Big Ten weekend scrimmage roundup

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
All 11 Big Ten teams are now immersed in spring practice, and several squads held controlled scrimmages over the weekend. Some scrimmages were closed and no information was released, but here's what I've pieced together.
INDIANA
Scrimmage: Saturday
Highlights The Ben Chappell-Kellen Lewis connection is gaining steam, as the current…
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Moving Lewis could impact Lynch’s future at IU

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
You have to admire Indiana's Kellen Lewis and Ray Fisher for going forward with decisions designed to serve the best interests of the team. Position change is never easy, particularly for seniors who have had success at one spot.
Not many teams move a record-setting quarterback to wide receiver and the leading wide receiver to cornerback. But from…
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Indiana’s Lewis gets conditioned to wide receiver

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
Kellen Lewis has wrong-footed defenders for 1,677 rush yards and 17 touchdowns in his Indiana career, numbers that seem to reflect an athlete in peak physical condition.
But Lewis is feeling a bit like a couch potato next to the guys in his newest position group.
"I haven't played wide receiver since sophomore year of high school," Lewis…
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Big Ten lunch links: IU goes with Chappell at QB

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
Spring is here, people. Time to get serious.  Ben Chappell has done enough to open spring practice as Indiana's starting quarterback, while Kellen Lewis gets more work as a wide receiver, Terry Hutchens writes in The Indianapolis Star.   "The biggest difference in our offense is that we're going to be more of a downhill…
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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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Recruiting snapshot: Indiana

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The Indiana Hoosiers are up next in our look at the Big Ten recruiting classes. 

Number of recruits: 18

Key needs: Offensive line, linebacker, defensive back, quarterback

Highest-rated player (Scouts Inc.): Kicker Mitch Ewald (No. 4 nationally among kickers)

The quote: "Edward and Dusty Kiel both come out of the same conference, so they've both competed against each other a lot. We like that competitiveness. We look forward to them competing against each other here. They both played in the spread. Edward is probably a little bit faster than Dusty, but they both are very good passers and they both are very good runners." — head coach Bill Lynch, on quarterback recruits Edward Wright-Baker and Dusty Kiel.

Quick take: Indiana certainly lost momentum on the field last fall, and the effects were partly felt in recruiting. The Hoosiers lost two verbal commitments to other programs but brought in a small class that addresses depth concerns at offensive line and quarterback. It's tough to get too geeked about a class with a kicker as its highest-rated player, but Wright-Baker is an exciting prospect at quarterback who could fit the mold of Kellen Lewis. Defense absolutely has to be the priority for head coach Bill Lynch heading into a make-or-break season, and several incoming freshmen could compete early.

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Recruiting needs: Indiana Hoosiers

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

After a 3-9 season that featured regressions on both sides of the ball, Indiana seems like a team with endless recruiting needs. But that's not exactly true.

The Hoosiers have several promising pieces in place. They boast two defensive ends (Jammie Kirlew and Greg Middleton) who had breakout performances in back-to-back seasons. They have some exciting, young wide receivers, a talented middle linebacker in Matt Mayberry and experience in the secondary. But make no mistake: this is a critical recruiting class for a program that can't afford to lose more ground and a head coach (Bill Lynch) who can't afford to lose many more games.

Indiana returns 10 starters on defense, but given the program's historic struggles on that side of the ball, it's important to get a few players who can provide depth early in their careers. The Hoosiers must replace strongside linebacker Geno Johnson and will need reinforcements in 2010 after Mayberry and Will Patterson graduate.

A wave of injuries made it hard to get a great read on Indiana's offensive line, but fortifying the front five will be a priority in recruiting. Line depth can't be a problem in the future like it was this season. Quarterback also will be a need with Kellen Lewis entering his senior season and Ben Chappell a rising junior. Mitchell Evans seems better suited to wide receiver, so the Hoosiers need a plan under center beyond 2010.

The departure of standout kicker Austin Starr also creates an opening for a freshman on special teams. This won't be a huge numbers class for Indiana, but it will be a vital one for the program's future.

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Recruiting spotlight: Indiana Hoosiers

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

After a 3-9 season that featured regressions on both sides of the ball, Indiana seems like a team with endless recruiting needs. But that's not exactly true.

The Hoosiers have several promising pieces in place. They boast two defensive ends (Jammie Kirlew and Greg Middleton) who had breakout performances in back-to-back seasons. They have some exciting, young wide receivers, a talented middle linebacker in Matt Mayberry and experience in the secondary. But make no mistake: this is a critical recruiting class for a program that can't afford to lose more ground and a head coach (Bill Lynch) who can't afford to lose many more games.

Indiana returns 10 starters on defense, but given the program's historic struggles on that side of the ball, it's important to get a few players who can provide depth early in their careers. The Hoosiers must replace strongside linebacker Geno Johnson and will need reinforcements in 2010 after Mayberry and Will Patterson graduate.

A wave of injuries made it hard to get a great read on Indiana's offensive line, but fortifying the front five will be a priority in recruiting. Line depth can't be a problem in the future like it was this season. Quarterback also will be a need with Kellen Lewis entering his senior season and Ben Chappell a rising junior. Mitchell Evans seems better suited to wide receiver, so the Hoosiers need a plan under center beyond 2010.

The departure of standout kicker Austin Starr also creates an opening for a freshman on special teams. This won't be a huge numbers class for Indiana, but it will be a vital one for the program's future.

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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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