Purdue’s Elliott will quarterback now, coach later

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
Joey Elliott wants to become the next Josh Heupel. 
Sure, he wouldn't mind leading Purdue to a national title, winning the AP Player of the Year award and finishing second in Heisman Trophy voting. But Elliott is more interested in mirroring Heupel's rapid rise up the college coaching ranks.   
Heupel landed a job as…
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Siller’s dismissal clears path for Elliott at Purdue

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
Joey Elliott has waited his turn, longer than almost any other Big Ten player. He backed up Curtis Painter at Purdue for three years, finally closed the gap last fall and then suffered a season-ending shoulder injury at Northwestern.     Sandra Dukes/Icon SMI   Barring a major upset, Joey Elliott will make his first…
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What to watch in the Big Ten this spring

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The seemingly interminable wait for college football gets a little easier about a month from now, when Michigan steps on the practice field for spring ball. The other 10 Big Ten squads will follow soon after as spring practice gets in full swing.

There are no shortage of spring story lines around the league, from Danny Hope's first workouts as Purdue head coach to six new coordinators to teams like Ohio State and Penn State trying to replace sizable senior classes. Six teams will feature some degree of competition at the quarterback spot, and position battles abound throughout the league.

Here's some can't-miss information about spring ball and a team-by-team look at what to watch:

Illinois Fighting Illini

Spring practice starts: March 31

Spring game: April 25

What to watch:

• The defense needs leaders to emerge after a subpar year and with the graduation of first-team All-Big Ten linebacker Brit Miller. Martez Wilson is an obvious candidate to claim a greater role, but the immensely talented linebacker comes off surgery in December after being stabbed outside a bar. The defensive line loses three starters and top cover man Vontae Davis left early for the NFL draft, creating opportunities for young players to step up.
• For the second consecutive spring, the running back position will be in the spotlight. Illinois never truly got settled at running back last year, as Daniel Dufrene and Jason Ford split carries. Both players had their moments, as Dufrene averaged 5.7 yards a carry and Ford scored eight touchdowns, but it would be nice to see one man emerge as a featured back alongside quarterback Juice Williams.
• New offensive coordinator Mike Schultz steps in, and former outside receivers coach Kurt Beathard will work directly with Williams, who was extremely close with former coordinator Mike Locksley. It's vital for Williams and his teammates to jell with Schultz and the offensive nuances he'll bring to spring practice. Illinois remains one of the league's most talented offenses, but the players must get on the same page this spring.

Indiana Hoosiers

Spring practice starts: March 24

Spring game: April 18

Watch to watch:

• Healthy bodies, at least a few more than at the end of last season. Indiana's roster was wiped out by injuries during Big Ten play, and the Hoosiers should get a better gauge of their strengths and weaknesses this spring. Quarterback Kellen Lewis struggled with injuries for much of the season, and it will be interesting to see if he regains the form he showed in 2007, when he earned second-team All-Big Ten honors. Lewis might need to reclaim the starting job after splitting time with Ben Chappell last fall. Safeties Austin Thomas and Nick Polk will miss spring ball with injuries, giving other players a chance to shine.
• The Hoosiers' defense must take a step forward this spring, especially with so much experience and talent returning in the front seven. Defensive ends Jammie Kirlew and Greg Middleton each have had breakout seasons, and Matt Mayberry at times looks like one of the league's best linebackers. With weak-side linebacker Will Patterson and others back in the fold, there's no reason Indiana can't be serviceable on defense in 2009.
• Lewis can't continue to be Indiana's primary rushing option, and with Marcus Thigpen gone, a capable back or two must emerge. The competition this spring will feature players like Bryan Payton and Darius Willis, a heralded recruit who redshirted last year. Demetrius McCray will be limited in spring practice.

Iowa Hawkeyes

Spring practice starts: March 25

Spring game: April 18

What to watch:

• Everyone knows Shonn Greene is gone, but the more damaging departures likely will come at defensive tackle, where Iowa loses four-year starters Mitch King and Matt Kroul. The spotlight will be on the interior defensive line as players like Karl Klug try to fill the void. Arguably no position competition matters more than the one at defensive tackle, especially since Iowa appears strong everywhere else on defense.
• Ricky Stanzi established himself as the starting quarterback, but Iowa would like the rising junior to take another step and become more consistent. Interceptions were a problem at times for Stanzi last fall, but he should benefit from a full spring as the starter and being able to work with the first-team wide receivers.
• Rising sophomore Jewel Hampton is the likely choice to succeed Greene after rushing for 478 yards and five touchdowns as his backup last year. But head coach Kirk Ferentz likely wants to see what he has with the other backs, namely Jeff Brinson, who redshirted in 2008. There should be some healthy competition for carries throughout the spring and into preseason camp.

Michigan Wolverines

Spring practice starts: March 14

Spring game: April 11

What to watch:

• Quarterbacks, quarterbacks, quarterbacks. Any improvement on this team must start with the quarterback spot, and the competition during spring ball will be crucial. Steven Threet's decision to transfer shifts the spotlight to true freshman Tate Forcier, who enrolled in January and will practice this spring. Nick Sheridan remains in the mix after starting four games last season, but Forcier seems better suited to run Rich Rodriguez's offense. A strong spring could make him the frontrunner when fellow freshman Denard Robinson arrives this summer.
• New defensive coordinator Greg Robinson starts working with a unit that finished 10th in the league in points allowed (28.9 ypg) last fall. Robinson seems less concerned about scheme changes and more focused on instilling a new attitude with the group. There could be an adjustment period on both sides, as players get to know a new coach and Robinson works as an assistant after overseeing an entire program the last four seasons at Syracuse.
• Robinson undoubtedly will devote much of his attention to the defensive line, which loses three starters, including both tackles. The spotlight will be on young players like Ryan Van Bergen, Mike Martin and even early enrollee William Campbell as Michigan looks for answers up front. The Wolverines also need increased leadership from All-Big Ten end Brandon Graham, their only returning starter on the line.

Michigan State Spartans

Spring practice starts: March 24

Spring game: April 25

What to watch:

• The Spartans feature arguably the Big Ten's most intriguing quarterback competition. Third-year sophomore Kirk Cousins performed well behind Brian Hoyer in 2008 and seems to have the intangibles to lead the offense. Keith Nichol is a dual-threat quarterback who has a year in the system after transferring from Oklahoma. A decision on a starter might not be made until preseason camp, but the two players will start competing this spring.
• Running back also is a mystery after the departure of Doak Walker Award finalist Javon Ringer. Michigan State didn't develop a second option behind Ringer, so players like Andre Anderson and Ashton Leggett will get a chance to prove themselves before true freshmen Edwin Baker and Larry Caper arrive this summer.
• Michigan State doesn't lose much on the defensive side, but co-captains Otis Wiley and Justin Kershaw both depart, leaving a void in leadership. The coaches will lean more on linebackers Greg Jones and Adam Decker this spring, and the secondary needs a new front man to replace Wiley, who led the team in interceptions (4) and ranked third in tackles (78). Danny Fortener came on strong last year, but the Spartans will look for another safety to emerge.

Minnesota Golden Gophers

Spring practice starts: March 24

Spring game: April 25

What to watch:

• The offense begins a new chapter under new coordinator Jedd Fisch and new line coach/run game coordinator Tim Davis. Minnesota wants to return to its roots as a running team and employ a pro-style offense. It will be interesting to see how players adjust in practice, and how Fisch and the influential Davis work together.
• New arrival Kevin Cosgrove and Ron Lee take over a defense that made major strides under Ted Roof but showed some cracks down the stretch. Cosgrove will be working with experienced players at linebacker and in the secondary, and their ability to grasp his scheme will be huge this spring.
• Starting quarterback Adam Weber will be held out of contact drills following shoulder surgery, giving the coaches a chance to evaluate heralded recruit MarQueis Gray. The multitalented Gray left the team last year because of questions about his ACT score. He has returned and will get a chance to learn Fisch's offense and establish himself as the team's No. 2 option.

Northwestern Wildcats

Spring practice starts: March 30

Spring game: April 25

What to watch:

• It has been at least four years — and likely more — since the running back position has been so wide open. Stephen Simmons will get a chance to establish himself as the top back this spring after filling in behind Tyrell Sutton late last season. Scott Concannon and Jacob Schmidt also will be in the mix before several freshmen arrive in the summer.
• Mike Kafka enters the spring as the starting quarterback after helping Northwestern to a season-turning win last year at Minnesota. But Kafka must develop as a passer to complement his excellent running ability. With a mostly unproven group of wide receivers, Kafka needs to establish a rhythm and become consistent on the short throws that make the spread offense move.
• Two starters are gone and star end Corey Wootton is nursing a surgically repaired knee, putting pressure on Northwestern to identify another playmaker on the defensive line. The defensive tackle spot will be in the spotlight as Northwestern looks for an elite run stopper to replace John Gill.

Ohio State Buckeyes

Spring practice starts: Week of March 30

Spring game: April 25

What to watch:

• Ohio State needs a featured running back, and Dan Herron has a chance to be the guy. A strong spring from Herron would be beneficial before heralded recruits Jaamal Berry and Carlos Hyde arrive. The Buckeyes could go with a committee system this fall, but Herron showed promise at times last year and could claim the job.
• The offensive line was one of the team's bigger disappointments last year, and the group must come together this spring. Michigan transfer Justin Boren should step into a starting role right away, and sophomore tackles Mike Adams and J.B. Shugarts could join classmate Mike Brewster on the first team. This group has a ton of young talent, but it must be molded.
• Keep an eye on the linebacker and cornerback positions all the way until Sept. 5. Ohio State loses national award winners James Laurinaitis and Malcolm Jenkins, as well as All-Big Ten selection Marcus Freeman. Three and possibly four starting spots are open, so the competition should heat up.

Penn State Nittany Lions

Spring practice starts: Week of March 30

Spring game: April 25

What to watch:

• The Big Ten's best offensive line loses three all-conference starters, including Rimington Trophy winner A.Q. Shipley. Line coaches Dick Anderson and Bill Kenney have plenty of work to do this spring as they try to build around holdovers Stefen Wisniewski and Dennis Landolt. With a formidable run game in place, replenishing the line will be Penn State's top priority.
• Penn State's young wide receivers are gearing up for a wide-open competition as the team loses multiyear starters Derrick Williams, Deon Butler and Jordan Norwood. Can Brett Brackett and Graham Zug emerge as reliable possession-type guys? Can Chaz Powell be Penn State's deep threat? Those answers could come this spring.
• Lions fans are confident that defensive line coach Larry Johnson will develop another first-rate pass rusher. The process begins in spring ball as Penn State must replace starters at both end spots as well as reserve Maurice Evans, a former All-Big Ten selection.

Purdue Boilermakers

Spring practice starts: March 25

Spring game: April 18

What to watch:

• The Danny Hope era begins this spring, and it will be interesting to see what imprints the new head coach puts on the program. He's a Joe Tiller disciple but brings in two new coordinators and wants to make immediate upgrades to the team's speed and athleticism. Purdue loses starters at the skill positions on offense as well as its most productive defender (linebacker Anthony Heygood), so there's plenty of work ahead.
• Quarterback could feature an interesting competition between Joey Elliott and Justin Siller. Elliott seems like the favorite to take over after backing up Curtis Painter the last three seasons. But the multi-talented Siller could fit the new mold Hope is trying to create with the Boilers' personnel. Siller had a big day against Michigan last year and brings the mobility Purdue could use at the quarterback spot.
• With the secondary more or less intact, new defensive coordinator Donn Landholm will focus on the front seven. Landholm needs to build around defensive end Ryan Kerrigan, a potential All-Big Ten performer this fall. Heygood will be missed, but Joe Holland is a solid contributor and if Jason Werner can finally get healthy, the linebacking corps should be strong.

Wisconsin Badgers

Spring practice starts: March 24

Spring game: April 18

What to watch:

• Big surprise, another quarterback competition. After never truly finding stability at the quarterback spot in 2008, Wisconsin once again looks for a leader for the offense. Part-time starter Dustin Sherer will have to ward off Curt Phillips and true freshman Jon Budmayr, who enrolled early. Offensive coordinator Paul Chryst didn't settle on a starter last spring, but he would like some separation to occur.
• Defensive line coach Charlie Partridge will have a busy spring as he tries to replace three starters up front. Players like Jeff Stehle, Patrick Butrym and Brendan Kelly, who emerged last fall before an injury, will get a long look this spring.
• P.J. Hill's early departure to the NFL draft puts John Clay in the spotlight as the Badgers' featured running back. Can the immensely talented Clay take the next step in his development to master the offense and his assignments? He also must work with a new-look offensive line that must replace three starters.

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Recruiting needs: Purdue Boilermakers

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Danny Hope doesn't hide his fondness for speed and athleticism, and he'll try to find those qualities in his first recruiting class as Purdue's head coach.

Hope has already shown a willingness to travel a good distance for what he wants, particularly to the state of Florida. Purdue's 2009 recruiting haul will have a very different look than previous classes.

The Boilers' biggest recruiting needs come on defense, as they lose three starting linemen and three starting defensive backs. Ryan Kerrigan looks like a budding star at defensive end, but Hope must add pieces around him through the 2009 class. End Alex Magee and tackles Mike Neal and Ryan Baker will be missed, and there's not much left over in the interior line. Safety also will be a priority for Hope as the Boilers lose Torri Williams, the team's second leading tackler, and Frank Duong.

Wide receiver jumps out as Purdue's biggest need on offense as the team loses Desmond Tardy and Greg Orton, who combined for 136 receptions and 10 touchdowns last season. Hope mentioned in August that he wants more speed at the inside receiver spots and will look to add some in this class. The new coach also prioritizes speed and athleticism over size at the offensive line spots, saying he wants "guys that are good enough to play on defense but are big enough to move to offense."

The Boilers also might look to add a quarterback or two in this class. Three-year starter Curtis Painter graduates, backup Joey Elliott is a senior and Justin Siller had mixed results in limited action last year, so another signal caller wouldn't be a bad move.

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Final Big Ten injury report: Week 13

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

Courtesy of collegeinjuryreport.com and some of my own research.

ILLINOIS (at Northwestern)

• QB Eddie McGee, toe, probable
• LB Martez Wilson, out, suspension
• DT Josh Brent, knee, questionable
• RB Mikel LeShoure, jaw, questionable
• FB Rahkeem Smith, suspension, questionable
• S Garrett Edwards, shoulder, questionable
• OT Ryan Palmer, foot, questionable
• CB Miami Thomas, knee, out (season)
• DT Sirod Williams, knee, out (season)

INDIANA (at Purdue)

• RB Zach Davis-Walker, thumb, questionable
• S Jerimy Finch, ankle, questionable
• RB Bryan Payton, ankle, questionable
• CB Richard Council, knee, questionable
• LB Will Patterson, knee, questionable
• CB Richard Council, knee, doubtful
• OL Andrew McDonald, undisclosed, questionable
• S Nick Polk, knee, out (season)
• TE Brian Zematis, ankle, out (season)
• S Austin Thomas, knee, out (season)
• OL Dennis Zeigler, knee, out (season)
• CB Chris Phillips, knee, out (season)

IOWA (at Minnesota)

• OG Andy Kuempel, muscle pull, doubtful
• OL Wes Aeschliman, hip, out (season)
• S Harold Dalton, suspension, out
• TE Tony Moeaki, leg, questionable
• OL James Ferentz, suspension, out

MICHIGAN (at Ohio State)

• WR Zion Babb, dismissal, out (season)
• RB Sam McGuffie, shoulder/personal, questionable
• OT Stephen Schilling, knee, questionable
• RB Carlos Brown, foot, questionable
• WR Junior Hemingway, mononucleosis, out
• QB Steven Threet, shoulder, doubtful,
• LB Kevin Leach, ankle, questionable
• T Mark Huyge, ankle, out
• WR Terence Robinson, knee, doubtful
• S Brandon Smith, appendix, out (season)
• G Cory Zirbel, knee, out (season)

MICHIGAN STATE (at Penn State)

• WR Keshawn Martin, undisclosed, questionable
• CB Chris L. Rucker, leg, questionable
• WR Mark Dell, knee, questionable
• S Roderick Jenrette, personal, out (season)

MINNESOTA (vs. Iowa)

• WR Eric Decker, ankle, probable
• S Kyle Theret, leg, probable
• LB Lee Campbell, questionable, hamstring
• RB Duane Bennett, knee, out (season)

NORTHWESTERN (vs. Illinois)

• DT Corbin Bryant, knee, out (season)
• LB Malcolm Arrington, knee, out (season)
• QB Mike Kafka, concussion, probable
• DE Vince Browne, knee, out
• RB Omar Conteh, knee, out (season)
• TE/FB Drake Dunsmore, knee, out (season)
• DE Rejaie Johnson, shoulder, out (season)
• RB Tyrell Sutton, wrist, out
• CB Justan Vaughn, shoulder, out (season)

OHIO STATE (vs. Michigan)

• WR Ray Small, suspension, questionable
• CB Jermale Hines, leg, doubtful
• OL Ben Person, leg, out
• OL Connor Smith, undisclosed, questionable
• DE Curtis Terry, undisclosed, out (season)
• OL Mike Adams, ankle, out (season)
• OL J.B. Shugarts, shoulder, out (season)
• DE Lawrence Wilson, knee, out (season)
• CB Andre Amos, knee, out (season)

PENN STATE (vs. Michigan State)

• DE Josh Gaines, ankle, questionable
• OL Ako Poti, knee, out (season)
• DT Devon Still, ankle, out (season)
• RB Brent Carter, knee, out (season)
• OL Doug Klopacz, knee, out (season)
• DE Jerome Hayes, knee, out (season)

PURDUE (vs. Indiana)

• TE Kyle Adams, knee, doubtful
• LB Jason Werner, back, out
• OL Justin Pierce, groin, questionable
• OT Sean Sester, knee, probable
• G Eric Hedstrom, knee, probable
• QB Joey Elliott, shoulder, out (season)
• T Garrett Miller, knee, out (season)
• RB Jaycen Taylor, knee, out (season)

WISCONSIN (vs. Cal-Poly)

• T Eric Vanden Heuvel, foot, probable
• WR Kyle Jefferson, concussion, out
• TE Lance Kendricks, leg, out (season)
• WR Maurice Moore, leg, doubtful
• TE Travis Beckum, leg, out (season)
• DE Brendan Kelly, thumb, out (season)
• CB Aaron Henry, knee, out (season)
• DE Kirk DeCremer, back, out (season)

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Final Big Ten injury report: Week 12

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

Courtesy of collegeinjuryreport.com and some of my own research. Michigan State has a bye this week.

ILLINOIS (vs. Ohio State)

• RB Mikel LeShoure, jaw, doubtful
• FB Rahkeem Smith, suspension, probable (suspension lifted)
• S Garrett Edwards, shoulder, questionable
• OT Xavier Fulton, shoulder, probable
• OT Ryan Palmer, foot, probable
• CB Miami Thomas, knee, out (season)
• DT Sirod Williams, knee, out (season)

INDIANA (at Penn State)

• RB Zach Davis-Walker, thumb, questionable
• S Jerimy Finch, ankle, questionable
• RB Bryan Payton, ankle, out
• QB Kellen Lewis, ankle, probable
• QB Ben Chappell, probable, head
• LB Will Patterson, knee, out
• CB Richard Council, knee, doubtful
• S Joe Kleinsmith, undisclosed, questionable
• OL Pete Saxon, undisclosed, questionable
• OL Mike Reiter, abdominal, questionable
• OL James Brewer, ankle, questionable
• OT Rodger Saffold, knee, probable
• OL Andrew McDonald, undisclosed, questionable
• S Nick Polk, knee, out (season)
• TE Brian Zematis, ankle, out (season)
• S Austin Thomas, knee, out (season)
• OL Dennis Zeigler, knee, out (season)
• CB Chris Phillips, knee, out (season)

IOWA (vs. Purdue)

• OG Andy Kuempel, muscle pull, doubtful
• OL Wes Aeschliman, hip, out (season)
• S Harold Dalton, suspension, out
• TE Tony Moeaki, leg, doubtful
• OL James Ferentz, out, suspension

MICHIGAN (vs. Northwestern)

• RB Brandon Minor, shoulder/wrist/ribs, doubtful
• RB Carlos Brown, foot, questionable
• OL David Molk, toe, probable
• WR Junior Hemingway, mononucleosis, out
• QB Steven Threet, concussion, probable
• LB Kevin Leach, ankle, questionable
• T Mark Huyge, ankle, questionable
• WR Terence Robinson, knee, questionable
• S Brandon Smith, appendix, out (season)
• G Cory Zirbel, knee, out (season)

MINNESOTA (at Wisconsin)

• WR Eric Decker, ankle, out
• RB Duane Bennett, knee, out (season)

NORTHWESTERN (at Michigan)

• LB Malcolm Arrington, knee, out (season)
• QB C.J. Bacher, hamstring, probable
• DE Vince Browne, knee, out
• RB Omar Conteh, knee, out (season)
• TE/FB Drake Dunsmore, knee, out (season)
• DE Rejaie Johnson, shoulder, out (season)
• RB Tyrell Sutton, wrist, out
• CB Justan Vaughn, shoulder, out (season)

OHIO STATE (at Illinois)

• WR Ray Small, out, suspension
• OL Ben Person, leg, out
• DE Thaddeus Gibson, ankle, probable
• DE Curtis Terry, undisclosed, out(season)
• OL Mike Adams, ankle, out (season)
• OL J.B. Shugarts, shoulder, doubtful
• DE Lawrence Wilson, knee, out (season)
• CB Andre Amos, knee, out (season)

PENN STATE (vs. Indiana)

• CB Drew Astorino, thumb, probable
• DE Josh Gaines, ankle, probable
• OL Ako Poti, knee, out (season)
• DT Devon Still, ankle, out (season)
• RB Brent Carter, knee, out (season)
• OL Doug Klopacz, knee, out (season)
• DE Jerome Hayes, knee, out (season)

PURDUE (at Iowa)

• QB Curtis Painter, shoulder, probable
• TE Kyle Adams, knee, doubtful
• LB Jason Werner, back, doubtful
• OL Justin Pierce, groin, questionable
• OT Sean Sester, knee, questionable
• G Eric Hedstrom, knee, questionable
• QB Joey Elliott, shoulder, out (season)
• T Garrett Miller, knee, out (season)
• RB Jaycen Taylor, knee, out (season)

WISCONSIN (vs. Minnesota)

• T Eric Vanden Heuvel, foot, doubtful
• LB Jaevery McFadden, concussion, probable
• TE Lance Kendricks, leg, out (season)
• WR Maurice Moore, leg, questionable
• TE Travis Beckum, leg, out (season)
• DE Brendan Kelly, thumb, out (season)
• CB Aaron Henry, knee, out (season)
• DE Kirk DeCremer, back, out (season)

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New Week, New Position: Purdue’s Justin Siller Gets Crash Course at Quarterback

Please forgive Purdue’s Justin Siller if he’s never sure which part of his playbook to turn to.  Don’t blame him if he forgets who his position coach is.  Pardon the young man if he loses track of whether he should be giving handoffs or receiving them.

After all, he’s only been a quarterback for a week.

(The second time around, that is.)

Let’s back up for a moment, shall we?

Siller was a highly-recruited dual threat quarterback out of Detroit, Michigan before signing with Purdue.  Trumpeted as the heir apparent and another in a line of stellar Boilermaker signal-callers, he was prepared to back up incumbent Curtis Painter in this, his redshirt freshman season, and eventually take over as the next great Purdue quarterback.

Then things changed unexpectedly during preseason camp in August when running back Jaycen Taylor tore his ACL.  Taylor’s injury left the Boilermakers’ backfield dangerously thin, and with Joey Elliott seeming to beat out Siller as the backup quarterback, Coach Joe Tiller decided that Justin’s game-changing speed could come in handy at a different position.

“I got a hint from the running backs coach that they were thinking about [moving me to running back] and that they were going to discuss it as a coaching staff,” Siller recounted.  “They came and talked to me about it, and they got my opinion on it.”

While he still preferred quarterback, Siller said that he told the coaches “anything I could do to help the team was fine with me.”  All of a sudden, Purdue had itself a new 6’4” running back.

Siller saw limited action in the first four games of the season, most notably a highlight and lowlight against Oregon in Week Two.  His 20-yard run on a broken play helped set up an early touchdown as Purdue jumped out on top, but his ill-advised option pitch in the fourth quarter cost the Boilermakers a possession in a game they would ultimately lose in overtime.

As the season wore on, Purdue’s offense struggled, and Siller was helpless to do anything but watch.  While he didn’t reach the field as a running back in three straight losses to Penn State, Ohio State, and Northwestern, the Boilermakers weren’t faring very well at his old position either.

Even though he continued to be given the starting quarterback assignment each week, Curtis Painter was benched in two different games for his inconsistent play.  Joey Elliott, the backup who had beaten out Siller in camp, relieved Painter in Evanston on Oct. 18 but went down to a season-ending separated shoulder minutes later.

No healthy backup?  Guess what, Justin Siller?  You’re a quarterback again.

Despite his statements earlier in the season that there were “a lot of reasons why [Siller] should stay at running back,” Coach Joe Tiller didn’t hesitate in re-switching Siller and installing him as the No. 2 quarterback behind Painter.  The Boilermakers put in a limited package of “about 20 plays” for the young quarterback (turned running back turned quarterback) in preparation for last Saturday’s game against Minnesota.

No one thought they’d need all 20…but then, Painter went down with a shoulder injury on the first Boilermaker offensive series of the afternoon.  Without any warning, a “shocked” Siller, less than a week removed from his previous life as a running back, was pressed into duty behind center.

“It’s pretty tough…but it’s something we have to deal with in the game of football,” Siller said afterwards.  “I have to go in when I’m called upon.”

Although Purdue dropped a 17-6 decision to the Gophers, Siller had some success moving the offense.  However, it was mostly with his legs.  The Boilers finished with only 109 passing yards, a record-low in the Tiller era.

Reviews of Siller’s quarterback debut were mixed.  While linebacker Anthony Heygood told me that Justin “played well” and defensive tackle Mike Neal said his performance was “equal to any quarterback we’ve had in there,” coach Joe Tiller’s opinion was not so glowing.

When asked to sum up Siller’s play, Tiller’s long awkward pause said it all.  “He has a long way to go,” the veteran coach finally muttered.  He elaborated, “[Justin] knew the offense from a terminology point of view, but he didn’t know it from an execution point of view. ”

Looking at his first experience under center through Siller’s eyes, the glass is half full.  He repeated words like “comfortable” and “confident” several times while meeting with the media afterwards, saying that, “I felt pretty prepared.  And as the game went on, I got more comfortable.”

Siller also adamantly expressed his conviction that the Boilermaker offense would eventually get untracked: “We have to get it done for our team…it’s something that will come with time, I believe.”

It’s anybody’s guess where the Boilermakers go from here.  If Painter is healthy for Saturday’s game against Michigan, he’ll get the starting assignment, which Siller thinks is the right decision.  “Curtis gives us the best opportunity to succeed. With him being a senior, he’s very experienced, and he has the offense down.  If he’s not healthy, I have to go step in and do my best to lead us to victory.”

The two quarterbacks are both listed as possible starters on the latest depth chart.

The Boilermakers’ coach wasn’t quite so positive when he spoke about the possibility of a Siller start against the Wolverines.  “I think it would be very, very challenging,” Tiller admitted.  “We’re not efficient enough and proficient enough offensively to expect a whole lot out of our offense with our No. 3 quarterback, who was a running back up until last week. “

Outside of who will get the nod this weekend, the other question looming over Justin Siller is where in the Purdue backfield he will ultimately settle in.  He claims to not worry about that, saying that it’s all about “this season right now” and just “going with the flow.”

He also stated that while he’s “fully confident that, given the circumstances, I’ll be a quarterback [in the future]”, he hasn’t discussed his 2009 role in the program with Danny Hope, the man who will take over as Purdue head coach next year.

The crazy multi-position journey?  “It’s been good,” Siller summarized.  “When I got the opportunity to move to running back, I saw that as a helpful move.  [The different perspective] helps me to know what we’re trying to get done in the running game.  That just gives me another aspect of being a good quarterback…now when I get the passing game down, then I’ll be completely comfortable.”

Comfortable.  There’s that word again.  For Justin Siller, it doesn’t matter where he’s going to line up for Purdue this weekend: He plans to be comfortable, and that’s good news for Purdue fans who are looking for a reason to hope.

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Painter misses practice with separated shoulder

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

Purdue senior quarterback Curtis Painter missed practice Sunday after sustaining a first-degree separation of his right (throwing) shoulder against Minnesota.

Head coach Joe Tiller isn’t sure whether Painter will return to the practice field Tuesday. If the fifth-year senior sits out again, his status for Saturday’s game against Michigan could be in jeopardy.

Top backup Joey Elliott is likely out of the rest of the season with a more severe separation of his throwing shoulder, so sophomore Justin Siller would get the start if Painter can’t go. Both Painter and Siller are listed as possible starters at quarterbacks on this week’s depth chart.

Purdue had its lowest passing total (109 yards) in Tiller’s 12 seasons at the school in the loss to Minnesota.

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Final Big Ten injury report

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

Courtesy of collegeinjuryreport.com (Iowa has a bye this week):

ILLINOIS (at Wisconsin)

• T Ryan Palmer, foot, doubtful
• CB Miami Thomas, knee, out (season)
• DT Sirod Williams, knee, out (season

INDIANA (vs. Northwestern)

• QB Kellen Lewis, high ankle sprain, questionable
• DT Deonte Mack, undisclosed, questionable
• WR Andrew Means, hand, doubtful
• OL Dennis Zeigler, knee, out (season)
• G Andrew McDonald, undisclosed, questionable
• G Cody Faulkner, undisclosed, questionable
• CB Chris Phillips, knee, out (season)
• WR Tandon Doss, knee, probable

MICHIGAN (vs. Michigan State)

• WR Greg Mathews, undisclosed, questionable
• RB Carlos Brown, foot, doubtful
• QB Steven Threet, bruised elbow, probable
• WR Junior Hemingway, mononucleosis, doubtful
• LB Austin Panter, shoulder, questionable
• T Mark Huyge, ankle, questionable
• WR Terence Robinson, knee, out
• S Brandon Smith, appendix, out
• G Cory Zirbel, knee, out

MICHIGAN STATE (at Michigan)

• QB Brian Hoyer, head/hand, probable
• S Roderick Jenrette, leave of absence, out

MINNESOTA (at Purdue)

• CB Marcus Sherels, shoulder, probable
• RB Kevin Whaley, abdominal, doubtful
• C Trey Davis, hand, questionable
• RB Duane Bennett, knee, out (season)

NORTHWESTERN (at Indiana)

• LB Malcolm Arrington, knee, out (season)
• G Keegan Grant, ankle, questionable
• CB Justan Vaughn, shoulder, out (season)
• DE Rejaie Johnson, shoulder, out (season)
• TE/FB Drake Dunsmore, knee, out (season)

OHIO STATE (vs. Penn State)

• RB Dan Herron, head/concussion, probable
• CB Chimdi Chekwa, shoulder, probable
• WR Dane Sanzenbacher, head/concussion, questionable
• T Mike Adams, ankle, out (season)
• T J.B. Shugarts, shoulder, out (season)
• DE Lawrence Wilson, knee, out (season)
• CB Andre Amos, knee, out (season)

PENN STATE (at Ohio State)

• S Anthony Scirrotto, head/concussion, probable
• T Ako Poti, knee, questionable
• DT Devon Still, ankle, out
• RB Brent Carter, knee, out (season)
• T Doug Klopacz, knee, out (season)
• DE Jerome Hayes, knee, out (season)

PURDUE (vs. Minnesota)

• TE Kyle Adams, knee, doubtful
• LB Jason Werner, back, out
• QB Joey Elliott, shoulder, out (season)
• S Frank Duong, knee, questionable
• T Garrett Miller, knee, out (season)
• RB Jaycen Taylor, knee, out (season)

WISCONSIN (vs. Illinois)

• WR Maurice Moore, leg, out (season)
• CB Mario Goins, head/concussion, questionable
• T Gabe Carimi, knee, doubtful
• RB P.J. Hill, leg, probable
• G Kraig Urbik, knee, doubtful
• LB Blake Sorensen, hamstring, probable
• RB John Clay, toe, probable
• LB Jonathan Casillas, hand, questionable
• DE Brendan Kelly, thumb, out (season)
• CB Aaron Henry, knee, out (season)
• DE Kirk DeCremer, back, out (season)

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Injury updates for Northwestern, Purdue

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

NORTHWESTERN

Northwestern starting middle linebacker Malcolm Arrington will miss the remainder of the regular season with a knee injury, the team announced today. Coach Pat Fitzgerald said there’s a possibility Arrington could return for a bowl game, but the Wildcats will need to move forward without their third-leading tackler. Arrington suffered the injury last week against Purdue.

It looks like Arrington has ligament damage and could need surgery in the coming weeks. This is a big loss for the 22nd-ranked Wildcats, but both Quentin Davie and Prince Kwateng have played well at outside linebacker and need to fill the void. Sophomore Nate Williams will start for Arrington on Saturday at Indiana.

PURDUE

According to a team spokesman, backup quarterback Joey Elliott has been told he will not need surgery on his throwing shoulder, which he separated in the second quarter against Northwestern. It’s still doubtful that Elliott will return this season, but he should be fine for spring practice, when he’s expected to take over the starting quarterback position.

Elliott had replaced the struggling Curtis Painter twice in Purdue’s last three games. Redshirt freshman Justin Siller now becomes Painter’s primary backup.

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