As we enter 2014, everyone continues to look at the Big Ten as a boring, overrated conference. Except for Urban Meyer at Ohio State, the conference has not fully bought in to the high-octane spread offenses that many of the other major conferences use. And while the smash-mouth style of play isn’t nearly as exciting, it is far more practical, based on the weather the midwest endures as the season moves into November and early December.

However, one positional group that seems to be in excess in the conference is defensive line. There is an abundance of talented linemen, from run stoppers to pass rushers.

Here is a look at the top five pass rushers in the conference in 2014.

5. Shilique Calhoun (Michigan State)

Calhoun is well-built at 6’4”, and 257 pounds. He isn’t a prototypical speed rusher, but he plays with a lot of power and physicality, which are more favorable traits in the Big Ten.

Calhoun had a strong sophomore season in 2013, totaling seven and one-half sacks, and with many of the top offensive tackles in the conference moving on, he’ll have an opportunity to improve on those numbers.

4. Noah Spence (Ohio State)

By the end of the season, Spence has the potential to be at the top, but for now, he comes in as fourth best in the conference.

Spence, a former five-star recruit is a great athlete. He has very good balance and great length, that he understands how to use. However, he looks like he’s still getting used to playing defensive end at his height, as he often looks stiff on the edge, playing very upright.

3. Randy Gregory (Nebraska)

Gregory dominated the Big Ten in his first season, leading the conference with 10.5 sacks.

The scary part about Gregory is that he is far from what he can potentially be. Last season, a lot of his numbers came from free rushes and coverage sacks. But, he rarely created any of his sacks on pass rush moves.

He flashes some flexibility to bend the edge, and he rushes very aggressively, so he has all of the inherent traits that can’t be taught or added-on. As for now though, he’s very raw and a potential-oriented rusher, but is very good at taking advantage of open opportunities.

2. Michael Bennett (Ohio State)

Bennett is the best interior rusher in the conference. He plays with both strength and speed, and does a good job collapsing the pocket. He has good awareness, and is more advanced in his technique than many pass rushers at the college level. He understands how to use his hands and leverage well.

1. Joey Bosa (Ohio State)

The third and final Buckeye on the list, Bosa showed he is the best pass rusher in the conference as a true freshman last season. Bosa is heavier than the other defensive ends on this list (285), but he knows how to use his weight to win with leverage and power. Despite his wider frame, he shows flexibility and can bend the edge. But most importantly, he shows the ability to convert speed to power, a trait that is necessary to be an elite pass rusher at the next level. It’s scary to think what Bosa can be as he continues to develop.