Sherer brings edge to Badgers’ QB race

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
MADISON, Wis. — When Dustin Sherer moved into Wisconsin's starting quarterback spot midway through last season, head coach Bret Bielema and others remarked on the edge he brought to the huddle.     David Stluka/Getty Images   Fifth-year senior Dustin Sherer hasn't been named the starter for the 2009 season…
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Big Ten lunch links: Lions still sting from USC loss

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
Leftovers from the weekend that was. The Chicago Tribune's Teddy Greenstein has spring questions for every Big Ten team.
Wisconsin's Dustin Sherer is shortening his throwing motion in hopes of winning the team's starting quarterback spot, Jeff Potrykus writes in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Also, the terms free safety and strong safety…
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Big Ten lunch links: Examining Wisconsin’s QBs

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
After no links Tuesday, you're probably starving for these.  Wisconsin's quarterback competition could come down to Dustin Sherer and Curt Phillips, Tom Mulhern writes in the Wisconsin State Journal.  "The coaches seem to be genuinely fired up about [Jon] Budmayr. It will be interesting to see how quickly he picks up things….
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Time for Badgers wideouts to grow up

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
Quarterback play tops Paul Chryst's priorities list this spring, but the Wisconsin offensive coordinator will also keep close tabs on the wide receivers.
The Badgers' struggles at quarterback last fall are well documented, but neither Allan Evridge nor Dustin Sherer got much help from their wideouts. Dropped passes began surfacing in the spring…
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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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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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Badgers end disappointing season with a thud

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

The Champs Sports Bowl marked Wisconsin’s final chance to take the sting off an extremely disappointing season.

After a 42-13 loss to Florida State, the Badgers’ pain won’t go away for some time.

As expected, Florida State was the faster and more athletic team. But speed wasn’t the main reason why Wisconsin got torched in Orlando, Fla.

The quarterback position plagued the Badgers all season, and Dustin Sherer’s struggles Saturday encapsulated the inconsistency under center. Sherer looked overmatched against Florida State’s defense, and his two fumbles that led to Seminoles touchdowns prevented Wisconsin from hanging around. It wasn’t all Sherer’s fault, but the offense couldn’t sustain drives despite gashing Florida State for several big plays.

Offensive coordinator Paul Chryst must do a better job of identifying a capable quarterback in the offseason. The answer might very well be Sherer, but other players certainly deserve a look. Quarterback simply cannot be a liability for a team that shapes its identity around the run game.

Special teams also doomed Wisconsin, thanks to Florida State superstar kicker/punter Graham Gano, who pinned the Badgers back deep throughout the first half. Wisconsin couldn’t do much about Gano, but special teams must be upgraded going into 2009.

The Badgers’ defense put pressure on Christian Ponder in the first half but didn’t make any game-changing plays.

You would never know by the final score, but Wisconsin actually played a pretty good first half. P.J. Hill found running room and Florida State’s offense couldn’t capitalize on favorable field position. The Badgers moved the ball well despite not fully committing to the run. But Derek Nicholson’s head’s-up play to return a Sherer lateral for a touchdown combined with Wisconsin’s inability to manage the clock led to a 14-3 Florida State lead at the break.

I actually picked Wisconsin to win (head banging against wall), but when a team has been disappointing for the better part of 12 games, things usually don’t change in a bowl.

This is a significant blow for Wisconsin, a senior-laden team which entered the season with BCS aspirations after four straight January bowl appearances. The Badgers had more than their share of injuries, but they looked poorly coached at times and seemed to lose confidence in a hurry. Head coach Bret Bielema needs to rebound in 2009.

Wisconsin’s loss won’t change many opinions about the Big Ten. Six games remain, but if the Champs Sports Bowl is any indication, it could be a rough postseason for Big Ten teams.

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Champs Sports Bowl preview

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

The Big Ten bowl season finally kicks off today as Wisconsin (7-5) faces Florida State (8-4) in the Champs Sports Bowl (ESPN, 4:30 p.m. ET). Here’s a quick look at the matchup.

WHO TO WATCH: Wisconsin running backs P.J. Hill and John Clay

The Badgers’ upset hopes rest on the burly backs of Hill and Clay, who respectively rank 48th and 62nd nationally in rushing. The plan calls for Wisconsin to pound the ball and overpower Florida State’s speedier defense with a rushing attack that led the Big Ten and ranks 14th nationally (212 yards per game). Wisconsin had a 100-yard rusher (Hill or Clay) in each of its final four games, and both backs hit triple digits against Michigan State and Indiana.

WHAT TO WATCH: Wisconsin’s offensive line against Everette Brown

Sacks have been a problem at times for quarterback Dustin Sherer, and the Badgers’ mammoth offensive line must keep Brown out of the pocket. Florida State ties for sixth nationally in sacks (3 sacks per game), with Brown and Neefy Moffett leading the way. The Badgers’ line entered the season as one of the team’s strengths. Today is the time to prove it.

WHY TO WATCH: It’s the first Big Ten bowl game

You’ve waited 35 days to see a Big Ten team in action again, longer than any other fan base in college football. Wisconsin isn’t as big an underdog as many of its Big Ten brethren, and despite a disappointing regular season, the Badgers could get the league off to a positive start in the postseason. The game also pits power versus speed, which is always entertaining.

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Sherer brings edge to Badgers’ huddle

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

	AP Photo/Rob Carr
	Wisconsin’s Dustin Sherer throws a pass against Cal Poly Mustangs in the Badgers 36-35 overtime win on Nov. 22.

Dustin Sherer doesn’t understand why his camouflage hat and Lynyrd Skynyrd T-shirt drew so much attention after he was named Wisconsin’s starting quarterback midway through the season.

Badgers head coach Bret Bielema brought up Sherer’s headgear after making the switch, saying it showed the quarterback had a bit of an edge and an attitude, which the offense needed after three consecutive losses to begin Big Ten play.

“I don’t know why they make a big deal out of that, but it’s just me,” said Sherer, a native of Cicero, Ind. “Maybe that’s why I get along with guys so well on this team is because I’m myself.”

But being himself hasn’t always been easy for Sherer at Wisconsin. He had only three pass attempts, one that resulted in an interception, during his first three seasons as a Badger. The only snap he took last year came at the end of a 33-3 rout against Indiana.

The wait nearly prompted Sherer to transfer.

“I was real close,” Sherer said. “[Offensive coordinator Paul] Chryst kind of sniffed it out. He’s kind of the reason I stayed, and I’m glad I did now. Obviously, I’ve gotten my opportunity and he kind of let me run with it.”

After starter Allan Evridge struggled in losses to Ohio State and Penn State, Bielema made the change and started Sherer against Iowa at Kinnick Stadium. It was Sherer’s first start since his senior year of high school and the results weren’t pretty as he threw two interceptions in a 38-16 loss.

Sherer doesn’t sugarcoat his performance — “I couldn’t have gotten any worse,” he said — but he also recognized that beating himself up wasn’t helping matters. He did the same thing during the preseason and lost the quarterback competition to Evridge.

“I got beat out, and it was my fault,” he said. “I was too hard on myself and pressed myself harder than I needed to instead of going out and being me and playing my football. Lately, I’ve tried not to do that and I’ve played well.

“Going into the Iowa game, obviously I hadn’t played in a long time. I really wasn’t myself. I just can’t do that. I have to go out and do my thing and have fun doing what I do and maybe have a little edge about myself.”

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Bowl picks for Champs Sports, Alamo and Insight

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

It’s time to forecast the first three Big Ten bowl games. I finished the regular season with a record of 71-17 (80.7 test), but the bowls provide a much tougher challenge. 

CHAMPS SPORTS BOWL – Wisconsin 27, Florida State 25

This would constitute an upset, given Florida State’s purported edge in speed and the game’s Seminole-friendly location (Orlando, Fla.). Wisconsin will have its hands full trying to contain dominant pass rusher Everette Brown, star safety Myron Rolle and the Seminoles defense, and the Badgers’ offensive line needs to play its best game of the season. But I liked the way Wisconsin’s offense played down the stretch behind quarterback Dustin Sherer, and running backs P.J. Hill and John Clay could wear down Florida State. It certainly could go the other way, but I’m not sold on Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder. The Badgers’ secondary can make plays, and Ponder commits a key turnover that lifts Wisconsin to a much needed win. 

VALERO ALAMO BOWL — Missouri 38, Northwestern 27

Northwestern ended the season playing its best football and continued to make major strides on defense. But this just isn’t a good matchup for the Wildcats, who haven’t faced an offense resembling the high-powered unit led by Chase Daniel, Jeremy Maclin and Chase Coffman. Now there is a legitimate question about Missouri’s mind-set. How motivated will the Tigers be after a fairly disappointing regular season? Northwestern will be prepared and if the Wildcats have the mental edge, they could pull off a significant upset. Senior quarterback C.J. Bacher has one final chance to recapture the form he showed midway through the 2007 season, when he racked up 990 passing yards in a two-week stretch against Michigan State and Minnesota. Missouri’s secondary is a joke, but Bacher won’t be able to avoid interceptions. The Wildcats come up short despite the return of running back Tyrell Sutton. 

INSIGHT BOWL — Kansas 41, Minnesota 24

Teams certainly can make progess during bowl preparation, but Minnesota will have to take a major leap forward after dropping its final four regular-season games. Wide receiver Eric Decker returns to the mix after knee surgery and will provide a nice boost, but Minnesota won’t be able to mask its problems against a more experienced Kansas team. It’ll be interesting to see how the offensive line responds to new coach Tim Davis, but Minnesota’s inability to run the ball and its over-reliance on quarterback Adam Decker make it tough to see the Gophers keeping up with the Jayhawks. Minnesota’s upset hopes hinge on a defense that led the Big Ten in takeaways (30). If a Gophers secondary filled with playmakers causes Todd Reesing to make mistakes, Minnesota should hang around in this one.

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