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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Illini lose out on Wingo

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Running back Ronnie Wingo announced today that he will play his college ball at Arkansas. 

Wingo selected the Razorbacks over Missouri and Illinois, which finished third in the running. He would have been a solid pickup for the Illini, who plucked another running back, Jason Ford, from the St. Louis area last season. Ford became a key contributor as a true freshman. 

Illinois has two other running backs committed — Bud Golden and Greg Fuller — for its 2009 class. 

Wingo was ranked as the nation's 34th-best running back by ESPN's Scouts Inc. 

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Illinois Football 2008: The Big Orange Waste

For the second time in my life, Illinois, fresh off a BCS Bowl, has pushed itself right back into the mediocrity pit.

In 2002, the Illini posted a 5-7 record after going to the Sugar Bowl the prior year.  This season, Illinois finished with a similar 5-7 whimper after their performances against Ohio State and Northwestern.  One can’t help but wonder about the connection.

Step forward, fall back.

Oh, but this season was supposed to be different.  Linebacker Brit Miller told us so: “We don’t want to be that class that’s remembered for a 6-6 year.”(1)  Well, congrats, Brit, you won’t be.

This year was supposed to be it, the year Illinois as a program would finally sustain long-term Big Ten success, to nose their big orange nose back in with the top of the conference.

Junior quarterback Juice Williams was finally coming into his own and started – gasp – Heisman buzz after overshadowing Chase Daniel in the opener.  Martez Wilson, 5-star recruit, was supposed to light up the Big Ten as a sophomore.  Will Davis?  Leader on one of the best defensive lines in the country.  Safeties, offensive linemen, running backs?  More than enough talent to replace what departed, they told us.

A funny thing happened on the way back to Pasadena.

With a Swiss-cheese defense and a running game that intimidated nobody, Illinois beat only four Division I teams, only three from the Big Ten, and only one that will go bowling this year, a close-cut win over rivals Iowa at home.

They lost to Western Michigan.

They lost to a Wisconsin team that had lost four straight and beat Cal-Poly by one point.  In overtime.

They gift-wrapped a game to Minnesota at home.

Even with the blessing of Michigan’s worst team since Bo Schembechler arrived in Ann Arbor, Illinois finished 5-7.  They’re the first Big Ten Rose Bowl squad not to go bowling the next year in decades.

Martez Wilson?  Big Ten doesn’t know he exists.  Juice Williams?  Interception-crazy and inconsistent in his leadership.  The lines?  Let’s just say no one’s going to be writing about them next preseason, and don’t even get me started on the pass defense.

Aside from Miller, WR Arrellious Benn, S Donsay Hardeman, and perhaps CB Vontae Davis, no one impressed with any kind of consistency.  The running-back-by-committee approach couldn’t hold a candle to one Rashard Mendenhall.  The coaches, likewise, lost many admirers with another season of questionable decisions and fundamental gaffes.

This was supposed to be the year that Ron Zook’s superior recruiting was supposed to shine, with seniors who’ve known no other coach and his first renowned class entering their third years.  It wasn’t just with the top-ranked studs like Wilson, either, but also with the lower-ranked players Zook brought in, heralded as diamonds in the rough.

Instead, it appears we might have some dull, Ron Turner-style duds.

No one in 2002 wanted to chase Turner from the program.  Everyone said that he deserved a chance and his superior coaching skills would turn the ship right back towards the top of the Big Ten.  Instead, we sank to the bottom.

I don’t think that will happen with Zook, but there’s certainly little sign that the program is anywhere near where we thought.

In the end, Illinois fans must come to terms with the fact that last season’s team was a 7-5 team who went 9-3 while this year’s team was a 7-5 team that went 5-7. Unfortunately, that puts a downward trend on recruiting; and indeed, today, highly-sought-after LB Hiawatha Bell announced he would attend North Carolina instead of Illinois.

The Fighting Illini still have plenty of top recruits lined up for next year.  They’re currently 5th by most evaluations among Big Ten schools for ‘09 recruiting, and many expect them to move ahead of the crumbling Michigan program.  Guys like DE Craig Drummond and QB Nathan Scheelhaase look to be promising prospects for the future, and younger players like DT Corey Liuget, WRs AJ Jenkins and Fred Sykes, and RB Jason Ford have already made a positive impact on the field.

But for now, we as fans have no choice but to declare the season an absolute waste of everything.  Momentum?  Gone.  The claim to be an on-the-rise program?  Vanished.  Returning All-Big-10 players on defense?  Good-bye.  Legitimate Rose hopes?  Not for a few years now.  First Illinois team to go bowling in back-to-back years since Makovic?  Here’s looking at you, 2010.

Perhaps it was just a bad year to wear orange.  Tennessee, Syracuse, Clemson, and not even Texas are where they want to be right now.  Perhaps there were off-the-field issues that haven’t come to light, struggles between coaches and players, or emotional cancers in the locker room.  Perhaps the filming of The Journey distracted the team from their task on the field.

I just feel it was a wasted season, to be on the threshold of turning the corner, complete with a beautifully renovated stadium and a self- proclaimed “Illini Renaissance” only to run and hide from even the desperate Motor City Bowl Committee.

Step forward, fall back.

Illinois football.

It’ll be a long offseason.

(1) Daniel Johnson “Illini Senior Linebacker Brit Miller Talks Rantoul, the Big Ten, and Belly Flops.”  Daily Illini.  7/29/2008. 

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Buckeyes clear their last pre-Michigan obstacle, 30-20

It took the Buckeyes awhile to finally put the game away, but a 4th quarter touchdown drive to pad the 2nd half lead to 17 was eventually the game sealer in Ohio State’s 30-20 victory today in Champaign.  With it, the Buckeyes exact some much needed revenge on the Zookers for last season’s upset in Columbus and add to the woes this season for the Illini.  The Illini, last year’s Rose Bowl representative from the Big Ten, is now 5-6 and a road loss to Northwestern away from becoming the first Big Ten team to play in the Rose Bowl one year and finish under .500 the next (Michigan 1965).

Turnovers were the story of the day for the Illini.  Juice’s first play from the Illini’s first drive from scrimmage resulted in a fumble and Terrelle Pryor rushing touchdown.  Later, Malcolm Jenkins blocked his second punt of the season, which was good for a safety and 9-7 lead.  The ensuing short kickoff set up the Buckeyes at the Illini’s 3 yard line and the Buckeyes made good for yet another score — this one on the ground by Beanie.  Later, a certain scoring drive for the Illini was ended by a Kurt Coleman interception.  The ensuing Ohio State drive ended with a Dane Sanzenbacher touchdown.  After taking a 23-7 lead (later a 23-13 halftime lead), the Illini were unable to play catchup.

But controlling for those mistakes, our defense was absolutely torched by big plays in this game.  Juice Williams had 193 yards throwing and two TDs (1 INT), though more than one of those TDs and 50 of those yards came on Ohio State’s obligatory garbage time touchdown drive on defense.  The Illini’s production on the ground was even more embarrassing.  The Illini used a balanced rushing attack from Juice and the two tailbacks (Dufrene and Ford) to rack up 214 yards rushing.  In total, the Illini outgained the Buckeyes 455 to 354.  Still, the Buckeyes won were it counted most, I guess.

Offense

Terrelle Pryor had an outstanding game, though most of his production came on the ground.  His 13 carries for 110 yards was good for second best on the team, behind you know who.  Further, like the Northwestern game the week before, his big plays were absolute backbreakers for Illinois’ defense.  His touchdown run came on 3rd and goal at the one.  His 20yd touchdown throw to Dane Sanzenbacher on the Buckeyes’ 4th offensive series came on 3rd and 5.  Lastly, on the Buckeyes’ first series of the second half, Terrelle Pryor gained 18 yards and a first down on 3rd and 13.

Of course, there’s not a lot to read into the Buckeye passing game because the Buckeyes ran 52 times, allowing Pryor only 10 passing plays.  The casual Buckeye fan would see that disparity and assume only the most banal, stubborn playcalling — an observation without a lot of validity.  What made the rushing game work was some creative misdirection and playcalling by the coaching staff.  The second down call near the goal line on the Buckeyes’ first scoring drive was a shotgun QB off-tackle run with Beanie as lead blocker.  The eventual touchdown was a misdirection fake dive to Boom Herron (I believe) that set up Pryor’s bootleg and walk into the end zone.  Further, the QB draws were an uncommon wrinkle in the Buckeyes’ rushing attack and we saw them a lot this game.  The end result: a lot of rushing plays that worked precisely because the Illini hadn’t seen them before.  It doesn’t hurt to have a guy who runs like a gazelle for a tailback and a guy who runs like an armoured personnel carrier for a tailback.

Also helping the Buckeye rushing attack: the offensive line.  The offensive line didn’t dominate this game, but it did much more than it did against Northwestern the week earlier.  Instead of piling up yards in spite of the offensive line, Beanie was the beneficiary of some blocking up front with Alex Boone looking to be most productive member of that unit.  The running lanes were definitely there, but I still saw some things that worried me.  For the first game this season (perhaps with Penn State as an exception), it seems Michael Brewster was pushed around a lot this game by the Illini’s tackles.  Brewster had been a reliable and consistent performer on the line this season after having been thrown into the mix following the USC game.  He is a freshman and I’m sure that it’ll be learning experience in the long run.  But for this game, it seems like players like fellow freshman Corey Liuget got the better of him.  Steve Rehring has also been slow to pull on plays.

Beanie was exceptional this game, though his fumble to end the Buckeyes’ first drive of the game cost Ohio State at least 3 points and came at a time when most of us were sick to our stomach over the performance of the defense.  Earlier that drive, though, his hurdling of Donsay Hardeman was nothing short of divine.  As it was, he played a leading role in adding to Ohio State’s outstanding 305 yards rushing on the game with 24 carries, 143 yards and a touchdown.  Boom Herron, while not quite Beanie, came in when it looked like Beanie may have tweaked his hammie (oh please no).  He doesn’t have that “Jim Brown incarnate” quality to him, but Boom added 29 yards rushing and showed why Ohio State’s rushing attack should be in good hands should Beanie choose to go pro after this season.

Pryor completed 6 of what was only 10 passing attempts on the game, good for 49 yards.  Ergo, there’s not a lot of superlative to hand out to the receivers.  Hartline was the busiest when his end-arounds are also considered.  He did have a drop, though.  Dane Sanzenbacher led all receivers with 2 catches for 22 yards and a touchdown.  20 of those 22 came on the touchdown reception.  He also took more shots this game, and I’m sure he can’t wait until the Michigan game is over in order to use the month-long layoff to unscramble his brains.

Defense

There had to have been over 20 missed tackles by the Buckeyes this game, and a lot of that was responsible for extended Illinois drives and even touchdowns.  It was far and away the most frustrating element to the defensive performance this game because there was still pressure exerted on Juice Williams (or the backup McGee) by the defensive line.  Yet, the defensive line itself appears to be a mixed bag.  I think they did a great job in getting penetration to take away the interior on rushing plays.  Where rushing yards were piled up on the read option  from the snap — and there were lots of them — the responsibility mostly appeared to be missed tackles or over pursuit by the linebackers and defensive backs.  Further, some of the bigger plays by Dufrene, the Illini’s leading rusher on the game, came in the first drive where the Buckeyes looked totally confused (sigh…) by the no-huddle hurry-up stuff by the Illini.  In terms of Xs and Os, the interior of that line did its job in defending the read option and forcing Juice to keep it.  Heyward led all players in that unit with 7 tackles (2 solo).  Nader Abdallah didn’t have a huge game, but I thought he played well (2 asst tackles and a fumble recovery).

That said, pass rushing still leaves a lot to be desired and that’s where I think the defensive line struggled the most this game.  Juice Williams was sacked only twice, with one of those being a split sack by Worthington and Laurinaitis.  In passing situations, the defensive line was unable to get to Juice with a 4 man rush.  Where they were able to get to him or force him out of the pocket, they were unable to tackle him.  I hate to say it, but in these situations, the defensive line looked… yes… slow.

I don’t know what to make of the linebackers’ performance, collectively at least.  Laurinaitis was second on the team with 8 tackles (5 solo, including the shared sack with Worthington).  He also stripped one of the Illini tailbacks (Jason Ford, I think), though that ball was recovered by another Illinois player on their first drive of the second half.  In short, Laurinaitis had yet another of his workman-type effort games.  The guy gets dogged on by other Big Ten fans, and sometimes by our own fanbase for falling short of AJ Hawk-level expectations, but Laurinaitis is always working, always thinking and always doing.  I’m not sure what to make of the performance of Freeman and Homan.  Freeman was third on the team with 8 tackles (4 solo), but it seems that missed tackles haunted him.  I wonder how much he’s really hindered by his bum ankle.  He did force the Juice fumble in the first quarter, though.  Homan (2 tackles, 1 solo) only had his name called once, but it was off a delicious Juice sack for an 8 yard loss.  It wasn’t necessarily Homan’s spectacular play there, but just a great playcall by Heacock.  Heacock sent both Laurinaitis and Homan on a blitz, with only Illinois’ center there to pick his poison.  He went with the award winning linebacker, giving Homan a clear shot on Juice.

The secondary certainly got a workout with all the missed tackles.  Kurt Coleman, strong safety, led all defenders with 11 tackles (6 solo) and came up with the fortuitous interception to end what was otherwise a very promising drive for the Illini.  Tyler Moeller certainly caught the eye filling in for the injured Jermale Hines at nickelback.  His 7 tackles (5 solo) were good for 4th best on the day for the defense.  Further, he came on more than a few blitzes, finishing with two TFLs.  Moreover, while Freeman actually jarred the ball loose, Moeller gets the stat for the forced fumble in the first quarter (see above picture).  Elsewhere, Malcolm Jenkins showed that, in spite of just 2 tackles on the day, his 3 pass breakups and blocked punt will underscore why he probably won’t regret coming back for his senior year.

Miscellaneous Thoughts

• I hate Michigan.  I hate Michigan with every aching muscle in this tired body of mine.  That is the real enemy; this is the primary objective.  With Illinois out of the way, I now have 6.5 days left in this all too short week to explore the depths of my soul and fully grasp, as a guy who now owns a blog, the menacing specter that the very existence of this haunting, holistic apparition that we label “Michigan” poses to my very essence… to my very being.
• It’s odd that we haven’t called on Nathan Williams or Thaddeus Gibson much the past two games.  Instead, Abdallah, Heyward and even Worthington have been getting the recognition in that unit.
• For the second straight week, the Pasch-Ware coverage of an Ohio State game has been somewhat frustrating.  Most importantly, I don’t care to watch some low income nobody among the Illini fanbase cooking some kind of “food” contraption while a costly holding penalty gets called on an Ohio State lineman and I don’t get to hear who it was.
• On the topic of Ware, his “Ware It Out” segment on the BCS was also cause for consternation… at least when you consider how he comes off in his comments to be overly critical of Ohio State getting any kind of perceived preferential treatment over Utah or Boise State in at-large selections.  True, it would not be fair for Ohio State to get any kind preferential treatment by virtue of marquee value or travel considerations because that would corroborate my observation that the BCS is a glorified country club.  But in the same breath, while Andre Ware doesn’t want Ohio State getting that preferential treatment, he also wants the Big 12 and the SEC to get 3 teams in each?  He did say that.  There’s two ways to interpret that, and Andre Ware is free to own up to any one of them: A) Andre Ware is against Ohio State getting an at-large bid [fair enough] and is couching this viewpoint in an inconsistent logic or B) Andre Ware is an idiot.
• We’ll all have to watch to see what comes from the Beanie and Abdallah injuries.  We’ll watch with baited breath if Beanie pulled a hammie while I think Abdallah went down with a cramp.  His injury didn’t look too serious.
• The Illini certainly were chippy this game.  More importantly, they still lost.  Suck it, Vontae Davis.
• On Beanie, part of me really wishes he would go pro after this season.  It’s not for fear that his injury problems might hurt us next year and throw off our offense, just that with how fragile the big backs are in the NFL, I’d hate to think him feeling he had to come back would result in another injury that could compromise his draft stock or, worse yet, his career.  If he decides to go pro after this season and secure his money, I don’t think any Buckeye fan would blame him.  I certainly wouldn’t.  Instead, I’d fondly remember one of the best tailbacks of my generation and one of the all-time greats in Ohio State history.
• I’m hoping the Illini were taking notes on how the game ended.  More importantly, an important conference road win doesn’t have to be celebrated with by a flag-planting ceremony at midfield.  Did you see that, Ron Zook?  I’m hoping you did.
• With Penn State winning today against Indiana, the Buckeyes can hope for no greater than a shared conference crown.  Either Penn State or Michigan State will finish the season with only one conference loss.
• Illinois finishes up next week at Evanston… a game that Mike Kafka may not make on account of a concussion suffered against Michigan today.  A loss would make them bowl ineligible.
• More news and notes to be found here.  Such as: Dane Sanzenbacher’s TD catch was the first of the season and only the second of his career.  The first of his career came against Youngstown State last year, his first career game.

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Halftime update: Ohio State 23, Illinois 13

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Jim Tressel has to be pleased with what he has seen, for the most part.

Most of Tressel’s teams at Ohio State have been defined by rushing the football, limiting turnovers and winning the special-teams battle. Ohio State is succeeding in all three areas today.

Quarterback Terrelle Pryor and running back Chris “Beanie” Wells are consistently finding running room against an Illini defense that has leveled some nice hits today and performed decently under the circumstances. Pryor is scary good, folks, and he showed his scrambling ability (35-yard run) and passing touch (20-yard scoring strike to Dane Sanzenbacher) on a masterfully executed 76-yard touchdown drive.

Last year, Illinois’ Juice Williams stole the show in Columbus, but the junior quarterback has committed two turnovers, both of which led to Ohio State touchdowns. The Buckeyes are blitzing a ton, and though Illinois is moving the ball well, Williams has been forced into some tough spots.

Special teams has been arguably the biggest factor so far. Malcolm Jenkins’ punt block for a safety changed the game, and Illinois had a pooch kick and a poor free kick that gave Ohio State great field position. Aside from freshman kicker Matt Eller (two field goals), Illinois has been terrible on special teams.

If Tressel has a reason to be worried, its his defense.

Illinois’ no-huddle has proved very effective, and the Illini racked up 292 yards in the first half. Williams, Daniel Dufrene and Jason Ford all have found room to run, and Illinois has experimented a bit, putting Eddie McGee at quarterback for a play before bringing back Williams. Wideout Jeff Cumberland, a Columbus native, has made several nice plays.

But moving the ball between the 20s and settling for field goals won’t get it done against Ohio State. Illinois needs to start finishing drives.

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1Q update: Ohio State 9, Illinois 7

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — If Illinois could get the ball out of its own end, it might able to hang around in this game.

Two critical mistakes have led to both Ohio State scores, and Illinois’ struggles on special teams have given the Buckeyes a chance to add on.

Ohio State cornerback Malcolm Jenkins continued his stellar season, blocking an Anthony Santella punt through the end zone for a safety. It marked Jenkins’ second blocked punt of the season — the other resulted in a Buckeyes touchdown against Purdue — and changed the complexion of what had been a pretty even game.

Illinois has actually run the ball well against the Big Ten’s No. 2 rush defense, racking up 97 yards in the first quarter. Freshman Jason Ford and junior Daniel Dufrene gashed Ohio State during an impressive 82-yard touchdown drive. But Juice Williams‘ fumble on Illinois’ second possession set up an Ohio State touchdown, and the Buckeyes are driving again following a poor free kick by the Illini. Terrelle Pryor and Chris “Beanie” Wells will be able to run on this defense.

The Buckeyes are doing what they do best, converting opponents’ mistakes into points. Illinois has come out energized, as it usually does against Ohio State, but it can’t afford many more mistakes.

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Open Thread: Illinois

The Buckeyes and Illini are set to kickoff at noon (ET, eleven for us CTers) tomorrow under the loving eyes of Andre Ware and Dave Pasch.  The game will also be the first meeting since the Illini came into Columbus last year and knocked off the Buckeyes on Ohio State’s Senior Day.  Now, the Buckeyes hope to give the Zookers their come-uppins in Champaign for Illinois’ senior day.

The game also pits two teams heading in vastly different directions, while still falling short of preseason expectations.  Ohio State, tagged to be a worldbeater preseason, was routed by USC and lost at home to Penn State.  Still, the Buckeyes have performed well throughout the rest of the season and are on the path to earning a share of a 4th consecutive Big Ten title.  Illinois, on the other hand, has had a season that I’m hoping has made Ron Zook begrudge him ever letting a reality TV show — The Journey — be constructed around it.  Their defense was blitzed by Chase Daniel for the second consecutive year, they lost at home to Minnesota, were bombarded by Penn State and beaten by lowly Wisconsin.  To make matters worse, they decided to become the Big Ten’s newest MAC casualty this season by losing to Western Michigan in Detroit the week before.  In short, they’re 5-5 and are finishing their season against a potential conference champion (Ohio State) and a potential January bowl team (Nerdwestern).  They could just as well be spending their holidays at home.  Illinois is certainly missing J Leman.

We all miss him.

For the second straight week, the Buckeye defense will have to deal with a spread-ish offense run by a mobile quarterback.  For those of us who remember Kafka’s Tim Tebow impersonation early into the game last week and the defensive debacle last year against the Illini in Columbus, I’m sure we’ll all be watching with baited breath to see what will transpire when Illinois has the ball.  That said, there is definitely cause for optimism.  After Kafka ran wild on the 4-5 wide shotgun QB draws on the first drive of the game, he was stuffed for practically the rest of the game.  Further, Heacock’s defenses don’t exclusively feature the passive zone coverage that doomed them in important stretches last year.

Perhaps most importantly, though, Illinois’ offense just isn’t what it was last year.  Rashard Mendenhall’s departure for the NFL left a two-man tailback tandem in his wake.  Daniel Dufrene — who had the big gain fumble on Illinois’ first play from scrimmage — and freshman Jason Ford have done an admirable job in lieu of the explosive Mendenhall.  Yet, they just aren’t Rashard Mendenhall and it’s showing both in the stats and in the wins-losses column.  Accordingly, with Mendenhall’s departure mostly uncompensated for at the tailback position, Juice Williams has had an incredible burden in leading the offense.  He, and not Dufrene, is the Illini’s leading rusher this season, though it’s a slim margin (577 yards to 575 yards).  Further, it seems the Illini offense is struggling with the fact that lightning just may not strike twice.  After finally accruing the talent to run the zone-read option plays, Illinois’ offense barnstormed through most foes — including us — last season before being kicked in the jimmy by the Trojans in Pasadena.  But it seems like opposing defenses are catching up to the Illini’s schemes, which, in conjunction with Mendenhall’s absence, has forced Juice Williams into more passing situation.  While he has two games over 400 yards passing, Juice’s TD-INT ratio is not good (20-14).  His performance has also been cause for public criticism from Ron Zook.

Illinois’ defense has also been underwhelming this season and some of the stats that buttress that observation are surprising.  They are 72nd nationally in points per game surrendered (26.2) and they are 75th nationally in defensive passing efficiency.  In the aforementioned MAC Experience last week in Detroit, Western Michigan’s QB was 28/40 for 301 yards and two touchdowns.  What makes these numbers more confusing is that the Illini’s defense is not wanting for talent.  Indeed, it seems like they have a stud at every position.  The weakness might be the defensive line for the Illini, though Zook had the unit tabbed as the defense’s strength preseason.  Yet, the defensive line was their weakness last year (IMO), and it was compensated for by a very active performance from J Leman.  We all miss J Leman.  While he doesn’t have Leman’s it factor, Brit Miller, senior middle linebacker, has more than filled in for Leman’s statistical production last season.  Miller leads the Big Ten in tackles and is 9th nationally in TFLs, but still no one gives a shit because he’s not J Leman.  Martez Wilson hasn’t lived up to the hype this season, but his speed and athleticism are very real.  The Illini also have capable talent in the secondary, with Vontae Davis as the headliner of that unit.  Again, they have, in essence (but perhaps not spirit, because of J Leman), the blueprint for last year’s defense that stifled the Buckeyes’ offense.  And yet: it isn’t working.

As someone who’s new to blogging, I struggle with a format for these type of posts.  This is true especially for this year’s team as our offensive line — the only thing I really watch — has been frustrating.  Furthermore, I hate making predictions since predictions are glorified unscientific guessing.  Still, I’ll take a stab at it with some kind of keys to victory.  I’ll also try to shy away from something that centers around the truism for this year’s team that “as the offensive line goes, so goes the team”.

Ohio State wins if… Nader Abdallah has a repeat performance of his game last week against Northwestern.  Of course, this isn’t limited to just Abdallah, and if Cam Heyward and Doug Worthington want to dominate as well, they are more than welcome to.  But it seems that Abdallah has been the one to catch fire of late this season.  I don’t know if the stats he piled up (8 tackles, 3 solo, 1 TFL and a QB hit) were a function of the opposition or not, but a similar performance would create havoc for Illinois’ fragile offense.  Pressure up the middle is crucial for defending the option.  It would allow Laurinaitis to spy and it would certainly turn Good Juice into Bad Juice.  The latter is what I want to see this game.

Illinois wins if… they get sacks.  I know, I know.  I said I’d try to shy away from saying something about our offensive line.  That said, while Illinois’ defense has been grim at points this season, they are first in the conference and sixth nationally in sacks per game.  As we all know, our offensive line is the clear weakness of our football team and their performance this season hasn’t gotten any better.  Sadly, there’s just no hope that they will be anything other than a liability against Illinois and Michigan, with a faint hope that a month off could do them some good in preparation for a bowl game.  Remember, Ohio State found themselves behind down and distance often against Northwestern last week.  And still, in spite of the 3rd and 10, 11, 14, 15, and 16 holes our offense was in, they inexplicably got out through the grace of Terrelle Pryor.  That is not skill; that is luck.  Remember again: there was nothing good that our offensive line did on Beanie’s 55yd TD run against Northwestern.  That was not skill from the line that created that running lane; that was luck that Beanie wriggled his way out of that.  If Illinois is able to get to Pryor on these certain passing situations, as Northwestern was NOT able to, our offense gets off the field and Illinois is in a better position to win.

This will be the first Illibuck game of the post-J Leman era.  While he will not be on the field playing, his spirit will watch over us all.

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Bowl implications add to Iowa-Illinois rivalry

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

Iowa and Illinois meet many of the requirements a rivalry demands. There’s geography (bordering states), history (first meeting: 1899), recruiting residue (see: Jason Ford) and even a recent streak (Iowa has captured five straight meetings) to stoke the fire on both sides.

This year, another factor adds to the significance of Saturday’s matchup at Memorial Stadium (ABC, 3:30 p.m.).

Only one game separates the teams in the Big Ten standings. Both squads are inching toward bowl eligibility, and both don’t have the easiest routes the rest of the way.

“You move into end of October, early November, a lot of things are riding on the outcome of the games,” Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said. “Certainly it’s more enjoyable now because there is a little bit more significance than maybe earlier in the season.

Iowa comes in at 5-3, refreshed following a bye week and blowout wins against Indiana and Wisconsin. The Hawkeyes seem to have turned a corner behind a stingy defense and star running back Shonn Greene, but they recently have struggled in November games and still must face No. 3 Penn State and No. 17 Minnesota.

The situation might be more urgent in Champaign, where head coach Ron Zook once again called out his players after a loss to Wisconsin. Illinois, a preseason top 20 team coming off a Rose Bowl appearance, sits at 4-4 and has won consecutive games only once this season.

After Iowa, the Illini face three teams (Western Michigan, Ohio State and Northwestern) with a combined record of 19-6. Needing at least two and probably three wins to secure a bowl spot, Illinois must produce a strong performance Saturday afternoon.

“We’re going to be defined by these next four games,” linebacker Brit Miller said. “We put ourselves in that position. It’s not what we’d hoped for, but it’s where we’re at. Playing these guys [Iowa] later in the season, it’s always a lot of fun.

“They’ve got five wins, us having four, we’d love to even that up. It’s kind of a playoff system where we’re guaranteed games, but we have to win ‘em if we’re going to want that bowl bid.”

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Re-ranking the Big Ten running backs

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

After exploring the Big Ten’s crop of elite running backs early today, it seems appropriate to take a look back at the preseason running back rankings and how the league looks through the first nine games.

There are obviously some major differences between the lists, most notably the omission of one Shonn Greene in the preseason rundown. I obviously didn’t think much of — or know much about — Greene and the other Iowa running backs, and ranked the Hawkeyes dead last in team rushing.

	AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall
	Iowa junior Shonn Greene has rushed for at least 100 yards in every game this season.

Before getting to the current top 10, here’s an attempt to curb the inevitable Buckeye backlash. These rankings are based on production this season. If I did rankings based on which back will have the best NFL career, Chris “Beanie” Wells would top the list.

OK, let’s begin.

1. Shonn Greene, Iowa – He has come out of nowhere to rank third nationally in rushing average (144.3 ypg) this season. Greene has eclipsed 100 rushing yards in all eight games and boasts the nation’s second-highest yards-per-carry average (6.52) among backs with at least 150 carries. The 235-pound junior has great size and a bruising running style that makes Big Ten defenders hate to tackle him.

2. Javon Ringer, Michigan State – College football’s iron man has received 65 more carries than any FBS back and continues to produce at peak levels. Ringer tallied 816 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in the month of September, putting him on the Heisman Trophy radar. The Spartans senior has eclipsed 100 rushing yards in six games and 190 rushing yards in four games. No Big Ten player is more valuable to his team than Ringer this season.

3. Evan Royster, Penn State – Despite averaging only 15 carries per game, Royster ranks 19th nationally in rushing average (107.8 ypg) with a blistering 7.2 yards-per-carry average. He’s not a power back but enjoys running between the tackles and can gash defenses with his speed. Royster has five 100-yard rushing performances despite sharing carries with Stephfon Green and quarterback Daryll Clark.

4. Chris “Beanie” Wells, Ohio State – The preseason Heisman candidate was sidetracked by a right foot/toe injury in the season opener and missed three games. He averaged 7.6 yards per carry in his first two games back from injury and overpowered defenders in road wins against Wisconsin and Michigan State. But like Ohio State’s other skill players, Wells has been hamstrung by an underachieving offensive line and struggled last Saturday against Penn State.

5. Kory Sheets, Purdue – Being the best player on a bad team hasn’t been easy for Sheets, who aired his frustrations two weeks ago before coach Joe Tiller silenced him. Sheets has done his part for Purdue, ranking 26th nationally in rushing (100.8 ypg) and 20th in all-purpose yards (155.5 ypg). Despite playing behind a banged-up offensive line, the versatile Sheets has accounted for 45 rushing or receiving first downs.

6. Tyrell Sutton, Northwestern – Like Sheets, Sutton has used his versatility to produce at a high rate behind the Big Ten’s youngest and least experienced offensive line. Sutton ranks fourth on the team in receptions (30) and has eclipsed 100 all-purpose yards in six of eight games this season. The senior likely will miss the rest of the regular season after sustaining a wrist injury last Saturday at Indiana.

7. P.J. Hill, Wisconsin – The three-year starter got off to a hot start, exploding for 210 rushing yards in the opener against Akron and racking up 112 in a win at Fresno State. He has slowed down considerably since then and likely will platoon with redshirt freshman John Clay for most of the remaining games.

8. Marcus Thigpen, Indiana – Quarterback Kellen Lewis remains the Hoosiers’ top rushing threat (67.3 ypg), but Thigpen has been a solid contributor as a runner, a receiver and a return man. He averages 5.7 yards per carry, 22.8 yards per reception and 22.9 yards per kickoff return. The 193-pound senior ranks 14th nationally in all-purpose yards (1601.1 ypg).

9. Daniel Dufrene, Illinois – The Illini are more pass oriented this season behind quarterback Juice Williams, but Dufrene has done a nice job following the departure of Rashard Mendenhall. The junior averages 5.6 yards a carry and ties for third on the team with 17 receptions. He has lost some carries to freshman Jason Ford, who can be more effective in the red zone.

10. DeLeon Eskridge, Minnesota – Thrust into a starting role as a true freshman, Eskridge has stepped up nicely, averaging 65 rush yards per game and scoring seven touchdowns for the upstart Gophers. He needs three rushing touchdowns to tie Laurence Maroney’s school record for a freshman.

Solid reserve running backs include Wisconsin’s John Clay, Iowa’s Jewel Hampton, Penn State’s Stephfon Green, Illinois’ Jason Ford and Michigan’s Brandon Minor.

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Big Ten lunchtime links: Bacher, Painter still ailing

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

Key injuries are piling up around the Big Ten as the season’s most critical month kicks off Saturday. Here are some health updates and other happenings around the league.

• Avoiding the “Same Old Spartans” label isn’t easy for Michigan State, and even after ending its losing streak to Michigan, another test awaits this weekend, Joe Rexrode writes in the Lansing State Journal.

  “From this perspective, comparing the culture of MSU football now with MSU football 22 games ago is like comparing modern America with medieval France. Saturday’s home game with Wisconsin, though, will serve as one more test of whether the Spartans champion democracy, have electricity and use deodorant.”

• C.J. Bacher’s injured hamstring is improving, but Northwestern backup quarterback Mike Kafka is taking the snaps with the first-team offense at practice, Lindsey Willhite writes in the Daily Herald.
• Purdue quarterback Curtis Painter didn’t do much at Tuesday’s practice and could be a game-time decision Saturday against Michigan, Tom Kubat writes in The Journal and Courier.
• Iowa knows all about Illinois running back Jason Ford, who twice committed to play for the Hawkeyes before changing his mind, Scott Dochterman writes in The (Cedar Rapids) Gazette.
• Penn State officials aren’t commenting on Joe Paterno’s future at the school, but the 81-year-old head coach has every intention of coming back in 2009, Bob Flounders writes in The (Harrisburg) Patriot-News.
• Dustin Sherer sports a camouflage huntin’ hat, Lynyrd Skynyrd T-shirts and the personality Wisconsin needs at the quarterback position, Mike Lucas writes in The Capital Times.”I don’t really like hats,” Sherer confessed. “It’s the only hat I’ve ever worn, actually. And I wear it everywhere. The guys are always making fun of it. I’m called the redneck on the team. I don’t know why. (Pause). Actually, I do know why. But we have some rednecks on the team besides me.”

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