Cousins enters spring as Spartans starter

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
After performing well as Brian Hoyer's backup in 2008, sophomore Kirk Cousins is listed as Michigan State's starting quarterback entering spring practice, which began today in East Lansing.
Cousins and Oklahoma transfer Keith Nichol will compete throughout the spring, and possibly much longer.
"I'm in no hurry," head coach Mark…
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Big Ten lunch links: Stars shine at pro days

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
The madness is here, and so are these links.  Defensive end Aaron Maybin and his Penn State teammates dazzled at pro day, while cornerback Vontae Davis led the way at Illinois. Former Michigan State backfield mates Brian Hoyer and Javon Ringer also stepped up before NFL scouts.  Wisconsin's John Clay boasts plenty of raw ability, but the…
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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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Four Big Ten teams make Schlabach’s Top 25

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

No sport lends itself to premature predictions quite like college football, which provides a lengthy offseason for fearless forecasting. ESPN.com's Mark Schlabach did just that today with his revised Top 25 for 2009, which includes four Big Ten teams.

Ohio State leads off the Big Ten representatives at No. 7, one spot behind Sept. 12 opponent USC and two spots ahead of Penn State. This seems about right for the Buckeyes, who will be a lot younger in 2009 but arguably more talented at the skill positions. Though it was somewhat surprising to see Virginia Tech (No. 5) ahead of Ohio State, the Buckeyes certainly enter the fall with some question marks, many of which can be answered with a win against USC.

Penn State's placement also seems about right. Like Ohio State, the Lions lose a sizable senior class as well as two defensive ends (Aaron Maybin and Maurice Evans) leaving early for the NFL draft. The Big Ten's best offensive backfield (quarterback Daryll Clark and running back Evan Royster) and the league's best linebacking corps gives Penn State a chance to surpass Ohio State this fall.

Iowa moves up to No. 16 in Schlabach's rundown, thanks to a defense that returns nine starters and several experienced reserves. As Schlabach notes, quarterback Ricky Stanzi's development is paramount for an offense that loses Doak Walker Award winner Shonn Greene but should be stronger at wide receiver and possibly just as strong along the offensive line.

Michigan State rounds out the Big Ten contingent at No. 24. I was a bit surprised to see the Spartans in the rankings, though I would put them no worse than 30th in my preseason rundown. I'm always a bit hesitant to trumpet a team that must replace multi-year starters at both running back and quarterback, though Kirk Cousins or Keith Nichol could be an upgrade to Brian Hoyer under center. The Spartans should be even stronger on defense this fall, and if the passing game can be upgraded a bit, they'll crack my Top 25 as well.

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Dantonio discusses Michigan State’s recruiting

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

As decommitments, down-to-the-wire decisions and late pledges dominated national signing day, Michigan State quietly inked a recruiting class that head coach Mark Dantonio thinks can elevate the program to the next level.

The Spartans picked up a 23-man group rated by several recruiting services in the Top 25 nationally, and they did it without the drama many programs went through on Wednesday. The depth and location of Michigan State's class stood out, as Dantonio and his assistants addressed pressing and future needs at running back, wide receiver, linebacker and defensive back. They also did so almost exclusively with homegrown players, as 12 recruits hailed from Michigan and all but two from the Big Ten region.

I caught up with Dantonio on Thursday morning to discuss his latest class.

You graded this class an 'A.' Why?

Mark Dantonio: Well, [reporters] asked me. I labeled it an 'A,' maybe an 'A-minus,' basically because in four or five publications, we were ranked in the top 20. And the fact we filled so many needs. And when you really get down to it, we're the biggest evaluators of our players. We've worked with them personally, we've watched them play games in person, we've watched countless films on them. And when I look back, we made decisions to recruit a lot of these guys back in December of [2007] and spent over a year recruiting them. And 16, 17, 18 of these guys, we targeted in January and got 16 early commitments from them. And they stayed strong. I feel very good about them as people — we've got some excellent students — and also some outstanding football players.

You've been pretty realistic about your expectations for where you wanted the program to go: bowl game, New Year's Day bowl and then BCS game, Rose Bowl or whatever. Where does this class fit in to your short-term and long-term plan?

MD: It gives us a very solid foundation. The first class that we brought in here in '07, it was a class we had two or three months to work on. Six of those guys played and continue to be starters for us. This last year's class, six more played as true freshmen. This class will have every bit the numbers of young players playing, and this is the first class that really sets a foundation for us in terms of top to bottom, a full class. It's so balanced in the numbers: three linebackers, three DBs, four defensive linemen, a kicker, a quarterback, two tight ends, two running backs and four offensive linemen. So we sort of hit every position group, and we have excellent players at all of those areas.

When you get so many guys at so many positions, did you go into it with a set of needs, or were you trying to build depth across the board?

MD: No, there were key needs. We're relatively a young football team, graduated quite a few players the last two years. We took big linebackers last year that are growing into defensive ends, so we brought outstanding speed linebackers in this year. We had a need in the secondary for certain players, especially at safety with what we had lost in the last couple years. And next year, we have seven seniors in our secondary, so it's always important to bring in quality players at that position for the future. And then you look at the wide receiver position, we've got a good core back, but we needed to expand on our speed in that area.

We only had two quarterbacks on scholarship last year [Brian Hoyer and Kirk Cousins] that could play. Now again, two quarterbacks [Cousins and Keith Nichol], so it was important that we bring a solid quarterback in [Andrew Maxwell]. Our kicker [Brett Swenson] is a senior, so a guy that can kick off consistently into the end zone or to the goal line and a guy that can take over after Swenson leaves, all those things are important. Offensive line, we're losing players as well. So all these individuals have been recruited for a purpose.

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Big Ten players at the NFL combine

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The official list of players invited to the 2009 NFL scouting combine later in Indianapolis has been finalized. The Big Ten will be sending 46 players to Indianapolis from Feb. 18-24.

Not surprisingly, Penn State and Ohio State led the way with eight participants each, followed by Wisconsin (7), Illinois (5) and Iowa (5). Minnesota is the lone Big Ten team not sending a player to Indy.

Here's the team-by-team rundown.

ILLINOIS (5)

• Cornerback Vontae Davis^
• Defensive end Will Davis
• Tackle Xavier Fulton
• Defensive end Derek Walker

INDIANA (1)

• Wide receiver Andrew Means^

IOWA (5)

• Center Rob Bruggeman
• Cornerback Bradley Fletcher
• Running back Shonn Greene^
• Defensive tackle Mitch King
• Guard Seth Olsen

MICHIGAN (4)

• Long snapper Sean Griffin
• Defensive end Tim Jamison
• Defensive tackle Terrance Taylor
• Cornerback Morgan Trent

MICHIGAN STATE (3)

• Quarterback Brian Hoyer
• Running back Javon Ringer
• Safety Otis Wiley

NORTHWESTERN (1)

• Running back Tyrell Sutton

OHIO STATE (8)

• Tackle Alex Boone
• Linebacker Marcus Freeman
• Wide receiver Brian Hartline^
• Cornerback Malcolm Jenkins
• Linebacker James Laurinaitis
• Wide receiver Brian Robiskie
• Cornerback Donald Washington
• Running back Chris Wells^

PENN STATE (8)

• Wide receiver Deon Butler
• Tackle Gerald Cadogan
• Defensive end Maurice Evans^
• Defensive end Aaron Maybin^
• Wide receiver Jordan Norwood
• Cornerback Lydell Sargeant
• Center A.Q. Shipley
• Wide receiver Derrick Williams

PURDUE (4)

• Defensive end Alex Magee
• Wide receiver Greg Orton
• Quarterback Curtis Painter
• Running back Kory Sheets

WISCONSIN (7)

• Tight end Travis Beckum
• Linebacker Jonathan Casillas
• Running back P.J. Hill^
• Guard Andy Kemp
• Linebacker DeAndre Levy
• Defensive end Matt Shaughnessy
• Guard Kraig Urbik

^–Underclassman

Who got snubbed from the combine? Here are a few names surprisingly left off the list: Illinois center Ryan McDonald, Iowa defensive tackle Matt Kroul, Minnesota punter Justin Kucek, Northwestern defensive tackle John Gill, Penn State guard Rich Ohrnberger, Purdue linebacker Anthony Heygood and Wisconsin cornerback Allen Langford.

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Big Ten players step up in Shrine Game win

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The Big Ten's porous bowl record isn't going to change, but the conference got some degree of postseason satisfaction from the East-West Shrine Game this weekend. Several Big Ten players lifted the East squad to a 24-19 victory and likely helped their NFL draft stock in the process.

Among the notables:

• Michigan State quarterback Brian Hoyer completed 3 of 4 passes for 60 yards and led two scoring drives for the East squad. He also had two carries for 14 yards.
• Northwestern running back Tyrell Sutton had 10 carries for 37 yards and a 2-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter that proved to be the winning margin for the East team. Sutton also served as a kick returner, a role he didn't play at Northwestern, and had three runbacks for 82 yards
• Penn State wide receiver Deon Butler led the East team with three receptions for 69 yards, while Purdue's Greg Orton had a 13-yard catch.
• Michigan cornerback Morgan Trent accounted for the game's only turnover when he picked off Central Washington's Mike Reilly.

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Recruiting needs: Michigan State Spartans

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Michigan State took another step forward in 2008 on the field, and the team's upcoming recruiting class should only keep the positive momentum going.

A confluence of key events — consecutive bowl appearances, a new football facility, in-state rival Michigan bottoming out — helped head coach Mark Dantonio and the Spartans build a class stocked with Midwest players that should address several needs on the roster.

Michigan State's biggest losses come in the offensive backfield, where All-American running back Javon Ringer and quarterback Brian Hoyer graduate. The Spartans should be fine at the quarterback spot with Kirk Cousins and Keith Nichol, but they didn't develop anyone behind Ringer, and there should be an opportunity for a promising freshman to play right away.

Wide receiver wasn't the strongest position this season, and though Michigan State returns everyone, namely Mark Dell and Blair White, it could use another player who can stretch the field. The Spartans must replace the right side of their offensive line after losing Roland Martin and Jesse Miller, and they really need to build depth up front.

The defense returns nine starters for 2009, but it won't stop Dantonio from planning ahead. Linebacker depth is vital with Adam Decker heading into his senior season and superstar Greg Jones possibly entering his final year before turning pro. Safety Otis Wiley is a major loss in the defensive backfield, and Michigan State must replace two starters (end Brandon Long and tackle Justin Kershaw) on the line.

Michigan State might not play a ton of freshmen next fall, but its class should solidify depth at running back, offensive line and linebacker.

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Best and worst from the Big Ten bowl season

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Before putting a sleepy Big Ten bowl season to bed, it's time to recognize some of the memorable moments from the last few weeks. Contrary to the 1-6 record, the Big Ten produced its share of highlights. And lowlights.

Here they are.

Best closing performance — Iowa running back Shonn Greene capped a tremendous 2008 season in fitting fashion with his 13th consecutive 100-yard rushing performance. Greene punished South Carolina for 121 rushing yards and three touchdowns in the Outback Bowl. The junior then confirmed what many had believed for months and declared for the NFL draft.

	Scott A. Miller/US Presswire
	Shonn Greene punctuated his college career with a victory over South Carolina.

Best catch — Ross Lane's leaping grab in the back of the end zone secured a 23-yard touchdown and gave Northwestern a 23-20 lead over Missouri entering the fourth quarter of the Alamo Bowl. Lane used his entire 6-foot-3 frame to make the reception and managed to get a foot down before tumbling beyond the end line. His catch would have been the signature image had Northwestern held on for the win.

Best catch by a quarterback — OK, Terrelle Pryor is the only Big Ten signal caller who qualified, but he showed impressive athleticism to haul in a 5-yard fade pass from Todd Boeckman for a touchdown. Ohio State's use of Pryor and Boeckman together gave the offense a boost at times, and Pryor's leaping ability had some wondering whether he would be better used as a wide receiver.

Best preview of the future — Michigan State backup quarterback Kirk Cousins continued to boost his stock for the 2009 season with a solid effort in limited action at the Capital One Bowl. Cousins spelled Brian Hoyer for a series and completed 4 of 5 pass attempts, leading Michigan State into Georgia territory and setting up a long field-goal attempt. Though he'll have to beat out Keith Nichol for the starting job in the offseason, Cousins looked game-ready this fall.

Best performance by a secondary — Iowa's back four continued to cause problems in the Outback Bowl, as they did throughout the second half of the season. Safety Tyler Sash recorded two interceptions and cornerback Bradley Fletcher had an interception and a forced fumble. Cornerback Amari Spievey added a pass breakup as the Hawkeyes flustered South Carolina's Stephen Garcia.

Best comeback: Had Ohio State held on to beat Texas, Boeckman would have been the top story. After sitting on the bench for the final nine regular-season games, Boeckman returned to meaningful action and gave the Buckeyes' offense a much needed boost against Texas. He sparked the offense with a 48-yard pass to Brian Robiskie and hit Pryor for the team's first touchdown.

Worst quarter — The Big Ten's second-quarter blues continued in BCS games as Penn State was outscored 24-0 in the second quarter of the Rose Bowl. Penn State had taken USC's first punch and mounted an impressive scoring drive, but the Nittany Lions committed out-of-character mistakes in the second quarter and couldn't stop Mark Sanchez and the Trojans, who took a 31-7 halftime lead.

Worst turnover — It seems hard to fathom given the final score, but Wisconsin outplayed Florida State for the first quarter of the Champs Sports Bowl and had the ball inside the Noles' red zone early in the second quarter. Quarterback Dustin Sherer attempted a lateral that fell incomplete, and Florida State's Derek Nicholson wisely picked up the ball and raced 75 yards to the end zone. Wisconsin players thought Sherer had thrown an incomplete forward pass and didn't bother to chase Nicholson. They would never catch Florida State.

Worst tackle — Safety Anderson Russell had been one of Ohio State's defensive standouts in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, recording an interception, a forced fumble and a pass breakup to go along with nine tackles. But unfortunately, Russell's lasting image will be a missed tackle on wide receiver Quan Cosby that allowed Texas to score the game-winning touchdown with 26 seconds left. Ohio State had tackled extremely well until the final minute, limiting big plays, but Cosby scooted by Russell and into the end zone.

Worst special teams play — Northwestern's Stefan Demos was supposed to punt the ball out of bounds late in the first half, but his kick instead went high and short, right into the hands of dangerous return man Jeremy Maclin. The Missouri star raced 75 yards to the end zone with a minute left in the half, and Northwestern went to the locker room tied at 10-10 after dominating the first 30 minutes. A missed extra point in the third quarter also stung the Wildcats in their overtime loss.

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Big Ten 2008 offensive line rankings (individual)

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

The team rankings are unquestionably the best gauge of an offensive line, but several individuals stood out and deserve recognition. The Big Ten seemed to be stronger at the interior line spots than at tackle this season.

Here are the Top 10 Big Ten offensive linemen for 2008.

1. Penn State center A.Q. Shipley
Named the Rimington Trophy winner as the nation’s top center, Shipley anchored the Big Ten’s best line and provided critical leadership as a co-captain. The league’s coaches voted him Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year, and I agree with the selection.

2. Penn State guard Rich Ohrnberger
The senior anchored the interior line along with Shipley and promising sophomore Stefen Wisniewski. The third-team AP All-American helped Penn State lead the Big Ten in scoring this fall.

3. Iowa guard Seth Olsen
Iowa developed into one of the league’s best lines, and the veteran Olsen had a key role. A consensus first-team All-Big Ten selection, the senior led a solid interior line that created lanes for Doak Walker Award winner Shonn Greene.

4. Penn State tackle Gerald Cadogan
The fifth-year senior kept pass rushers off of Daryll Clark, as Penn State allowed a league-low 12 sacks this season. Cadogan earned consensus first-team All-Big Ten honors and was a four-time academic all-conference selection.

5. Wisconsin guard Kraig Urbik
Urbik earned consensus second-team All-Big Ten honors for the second consecutive season and creates lanes for P.J. Hill and John Clay in the league’s top rushing attack. The senior remained one of the nation’s top guards and should be a mid-round selection in April’s draft.

6. Ohio State tackle Alex Boone
It wasn’t the greatest year for the Ohio State offensive line or Boone, but he turned in several solid performances. Along with Cadogan, Boone earned first-team All-Big Ten honors and will be drafted in April.

7. Iowa center Rob Bruggeman
The former walk-on ended his career with an All-Big Ten performance as Iowa went 9-4. Bruggeman was a reliable presence in the middle of Iowa’s line and created holes for an excellent between-the-tackles runner.

8. Michigan State guard Roland Martin
Martin earned second-team All-Big Ten honors from the media and helped Javon Ringer become one of the nation’s top running backs. Along with teammate Jesse Miller, Roland anchored the right side of the line and limited sacks against Brian Hoyer.

9. Iowa tackle Bryan Bulaga
A rising star at left tackle, Bulaga will enter 2009 as one of the Big Ten’s top offensive linemen. He helped Shonn Greene’s cause this fall, and an Iowa team built around defense finished second in the league in scoring offense (30.2 points per game).

10. Illinois center Ryan McDonald
McDonald helped the Illini lead the Big Ten in passing and ranked second in total offense. A Rimington Trophy candidate, the senior earned second-team All-Big Ten honors for the second consecutive season.

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