Beat writers select 2015 Big Ten East sleeper teams

Sleepers. There is usually one every season in the Big Ten, a team that doesn?t necessarily win a division or league title but plays better than expected.

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Last year, Rutgers was such a team in the East. In the West, Illinois fit the bill. So, who will be this year?s sleeper in each division?

I asked Big Ten writers for their choices. First up: Big Ten East sleepers.

My choice? I?ll go with Michigan. The Wolverines already have a salty defense. And the offense will be better based mostly on the continued development and maturation of the line. Plus, Jim Harbaugh?s swagger is worth at least one triumph. Look for the Wolverines to win a game you don?t expect.

Keith Sargeant, NJ.com: Michigan. After underachieving with highly recruited talent under the previous regime, the guess here is Jim Harbaugh may surprise foes sooner rather than later.

Rachel Lenzi, Toledo Blade: Penn State. PSU was a work-in-progress last year, poised for growth this year. Christian Hackenberg should have a true breakout 2015.

Bob Flounders, Pennlive.com: My sleeper team would be Maryland — Michigan at home early, PSU in Baltimore, Wisconsin at home, Indiana at home, at Iowa, at Rutgers. If they can win at Rutgers at the end of the year, you could make a case the Terps can go 5-3 in the Big Ten.

Kevin Noon, BuckeyeGrove.com: Penn State. While there will be some big shoes to fill on defense, the OL has to be better than last year and the tandem of Christian Hackenberg and DaeSean Hamilton will be potent if the PSU line can hold up.

Testudo Times: I honestly don't think there is one. Besides Ohio State, every team is at some stage of a rebuild, and I can't imagine a different contender.

Mike Griffith, Mlive.com: Penn State. The Nittany Lions could be the most improved team in the league if their offensive line comes to fruition.