For the first time in two decades, the Big Ten Championship might find its way out of Iowa.

The No. 3 Hawkeyes have had a virtual stanglehold on the trophy, having won 20 consecutive titles and only being challenged a handful of times.

But this year could be different, with No. 4 Penn State and No. 2 Minnesota looking to wrench the title out of the Iowa's capable hands at the Big Ten Championships on Mar. 5-6, at Iowa.

The coaches at the other eight Big Ten schools are split on who they feel is going to win this year's title. Four coaches tabbed Minnesota, two picked Iowa, one picked Penn State and one other was uncertain.

Minnesota has struggled recently and several coaches pointed to the fact that many of Minnesota's top wrestlers are cutting a lot of weight. This could hurt the Gophers at tournament time.

But don't count out Iowa, which has the luxury of hosting the tournament. The Hawkeyes will be vying for their 21st consecutive Big Ten Championship.

"Iowa is the team to beat," Indiana Coach Duane Goldman said. "They've won 20 straight and until someone knocks them off, they're the team to beat."

Most of the conference coaches have welcomed the parity that seems to have invaded the conference. One, however, liked things better the way they were.

"I don't like it all," Iowa Coach Dan Gable said. "But the fans like it, and it's brought some excitement to the sport."

Big Ten Notes:

-- This is the time of year when coaches do their final tinkering with lineups. At least one key individual has changed weight classes. Purdue's Aaron Moran, who finished third last year at 167, has dropped to 158. Purdue Coach Jesse Reyes said that with a good draw, Moran could make the finals.

Gable said that he has a number of lineup spots still undecided. While Gable didn't want to give specifics, a number of other coaches feel that NCAA champion Lincoln McIlravy may to drop from 150, where he has been No. 1 all season, to 142 where he won the title last year.

-- Individually the Big Ten is also loaded. A trio of Big Ten wrestlers enter the post season undefeated and No. 1 in the country. Penn State's Cary Kolat (134) and Kerry McCoy (hwt) and Minnesota's Willy Short (150) all sit atop their weight classes.

-- If Iowa wins the championship they will break the conference record of consecutive championships, held by the Indiana swimming team, which won 20 titles from 1961-1980.