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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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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As the only Big Ten team to win its bowl game, Iowa is the lone squad to make a significant move in the final edition of the power rankings. The gap narrowed between Penn State and Ohio State after the Buckeyes' solid effort in the Fiesta Bowl, but Penn State still gets the nod with a better body of work. Northwestern and Michigan State have been mirror images for much of the season and remain that way in the rankings.

	Scott A. Miller/US Presswire
	Shonn Greene rushed for 121 yards and 3 TDs in the Outback Bowl.

Here's the final rundown for 2008.

1. Penn State (11-2) — The Nittany Lions looked out of sync in Pasadena, but they faced quite possibly the nation's best team in a virtual road game. It wasn't the way a stellar senior class intended to go out, but an 11-1 regular season highlighted by a road win against Ohio State keeps Penn State atop the rankings.

2. Ohio State (10-3) — There aren't moral victories in Columbus, but Ohio State made a national statement, even in defeat, by outplaying Texas for most of the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. The Terrelle Pryor-led Buckeyes weren't the same team that had soiled itself against USC on Sept. 13. Ohio State played its best football down the stretch and was seconds away from a fairly substantial upset of Texas.

3. Iowa (9-4) — Things fell into place perfectly for the Hawkeyes, who ended the season as the Big Ten's hottest team. Iowa rolled over an overmatched South Carolina team in the Outback Bowl to win six of its final seven games. Shonn Greene played a huge role, but so did a defense that led the Big Ten in takeaways (32).

T-4 Michigan State (9-4) — The Spartans clearly peaked in late September/early October, but they continued to fight hard, especially on the defensive side. They outplayed Georgia for a half in the Capital One Bowl but couldn't capitalize on favorable field position. Though Michigan State beat Northwestern in a head-to-head matchup Oct. 11, the Wildcats played better football down the stretch. So it's a push between the teams.

T-4 Northwestern (9-4) — Had the Wildcats finished off Missouri in the Alamo Bowl, they would have vaulted to No. 3 in the power rankings and possibly into the top 15 in the national polls. Despite being the biggest underdog in the 34 bowls, Northwestern outplayed Missouri but lost the game because of special-teams blunders. Along with Iowa and Ohio State, the Wildcats saved their best football for the end of the season.

6. Minnesota (7-6) — The Gophers don't really deserve to move up the rankings after a 21-point loss in the Insight Bowl, but they turned in a better effort than Wisconsin, which self-destructed against Florida State. This team clearly needs some upgrades after losing five straight to close the season, but it was hard to imagine Tim Davis' power run attack clicking right away in the bowl game. There will be a lot of changes in 2009, but Minnesota returns its nucleus.

7. Wisconsin (7-6) — Despite a win against Minnesota and a better regular-season finish, Wisconsin needed to pay the price for an embarrassing loss in the Champs Sports Bowl. An extremely disappointing season ended with a thud, as Wisconsin had three fumbles, two of which were returned for touchdowns. From coaching to quarterback play to intangibles, Wisconsin seemed to be missing something this fall.

8. Illinois (5-7) — The Big Ten's bowl fortunes might have been better had the Illini found a way to sneak into the postseason. Then again, a big-play offense and loads of talent translated into only five victories this fall. Head coach Ron Zook seems intent on turning things around with some bold coaching hires. Illinois can't afford another bowl-less winter.

9. Purdue (4-8) – The Boilermakers sent head coach Joe Tiller out on a high note with a 62-10 pasting of Indiana on Nov. 22. Head coach Danny Hope must restore Purdue's offensive swagger with a new quarterback in 2009, and the Boilers have several holes to fill on defense.

10. Michigan (3-9) — The Big Ten sorely needs Michigan back in a bowl game in 2009, but Rich Rodriguez has another tough challenge ahead of him. Michigan must identify a capable quarterback, most likely freshman Tate Forcier, and fill gaps along the defensive line. If the offensive line improves and the running game surges behind Brandon Minor, Michigan should be in decent shape for a lower-tier bowl.

11. Indiana (3-9) — After ending the Big Ten's longest bowl drought in 2007, Indiana slipped back to reality this fall. Head coach Bill Lynch enters 2009 on the hot seat, likely needing at least six victories to keep his job. Indiana has the talent, particularly at defensive end, and if it can stay healthy and improve on defense, a bowl run next fall isn't out of the question.

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	Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
	Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany remains optimistic about next season.

His league has taken a beating on and off the field in recent weeks, and many are questioning the Big Ten's relevancy in college football. But league commissioner Jim Delany remains resilient, albeit realistic, about the recent struggles. The Big Ten went 1-6 in bowls this year, arguably the league's worst postseason performance ever. It extended the Big Ten's losing streak in BCS games to six.

Nine years have passed since the Big Ten won a Rose Bowl, and the league hasn't posted a winning postseason since 2002. I caught up with Delany on Friday to discuss the league's bowl performance and the future.

Obviously the Big Ten's record wasn't good, but how did you feel coming out of this postseason?

Jim Delany: I would rather have gone 6-1, but that's not what the predictors said we would be. I was optimistic going in. I thought we'd win more than we'd lost, but we did not, so it was disappointing. The margins in some cases were not good. In other cases, the games were more competitive. I've given it a lot of thought. I'm not sure I've arrived at any particular conclusions, other than we're playing elite teams. Certainly Southern Cal was playing at another level. That was clear to me. While Penn State got their way back into the game, [USC] really had their way by the half. I'd seen them play earlier against Ohio State and I saw them play last year [in the Rose Bowl] against Illinois. They're very good. They've got great athletes, they're well coached and they play at a level. We don't have a team that's playing at that level at this juncture. We just don't.

How do you think Big Ten teams competed in all the games?

JD: I saw the Michigan State-Georgia game and I saw the Missouri game, I saw the Ohio State game and I saw the Iowa game. Those games were more competitive. One we won and the other ones, we were definitely in the games. Obviously, our goal is to compete at the highest level. When you don't, you have to look internally. That's a football coach's role, to see exactly what needs to be done. We've got great coaches. I would say we have, probably more than people realize, five or six programs that are in the building stages. I don't think you can say anything other than that about Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, Illinois and now probably Purdue and Indiana. So to be fair, a program that has got a coach in Year 1, 2 or 3, is different than a program that is in Year 5, 6, 7 or 8. So that has an effect, but that doesn't speak really to the issue. The last four or five years, we've played USC four or five times. We've gotten blown out a couple of times, we were competitive a couple of times, but we haven't been able to beat them. So clearly a better program. And while LSU and Florida got us on championship day, we've gotten them in other bowl games. Michigan got Florida last year and Iowa got LSU. So I'm not despondent about our ability to compete. But I think at the very highest level the last three or four years, we have not had a team. When Florida, LSU and Southern Cal have had championship teams, to me they have been the crème de la crème in terms of coaches, athletes, et cetera.

So when you're going through this and trying to figure out why it's been like this, do you pinpoint quality of athletes, recruiting, anything like that?

JD: Well, I'm not an NFL scout. It's great for people to speculate. I look at the NFL rosters, and they're filled with guys like Drew Brees and Tom Brady, lots of great players from all of these conferences. So I don't know. If you were looking at any factor, I would think that overall, I'm not sure anybody plays up as much as we do. And we're not playing in our backyard, that's for sure.

I get that from fans all the time, and I'm sure you do, too. But the bowl locations aren't going to change. We're not going to have bowls in Chicago and Minneapolis.

JD: That's why it's not worth mentioning. That's the way it's been historically and I presume, as long as the bowl system survives, that's the way it'll be. And so if you're going to be at the top, you're going to have to beat the best in their region, not in your region.

Does having to play USC in the Rose Bowl every year, in your signature game, hurt the Big Ten's perception more than other games?

JD: I don't know. We lost five in a row, but we won six of seven before that. The way I was always raised is that you compete against the best. If you're a player, you go to the best school you can go to. You don't transfer after one year for sitting on the bench. You compete and become as good as you can become. Then you go out and play the best teams you can play. Then you find out where you are. Then you go out and you try to make changes and adjustments to your game to try and get better. But where we are is, if you win, that's a wonderful thing, and if you don't, then somehow, something is wrong. Well, I would say you do have cycles. I've seen them happen to us. I've seen them happen to others. And I just think we're in a window where success and failure is judged quickly. It's taken apart and dissected. And I think our coaches do the same thing. They feel the pressure to perform. They don't have tenure.

The cyclical thing, history has certainly supported that argument. I just wonder if it's risky to put it on that. The game is changing, recruiting is changing.

JD: Well, you look at [offensive coordinator] Kevin Wilson at Oklahoma. Kevin was doing his thing at Northwestern before it ever got to Oklahoma. And Joe Tiller was doing his thing at Purdue before it was being done at Oklahoma. And Rich [Rodriguez] is doing his thing. And Galen Hall is spreading the field at Penn State. So it can be overdone. Kirk [Ferentz] rode his running back to a pretty convincing win. You play really high-quality teams. No disrespect to anybody who's not playing two or three SEC teams or two or three Big 12 teams or [USC]. But that's all we play.

Well, you talked about how five or six teams are in the building phase. Would the league be better off with an easier bowl lineup?

JD: You can't change, though. You can't change to say, 'Well, we're in the building stage, so we're not going to play the Pac-10 at the Rose Bowl. We're in the building stage so we're not going to send someone up to the BCS.' You don't have those choices. What you do is you have a philosophy of scheduling. Our philosophy of scheduling has been, 'The Rose Bowl is the most important relationship we have.' Maybe if USC had gone to more [BCS] championship games, we would have played Cal more often. Or maybe we would have played Arizona State. I don't know. But the fact of it is they've been there when we've been there, and they've been a terrific opponent. We haven't been able to beat them. But that doesn't mean you stop playing them. I don't know what choices you have. The SEC's had a very good ride in the last four or five years. We're playing their teams. The Big 12 was good. Missouri was in and around [No. 1], Texas was in and around [No. 1], Kansas was highly regarded. That's who we're playing. If you're a competitor and you compete against the best and you do your best and you get whipped, you go home, you practice, you get stronger, you recruit harder and you go out and play them. I'm resilient as a fan, I'm resilient as the commissioner, I was resilient as a competitor. I respect the people that have won. I dropped a note to [SEC commissioner Mike Slive]. They've had a BCS hat trick. It's fabulous. His teams have done well and his coaches have coached well, his players have played well. That is what it is. We haven't won in the Rose Bowl in five years. That is what it is. So what do you do? You go back and you work harder and you play harder. That's the nature of competition.

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It’s always fun at this time of year to look back at preseason thoughts and predictions. In August, I outlined 25 items I wanted to see during the Big Ten season. Several of them came true, others didn’t and some materialized in different ways.

Here’s a look back at the list to see what worked out and what didn’t. 

	AP Photo/Carlos Osorio
	Terrelle Pryor earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors.

1. Terrelle Pryor lead an offensive drive — He might be a Tim Tebow-like weapon near the goal line, but I’m more interested in how the Ohio State freshman quarterback handles a real offensive series. Pryor’s athleticism is undeniable, but it will be important to monitor his passing accuracy and the way he leads older teammates.

The verdict: We had plenty of opportunities to see Pryor lead drives after he was named Ohio State’s starter in Week 4. Despite a few growing pains, Pryor held his own and displayed remarkable athleticism in winning Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors. He also came up big in the clutch to lead Ohio State’s game-winning touchdown drive Oct. 4 at Wisconsin. 

2. Michigan’s quarterbacks — Rich Rodriguez has ushered in a new era in Ann Arbor and will turn to unproven players like Steven Threet, Nick Sheridan and possibly Justin Feagin to lead his spread offense. There will undoubtedly be growing pains, but if one of those three takes control, the Wolverines will surge.

The verdict: Oh, there were growing pains. Big ones. Threet and Sheridan struggled to fit into Rodriguez’s system, and Michigan finished the season ranked 109th nationally in total offense. Feagin likely will move to slot receiver in 2009, and incoming freshmen Shavodrick Beaver and Tate Forcier will compete for the starting quarterback spot. 

3. Jump Around at night — Camp Randall Stadium is intimidating enough during daylight hours, but the electricity will reach new levels this fall with back-to-back night games against Ohio State and Penn State. The Badgers haven’t lost at home under coach Bret Bielema, and they should have a tremendous home-field edge this fall.

The verdict: It was pretty cool to see Ohio State players jump in lockstep with the Wisconsin students on Oct. 4, but Camp Randall certainly lost its edge this fall. Wisconsin saw its home win streak fade against Ohio State and then suffered its worst home defeat since 1989 the next week against Penn State. Plus, the Badgers band was suspended from performing Oct. 4 after allegations of hazing surfaced. 

4. The Spread HD – Penn State’s new offense remains somewhat of a mystery, but the Lions will try to utilize their many weapons at wide receiver, running back and quarterback. “Hopefully HD will stand for high def, highly diverse,” quarterback Daryll Clark said, “and hopefully it doesn’t turn out to be huge dud.”

The verdict: HD definitely stood for highly diverse, or huge difference, as Penn State surged behind Clark, a stockpile of skill players and a veteran offensive line. Penn State led the Big Ten in scoring offense and ranked second in rushing offense. 

5. Jim Tressel vs. Pete Carroll — Two of the sport’s elite coaches couldn’t be more different in personality or style (can’t exactly picture Carroll in a sweater vest), but they will match wits when Ohio State visits USC in Week 3.

The verdict: Everything about the game turned out to be a disappointment for Ohio State, and Tressel didn’t have much of a chance to outcoach Carroll. USC’s talent and athleticism overwhelmed a Beanie-less Buckeyes team, handing Ohio State another national embarrassment. 

6. Little brother in the Big House – The Michigan-Michigan State rivalry is growing, thanks to Mark Dantonio, but the Spartans need to win one of these games sooner or later. After six straight losses, Sparty heads to Ann Arbor on Oct. 25 determined to show they’re nobody’s little brother.

The verdict: The “little brother” tag is gone, at least for a year, after Michigan State rallied to beat Michigan and record its first win in the Big House since 1990. Despite a terrible call that gave Michigan a touchdown, Michigan State surged behind quarterback Brian Hoyer and All-American running back Javon Ringer. 

7. New quarterbacks – Three teams will start new quarterbacks this fall, and Iowa’s situation under center is far from settled. Wisconsin needs Allan Evridge to effectively manage games, while a greater load will be placed on Penn State’s Clark and Michigan’s new signal callers.

The verdict: It was a mixed bag here, as Clark earned first-team All-Big Ten honors and Ricky Stanzi established himself as Iowa’s quarterback of the future. On the flip side, quarterback play hurt Wisconsin during a four-game losing streak and prompted a switch from Evridge to Dustin Sherer. Michigan’s quarterback situation was messy, and that’s being kind. 

8. Beanie vs. P.J. — Forget about the spread offense when Wisconsin and Ohio State meet Oct. 4 in Madison. The Big Ten’s rushing roots will be on display as Heisman contender Beanie Wells goes up against P.J. Hill and the Badgers.

The verdict: Both backs scored touchdowns, but Wells dominated with 168 rushing yards in Ohio State’s 20-17 win. The 237-pound junior bullied his way into the end zone on a 33-yard scoring run and added a 54-yard burst in the third quarter. Hill split carries with John Clay and couldn’t do much in Wisconsin’s one-dimensional offense. 

9. Juice in the pocket – Juice Williams came on strong at the end of last season, and the Illinois quarterback continued to make strides in the spring and summer. He takes over an offense without Rashard Mendenhall and looks to pass more this fall.

The verdict: Williams started off very strong and set total offense records in three separate stadiums during the first half of the season. Illinois’ big-play passing attack challenged opposing defenses, but Williams struggled with interceptions in the second half as Illinois dropped its final three games to miss a bowl. 

10. Ferentz under fire — Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz still might be one of the league’s top coaches, but he has to prove it this fall. With his reputation suffering on and off the field, Ferentz needs a strong season from a squad that has major questions on offense.

The verdict: The heat was rising on Ferentz after a 3-3 start, but Iowa turned the corner in the second half, got over its crunch-time woes and reached a New Year’s Day bowl game. A potentially program-changing upset of Penn State gives Iowa and Ferentz some momentum heading into 2009. 

11. Tiller’s farewell tour – Joe Tiller revolutionized offense in the country’s premier cold-weather conference, and the Purdue coach should be celebrated as he goes through his final season. The regular-season finale against Indiana will surely be emotional for Tiller and the Boilers fans.

The verdict: Tiller’s final game proved to be a fitting sendoff, as Purdue pounded Indiana 62-10. Unfortunately for Tiller, his offense didn’t do much in the first 11 games and his final go-round left him with the most losses (8) in his Boilermakers tenure. Purdue missed the postseason for just the second time under Tiller. 

	Mark Cowan/Icon SMI
	Arrelious Benn led the Big Ten in receiving yards (1,055) this season.

12. Arrelious Benn in the backfield – The reigning Big Ten Freshman of the Year is fully healthy following shoulder surgery, and that means more touches this fall. Defensive coordinators will shudder at the thought of Juice Williams and Benn running the option in the same backfield.

The verdict: Benn wasn’t in the backfield as much as I expected after watching Illinois during preseason practice, but the sophomore certainly made his mark as a receiver. He led the Big Ten in receiving yards (1,055) and ranked third in receptions (67), doing most of his damage in conference play.

13. Grande Dos — That’s the self-appointed nickname of Illinois linebacker Martez Wilson, who was named to the Butkus Award watch list despite no career starts in college. Wilson will get every opportunity this fall to show why he could be the next Simeon Rice.

The verdict: Wilson was more like grande cero for much of the season, though he still finished third on the team in tackles and added three sacks and two fumble recoveries. The hype machine might have been cranked up a little early here, but Wilson will certainly play a major role in the Illini defense down the line. He’s expected to make a full recovery after getting stabbed outside a Champaign bar last Friday. 

14. RichRod vs. Charlie Weis – Both have been lauded as offensive innovators, though Weis’ honeymoon ended when Notre Dame went 3-9 last year. Michigan is dealing with some eerily similar personnel losses, and Rodriguez’s coaching ability will be tested when the Wolverines visit South Bend on Sept. 13.

The verdict: Wow, I really didn’t think one would come to fruition, but Michigan’s 3-9 record, its team records for futility and its offensive ineptitude certainly mirror what Notre Dame went through in 2007. Rodriguez will be in the spotlight in Year 2 as Michigan fans demand more. 

15. Brian Hoyer in crunch time — The Michigan State quarterback has taken heat for his fourth-quarter shortcomings, but he’ll have plenty of chances to redeem himself this fall. Hoyer’s poise under pressure will largely determine whether the Spartans back up their preseason hype.

The verdict: Hoyer led Michigan to a 9-3 record and a New Year’s Day bowl appearance, and he made big throws at critical times. Though his overall statistics weren’t impressive and he struggled against the Big Ten’s top two teams (Ohio State and Penn State), Hoyer managed the game well and played intelligent football for much of the season. 

16. Stephfon Green in the open field – The Penn State running back enters the fall with tons of hype despite never playing a collegiate game. If the reports prove true, Green will torch defenses if he gets any room to run.

The verdict: Green showed flashes of his track-star speed and rushed for 521 yards and four touchdowns, but teammate Evan Royster stole the spotlight at running back. Royster proved to be just as dynamic as Green, averaging 6.5 yards a carry, and has the between-the-tackles comfort that featured backs need in the Big Ten.

17. The renovated Memorial Stadium — Illinois is bringing in so many great players for its reopening of Memorial Stadium on Sept. 6 that I expect Red Grange to miraculously turn up. The 1923 relic has been spruced up big time, and it should give coach Ron Zook another recruiting tool.

The verdict: The renovations were impressive, especially the new press box, but the on-field product was not. Illinois is certainly enhancing the profile of its program, but going from the Rose Bowl to no bowl at all must be viewed as a step back. 

18. Lewis and the no-huddle – Indiana coaches had Kellen Lewis in mind when they installed the no-huddle offense in the offseason. Lewis got a late start with the system after being suspended for spring ball, but the junior quarterback should catch up fast.

The verdict: The no-huddle seemed guaranteed to succeed at Indiana, but injuries to Lewis and the general ineffectiveness on offense led to sobering results. Lewis never really got on track this fall and split snaps with Ben Chappell, who led Indiana to its only Big Ten victory. 

19. Painter’s pursuit – Purdue senior quarterback Curtis Painter is on pace to set a bevy of Big Ten career passing records this fall. The underrated Painter has a new group of receivers to work with but consistently puts up big numbers.

The verdict: Much like Tiller, Painter didn’t finish his Purdue career on a high note, though he does leave the school with several records. Painter ranked second in the league in passing (240 ypg) but threw only two more touchdowns (13) than interceptions (11). Receivers Greg Orton and Desmond Tardy emerged down the stretch, but Painter missed tight end Dustin Keller and Dorien Bryant. 

20. Gilreath on the move — Wisconsin sophomore David Gilreath is quickly developing into the league’s most dangerous return man. He might not merit the Devin Hester treatment quite yet, but expect Gilreath to break some electrifying runs this fall.

The verdict: Gilreath finished third in the Big Ten in all-purpose yards (145.3) and will enter 2009 as one of the league’s most versatile players. He likely will see an enhanced role as a ball carrier after some big games down the stretch. Though Gilreath didn’t surge as a return man, he earned second-team All-Big Ten honors as a wide receiver. 

21. Mike Hankwitz’s impact — Northwestern hasn’t fielded a decent defense since adopting the spread offense in 2000. Hankwitz, the league’s most experienced coordinator, steps in this fall and tries to change the script in Evanston.

The verdict: Northwestern’s hiring of Hankwitz proved to be the Big Ten’s top offseason coaching move. Hankwitz transformed a perennially poor Wildcats defense into one of the league’s top units. Northwestern led the Big Ten in sacks and allowed 17 points or fewer in seven of the team’s nine victories.

22. Michigan Stadium makeover – The team on the field isn’t the only thing getting overhauled in Ann Arbor this season. Fans will enter a construction site every Saturday at Michigan Stadium, setting up an unusual game day experience.

The verdict: The stadium project definitely looks impressive and should be a sight to see when completed. Michigan fans should be more concerned about the team calling the Big House home after a 3-9 season. 

23. Ringer returning kickoffs – Michigan State star running back Javon Ringer will showcase his speed on kickoff returns this fall. How long the arrangement lasts isn’t known — I’m not sure how wise it is to put your best player on such a dangerous play — but Ringer is sure to produce a highlight or two.

The verdict: Ringer started on kickoffs before Michigan State wisely went with freshman Glenn Winston, who averaged 22.8 yards on 16 runbacks. The Spartans coaches still made sure Ringer got plenty of work, as the senior led the nation with 370 carries, 32 more than any other FBS back. 

24. Minnesota’s JUCOs – Gophers coach Tim Brewster needed some immediate help on defense and got it with junior-college transfers like Tramaine Brock, Traye Simmons, Cedric McKinley and Rex Sharpe. How quickly those players blend in will determine whether Minnesota makes a jump this fall.

The verdict: Simmons and Brock made an immediate impact as starters in the secondary, with Simmons earning second-team All-Big honors after recording four interceptions. Brock ranked third on the team in tackles (68) and forced three fumbles, while McKinley and Sharpe played minor roles. Linebacker Simoni Lawrence finished second on the team in tackles for loss (9.5), and Brewster effectively blended the jucos with the returning players.  

25. Finch on the field – Indiana’s Jerimy Finch has been cleared to play this fall, and the Florida transfer gives a big boost to the secondary. Considered arguably the nation’s top safety coming out of high school, Finch will make his presence known right away.

The verdict: A Hoosiers secondary depleted by injuries gave Finch an opportunity to play, but he saw the field sparingly, appearing in only five games. Finch made his mark on special teams with two blocked kicks and four punt returns, but he was a nonfactor on defense. 

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This wasn’t how Joe Tiller envisioned his final season playing out.

The man who restored Purdue football to respectability and took the Boilermakers to 10 bowl games in his first 11 seasons encountered plenty of potholes in his final go-round as head coach. Plagued by an ineffective offense and injuries to key positions, Purdue finished with its highest loss total (8) in the Tiller era and missed the postseason. Though the Boilermakers gave Tiller a fitting sendoff by pounding Indiana 62-10 in the season finale, they hoped their time with the entertaining coach would continue to a bowl game.

Tiller pioneered the use of the spread offense in the Big Ten, so it was unfortunate that Purdue’s offense let him down in his final season. Record-setting quarterback Curtis Painter struggled to get going, and the Boilers averaged just 21.3 points in their first 11 games. Purdue continued to put up big passing numbers and running back Kory Sheets turned in a solid senior season, but ineffective red-zone offense, beginning Sept. 13 against Oregon, doomed the unit.

The defensive statistics don’t bear it out, but Brock Spack’s defense performed admirably for much of the season. Purdue held Ohio State without an offensive touchdown and held six Big Ten teams to 22 points or fewer. Linebacker Anthony Heygood ranked fourth in the Big Ten in tackles (114), and defensive end Ryan Kerrigan ranked seventh in the league in sacks (7).

Offensive MVP — Running back Kory Sheets

He won’t be remembered as a Joe Tiller favorite, but the talkative back had a solid senior season. Sheets ranked fifth in the league in rushing and sixth in all-purpose yards. He also tied Iowa’s Shonn Greene for third place on the league’s scoring chart (8.5 ppg). Sheets scored multiple touchdowns in six contests, including the game winner Sept. 20 against Central Michigan.

Defensive MVP — Linebacker Anthony Heygood

The senior was consistently productive, racking up nine or more tackles in eight games and reaching double digits nine times. He led the team in tackles after ranking second last year and recorded an interception and a forced fumble. Kerrigan also deserves a mention after leading Purdue in both tackles for loss (11.5) and sacks (7).

Turning point — Sept. 13 vs. Oregon

A lot of things might have been different if Purdue had finished off a nationally ranked Oregon squad in Week 3. The Boilers outplayed the Ducks for most of the game but couldn’t find the end zone when it mattered, a theme that maintained throughout the season. Though Purdue won the next week against Central Michigan, it went on to lose five straight games to fall out of postseason contention.

What’s next

Head coach Danny Hope takes over a team that needs talent upgrades on both sides of the ball. Justin Siller seems ready to step in for Painter at quarterback, but the Boilers must find a running back and a few more capable wide receivers. Purdue would get a major boost if linebacker Jason Werner returns from lingering back problems. Kerrigan and Mike Neal anchor a decent defensive line, but the program likely needs another year to get back on track.

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Brock Spack left Purdue because of the opportunity Illinois State presented, not because he was in danger of being replaced on Danny Hope’s coaching staff for 2009.

Spack, who will be introduced as Illinois State’s head coach today, said he was offered a three-year contract at Purdue after Hope was hired as coach-in-waiting. Spack had been a finalist to succeed head coach Joe Tiller at his alma mater. 

Instead, the longtime Boilermakers defensive coordinator will become the head man at Illinois State. 

“Illinois State is a great school, with a lot of resources, and they are committed to winning,” Spack said in a statement. “Last year, when Danny Hope was hired, [athletic director] Morgan Burke was very gracious in giving me a three-year contract, and now he is supportive of my decision to become a head coach. I wish Danny nothing but the best, and I value our friendship.

“Purdue will have a very good defense in 2009, and people should be excited. Purdue is my alma mater, and I will always be a Boilermaker.” 

Spack told The (Lafayette) Journal and Courier that both Burke and Hope wanted him to remain at Purdue, but his desire to be a head coach was the deciding factor. 

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Purdue will have two new coordinators when Danny Hope takes over as head coach in 2009. 

Longtime Boilermakers defensive coordinator Brock Spack will be introduced as Illinois State’s head coach on Wednesday. Spack, a Purdue alum, spent the last 12 seasons in West Lafayette after moving over with former coach Joe Tiller — and Hope — from Wyoming in 1996. 

It’s unknown whether Hope would have retained Spack for his new staff at Purdue, but Spack’s name was not among the initial coaching changes Hope made earlier this month. Offensive coordinator Ed Zaunbrecher was not retained and replaced by Florida Atlantic’s Gary Nord. Spack had been a finalist to succeed Tiller as Purdue’s head coach. 

“Certainly, we are happy for Brock, but sorry to see him go,” Hope said in a statement. “When I took the job at Purdue, I knew it was likely there would be some attrition on the staff, with guys leaving to become head coaches or coordinators. Like every head coach, I keep a short list of coaches to consider for vacancies, and we will get a quality replacement on our staff as quickly as possible.”

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The Big Ten entered the fall with a reputation to repair after some damaging BCS bowl performances the last two seasons.

Despite several bright spots and surprises, the league continues to search for national respect.

	AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall
	Shonn Greene rushed for at least 100 yards in all of Iowa’s games this season.

Penn State undoubtedly became the Big Ten’s guiding light this fall. After an offseason filled with disciplinary issues and questions about coach Joe Paterno’s ability to maintain control, the Nittany Lions quieted their critics by going 11-1 and earning their first Rose Bowl berth since 1994. They were a 1-point road loss away from a national title appearance but didn’t get their due nationally, most likely because of the Big Ten’s sagging reputation.

Paterno won Big Ten Coach of the Year honors, but Michigan State’s Mark Dantonio and Northwestern’s Pat Fitzgerald got the most out of their teams, both of which went 9-3. Iowa overcame its crunch-time blues to finish 8-4, and Ohio State still managed to win another Big Ten co-championship despite a shaky September.

Still, the Buckeyes’ 32-point loss against USC on Sept. 13 stained the Big Ten for much of the fall. Michigan didn’t help matters by having the worst season in team history in head coach Rich Rodriguez’s first go-round in Ann Arbor. Illinois went from Rose Bowl to no bowl, Wisconsin fell far short of expectations and Purdue coach Joe Tiller’s final season gave him his worst record (4-8) in West Lafayette.

Yet it wasn’t all bad. The Big Ten boasted the nation’s best crop of running backs, led by Iowa’s Shonn Greene and Michigan State’s Javon Ringer. Minnesota made a 6-win improvement and several Big Ten defenders emerged for national awards.

The league’s image still could use a boost, and a strong bowl season would go a long way toward restoring the Big Ten’s place among the elite.

Offensive MVP — Iowa running back Shonn Greene

Greene’s amazing comeback story can’t be told enough. A year ago, the Hawkeyes junior was working in a furniture warehouse, totally out of football after academic shortcomings. He returned to the field and eclipsed 100 rushing yards in all 12 games, finishing second nationally in rushing average (144.1 ypg) and setting Iowa’s single-season rushing record (1,729 yards).

Defensive MVP — Penn State defensive end Aaron Maybin

Maybin wasn’t even supposed to be a starter, but injuries, suspensions and dismissals on Penn State’s defensive line thrust him into the spotlight. The sophomore didn’t flinch and recorded a league-leading 12 sacks (all solo) and 19 tackles for loss. The Big Ten’s next superstar pass-rusher improved as a run stopper and recorded sacks in nine of 12 games. Iowa defensive tackle Mitch King also deserves a mention here.

Newcomer of the Year — Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor

It’s rare when a heralded recruit actually lives up to his overwhelming hype, but Pryor performed as advertised after becoming Ohio State’s starter in Week 4. His smooth and seemingly effortless running ability complemented passing skills that improved during the season. Pryor became the starter after the USC debacle and led Ohio State to an 8-1 record and another BCS bowl appearance.

Coach of the Year — Michigan State’s Mark Dantonio

This is extremely close between Dantonio and Pat Fitzgerald, but Michigan State’s ability to finish third in the league with so-so talent affirms what many have felt about Dantonio’s coaching ability. The Spartans overcame their struggles in close games, snapped their losing streak to archrival Michigan and avoided the prolonged losing streaks that have doomed them in the past. Paterno deserves a mention here, but his assistants took on the lion’s share of the work. Minnesota’s Tim Brewster also did an excellent job.

Biggest surprise — Minnesota

After a 1-11 season marred by the worst defense in team history, the Gophers had to get better. But few foresaw a 7-1 start built on opportunistic defense (league-high 30 takeaways) and disciplined offense. Tim Brewster effectively blended a group of junior college transfers and elicited improvement from holdovers like Adam Weber, Willie VanDeSteeg and Marcus Sherels. Northwestern also deserves some recognition after recording its highest victories total since Fitzgerald was a senior linebacker in 1996.

Biggest disappointment — Illinois

Sustaining success has been a problem in Champaign before, but no one could have imagined Illinois going from the Rose Bowl to no bowl. The Illini were a preseason top 20 team with an improved quarterback (Juice Williams) and loads of talent at the skill positions. Illinois didn’t have many major injuries but could never find consistency, winning consecutive games only once and making inexcusable errors at the wrong time. A Wisconsin team with BCS bowl aspirations also falls under this category after a 7-5 season. Michigan also shouldn’t be absolved after sinking to new lows this fall. 

Game of the Year — Penn State at Iowa, Nov. 8

This one had drama, Big Ten weather, elation and heartbreak. Iowa was seen as Penn State’s toughest remaining hurdle to the national title game, and the Nittany Lions couldn’t hold onto a nine-point, fourth-quarter lead. After limiting damage for three quarters, Iowa rallied behind quarterback Ricky Stanzi in the fourth. It all led to the game-winning field goal by Daniel Murray, a walk-on from Iowa City who hadn’t attempted a kick since Sept. 20. Other notable games include Penn State-Ohio State, Northwestern-Minnesota and Wisconsin-Michigan.

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