Columbus): Seems like you're pretty high on Ohio State this year, Brian. Do you think Miller will make the next step in an offense built for him? Will the defense go back to being near the top in the nation? Will a play-maker emerge? I was just wondering what you think would lead the Buckeyes to a 10-2 record.

Brian Bennett: I'm out there a little bit with that optimistic pick, I realize. But I really like two things about these Buckeyes. 1) The talent on defense is terrific, and even if Miller and the offense are slow to come along, they can still win on the strength of that D. 2). The schedule. An easy non-con slate and only two real difficult road games (Wisconsin and Michigan State) make me think this team can win 10. Of course, I think I picked last year's team to win 9, so take that for what it's worth.

Tom (D.C.): What's to be done as an Ohio State (and otherwise conference solidarity) fan on Saturday evening? Pull for Michigan? Or the heavy from the dreaded SEC? These are the times that try fans' souls...

Brian Bennett: Can't blame you for going either way. Still, aren't you just sick of the SEC? I think Michigan's win would do so much for the conference as a whole that you have to put the rivalry aside for the moment. And how great would it be to beat the team that beat 'Bama?

Steve (East Lansing): I find it interesting that guys who cover the Big Ten (You, Adam and the BTN) have all picked MSU to win the conference, yet the national media (AP and Coaches Poll) have UofM ranked higher. Why do you think that is?

Brian Bennett: Yeah, we've been high on the Spartans for a long time, and others seem to agree. Remember that a lot of national media just don't pay as close attention to the league as those of us who cover it on a daily basis. They see the Sugar Bowl win and Denard return and assume Michigan is the team to beat. They may very well be right, but we love the Michigan State defense and depth.

Aaron (Chicago): Iowa behind Purdue, PSU in ESPN's first B1G Power Ranking? Who decided those Power Rankings?

Brian Bennett: Adam and I did. I can tell you this: When you get to the middle of the league -- those three teams and even Illinois and Northwestern to a degree -- you can basically flip a coin. Not a ton of separation, on paper at least.

jason (dc): The 3 keys to michigan beating bama are ________

Brian Bennett: Well, OK. 1). That defensive line absolutely has to hold its own against what looks like an NFL O-line for 'Bama. Game probably decided there. 2) Denard has to have a special game. Not just running it, but making 'Bama respect his passing. 3). No turnovers and very few penalties by Michigan. The Wolverines will have to be just about perfect to win.