The Big Ten placed at least one team among the final AP top 10 for the eighth consecutive year and produced three top-10 programs for the fourth time in the last eight seasons. The Big Ten also ended the year with three top-10 schools in 2006 (#2 Ohio State, #7 Wisconsin, #8 Michigan), 2003 (#4 Ohio State, #6 Michigan, #8 Iowa) and 2002 (#1 Ohio State, #8 Iowa, #9 Michigan).
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Big Ten and Rose Bowl Champion Ohio State led the way at No. 5, its fourth top-five finish in the last five years (#5 in 2007, #2 in 2006, #4 in 2005). Orange Bowl Champion Iowa was rated No. 7, its first top-10 finish since ending the year at No. 8 in 2004 and 2002.
