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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Five memorable Big Ten recruiting moments

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

If things pan out as expected, which is never a given in recruiting, Michigan State's 2009 class could be a program-changer.

ESPN's Scouts Inc. currently ranks the Spartans' class 21st nationally, the program's highest rating in quite some time.

As national signing day approaches, here are five recruiting moments from the last five years that made a significant impact on Big Ten teams and/or the league.

1. Terrelle Pryor signs with Ohio State, 2008 – One of the most hyped high school recruits in college football history ended his prolonged courtship by signing with Ohio State six weeks after signing day. Pryor chose the Buckeyes over two other Big Ten schools (Michigan and Penn State) and Oregon, giving Ohio State its quarterback of the future.

2. Illinois inks stellar 2007 class — Despite only four victories in his first two seasons as Illini coach, Ron Zook flexed his recruiting muscle with a superb 2007 haul, ranked 12th nationally by Scouts Inc. Zook's class made national news and brought playmakers like Arrelious Benn, Martez Wilson and Josh Brent to Champaign.

3. Penn State signs Derrick Williams, 2005 — Coming off consecutive losing seasons, Penn State seemed an unlikely destination for Williams, considered the nation's No. 1 prospect. But Williams turned down offers from everywhere to play for the Lions and helped Penn State win 40 games and two Big Ten titles in his career.

4. Iowa signs top-15 class in 2005 — After winning 31 games between 2002-04, Iowa was rewarded in 2005 with one of the nation's top classes. Offensive linemen Dan Doering and Dace Richardson headlined the group along with tight end Tony Moeaki and defensive tackle Alex Kanellis. Unfortunately for the Hawkeyes, the 2005 class hasn't panned out, though some of its less-heralded members (Shonn Greene, Pat Angerer) have stepped up.

5. Roundtree spurns Purdue for Michigan, 2008 — It remains to be seen whether Roy Roundtree becomes a major factor at Michigan, but his eleventh-hour decision to pick the Wolverines after originally committing to Purdue made waves around the league. Purdue coach Joe Tiller sounded off about the need for an early signing date, which would prevent "another outfit with a guy in a wizard hat selling snake oil get a guy at the last minute." Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez joked later at Big Ten media day that he "can't wait to see Joe because I've been working all summer on my new snake-oil concoction."

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Freeman, Williams lead Big Ten in Senior Bowl

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

As was the case throughout the 2008 season, the Big Ten took a backseat to other conferences in the Under Armour Senior Bowl.

The South team beat the North, 35-18, and no Big Ten players were involved in the scoring for the North squad. But there were some bright spots for the Big Ten in the nation's premier postseason all-star showcase.

• Ohio State linebacker Marcus Freeman recorded a game-high eight tackles for the North team. As teammate James Laurinaitis sat out the game, Freeman likely improved his pro stock with a solid effort.
• Penn State wide receiver/return man Derrick Williams racked up a game-high 124 all-purpose yards. Williams had 89 yards on three kickoff returns, including a 44-yard burst. He also had an 11-yard punt return, caught two passes for 19 yards and had a five-yard carry. Williams' speed and versatility certainly will help his cause on draft day.
• Purdue running back Kory Sheets had a team-high seven carries for 31 rushing yards. He also notched the game's longest kickoff return, a 61-yarder in the fourth quarter, and caught four passes out of the backfield. Filling in for injured Michigan State star Javon Ringer, Sheets finally got some national exposure after being overlooked on a poor Purdue team this fall.
• Ohio State wide receiver Brian Robiskie finished as the game's No. 2 receiver with 47 yards on three receptions.
• Iowa defensive tackle Mitch King had four tackles and a quarterback hurry in the game, while Michigan defensive end Tim Jamison had three stops and Purdue defensive end Alex Magee recorded an assisted tackle.

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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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Senior Bowl to feature several Big Ten players

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

The Under Armour Senior Bowl is a can’t-miss stop for NFL talent evaluators, and the Big Ten will be well represented Jan. 24 in Mobile, Ala.

Here’s a list of Big Ten players known to be competing in the game.

• Mitch King, defensive tackle, Iowa
• Derrick Williams, wide receiver, Penn State
• Javon Ringer, running back, Michigan State
• Kraig Urbik, guard, Wisconsin

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A major setback for Penn State, Big Ten

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

	Jeff Gross/Getty Images
	Penn State couldn’t get the ball to Derrick Williams as much as it hoped in a 38-24 loss to USC.

Penn State entered the Cardinal and Gold inferno known as Rose Bowl Stadium in search of national respect for its football program and secondly, its beleaguered conference.

The Nittany Lions ended up getting burned, and so did the Big Ten.

Penn State players had grown tired of hearing how great No. 5 USC was this season. The eighth-ranked Lions don’t have to hear it any more. They experienced it in the Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi.

In a game that would define Penn State and the Big Ten more than any other this postseason, USC beat the Nittany Lions 38-24. The result wasn’t a total surprise, but the way it happened was shocking.

A team that had been so balanced and so disciplined suffered a complete meltdown in the second quarter. After ranking third nationally in fewest penalties, Penn State drew seven flags for 63 yards in the opening half, including an offside call on rush end Aaron Maybin that nullified a USC fumble. Many of the fouls were mental mistakes — late hits, pre-snap penalties — and uncharacteristic of a Joe Paterno-coached, senior-led team. The result was a 31-7 halftime deficit.

Penn State’s defense, a unit ranked third nationally in scoring and fifth in yards allowed, simply didn’t show up.

USC offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian and quarterback Mark Sanchez exposed the Nittany Lions secondary, a weakness all season that was masked by a terrific defensive front seven and a conference with subpar quarterbacks.

Penn State generated minimal pressure on Sanchez, and the USC junior made all the throws against a secondary that reinforced the Big Ten’s slow stereotype. Sanchez silenced his doubters, and created some for Tom Bradley and the Penn State defense.

Recapping the first-half carnage:

• No team had scored more than 24 points against Penn State this season. USC had 31 in the first half.
• The Lions had allowed 24 first-half points combined in their last four games.
• Penn State allowed an average of 168 pass yards per game. Sanchez had 276 in the half.
• Penn State allowed an average of 263.9 yards per game. USC had 341 in the half.

I never thought Penn State would do the things it did in the first half against USC. And yes, I’m the yutz who picked Penn State to win a defensive struggle today.

But that’s what USC does to teams in the Rose Bowl. Perhaps it’s a psychological edge after so many years of winning.

Perhaps the most amazing thing about it all was the fact that Penn State answered USC’s first punch. After the Trojans took a 7-0 lead, quarterback Daryll Clark led a masterful touchdown drive against the nation’s top defense. Clark actually played a good first half, but Penn State couldn’t convert several third-and-short situations and got no help from its defense. The injury to running back Evan Royster certainly hurt, and Penn State couldn’t get the ball to Derrick Williams as much as it hoped.

The second half lacked much drama, but Penn State didn’t quit, especially Clark (273 pass yards, 2 TDs). Unfortunately for the Lions, neither did Sanchez (413 pass yards, 4 TDs).

Head coach Joe Paterno watched it all from the press box. He might have had more fun spending the day at the beach.

Penn State had a great season and likely will enter 2009 as the preseason Big Ten favorite, a dubious distinction. The Nittany Lions will be very solid on defense and with Clark back, they’ll have a chance to erase this stain on their bowl résumé.

If this is the best the Big Ten has to offer, and Penn State earned that designation during the regular season, then the league has some major problems. The Big Ten’s bowl lineup looked murderous, but four double-digit losses is pretty weak.

Three traditional powerhouse programs and major TV markets will always make the Big Ten relevant in college football, but we’re in the dark ages for the conference. The Big Ten hasn’t won a Rose Bowl since 2000 and, like many around college football, can’t find an answer for USC.

Ohio State could dull the pain with a Tostitos Fiesta Bowl win against Texas on Monday, but the Jim Delany’s league has to do some soul searching after the season. The Big Ten entered the 2008 season with a poor national reputation and thus far has done nothing to change it.

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