BTN.com staff, June 18, 2014

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

When you hear "Linebacker U," you think Penn State, right? You wouldn't be alone. According to ESPN.com, though, the modern day "Linebacker U" moniker belongs to another Big Ten power. Ohio State took the No. 1 spot in the site's "Linebacker U" of the 2000s list, and it wasn't even close.

[ MORE: ESPN.com: Position U: Linebacker ]

The Buckeyes, thanks to stars A.J. Hawk, James Laurinaitis and Ryan Shazier, to name a few, amassed 222 points, 48 ahead of Alabama and Oklahoma, which tied for second.

Penn State? It finished No. 6, with 134 points.

Big Ten newcomer Maryland, the third and final Big Ten team listed, finished tied for ninth (100).

Points were awarded like this:
10 – college football award winner
8 – consensus All-Americans; NFL first-round draft pick
6 – coaches' first-team all-conference
4 – NFL draft picks Rounds 2-4
2 – NFL draft picks, Rounds 5-7

Before Penn State fans get too upset with this list, remember, it's only accounting for the 2000s. Also, take one look at all the top-end talent Ohio State has boasted the last 14 seasons, and it's easy to see how it ran away with this title.