By Andy Greder

Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.

The Gophers football program was picked to finish sixth in the seven-team Big Ten West division this season, according to Cleveland.com’s annual preseason poll released Friday.

Twenty-eight reporters who cover the conference projected Wisconsin to win the West with 196 points, which were allotted based on finish. Iowa came in second with 155, followed by Northwestern at 138, Nebraska at 104, Purdue at 98.5, Minnesota at 64.5 and Illinois at 28.

Every voter picked Wisconsin to win the West and Illinois to come in last.

Ohio State was picked to win the East — and the Big Ten championship game — with 191.5 points, followed by Michigan State at 142, Penn State at 141.5, Michigan at 140.5, Maryland at 75.5, Indiana at 60 and Rutgers at 33.

Ohio State received 23 1/2 first-place votes in the East, Michigan State two, Michigan 1.5 and Penn State one.

Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley is the Big Ten preseason offensive player of the year, according to the writers. Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor finished a close second.

Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa was the runaway selection to be Big Ten preseason defensive player of the year.