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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Where’s the love in the Big Ten?

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Valentine's Day is rapidly approaching, and so is spring practice. Fellow bloggers Heather Dinich and Ted Miller passed out roses to teams in their leagues earlier Friday.

I'm not too big on flowers (neither is my fiancée, thankfully), so here are five Valentine's Day gifts for prominent Big Ten figures.

	James Lang/US PRESSWIRE
	Coach Rich Rodriguez would love some improved quarterback play.

1. A quarterback for Rich Rodriguez – Any improvement Michigan makes must start at the quarterback position, which was a disaster for most of 2008. Whether freshmen Tate Forcier or Denard Robinson step up or holdovers Steven Threet or Nick Sheridan elevate their play, Rod deserves a quarterback who can run the spread offense without tripping over his feet.

2. A wide receiver for Daryll Clark – Clark, the Penn State quarterback, loses top targets Derrick Williams, Deon Butler and Jordan Norwood. Butler finished as Penn State's all-time receptions leader, and Williams was a unique talent. Clark is a smart, efficient quarterback, but he needs a capable target to emerge in spring ball. Another offensive lineman would be nice, too.

3. A magic healing potion for Bill Lynch – The Indiana head coach saw his roster completely depleted by injuries last season. Indiana isn't at a point where it can survive a rash of injuries, and Lynch needs his key contributors healthy, particularly in the secondary and along the offensive line. Safeties Austin Thomas and Nick Polk remain out for spring ball, but Indiana should get a few players back in the mix.

4. An offensive identity for Minnesota – There were a lot of changes in the Twin Cities this winter, as the Gophers hired new coordinator Jedd Fisch and new line coach/run-game coordinator Tim Davis. The spread is dead and Fisch wants to run a pro-style system, but Minnesota must improve its run game. There will be an adjustment period for players, but they need to get on the same page fast.

5. A quarterback for Bret Bielema – The quarterback position really hurt Wisconsin last year, and another competition is coming this spring. Game managers have worked at Wisconsin before, but Curt Phillips and Jon Budmayr are solid recruits who can do more. Wisconsin must demand bigger things from its quarterbacks going forward.

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All-Big Ten: Who’s back? Who’s not?

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

As spring practice approaches, it's time to review the 2008 All-Big Ten teams and see who will be back and who won't for the 2009 season. To avoid confusion, I'll stick with the media's picks for all-conference. 

FIRST TEAM

Gone (17)

• RB Shonn Greene, Iowa
• RB Javon Ringer, Michigan State
• C A.Q. Shipley, Penn State
• G Seth Olsen, Iowa
• G Rich Ohrnberger, Penn State
• T Alex Boone, Ohio State
• T Gerald Cadogan, Penn State
• K Kevin Kelly, Penn State
• DT Mitch King, Iowa
• DE Willie VanDeSteeg, Minnesota
• DE Aaron Maybin, Penn State
• LB Brit Miller, Illinois
• LB James Laurinaitis, Ohio State
• CB Vontae Davis, Illinois
• S Otis Wiley, Michigan State
• CB Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State
• CB Allen Langford, Wisconsin 

Back (7)

• QB Daryll Clark, Penn State
• WR Arrelious Benn, Illinois 
• WR Eric Decker, Minnesota
• TE Garrett Graham, Wisconsin
• DE Jammie Kirlew, Indiana
• LB Navorro Bowman, Penn State
• P Zoltan Mesko, Michigan

SECOND TEAM

Gone (14)

• RB Chris "Beanie" Wells, Ohio State
• WR Deon Butler, Penn State
• WR Derrick Williams, Penn State
• C Ryan McDonald, Illinois
• C Rob Bruggeman, Iowa
• G Roland Martin, Michigan State
• G Kraig Urbik, Wisconsin
• T Xavier Fulton, Illinois
• T Jesse Miller, Michigan State
• TE Jack Simmons, Minnesota
• DT Matt Kroul, Iowa
• LB Marcus Freeman, Ohio State
• CB Lydell Sargeant, Penn State
• S Anthony Scirrotto, Penn State

Back (12)

• QB Juice Williams, Illinois
• RB Evan Royster, Penn State
• T Kyle Calloway, Iowa
• K Brett Swenson, Michigan State
• DE Brandon Graham, Michigan
• DE Corey Wootton, Northwestern
• DT Jared Odrick, Penn State
• LB Pat Angerer, Iowa
• LB Greg Jones, Michigan State
• CB Traye Simmons, Minnesota
• S Kurt Coleman, Ohio State
• P Aaron Bates, Michigan State

Teams most affected by All-Big Ten losses: Penn State (9), Ohio State (5), Iowa (5)

Teams returning most All-Big Ten players: Penn State (4), Michigan State (3)

Positions most affected by losses: Tackle (4), guard (4), cornerback (4), center (3), running back (3)

Positions returning most All-Big Ten selections: Quarterback (2), wide receiver (2 first teamers), linebacker (3), punter (2)

Notes

• Co-champ Ohio State returns only one All-Big Ten selection (Coleman). Freshman of the Year Terrelle Pryor also is back.
• No team returns two first-team All-Big Ten selections.
• Michigan State returns both of its all-conference specialists.  
• For the second straight year, the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year was a junior running back who entered the NFL draft. Iowa's Greene followed Illinois' Rashard Mendenhall in 2007. 

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Penn State lands wide receiver Brown

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Wide receiver could be Penn State's biggest question mark heading into 2009 after the program lost three multiyear starters: Derrick Williams, Deon Butler and Jordan Norwood. 

The Nittany Lions took a big step toward filling the void this afternoon as wide receiver Justin Brown from Wilmington, Del., announced he would play for head coach Joe Paterno. Brown chose Penn State over Rutgers and becomes the fourth wide receiver in the Lions' 2009 class.

The 6-3, 209-pound Brown ranks as the nation's 22nd best receiver, according to ESPN's Scouts Inc. 

Penn State's class likely is complete with 27 members, headlined by top defenders Glenn Carson and Darrell Givens.  

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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: Penn State Nittany Lions

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Much like Ohio State, Penn State says goodbye to a decorated senior class and a difference maker (Aaron Maybin) who will enter the NFL draft early.

And like the Buckeyes, the Nittany Lions will rely on their incoming recruiting class to fill holes and provide depth. Though Penn State won't be nearly as young as Ohio State next fall, it could use a strong recruiting haul to continue the momentum from 2008.

Linebacker U. should live up to its reputation in 2009 with Navorro Bowman and Sean Lee, but Penn State needs help in the secondary and at defensive end.

The Rose Bowl exposed the problems in the secondary, and with all four starters to replace, the Lions need upgrades from their incoming class. A.J. Wallace should fill one cornerback spot and Drew Astorino looks ready at safety, but there will be plenty of competition.

Defensive end suddenly became a need after both Maybin and former first-team All-Big Ten selection Maurice Evans opted to turn pro. Penn State is stacked at defensive tackle but needs an edge rusher or two to offset the lost sacks production.

Wide receiver undoubtedly is the biggest need on offense after the losses of Derrick Williams, Deon Butler and Jordan Norwood. The three wideouts were extremely productive the last four seasons, and though Penn State has some solid holdovers, it could use a speedster to stretch the field. Penn State also must replace three starters from the Big Ten's best offensive line and will try to build depth with the incoming class.

Quarterback became an unexpected need after backup Pat Devlin transferred in December, but Penn State seems to have found Daryll Clark's successor in commit Kevin Newsome. The Lions also lose kicker Kevin Kelly, a four-year starter, and need a replacement.

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Shrine Game to include 14 Big Ten players

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

The rosters are complete for the East-West Shrine Game, and 14 Big Ten players have been selected for the East squad. The game takes place Jan. 17 in Houston (ESPN2, 4 p.m. ET).

I made a mistake in an earlier post and listed Wisconsin guard Kraig Urbik as a Shrine Game participant. It’s actually Badgers guard Andy Kemp. Urbik will play in the Senior Bowl.

Here’s the full rundown of Big Ten players.

• Greg Orton, wide receiver, Purdue
• Deon Butler, wide receiver Penn State
• Brian Hoyer, quarterback, Michigan State
• DeAndre Levy, linebacker, Wisconsin
• Tyrell Sutton, running back, Northwestern
• Otis Wiley, safety, Michigan State
• Morgan Trent, cornerback, Michigan
• Kory Sheets, running back, Purdue
• A.Q. Shipley, center, Penn State
• Terrance Taylor, defensive tackle, Michigan
• Alex Boone, offensive tackle, Ohio State
• Seth Olsen, guard, Iowa
• Andy Kemp, guard, Wisconsin
• Matt Shaughnessy, defensive end, Wisconsin

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Big Ten year-end wide receiver/tight end rankings

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

Only one Big Ten team (Illinois) ranked in the top 25 nationally in pass offense, so this was anything but an explosive year for the league’s wide receivers and tight ends. Subpar quarterback play had a role, as did injuries (Travis Beckum). Here’s a look at the best of an average bunch, as well as my preseason rankings for wide receivers/tight ends.

1. Eric Decker, Minnesota – The junior turned in an excellent season that would have looked even more impressive if not for an ankle injury Nov. 1 against Northwestern. Decker, who will play slot receiver in the NFL next season or in 2009, led the Big Ten and ranked 16th nationally in receptions. His blocking ability makes him even more attractive to pro teams. 

2. Arrelious Benn, Illinois – Benn came on strong in Big Ten play, racking up 45 receptions for 794 yards and three touchdowns in eight league games. A likely candidate to turn pro after the 2009 season, Benn averaged 17.6 yards per catch in conference games and solidified himself as Juice Williams’ top option. 

3. Deon Butler, Penn State – The former walk-on finished his college career with a flourish, leading Penn State in receptions (43), receiving yards (713) and touchdowns (7). Butler became Penn State’s all-time receptions leader (175) and ranks second in career receiving yards (2,674) and third in touchdown receptions (22). 

4. Derrick Williams, Penn State — Williams’ value went far beyond what he did as a wide receiver. Though he contributed to Penn State’s passing attack with 40 receptions and 451 yards, his impact on returns, as a ballcarrier and as a part-time quarterback in the “Wild Lion” offense was even greater. The former nation’s No. 1 recruit played his best football in the twilight of his career.

5. Desmond Tardy, Purdue — It wasn’t a banner year for the Purdue offense, but Tardy did his part, particularly in Big Ten play. The senior finished third in receiving yards in league games (510). He eclipsed 100 receiving yards in four games, including each of the final two.

6. Greg Orton, Purdue — Orton helped fill the void left by Dorien Bryant with a team-high 69 catches, which ranked second in the Big Ten behind Decker. He was reliable if not overly flashy and settled into the possession-receiver role in the Boilermakers’ offense.

7. Blair White, Michigan State — Wide receiver was a major concern for Michigan State entering the season, and White came out of nowhere to become Brian Hoyer’s top option in Big Ten play. Only Arrelious Benn had more receiving yards in Big Ten play than White (568), who averaged a blistering 17.1 yards per reception. 

8. Eric Peterman, Northwestern — Peterman led Northwestern in receiving for the second consecutive season and recorded all five of his touchdown receptions in Big Ten play. He made big plays at key points and seemed to finish the season playing his best football.

9. Garrett Graham, Wisconsin — Beckum’s injury really hurt the Wisconsin passing game, but Graham did a nice job of stepping up. He was the Badgers’ only reliable option and led Big Ten tight ends with 37 receptions for 478 yards and five touchdowns. 

T-10 Brandon Myers, Iowa — The Hawkeyes had the nation’s best running back (Shonn Greene) and didn’t need to pass much, but Myers made his mark with 30 receptions and four touchdowns. The senior tight end earned first-team All-Big Ten honors from the league’s coaches and helped Iowa reach a New Year’s Day bowl. 

T-10. Brian Robiskie, Ohio State — He certainly had higher expectations for his senior year and probably thought Todd Boeckman, not Terrelle Pryor, would be throwing him the ball. But under the circumstances, Robiskie performed adequately and grabbed a league-high eight touchdown receptions. 

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Penn State Nittany Lions season recap

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

After an offseason dominated by talk of disciplinary problems and Joe Paterno’s viability as a coach, Penn State shifted the spotlight back to where it matters, the football field.

The Nittany Lions were unquestionably the Big Ten’s best team this fall, blending a dynamic offense with a resolute defense to finish 11-1. For the second time in four seasons, Penn State emerged with a league title and came a flicker away from competing for the national championship.

As for Paterno? Despite a bum hip he injured while demonstrating an onsides kick in preseason practice, the 81-year-old once again proved that it’s foolish to question his coaching ability.

The Spread HD system provided a crystal-clear picture for Penn State’s offense, which surged behind a first-year starter at quarterback (Daryll Clark), a first-year starter at running back (Evan Royster), three multiyear starters at wide receiver (Derrick Williams, Deon Butler and Jordan Norwood) and a veteran-laden offensive line. Drawing comparisons to Penn State’s record-setting 1994 offense, the unit ranked 11th nationally in scoring (40.2 ppg), eclipsing 34 points in all but two games.

The defense lost key pieces to injury, suspension and dismissal, but an underrated unit showed remarkable depth, particularly up front. Defensive end Aaron Maybin emerged as Penn State’s next dominant pass rusher, and linebacker Navorro Bowman filled the void left by Sean Lee. The Lions’ defense ranked fourth nationally in scoring (12.4 ypg) and fifth in yards allowed (263.9 ypg).

Despite a near perfect season, Penn State didn’t get much national respect. A Rose Bowl win against USC would change things.

Offensive MVP — Quarterback Daryll Clark

After outlasting Pat Devlin for the starting job, Clark immediately took ownership of the offense. A perfect fit for the Spread HD system, Clark accounted for 26 touchdowns (17 pass, 9 rush) and threw only four interceptions in 285 pass attempts. The consensus first-team All-Big Ten selection brought excellent leadership to the huddle and showed great discipline. Royster and Williams also deserve to be mentioned here.

Defensive MVP — Defensive end Aaron Maybin

No position group lost more during the summer and the early part of the fall than the defensive line, but Maybin stepped in and stepped up. The redshirt sophomore led the Big Ten in sacks (12) and ranked third in tackles for loss (19). He was a consensus first-team all-conference selection, an All American and a finalist for the Bednarik Award. Bowman and defensive tackle Jared Odrick also should be recognized here.

Turning point — Oct. 11 at Wisconsin

Like Ohio State, Penn State had multiple turning points, including a 24-23 loss at Iowa that knocked it out of the national title race. But a trip to Camp Randall Stadium allowed Penn State to establish itself as a legitimate championship contender and the Big Ten’s top dog. The Lions handed Wisconsin its worst home loss since 1989 and won in dominating fashion, as it did for most of the season (10 wins by 14 points or more).

What’s next

The Lions have an excellent opportunity to show they shouldn’t be grouped in with the Big Ten’s recent BCS failures by upsetting USC at the Rose Bowl. Despite an 11-1 mark with the lone blemish a 1-point road loss in the final minute, Penn State’s dominant season hasn’t resonated nationally. Next fall the Lions must replenish itself at wide receiver, in the secondary and along the offensive line, but Clark, Royster, Bowman, Maybin and Lee return to lead a team that once again will contend for a BCS bowl berth.

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