Big Ten weekend scrimmage roundup

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
All 11 Big Ten teams are now immersed in spring practice, and several squads held controlled scrimmages over the weekend. Some scrimmages were closed and no information was released, but here's what I've pieced together.
INDIANA
Scrimmage: Saturday
Highlights The Ben Chappell-Kellen Lewis connection is gaining steam, as the current…
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Big Ten lunch links: IU goes with Chappell at QB

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
Spring is here, people. Time to get serious.  Ben Chappell has done enough to open spring practice as Indiana's starting quarterback, while Kellen Lewis gets more work as a wide receiver, Terry Hutchens writes in The Indianapolis Star.   "The biggest difference in our offense is that we're going to be more of a downhill…
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What to watch in the Big Ten this spring

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The seemingly interminable wait for college football gets a little easier about a month from now, when Michigan steps on the practice field for spring ball. The other 10 Big Ten squads will follow soon after as spring practice gets in full swing.

There are no shortage of spring story lines around the league, from Danny Hope's first workouts as Purdue head coach to six new coordinators to teams like Ohio State and Penn State trying to replace sizable senior classes. Six teams will feature some degree of competition at the quarterback spot, and position battles abound throughout the league.

Here's some can't-miss information about spring ball and a team-by-team look at what to watch:

Illinois Fighting Illini

Spring practice starts: March 31

Spring game: April 25

What to watch:

• The defense needs leaders to emerge after a subpar year and with the graduation of first-team All-Big Ten linebacker Brit Miller. Martez Wilson is an obvious candidate to claim a greater role, but the immensely talented linebacker comes off surgery in December after being stabbed outside a bar. The defensive line loses three starters and top cover man Vontae Davis left early for the NFL draft, creating opportunities for young players to step up.
• For the second consecutive spring, the running back position will be in the spotlight. Illinois never truly got settled at running back last year, as Daniel Dufrene and Jason Ford split carries. Both players had their moments, as Dufrene averaged 5.7 yards a carry and Ford scored eight touchdowns, but it would be nice to see one man emerge as a featured back alongside quarterback Juice Williams.
• New offensive coordinator Mike Schultz steps in, and former outside receivers coach Kurt Beathard will work directly with Williams, who was extremely close with former coordinator Mike Locksley. It's vital for Williams and his teammates to jell with Schultz and the offensive nuances he'll bring to spring practice. Illinois remains one of the league's most talented offenses, but the players must get on the same page this spring.

Indiana Hoosiers

Spring practice starts: March 24

Spring game: April 18

Watch to watch:

• Healthy bodies, at least a few more than at the end of last season. Indiana's roster was wiped out by injuries during Big Ten play, and the Hoosiers should get a better gauge of their strengths and weaknesses this spring. Quarterback Kellen Lewis struggled with injuries for much of the season, and it will be interesting to see if he regains the form he showed in 2007, when he earned second-team All-Big Ten honors. Lewis might need to reclaim the starting job after splitting time with Ben Chappell last fall. Safeties Austin Thomas and Nick Polk will miss spring ball with injuries, giving other players a chance to shine.
• The Hoosiers' defense must take a step forward this spring, especially with so much experience and talent returning in the front seven. Defensive ends Jammie Kirlew and Greg Middleton each have had breakout seasons, and Matt Mayberry at times looks like one of the league's best linebackers. With weak-side linebacker Will Patterson and others back in the fold, there's no reason Indiana can't be serviceable on defense in 2009.
• Lewis can't continue to be Indiana's primary rushing option, and with Marcus Thigpen gone, a capable back or two must emerge. The competition this spring will feature players like Bryan Payton and Darius Willis, a heralded recruit who redshirted last year. Demetrius McCray will be limited in spring practice.

Iowa Hawkeyes

Spring practice starts: March 25

Spring game: April 18

What to watch:

• Everyone knows Shonn Greene is gone, but the more damaging departures likely will come at defensive tackle, where Iowa loses four-year starters Mitch King and Matt Kroul. The spotlight will be on the interior defensive line as players like Karl Klug try to fill the void. Arguably no position competition matters more than the one at defensive tackle, especially since Iowa appears strong everywhere else on defense.
• Ricky Stanzi established himself as the starting quarterback, but Iowa would like the rising junior to take another step and become more consistent. Interceptions were a problem at times for Stanzi last fall, but he should benefit from a full spring as the starter and being able to work with the first-team wide receivers.
• Rising sophomore Jewel Hampton is the likely choice to succeed Greene after rushing for 478 yards and five touchdowns as his backup last year. But head coach Kirk Ferentz likely wants to see what he has with the other backs, namely Jeff Brinson, who redshirted in 2008. There should be some healthy competition for carries throughout the spring and into preseason camp.

Michigan Wolverines

Spring practice starts: March 14

Spring game: April 11

What to watch:

• Quarterbacks, quarterbacks, quarterbacks. Any improvement on this team must start with the quarterback spot, and the competition during spring ball will be crucial. Steven Threet's decision to transfer shifts the spotlight to true freshman Tate Forcier, who enrolled in January and will practice this spring. Nick Sheridan remains in the mix after starting four games last season, but Forcier seems better suited to run Rich Rodriguez's offense. A strong spring could make him the frontrunner when fellow freshman Denard Robinson arrives this summer.
• New defensive coordinator Greg Robinson starts working with a unit that finished 10th in the league in points allowed (28.9 ypg) last fall. Robinson seems less concerned about scheme changes and more focused on instilling a new attitude with the group. There could be an adjustment period on both sides, as players get to know a new coach and Robinson works as an assistant after overseeing an entire program the last four seasons at Syracuse.
• Robinson undoubtedly will devote much of his attention to the defensive line, which loses three starters, including both tackles. The spotlight will be on young players like Ryan Van Bergen, Mike Martin and even early enrollee William Campbell as Michigan looks for answers up front. The Wolverines also need increased leadership from All-Big Ten end Brandon Graham, their only returning starter on the line.

Michigan State Spartans

Spring practice starts: March 24

Spring game: April 25

What to watch:

• The Spartans feature arguably the Big Ten's most intriguing quarterback competition. Third-year sophomore Kirk Cousins performed well behind Brian Hoyer in 2008 and seems to have the intangibles to lead the offense. Keith Nichol is a dual-threat quarterback who has a year in the system after transferring from Oklahoma. A decision on a starter might not be made until preseason camp, but the two players will start competing this spring.
• Running back also is a mystery after the departure of Doak Walker Award finalist Javon Ringer. Michigan State didn't develop a second option behind Ringer, so players like Andre Anderson and Ashton Leggett will get a chance to prove themselves before true freshmen Edwin Baker and Larry Caper arrive this summer.
• Michigan State doesn't lose much on the defensive side, but co-captains Otis Wiley and Justin Kershaw both depart, leaving a void in leadership. The coaches will lean more on linebackers Greg Jones and Adam Decker this spring, and the secondary needs a new front man to replace Wiley, who led the team in interceptions (4) and ranked third in tackles (78). Danny Fortener came on strong last year, but the Spartans will look for another safety to emerge.

Minnesota Golden Gophers

Spring practice starts: March 24

Spring game: April 25

What to watch:

• The offense begins a new chapter under new coordinator Jedd Fisch and new line coach/run game coordinator Tim Davis. Minnesota wants to return to its roots as a running team and employ a pro-style offense. It will be interesting to see how players adjust in practice, and how Fisch and the influential Davis work together.
• New arrival Kevin Cosgrove and Ron Lee take over a defense that made major strides under Ted Roof but showed some cracks down the stretch. Cosgrove will be working with experienced players at linebacker and in the secondary, and their ability to grasp his scheme will be huge this spring.
• Starting quarterback Adam Weber will be held out of contact drills following shoulder surgery, giving the coaches a chance to evaluate heralded recruit MarQueis Gray. The multitalented Gray left the team last year because of questions about his ACT score. He has returned and will get a chance to learn Fisch's offense and establish himself as the team's No. 2 option.

Northwestern Wildcats

Spring practice starts: March 30

Spring game: April 25

What to watch:

• It has been at least four years — and likely more — since the running back position has been so wide open. Stephen Simmons will get a chance to establish himself as the top back this spring after filling in behind Tyrell Sutton late last season. Scott Concannon and Jacob Schmidt also will be in the mix before several freshmen arrive in the summer.
• Mike Kafka enters the spring as the starting quarterback after helping Northwestern to a season-turning win last year at Minnesota. But Kafka must develop as a passer to complement his excellent running ability. With a mostly unproven group of wide receivers, Kafka needs to establish a rhythm and become consistent on the short throws that make the spread offense move.
• Two starters are gone and star end Corey Wootton is nursing a surgically repaired knee, putting pressure on Northwestern to identify another playmaker on the defensive line. The defensive tackle spot will be in the spotlight as Northwestern looks for an elite run stopper to replace John Gill.

Ohio State Buckeyes

Spring practice starts: Week of March 30

Spring game: April 25

What to watch:

• Ohio State needs a featured running back, and Dan Herron has a chance to be the guy. A strong spring from Herron would be beneficial before heralded recruits Jaamal Berry and Carlos Hyde arrive. The Buckeyes could go with a committee system this fall, but Herron showed promise at times last year and could claim the job.
• The offensive line was one of the team's bigger disappointments last year, and the group must come together this spring. Michigan transfer Justin Boren should step into a starting role right away, and sophomore tackles Mike Adams and J.B. Shugarts could join classmate Mike Brewster on the first team. This group has a ton of young talent, but it must be molded.
• Keep an eye on the linebacker and cornerback positions all the way until Sept. 5. Ohio State loses national award winners James Laurinaitis and Malcolm Jenkins, as well as All-Big Ten selection Marcus Freeman. Three and possibly four starting spots are open, so the competition should heat up.

Penn State Nittany Lions

Spring practice starts: Week of March 30

Spring game: April 25

What to watch:

• The Big Ten's best offensive line loses three all-conference starters, including Rimington Trophy winner A.Q. Shipley. Line coaches Dick Anderson and Bill Kenney have plenty of work to do this spring as they try to build around holdovers Stefen Wisniewski and Dennis Landolt. With a formidable run game in place, replenishing the line will be Penn State's top priority.
• Penn State's young wide receivers are gearing up for a wide-open competition as the team loses multiyear starters Derrick Williams, Deon Butler and Jordan Norwood. Can Brett Brackett and Graham Zug emerge as reliable possession-type guys? Can Chaz Powell be Penn State's deep threat? Those answers could come this spring.
• Lions fans are confident that defensive line coach Larry Johnson will develop another first-rate pass rusher. The process begins in spring ball as Penn State must replace starters at both end spots as well as reserve Maurice Evans, a former All-Big Ten selection.

Purdue Boilermakers

Spring practice starts: March 25

Spring game: April 18

What to watch:

• The Danny Hope era begins this spring, and it will be interesting to see what imprints the new head coach puts on the program. He's a Joe Tiller disciple but brings in two new coordinators and wants to make immediate upgrades to the team's speed and athleticism. Purdue loses starters at the skill positions on offense as well as its most productive defender (linebacker Anthony Heygood), so there's plenty of work ahead.
• Quarterback could feature an interesting competition between Joey Elliott and Justin Siller. Elliott seems like the favorite to take over after backing up Curtis Painter the last three seasons. But the multi-talented Siller could fit the new mold Hope is trying to create with the Boilers' personnel. Siller had a big day against Michigan last year and brings the mobility Purdue could use at the quarterback spot.
• With the secondary more or less intact, new defensive coordinator Donn Landholm will focus on the front seven. Landholm needs to build around defensive end Ryan Kerrigan, a potential All-Big Ten performer this fall. Heygood will be missed, but Joe Holland is a solid contributor and if Jason Werner can finally get healthy, the linebacking corps should be strong.

Wisconsin Badgers

Spring practice starts: March 24

Spring game: April 18

What to watch:

• Big surprise, another quarterback competition. After never truly finding stability at the quarterback spot in 2008, Wisconsin once again looks for a leader for the offense. Part-time starter Dustin Sherer will have to ward off Curt Phillips and true freshman Jon Budmayr, who enrolled early. Offensive coordinator Paul Chryst didn't settle on a starter last spring, but he would like some separation to occur.
• Defensive line coach Charlie Partridge will have a busy spring as he tries to replace three starters up front. Players like Jeff Stehle, Patrick Butrym and Brendan Kelly, who emerged last fall before an injury, will get a long look this spring.
• P.J. Hill's early departure to the NFL draft puts John Clay in the spotlight as the Badgers' featured running back. Can the immensely talented Clay take the next step in his development to master the offense and his assignments? He also must work with a new-look offensive line that must replace three starters.

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Big Ten pre-spring power rankings

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The recruiting classes are in, several underclassmen are out (preparing for the NFL draft) and coaching changes have been made. It's time to re-examine the Big Ten power rankings, which project forward to the 2009 season but take into consideration the way a team finished up 2008. 

1. Ohio State — The Buckeyes lost juniors Chris "Beanie" Wells, Brian Robiskie and Donald Washington to the NFL draft and said goodbye to a large senior class, but they performed well in the Fiesta Bowl and brought in the league's best recruiting class. The youth movement has begun in Columbus, and Ohio State likely will surround Terrelle Pryor with more dynamic skill players on offense. There are some holes in the defensive two-deep, but Ohio State rarely misses a beat on that side of the ball. 

2. Penn State — The somewhat surprising early departures of defensive ends Aaron Maybin and Maurice Evans create questions in an area where Penn State dominated last season. Linebacker should be a major strength, but Penn State must replenish the secondary and find a stud pass rusher or two. Wide receiver should be the most interesting position to watch during the spring and summer, and if Penn State avoids a drop-off on the offensive line, it should be in good shape for another league title push. A large recruiting class will play a key role in the Lions' quest to repeat. 

3. Iowa — Shonn Greene surprised absolutely no one by declaring for the NFL draft, and the Doak Walker Award winner leaves a major void in production. But backup running back Jewel Hampton showed promise last year, and Iowa has fewer question marks on offense than most Big Ten teams. Arguably the bigger questions come at defensive tackle, where four-year starters Mitch King and Matt Kroul depart. Avoiding a major drop-off in the interior line is crucial, but Iowa returns most of its key players from a 9-4 team. 

4. Michigan State — Several key seniors depart, including running back Javon Ringer and safety Otis Wiley, but Michigan State brings back most of its key contributors and adds its best recruiting class in recent memory.  The competition at both running back and quarterback will set the course for the 2009 season, but the Spartans should be deeper and better on defense.

5. Northwestern — Much like Michigan State, Northwestern must replace its starting offensive backfield for the 2009 campaign. Mike Kafka steps in at quarterback after a solid junior season, but there will be plenty of competition at both running back and wide receiver. The offensive line should be much improved, and as long as star defensive end Corey Wootton recovers from knee surgery, the Wildcats will boast one of the Big Ten's best defenses. 

6. Illinois — As expected, cornerback Vontae Davis entered the NFL draft, leaving some questions in an Illini secondary that struggled at the safety spot in 2008. Improving the defense will be Illinois' top priority entering the fall, especially with so much talent back on the offensive side. Ron Zook's recruiting class drew mixed reviews after several committed prospects went elsewhere, but Illinois held onto wide receiver Terry Hawthorne and addressed several of its needs. 

7. Minnesota — The Gophers welcome two new coordinators (Jedd Fisch and Kevin Cosgrove) and a different offensive approach heading into spring practice, but they bring back most of the pieces from a 7-6 team. Tim Brewster continued to improve the defensive secondary with his recent recruiting haul, and both lines return virtually intact. If Minnesota can adjust to the changes in coaching and scheme, it should take another step forward in 2009.

8. Wisconsin — Underappreciated running back P.J. Hill surprised some by declaring for the NFL draft, and Wisconsin also said goodbye to a large senior class. John Clay looks more than capable of becoming a featured back for the Badgers in 2009, but unless some significant progress is made at the quarterback position, it's hard to see improvement. A very solid recruiting class featuring quarterback Jon Budmayr and wide receiver Kraig Appleton could bolster the passing attack and move Wisconsin up the rankings. 

9. Michigan — Despite a 3-9 season, Michigan landed a Top 10 recruiting class that features several players likely to contribute right away. Brandon Graham stayed for his senior year, giving the Wolverines a dominant pass rusher. The Wolverines very well could make a major move up this list, but they first must find a solution at the quarterback spot and fill holes on the defensive line and in the secondary. The recruiting class provides a major boost, but the program remains in a transition phase.

10. Purdue — The Boilermakers are the Big Ten's mystery team, as they welcome a new head coach (Danny Hope) and most likely a different type of player. Hope landed 14 recruits from Florida in hopes of upgrading Purdue's speed and athleticism, and he also must replace starters at all the offensive skill positions (quarterback, running back, wide receiver). If the defense avoids a drop-off and Hope's recruits contribute immediately like he thinks they will, the Boilers will be a much improved team. 

11. Indiana — Wide receiver Andrew Means declared for the NFL draft, but Indiana doesn't lose a whole lot from last year's team, which could be good or bad. Head coach Bill Lynch didn't make any staff changes, hoping that continuity and improved health will lead to better results in 2009. Indiana boasts two experienced quarterbacks (Kellen Lewis and Ben Chappell), two proven pass rushers (Greg Middleton and Jammie Kirlew) and some promising young players, but if the defense doesn't improve, it could be another long season.

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Recruiting needs: Indiana Hoosiers

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

After a 3-9 season that featured regressions on both sides of the ball, Indiana seems like a team with endless recruiting needs. But that's not exactly true.

The Hoosiers have several promising pieces in place. They boast two defensive ends (Jammie Kirlew and Greg Middleton) who had breakout performances in back-to-back seasons. They have some exciting, young wide receivers, a talented middle linebacker in Matt Mayberry and experience in the secondary. But make no mistake: this is a critical recruiting class for a program that can't afford to lose more ground and a head coach (Bill Lynch) who can't afford to lose many more games.

Indiana returns 10 starters on defense, but given the program's historic struggles on that side of the ball, it's important to get a few players who can provide depth early in their careers. The Hoosiers must replace strongside linebacker Geno Johnson and will need reinforcements in 2010 after Mayberry and Will Patterson graduate.

A wave of injuries made it hard to get a great read on Indiana's offensive line, but fortifying the front five will be a priority in recruiting. Line depth can't be a problem in the future like it was this season. Quarterback also will be a need with Kellen Lewis entering his senior season and Ben Chappell a rising junior. Mitchell Evans seems better suited to wide receiver, so the Hoosiers need a plan under center beyond 2010.

The departure of standout kicker Austin Starr also creates an opening for a freshman on special teams. This won't be a huge numbers class for Indiana, but it will be a vital one for the program's future.

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Recruiting spotlight: Indiana Hoosiers

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

After a 3-9 season that featured regressions on both sides of the ball, Indiana seems like a team with endless recruiting needs. But that's not exactly true.

The Hoosiers have several promising pieces in place. They boast two defensive ends (Jammie Kirlew and Greg Middleton) who had breakout performances in back-to-back seasons. They have some exciting, young wide receivers, a talented middle linebacker in Matt Mayberry and experience in the secondary. But make no mistake: this is a critical recruiting class for a program that can't afford to lose more ground and a head coach (Bill Lynch) who can't afford to lose many more games.

Indiana returns 10 starters on defense, but given the program's historic struggles on that side of the ball, it's important to get a few players who can provide depth early in their careers. The Hoosiers must replace strongside linebacker Geno Johnson and will need reinforcements in 2010 after Mayberry and Will Patterson graduate.

A wave of injuries made it hard to get a great read on Indiana's offensive line, but fortifying the front five will be a priority in recruiting. Line depth can't be a problem in the future like it was this season. Quarterback also will be a need with Kellen Lewis entering his senior season and Ben Chappell a rising junior. Mitchell Evans seems better suited to wide receiver, so the Hoosiers need a plan under center beyond 2010.

The departure of standout kicker Austin Starr also creates an opening for a freshman on special teams. This won't be a huge numbers class for Indiana, but it will be a vital one for the program's future.

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Big Ten year-end quarterback rankings

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

Big Ten bowl season is nearly here, but with a few days to go, it’s time to begin the year-end position rankings. These won’t be quite as in-depth as the preseason rankings, but I’ll try to get to each position before the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 5.

The rankings begin with arguably the Big Ten’s weakest position, quarterback. While signal callers from the Big 12 and SEC dominated the national spotlight, the Big Ten struggled under center, and several veteran quarterbacks backslid. There were some bright spots, especially at Penn State, but I can’t remember a season where the Big Ten was so poor at the game’s most critical position.

In case you forgot, here were my preseason rankings (what was I thinking?!?!). Note: I did not include first-year starters in this rundown.

	AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster
	Daryll Clark led Penn State to an 11-1 record.

1. Kellen Lewis, Indiana
2. Todd Boeckman, Ohio State
3. Curtis Painter, Purdue
4. Juice Williams, Illinois
5. C.J. Bacher, Northwestern
6. Brian Hoyer, Michigan State
7. Adam Weber, Minnesota

And now for the year-end top 10.

1. Daryll Clark, Penn State — Clark exceeded expectations in his first season as the starter, mastering Penn State’s Spread HD system and helping the Nittany Lions to an 11-1 record and a Rose Bowl berth. He ranked second in the league in pass efficiency and threw 17 touchdowns and only four interceptions in 285 pass attempts.

2. Adam Weber, Minnesota – His numbers weren’t spectacular, but the Gophers sophomore did an excellent job of leading the offense and limiting mistakes. Minnesota’s offensive line had major problems, and without a viable run game, Weber once again shouldered much of the load. He showed tremendous toughness by returning to the field just six days after knee surgery and led Big Ten starters in completion percentage (62.8).

3. Juice Williams, Illinois – This was your Big Ten offensive MVP through the first half of the season. Williams set total offense records at the Edward Jones Dome, Michigan Stadium and Memorial Stadium. He led the Big Ten in passing and ranked third in quarterback rating. If not for a poor finish — nine interceptions in the final five games — Williams would have been higher on the list.

4. Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State – There were undoubtedly some growing pains, but under the circumstances, Pryor exceeded expectations and fueled optimism for Ohio State’s future. Stepping into the starting job just four weeks into his college career, Pryor went 8-1 at the helm and helped the Buckeyes to a Big Ten co-championship. He still holds the ball too long at times and must become more consistent as a passer, but those things will come.

5. Ricky Stanzi, Iowa – Stanzi’s emergence down the stretch was the primary reason why Iowa finished so strong and reached a New Year’s Day bowl. Think about it. Shonn Greene was terrific all season, and so was the defense. But the quarterback position looked shaky until Stanzi emerged in October. He avoided an interception in four of Iowa’s final six games and threw 13 touchdown strikes.

6. Brian Hoyer, Michigan State — Hoyer overcame his struggles in close games and helped Michigan State to a 9-3 record and a third-place finish in the Big Ten. He came up huge against Michigan and led the game-winning drive against Wisconsin. Still, his unsightly stats can’t be totally overlooked. I just can’t get too excited about a guy who completed 50.8 percent of his passes and had only one more touchdown (9) than interception (8).

7. C.J. Bacher, Northwestern – Bacher deserves credit for playing some of his best football in Northwestern’s final two games, but the senior couldn’t eliminate the bad habits that dogged him throughout a career that featured plenty of passing yards. He threw as many interceptions (14) as touchdown passes for the second consecutive season and lacked the huge passing performances he had in 2007.

8. Curtis Painter, Purdue – It wasn’t the end Painter had envisioned to a record-setting career at Purdue. He finished second in the league in passing but really missed Dustin Keller and Dorien Bryant. Painter struggled to get the Boilermakers into the end zone and battled some injury problems late in the season. His incredible career numbers should not go unnoticed, but he never seemed to get over the hump against the Big Ten’s elite.

9. Dustin Sherer, Wisconsin – Sherer might have been higher on the list had he played a full season. The junior seemed to give Wisconsin a lift after replacing Allan Evridge as the starter on Oct. 18 at Iowa. Sherer went 4-2 as the starter and helped Wisconsin to wins in its final three games. His numbers weren’t stellar, but he avoided the critical mistakes that crippled Wisconsin earlier in the year.

10. Ben Chappell and Kellen Lewis, Indiana – These two shared duties this season, so they’ll share a spot as well. Chappell led Indiana to its only Big Ten win and showed some good leadership at times. Lewis had a rough season, throwing more interceptions (8) than touchdown passes (6) and sustaining an ankle injury. Though Indiana’s defense deserves most of the blame for a 3-9 season, the quarterback play wasn’t good.

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Reviewing my preseason Top 25 (things to watch)

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

It’s always fun at this time of year to look back at preseason thoughts and predictions. In August, I outlined 25 items I wanted to see during the Big Ten season. Several of them came true, others didn’t and some materialized in different ways.

Here’s a look back at the list to see what worked out and what didn’t. 

	AP Photo/Carlos Osorio
	Terrelle Pryor earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors.

1. Terrelle Pryor lead an offensive drive — He might be a Tim Tebow-like weapon near the goal line, but I’m more interested in how the Ohio State freshman quarterback handles a real offensive series. Pryor’s athleticism is undeniable, but it will be important to monitor his passing accuracy and the way he leads older teammates.

The verdict: We had plenty of opportunities to see Pryor lead drives after he was named Ohio State’s starter in Week 4. Despite a few growing pains, Pryor held his own and displayed remarkable athleticism in winning Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors. He also came up big in the clutch to lead Ohio State’s game-winning touchdown drive Oct. 4 at Wisconsin. 

2. Michigan’s quarterbacks — Rich Rodriguez has ushered in a new era in Ann Arbor and will turn to unproven players like Steven Threet, Nick Sheridan and possibly Justin Feagin to lead his spread offense. There will undoubtedly be growing pains, but if one of those three takes control, the Wolverines will surge.

The verdict: Oh, there were growing pains. Big ones. Threet and Sheridan struggled to fit into Rodriguez’s system, and Michigan finished the season ranked 109th nationally in total offense. Feagin likely will move to slot receiver in 2009, and incoming freshmen Shavodrick Beaver and Tate Forcier will compete for the starting quarterback spot. 

3. Jump Around at night — Camp Randall Stadium is intimidating enough during daylight hours, but the electricity will reach new levels this fall with back-to-back night games against Ohio State and Penn State. The Badgers haven’t lost at home under coach Bret Bielema, and they should have a tremendous home-field edge this fall.

The verdict: It was pretty cool to see Ohio State players jump in lockstep with the Wisconsin students on Oct. 4, but Camp Randall certainly lost its edge this fall. Wisconsin saw its home win streak fade against Ohio State and then suffered its worst home defeat since 1989 the next week against Penn State. Plus, the Badgers band was suspended from performing Oct. 4 after allegations of hazing surfaced. 

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Indiana Hoosiers season recap

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

The pieces were in place this fall for Indiana to continue its momentum after a bowl breakthrough in 2007.

All-Big Ten quarterback Kellen Lewis returned to the offense after a spring suspension. National sacks leader Greg Middleton anchored a promising defensive front. Perhaps most importantly, a favorable schedule featured eight games at Memorial Stadium, where construction in the north end served as a symbol for a program on the rise.

Instead, Indiana returned to an all-too familiar spot, the Big Ten basement. After a 2-0 start, the Hoosiers dropped nine of their final 10 games to finish with their worst record since 2003.

Injuries played a major part in the downfall, as Indiana was hit on both sides of the ball and at key positions. Lewis struggled to stay healthy for long stretches and the coaches began rotating him and backup Ben Chappell at quarterback. The secondary was depleted and the offensive line struggled to stay unified. Head coach Bill Lynch acknowledged he couldn’t remember so many injuries afflicting a team in one season.

Health and depth were major problems, but the Hoosiers also failed to make strides in key areas.

Lewis struggled without a dominant receiver (James Hardy), and the offense ranked 10th in the league in scoring (20.5 ppg). The defense once again produced a sack specialist in Jammie Kirlew (10.5 sacks), but the league’s worst unit against the pass couldn’t limit explosion plays. Indiana allowed 34 points or more in eight of its final 10 games.

Offensive MVP — Running back Marcus Thigpen

Thigpen quietly turned in a very solid senior season after struggling to cement himself as Indiana’s featured back. He led Indiana with 631 rushing yards and seven touchdowns and had an impressive 6.7 yards-per-carry average. Thigpen continued to show his track-star speed on special teams and finished the year ranked fourth in the league in all-purpose yards (143.2 ypg).

Defensive MVP — Defensive end Jammie Kirlew

Middleton’s production fell off sharply this fall, but Kirlew picked up the slack on the other side of the defensive line. He ranked second in the Big Ten in both sacks (10.5) and tackles for loss (19.5), earning first-team all-conference honors from the media. Kirlew led the Big Ten in tackles for a defensive lineman (74) and finished second on Indiana’s team tackles chart. Linebacker Matt Mayberry also deserves a mention here.

Turning point — Sept. 20 vs. Ball State

Things really went south for Indiana after Nate Davis, MiQuale Lewis and the Cardinals visited Bloomington. Ball State exposed defensive deficiencies that would plague Indiana all season, racking up 463 yards in a 42-20 win. Indiana’s offense showed flashes, as it did for much of the fall, but struggled to produce points. The loss triggered a five-game slide for the Hoosiers.

What’s next

The Hoosiers return most of their core for 2009, but they have to sort out issues at quarterback, running back and several other spots. If both Middleton and Kirlew return for their senior seasons, Indiana’s defensive front should be solid. But the Hoosiers must build greater depth throughout their roster to survive injuries. Despite a vote of confidence from Indiana’s new athletic director, Lynch is very much on the hot seat entering next fall.

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Big Ten internal affairs: Week 13

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

Iowa – Kicker continues to be a question mark for the Hawkeyes with the re-emergence of junior Daniel Murray in recent weeks. Murray, who made the game-winning field goal against Penn State, connected on a 45-yard attempt last week against Purdue. Starter Trent Mossbrucker missed two extra-point attempts against the Boilers, and head coach Kirk Ferentz said the freshman needs a strong week of practice to reclaim a spot on the field Saturday at Minnesota. Mossbrucker had performed well entering the Penn State game, but Ferentz went with the more experienced Murray in the clutch. “He’s been kicking a long time,” Ferentz said of Mossbrucker. “He knows a lot more about it than I do or anybody here does. Yeah, just get back to what’s made you a successful player. He’ll be fine.”

Michigan — It will be interesting to see how head coach Rich Rodriguez uses his running backs Saturday at No. 10 Ohio State (ABC, noon ET). Junior Brandon Minor, the Wolverines’ most productive back during the second half of the season, expects to return from a multitude of injuries against the Buckeyes. But junior Carlos Brown comes off his best performance, a 115-yard effort against Northwestern, and freshman Michael Shaw also is in the mix. Brown and Shaw likely will get the first opportunities against the Buckeyes, but Minor will be a factor. Michigan has racked up 170 rushing yards or more in five of its last six games.

Penn State — Derrick Williams is playing his best football at the end of his career, and the Nittany Lions are doing all they can to get the ball to the talented senior. Two weeks ago, Williams took snaps at quarterback as Penn State used a Wildcat-like formation at Iowa. Last week against Indiana, he racked up 164 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns, getting eight touches on offense to go with three returns. If quarterback Daryll Clark continues to struggle early against Michigan State (ABC, 3:30 p.m. ET), don’t be surprised to see Williams with the ball in his hands. Also, defensive end Josh Gaines (ankle) practiced Monday and is expected to play against the Spartans.

Illinois – The days of removing Juice Williams from games to let him regroup appeared over after the Illini junior quarterback had a scorching start to the 2008 season. But after committing two turnovers last Saturday against Ohio State, the coaches replaced Williams with backup Eddie McGee. Williams has committed nine turnovers (8 interceptions, 1 fumble) in Illinois’ last four games. He leads the Big Ten in both touchdown passes (22) and interceptions (15) this season. Still, head coach Ron Zook maintains confidence in Williams heading into the regular-season finale at Northwestern. “A lot of times he gets a lot of the blame that isn’t necessarily his fault,” Zook said. “That’s part of it as well and it gets exaggerated when things aren’t going right, particularly with a football team that was expected to play a little bit better and be a little bit more productive than we have been.”

Indiana – After dealing with a multitude of injuries all season, the Hoosiers appear to be getting healthy right at the end. Tackle Rodger Saffold returned to action against Penn State, and the other starting offensive linemen are all fine for Saturday’s season finale at Purdue (ESPN2, noon ET). Head coach Bill Lynch isn’t sure if backup running back Bryan Payton (ankle) will play, though Payton did more in practice Monday than he has in previous weeks. Running back Marcus Thigpen and wideout Mitchell Evans should be fine, and Indiana actually will have the option of playing either Kellen Lewis or Ben Chappell at quarterback. The Hoosiers previously had been forced to rotate the two because both have been banged up.

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