Wisconsin’s Clay, Iowa’s Hampton tough it out

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
There are two primary concerns with Wisconsin's über-talented running back, John Clay.     Jeff Hanisch/US Presswire   Wisconsin coaches will be keeping a close eye on John Clay's weight this season.
1. Can he maintain a proper playing weight, ideally between 235 to 240 pounds?
2. Will his…
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Big Ten lunch links: Stars shine at pro days

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
The madness is here, and so are these links.  Defensive end Aaron Maybin and his Penn State teammates dazzled at pro day, while cornerback Vontae Davis led the way at Illinois. Former Michigan State backfield mates Brian Hoyer and Javon Ringer also stepped up before NFL scouts.  Wisconsin's John Clay boasts plenty of raw ability, but the…
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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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Big Ten pre-spring power rankings

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The recruiting classes are in, several underclassmen are out (preparing for the NFL draft) and coaching changes have been made. It's time to re-examine the Big Ten power rankings, which project forward to the 2009 season but take into consideration the way a team finished up 2008. 

1. Ohio State — The Buckeyes lost juniors Chris "Beanie" Wells, Brian Robiskie and Donald Washington to the NFL draft and said goodbye to a large senior class, but they performed well in the Fiesta Bowl and brought in the league's best recruiting class. The youth movement has begun in Columbus, and Ohio State likely will surround Terrelle Pryor with more dynamic skill players on offense. There are some holes in the defensive two-deep, but Ohio State rarely misses a beat on that side of the ball. 

2. Penn State — The somewhat surprising early departures of defensive ends Aaron Maybin and Maurice Evans create questions in an area where Penn State dominated last season. Linebacker should be a major strength, but Penn State must replenish the secondary and find a stud pass rusher or two. Wide receiver should be the most interesting position to watch during the spring and summer, and if Penn State avoids a drop-off on the offensive line, it should be in good shape for another league title push. A large recruiting class will play a key role in the Lions' quest to repeat. 

3. Iowa — Shonn Greene surprised absolutely no one by declaring for the NFL draft, and the Doak Walker Award winner leaves a major void in production. But backup running back Jewel Hampton showed promise last year, and Iowa has fewer question marks on offense than most Big Ten teams. Arguably the bigger questions come at defensive tackle, where four-year starters Mitch King and Matt Kroul depart. Avoiding a major drop-off in the interior line is crucial, but Iowa returns most of its key players from a 9-4 team. 

4. Michigan State — Several key seniors depart, including running back Javon Ringer and safety Otis Wiley, but Michigan State brings back most of its key contributors and adds its best recruiting class in recent memory.  The competition at both running back and quarterback will set the course for the 2009 season, but the Spartans should be deeper and better on defense.

5. Northwestern — Much like Michigan State, Northwestern must replace its starting offensive backfield for the 2009 campaign. Mike Kafka steps in at quarterback after a solid junior season, but there will be plenty of competition at both running back and wide receiver. The offensive line should be much improved, and as long as star defensive end Corey Wootton recovers from knee surgery, the Wildcats will boast one of the Big Ten's best defenses. 

6. Illinois — As expected, cornerback Vontae Davis entered the NFL draft, leaving some questions in an Illini secondary that struggled at the safety spot in 2008. Improving the defense will be Illinois' top priority entering the fall, especially with so much talent back on the offensive side. Ron Zook's recruiting class drew mixed reviews after several committed prospects went elsewhere, but Illinois held onto wide receiver Terry Hawthorne and addressed several of its needs. 

7. Minnesota — The Gophers welcome two new coordinators (Jedd Fisch and Kevin Cosgrove) and a different offensive approach heading into spring practice, but they bring back most of the pieces from a 7-6 team. Tim Brewster continued to improve the defensive secondary with his recent recruiting haul, and both lines return virtually intact. If Minnesota can adjust to the changes in coaching and scheme, it should take another step forward in 2009.

8. Wisconsin — Underappreciated running back P.J. Hill surprised some by declaring for the NFL draft, and Wisconsin also said goodbye to a large senior class. John Clay looks more than capable of becoming a featured back for the Badgers in 2009, but unless some significant progress is made at the quarterback position, it's hard to see improvement. A very solid recruiting class featuring quarterback Jon Budmayr and wide receiver Kraig Appleton could bolster the passing attack and move Wisconsin up the rankings. 

9. Michigan — Despite a 3-9 season, Michigan landed a Top 10 recruiting class that features several players likely to contribute right away. Brandon Graham stayed for his senior year, giving the Wolverines a dominant pass rusher. The Wolverines very well could make a major move up this list, but they first must find a solution at the quarterback spot and fill holes on the defensive line and in the secondary. The recruiting class provides a major boost, but the program remains in a transition phase.

10. Purdue — The Boilermakers are the Big Ten's mystery team, as they welcome a new head coach (Danny Hope) and most likely a different type of player. Hope landed 14 recruits from Florida in hopes of upgrading Purdue's speed and athleticism, and he also must replace starters at all the offensive skill positions (quarterback, running back, wide receiver). If the defense avoids a drop-off and Hope's recruits contribute immediately like he thinks they will, the Boilers will be a much improved team. 

11. Indiana — Wide receiver Andrew Means declared for the NFL draft, but Indiana doesn't lose a whole lot from last year's team, which could be good or bad. Head coach Bill Lynch didn't make any staff changes, hoping that continuity and improved health will lead to better results in 2009. Indiana boasts two experienced quarterbacks (Kellen Lewis and Ben Chappell), two proven pass rushers (Greg Middleton and Jammie Kirlew) and some promising young players, but if the defense doesn't improve, it could be another long season.

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Running back spot to get makeover in Big Ten

	US Presswire
	Javon Ringer and Chris Wells will be working on Sundays in 2009.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The Big Ten's best position on the field this season will have a very different look in 2009.

After boasting three of the nation's top six rushers and six players ranked in the top 40, the Big Ten has seen major turnover at the running back position. In addition to graduating seniors, the league will lose three underclassmen — Iowa's Shonn Greene, Ohio State's Chris "Beanie" Wells and Wisconsin's P.J. Hill — to the NFL draft.

Seven of the 11 conference members have lost their leading rusher from this season. And of the remaining four teams — Penn State, Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota — only Penn State finished in the Top 25 nationally in rushing offense (205.9 yards per game) this fall.

Though the league figures to make much-needed upgrades at quarterbacks, there will be a void in several backfields.

Here's a look at what the Big Ten lost at running back:

• Iowa's Shonn Greene won the Doak Walker Award as nation's top back, ranked second nationally in rushing average (142.3 ypg) and set a single-season school record with 1,850 rushing yards.
• Michigan State's Javon Ringer ranked fourth nationally in rushing average (125.9 ypg) and led the nation in scoring (10.2 points per game) with 22 rushing touchdowns. Few non-quarterbacks accounted for more of their team's offensive production than Ringer.
• Ohio State's Beanie Wells finished sixth nationally in rushing and racked up 1,197 rushing yards despite missing three games with a foot/toe injury. Wells finished his career ranked fourth on Ohio State's career rushing list.
• Purdue's Kory Sheets ranked 31st nationally in rushing and tied for 19th in scoring this season. Sheets also caught 37 passes out of the backfield and ranked sixth in the league in all-purpose yards.
• Wisconsin's P.J. Hill became just the second player in team history to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards in his first three season as a Badger. Despite splitting carries with John Clay, Hill racked up 1,161 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns.
• Northwestern's Tyrell Sutton led the team in rushing (890) and ranked fourth in receptions (35) despite missing the final four regular-season contests with a wrist injury. Sutton was a four-year starter and the team's most consistent offensive player.
• Indiana's Marcus Thigpen ranked fourth in the league in all-purpose yards (143.2 ypg), tied for eighth in scoring and ninth in kickoff return average. Thigpen quietly averaged 6.7 yards per carry for an Indiana team that didn't have many reliable options on offense.
• Michigan's Sam McGuffie transferred to Rice after a season in which he finished second on the team in rushing yards (486) and third in receptions (19).

Several of these teams developed backups for 2009. Iowa's Jewel Hampton, Wisconsin's Clay and Ohio State's Dan Herron look capable of stepping into featured roles. Purdue's Jaycen Taylor returns from injury and likely will be the starter.

Other squads relied heavily on players who won't be back in 2009.

But outside of State College and maybe Ann Arbor, the running back competitions will be one of the offseason's top story lines as we inch closer toward Sept. 5.

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Big Ten 2008 offensive line rankings (individual)

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

The team rankings are unquestionably the best gauge of an offensive line, but several individuals stood out and deserve recognition. The Big Ten seemed to be stronger at the interior line spots than at tackle this season.

Here are the Top 10 Big Ten offensive linemen for 2008.

1. Penn State center A.Q. Shipley
Named the Rimington Trophy winner as the nation’s top center, Shipley anchored the Big Ten’s best line and provided critical leadership as a co-captain. The league’s coaches voted him Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year, and I agree with the selection.

2. Penn State guard Rich Ohrnberger
The senior anchored the interior line along with Shipley and promising sophomore Stefen Wisniewski. The third-team AP All-American helped Penn State lead the Big Ten in scoring this fall.

3. Iowa guard Seth Olsen
Iowa developed into one of the league’s best lines, and the veteran Olsen had a key role. A consensus first-team All-Big Ten selection, the senior led a solid interior line that created lanes for Doak Walker Award winner Shonn Greene.

4. Penn State tackle Gerald Cadogan
The fifth-year senior kept pass rushers off of Daryll Clark, as Penn State allowed a league-low 12 sacks this season. Cadogan earned consensus first-team All-Big Ten honors and was a four-time academic all-conference selection.

5. Wisconsin guard Kraig Urbik
Urbik earned consensus second-team All-Big Ten honors for the second consecutive season and creates lanes for P.J. Hill and John Clay in the league’s top rushing attack. The senior remained one of the nation’s top guards and should be a mid-round selection in April’s draft.

6. Ohio State tackle Alex Boone
It wasn’t the greatest year for the Ohio State offensive line or Boone, but he turned in several solid performances. Along with Cadogan, Boone earned first-team All-Big Ten honors and will be drafted in April.

7. Iowa center Rob Bruggeman
The former walk-on ended his career with an All-Big Ten performance as Iowa went 9-4. Bruggeman was a reliable presence in the middle of Iowa’s line and created holes for an excellent between-the-tackles runner.

8. Michigan State guard Roland Martin
Martin earned second-team All-Big Ten honors from the media and helped Javon Ringer become one of the nation’s top running backs. Along with teammate Jesse Miller, Roland anchored the right side of the line and limited sacks against Brian Hoyer.

9. Iowa tackle Bryan Bulaga
A rising star at left tackle, Bulaga will enter 2009 as one of the Big Ten’s top offensive linemen. He helped Shonn Greene’s cause this fall, and an Iowa team built around defense finished second in the league in scoring offense (30.2 points per game).

10. Illinois center Ryan McDonald
McDonald helped the Illini lead the Big Ten in passing and ranked second in total offense. A Rimington Trophy candidate, the senior earned second-team All-Big Ten honors for the second consecutive season.

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Wisconsin’s Hill to enter NFL draft

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

Wisconsin running back P.J. Hill will forgo his senior season and enter the NFL draft, ESPN’s Joe Schad is reporting.

A three-year starter for the Badgers, Hill racked up 3,396 rushing yards and 42 touchdowns. He won Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2006 and had three 1,000-yard rushing seasons despite battling injuries for much of his career.

Team spokesman Brian Lucas said head coach Bret Bielema is on the road recruiting and hopes to get in touch with Hill Thursday. Wisconsin students are currently on winter break.

Hill’s decision is somewhat surprising, but given the short life of running backs in the NFL, it makes some sense. Hill has taken a pounding during his career and dealt with several ailments, so a jump could be beneficial.

His departure clears the way for redshirt freshman John Clay to become Wisconsin’s featured back in 2009. Clay shared carries with Hill this fall and had 884 rushing yards and nine touchdowns.

Hill becomes the second Big Ten running back to enter the draft early, joining Iowa’s Shonn Greene. Ohio State junior Chris “Beanie” Wells has yet to decide whether he’ll turn pro.

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Big Ten year-end offensive line rankings (team)

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

I’ll pick up my year-end rankings with the offensive line before heading over to the defensive side and wrapping up with the specialists. Much like the preseason rankings, these will be split into two parts: team and individual.

Let’s begin with the team rankings, which mean more at this position than any other on the field.

1. Penn State — Far and away the best group in the league, with no real weak spot along the front. Rimington Trophy winner A.Q. Shipley led the way at center, and left tackle Gerald Cadogan and guard Rich Ohrnberger also earned first-team All-Big Ten selections. Penn State led the league in most offensive categories and will have a hard time replacing Shipley, Cadogan and Ohrnberger in 2009.

2. Iowa — Much like the running back position, the question marks about this group faded as the season progressed. Center Rob Bruggeman and guards Seth Olsen and Julian Vandervelde formed arguably the Big Ten’s top interior trio. Tackle Bryan Bulaga is a budding star, and Iowa should enter 2009 with the Big Ten’s top offensive front.

3. Wisconsin — The Badgers were a major disappointment this fall, but the offensive line still proved to be a valuable group as Wisconsin led the league in rushing (212 yards per game). Speed trumps size in today’s college football, but the Badgers’ mammoth front created holes for P.J. Hill and John Clay. Losing All-Big Ten guards Kraig Urbik and Andy Kemp will sting, but Wisconsin has bigger problems, like finding a quarterback.

4. Illinois — There are several reasons why Illinois missed a bowl game, but the offensive line isn’t one of them. The Illini finished second in the league in offense and tied for third in scoring, and center Ryan McDonald and tackle Xavier Fulton both earned All-Big Ten honors. Losing McDonald and Fulton will sting, but freshman tackle Jeff Allen is a budding star.

5. Ohio State — The group underperformed for most of the season before coming on strong late. Injuries and a quarterback change didn’t help matters, but Ohio State expected better things from a veteran-laden group left by left tackle Alex Boone. The Buckeyes ran the ball well at times but weren’t consistent enough.

6. Michigan State — Javon Ringer had a tremendous year, in part due to the offensive line, but Michigan State actually ranked ninth in the league in rushing and seventh in total offense. Not good. A mix of veterans and younger players jelled nicely, but this wasn’t the most talented group in the league and could be better in 2009.

7. Purdue — The Boilermakers’ offense generated yards but not enough points, and the rushing game was nearly nonexistent despite the presence of a pretty decent back (Kory Sheets). Injuries hurt the group, which should be better in 2009.

8. Northwestern — The league’s youngest line certainly had its growing pains, and new coordinator Mick McCall likely adjusted his scheme to limit backfield damage. Northwestern allowed only 17 sacks and received strong play from center Ben Burkett and others, but the Wildcats struggled to run the ball consistently and broke down toward the end of the Alamo Bowl.

9. Michigan — Like the rest of the offense, the line had its problems this fall. Four new starters and a fluid situation at quarterback didn’t help, but Michigan never generated the push needed to execute Rich Rodriguez’s scheme. The front five will be more experienced in 2009 and should improve with the right pieces around it.

10. Indiana — The injury bug that ravaged the roster didn’t spare the line, which lost several key pieces. Indiana ran the ball well at times with Marcus Thigpen and Kellen Lewis but allowed a Big Ten-worst 28 sacks. Defense hurt Indiana more than anything else, but the offensive line needs to be upgraded for next fall.

11. Minnesota – Minnesota’s problems up front were exposed in the final six games, all losses. Youth and an inability to create running lanes hurt the Gophers, who finished last in the league in rushing. New offensive line coach Tim Davis should get this group turned around for next season, when the power run will be a greater part of the offense.

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Champs Sports Bowl preview

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Sherer brings edge to Badgers’ huddle

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

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

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

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

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

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

The wait nearly prompted Sherer to transfer.

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

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

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

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

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

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