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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Identifying the Big Ten’s best recruiters

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

If you haven't done it already, check out our signing day primer. As part of the story, I was asked to identify several Big Ten recruiting superlatives, including the league's best recruiter.

Former Illinois offensive coordinator Mike Locksley owned the title before he left to become New Mexico's head coach, and several Big Ten assistants could lay claim to the designation. Most of Michigan's staff is new to the league, so it's hard to judge their recruiting clout just yet. I settled on Penn State defensive line coach Larry Johnson, who has landed several top prospects from the Maryland/Washington, D.C., area and elsewhere.

Here's my list of top recruiters for each Big Ten team. Many of you follow recruiting as closely or more closely than I do, so please e-mail me your suggestions and votes and I'll post the responses later in the week.

ILLINOIS

Running backs coach Reggie Mitchell — Illinois might have lost its pipeline to D.C. with Locksley's departure, but Mitchell continues to get the top players from the Chicago area. The team's recruiting coordinator has brought linebacker Martez Wilson and others to Champaign, and was instrumental in landing 2009 top prospects Terry Hawthorne and Kraig Appleton. The departure of O-line coach Eric Wolford hurts Illinois' recruiting, but co-defensive coordinator Dan Disch does well in Florida.

INDIANA

Wide receivers coach Billy Lynch — The head coach's son is responsible for nearly half of Indiana's 2009 recruiting class. He recruits locally extremely well and last year brought running back Darius Willis to Bloomington.

IOWA

Offensive line coach Reese Morgan — Iowa has a tradition of recruiting and developing elite offensive linemen, and Morgan is a big reason why. He recruits the state extremely well and brought in players like Jordan Bernstine and Tyler Sash to go along with seven commitments for 2009. Assistant linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator Eric Johnson successfully recruits the surrounding states and has brought players like quarterback Marvin McNutt and Christian Ballard to Iowa City.

MICHIGAN

Quarterbacks coach Rod Smith and wide receivers coach Tony Dews — As I stated earlier, it's a bit premature to make final determinations on Michigan's staff. Running backs coach Fred Jackson is a holdover and has recruited the Detroit area well in past years. But both Smith and Dews have distinguished themselves on the recruiting trail, luring top 2009 prospects like Tate Forcier, William Campbell and Craig Roh to Ann Arbor.

MICHIGAN STATE

Running backs coach Dan Enos — The former Spartans quarterback has played an instrumental role in upgrading the program's recruiting, which will play dividends Wednesday with a potentially program-changing class. Enos recruits the Detroit area extremely well and has brought in players like wideout Fred Smith and quarterback Kirk Cousins, as well as 2009 prospects like Edwin Baker, Larry Caper and Dion Sims.

MINNESOTA

Defensive line coach Tim Cross — The team's associate head coach and lead recruiter played a key role in signing Minnesota's nationally ranked 2008 class, landing players like Troy Stoudermire and Keanon Cooper. Head coach Tim Brewster does much of the heavy lifting in recruiting, but Cross and co-defensive coordinator Ron Lee chip in as well.

NORTHWESTERN

Superbacks coach Adam Cushing — He coaches a group rarely used in Northwestern's offense, but Cushing's contributions as a recruiter have been invaluable. Cushing serves as the team's recruiting coordinator and landed players like defensive end Vince Browne, safety David Arnold, linebacker Brett Nagel and top 2009 prospect Patrick Ward.

OHIO STATE

Co-defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Luke Fickell — Several recruiters stand out on Jim Tressel's staff, but Fickell repeatedly lures top prospects from the Cleveland area and far-flung regions like Georgia and Florida. Quarterbacks coach Joe Daniels landed Terrelle Pryor last year, and wide receivers coach Darrell Hazell is a proven recruiter. Cornerbacks coach Taver Johnson is a rising star on the recruiting trail.

PENN STATE

Defensive line coach Larry Johnson – Johnson gets the nod after bringing in players like Aaron Maybin, Maurice Evans, Navorro Bowman and Jared Odrick. No assistant played a bigger role in Penn State's 2009 nationally ranked class than Johnson, who recruited Derrick Thomas and Darrell Givens, among others. No wonder Ron Zook wanted Johnson to join his staff at Illinois.

PURDUE

Defensive line coach Terrell Williams — This is another mostly new staff to the Big Ten, and coach Danny Hope does much of the recruiting himself, but Williams has proven to be a major asset so far. Williams helped to land half of Purdue's incoming recruiting class, including top running back Al-Terek McBurse. He recruits Florida extremely well, which falls right in line with Hope's approach.

WISCONSIN

Offensive line coach Bob Bostad — Health issues forced top recruiter Henry Mason away from the program in 2007, and his absence is missed. Head coach Bret Bielema has a strong reputation as a recruiter, and Bostad is doing a solid job early in his tenure. Bostad's fingerprints were all over Wisconsin's 2008 class, as he landed offensive lineman Peter Konz and others. Defensive line coach Charlie Partridge and defensive coordinator Dave Doeren are also solid recruiters.

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Recapping the Big Ten coaching changes

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Purdue's hiring of defensive coordinator Donn Landholm on Monday likely marks the end to the major coaching moves in the Big Ten this year. 

There have been no head-coaching changes — Danny Hope was named Purdue's head coach-in-waiting last year — and unless Iowa's Kirk Ferentz bolts for the Kansas City Chiefs, which isn't likely, all 11 teams will have continuity on top. But there were several key changes among coordinators and key position coaches. 

Here's a summary. 

ILLINOIS

Offensive coordinator: Mike Locksley left to become New Mexico's head coach. Illinois hired TCU offensive coordinator Mike Schultz as his replacement. 

Defensive line: Ron Zook fired Tom Sims and hired Cincinnati's Keith Gilmore. 

Offensive line: Eric Wolford left for the same post at South Carolina, and Zook hired Houston's Joe Gilbert as his replacement. 

Notes: Arguably Illinois' biggest coaching move was one that didn't happen. Zook offered Penn State defensive line coach Larry Johnson the chance to be Illinois' defensive coordinator, but the ace recruiter opted to stay in State College. 

INDIANA

No changes.

Notes: Despite a 3-9 season that saw regression on both sides of the ball, head coach Bill Lynch said he didn't expect to make any staff changes for 2009. 

IOWA

No changes.

Notes: Ferentz is being mentioned as a candidate for the Chiefs' head-coaching vacancy because of his ties to new general manager Scott Pioli, but it appears likely he will remain at Iowa for an 11th season. He will hold a signing day news conference scheduled for Feb. 4 and has talked with athletic director Gary Barta about a contract extension.

MICHIGAN

Defensive coordinator: Scott Shafer resigned and later took the same job at Syracuse. Michigan hired former Syracuse head coach Greg Robinson as Shafer's replacement.

Notes: Head coach Rich Rodriguez took his time with the search, and Robinson actually reached out to him about the defensive coordinator vacancy.

MICHIGAN STATE

No changes.

Notes: Offensive coordinator Don Treadwell was in the mix for several head-coaching spots (Miami University, Boston College) but will stay put for 2009.

MINNESOTA

Offensive coordinator: Mike Dunbar resigned Jan. 6 to pursue other professional opportunities. Minnesota hired former Denver Broncos wide receivers coach Jedd Fisch as Dunbar's replacement.

Defensive coordinator: Ted Roof resigned Jan. 6 to take the same post at Auburn. Gophers head coach Tim Brewster hired former Nebraska and Wisconsin defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove, who will share coordinator duties with defensive backs coach Ron Lee.

Notes: Fisch will call the offensive plays, but he must collaborate with Tim Davis, the team's new offensive line coach and run game coordinator. Davis, who replaces Phil Meyer, was hired in late November to transform Minnesota's run game and return the team to its roots as a dominant rushing attack.

NORTHWESTERN

Offensive line: Bret Ingalls left for the New Orleans Saints. Head coach Pat Fitzgerald told me he's not concerned about naming a replacement until after signing day, but indications are Adam Cushing, the H-backs coach and recruiting coordinator, will be promoted to line coach. 

Notes: Athletic director Jim Phillips wants to work out a contract extension for Fitzgerald and likely will announce one in the coming weeks or months.

OHIO STATE

No changes.

Notes: Some expected offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Jim Bollman to get the axe, and while it still could happen, head coach Jim Tressel is the primary play-caller and responsible for the unit's success. Co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Luke Fickell was mentioned as a candidate for the head-coaching vacancy at Bowling Green.

PENN STATE

No changes.

Notes: Penn State retained Larry Johnson despite Illinois offering more money and a coordinator position. Longtime defensive coordinator Tom Bradley also remains despite some rumors that he was a candidate for the top job at Syracuse.

PURDUE

Offensive coordinator: Ed Zaunbrecher was fired and replaced by Florida Atlantic offensive coordinator Gary Nord. 

Defensive coordinator: Longtime Boilers defensive coordinator Brock Spack left to become Illinois State's head coach. Hope hired his former Eastern Kentucky staffer Landholm as Spack's replacement. 

Running backs coach: Joel Thomas left for the same job at Washington, and Hope hired former Kansas State assistant Cornell Jackson as his replacement. 

Offensive line coach: Hope handled the line in 2008 and hired his former Eastern Kentucky staffer Shawn Clark to replace him. 

Special teams coordinator: Hope moved Mark Hagen from special teams to linebackers and promoted graduate assistant J.B. Gibboney to this post. 

Notes: Tight ends coach John McDonnell was not retained for 2009, and a replacement hasn't been named. Terrell Williams will once again coach the entire defensive line this fall after working strictly with the ends in 2008. 

WISCONSIN

No changes.

Notes: After firing veteran defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz and seeing offensive line coach Bob Palcic leave for UCLA last year, head coach Bret Bielema is keeping his staff in place despite a very disappointing 2008 season.  

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Putting a bow on the Big Ten season

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The end result wasn't what most Big Ten fans had in mind, but 2008 still brought plenty of intrigue around the league. Before putting the season to bed, here are some moments that stick out in my mind.

Terrelle Pryor takes over — Pryor came to Ohio State with unparalleled hype as the nation's No. 1 recruit, but most expected him to sit out most of the season. Everything changed after the USC loss, and Jim Tressel's decision to start Pryor in Week 4 marked a significant shift for a program that usually sticks with its seniors. Pryor had some growing pains along the way, but he also showcased incredible talent and the potential to take Ohio State a long way in the years to come.

Joe Paterno keeps on winning — Despite a bum hip that needed to be surgically replaced in November, Paterno gutted his way through the season and proved once again that he knows exactly what he's doing. Despite spending the final nine games in the press box, including the Rose Bowl, Paterno helped Penn State to a co-Big Ten title and won Big Ten Coach of the Year honors. The 82-year-old signed a three-year contract after the season and will be back in 2009.

Holy Toledo — Michigan had never lost to a MAC team in 24 tries, but this season was anything but ordinary in Ann Arbor. The low point for Rich Rodriguez and the Wolverines undoubtedly arrived Oct. 11, when a subpar Toledo team came into the Big House and beat Michigan 13-10. Michigan went on to lose a school-record nine games, posted a losing season for the first time since 1967 and missed a bowl for the first time since 1974.

The collapse at the Coliseum — The most anticipated game of the season turned into a disaster for the Big Ten and Ohio State, which got steamrolled 35-3 by USC. Ohio State couldn't stop Mark Sanchez, committed uncharacteristic errors and didn't score a touchdown for the first time since 1996. The loss reinforced the perception that Ohio State struggles in big games, a reputation the Buckeyes helped restore in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.

Murray kicks Penn State out of title game — Penn State seemed destined for a date in the BCS Championship Game until it ran into an inspired Iowa team on Nov. 8 at Kinnick Stadium. The Hawkeyes rallied from a 9-point fourth-quarter deficit and won the game in the final seconds on a 31-yard field goal by Daniel Murray, an Iowa City native who had lost his starting job seven weeks earlier. Head coach Kirk Ferentz went back to Murray in the clutch, a decision that paid off.

Coordinators take off — The Big Ten had no head-coaching changes this year, but several of the league's top assistants left following the season. Illinois offensive coordinator and chief recruiter Mike Locksley left to become New Mexico's head coach. Minnesota lost both of its coordinators, as Mike Dunbar stepped down and Ted Roof left for the defensive coordinator spot at Auburn. Michigan defensive coordinator Scott Shafer resigned after only one season.

Another bowl flop — The league needed a boost in the postseason after dropping four consecutive BCS games and four Rose Bowls. Instead, the Big Ten's national perception took another blow as the conference went 1-6 in bowl games. Despite a dominant Outback Bowl win by Iowa and encouraging performances from Ohio State and Northwestern, the Big Ten lost two more BCS games and another Rose Bowl.

Rodriguez sounds off — His comments were largely misrepresented, but Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez didn't do himself any favors during a Nov. 17 news conference. Speaking about outlandish comments on fan message boards, Rodriguez said, "You almost want to tell them, 'Get a life.' There's a whole lot bigger problems. Look at the economy." Though the comments weren't directed at Michigan's fan base, they made headlines around the Big Ten and added to the woes for the first-year coach.

Northwestern's Smith stuns Minnesota — No play symbolized Northwestern's renaissance on defense more than Brendan Smith's 48-yard interception return for a touchdown with 12 seconds left to beat Minnesota 24-17 on Nov. 1. Defense was the story for Northwestern during a 9-4 season, as first-year coordinator Mike Hankwitz revolutionized one of the conference's worst units. Smith's return also signaled the beginning of the end for Minnesota, which dropped its final five games after a 7-1 start.

Dantonio gets rewarded with new deal — Mark Dantonio's stock is on the rise at Michigan State, and the university rewarded him before the Capital One Bowl with a restructured contract. Dantonio's salary raise puts him on par with other Big Ten coaches, and he will receive a million bonus if he's still coaching Michigan State on Jan. 15, 2016. The Spartans have made upgrades in facilities and recruiting, and if they can keep Dantonio, they'll consistently be in the mix for league titles.

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Illinois offers Johnson big money to join staff

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Penn State defensive line coach Larry Johnson met with Illinois officials this weekend and reportedly received a very generous offer to join Ron Zook's staff. 

Illinois would pay Johnson around 0,000, a sizable increase from what he currently makes at Penn State (0,000-0,000).

The (Harrisburg) Patriot-News' reported that Johnson could become Illinois' assistant head coach and "de facto defensive coordinator." Zook currently has two defensive coordinators, Curt Mallory and Dan Disch, so it would be interesting to see if he shuffles responsibilities should Johnson agree to come aboard.

The Illini were average at best on defense this fall, finishing ninth in the Big Ten in scoring (26.6 ppg). The front four, which Zook called the team's strength before the season, were a disappointment.

Johnson obviously has strong ties to Penn State and roots on the East Coast that could keep him in State College. Penn State returns an excellent defense next fall and will contend for the Big Ten title. But it would be tough for Penn State to match Illinois' salary offer, and with no guarantee of a coordinator position in the future, it would be hard to see Johnson turning down this opportunity.

Though salaries for assistant coaches are really getting out of hand, I really like this move from Zook and Illinois. The program lost momentum last fall, going 5-7 and missing a bowl, and the departure of offensive coordinator and top recruiter Mike Locksley was significant. Locksley made 0,000 at Illinois, so the school has some money to lure top assistants. 

In addition to new offensive coordinator Mike Schultz, Johnson would give Illinois another veteran assistant and, more importantly, he would maintain the recruiting ties to the Washington, D.C., area. Johnson is one of the Big Ten's top recruiters and undoubtedly would continue to bring top talent to Illinois. 

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Illinois might be better fit for PSU’s Johnson

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

Illinois head coach Ron Zook has filled his offensive coordinator vacancy but still needs a defensive line coach, and a very good one could be available. 

The (Champaign) News-Gazette’s Bob Asmussen writes in his blog today that Penn State defensive line coach Larry Johnson is a candidate to join Zook’s staff and would be an excellent fit. The Web site Fightonstate.com reports that Johnson will meet with Zook this weekend. 

My advice to Zook: Do whatever it takes to get Johnson on board. 

Not only has Johnson produced a string of outstanding defensive linemen at Penn State — from Courtney Brown to Tamba Hali to Jimmy Kennedy to Maurice Evans to Aaron Maybin — but he could maintain Illinois’ recruiting link to the Washington, D.C., area. Johnson was a legendary high school coach in Maryland before joining Joe Paterno’s staff in 1996. 

Offensive coordinator Mike Locksley’s departure to New Mexico appeared to end Illinois’ pipeline to the beltway, but Johnson certainly would bring it back. 

Zook called Illinois’ defensive line the team’s strength before the season, but the group underperformed and coach Tom Sims paid the price. Johnson could have the personality to get the group turned around. 

Some might see Illinois as a lateral or downward move for Johnson, but it makes sense in several ways.

Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Bradley is the favorite to replace Paterno if the university chooses to stay in house. Johnson would be a candidate as well, but Bradley’s longevity and seniority makes him a likelier option.

Plus, who knows if Paterno will ever step down? He might coach — and live — forever. Though being a Paterno assistant brings incredible job security, you can’t blame one of his aides for wanting to move up the coaching ranks. Johnson might have an easier path to a top job at Illinois than he would in State College. 

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Schultz could help Illinois tap Texas pipeline

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

It won’t take long for quarterback Juice Williams and his Illinois teammates to understand one thing about their new offensive coordinator, Mike Schultz.

He’s not a local.

If the Texas twang doesn’t give it away, he’ll drop a “dadgummit” every now and then.

And that’s not a bad thing.

The man Schultz is replacing at Illinois, new New Mexico head coach Mike Locksley, wasn’t from the area, either. Locksley hailed from Washington, D.C., and created an incredible recruiting pipeline from his hometown to Illinois, one that brought players like Vontae Davis, Arrelious Benn and Will Davis to the heartland.

Illinois’ 2008 squad boasted seven players from D.C. and several more from the surrounding area.

Head coach Ron Zook hopes Schultz can create a similar channel between Champaign and the Lone Star State.

“I’ve been involved in recruiting this state for about the last 20 years,” said Schultz, a Houston native who spent the last 11 at TCU. “Realistically, coming in from Illinois, we’ll have to make some decisions on where we’ll have to anchor in on. … Listen, I’ve been in this state a long time. There’s a lot of football players in this state. From my understanding, Wisconsin has come in here and got football players out of this state. So has Purdue and things like that.

“I’m fairly confident we’ll be able to come in and get into the Texas recruiting and get some good kids.”

Schultz’s recruiting prowess will be critical as Illinois tries to continue to lure top talent despite a very disappointing 2008 season. The Illini currently have no Texans on the roster.

Though Locksley’s schemes spurred the Illinois offense, his greater value was on the recruiting trail. Arguably no single Big Ten assistant made a greater impact on a program that Locksley did at Illinois in recent years. It’s a tough act to follow, but Schultz enjoys challenges.

He left a very comfortable situation at TCU and comes to a conference in which he’s never coached and an area in which he’s never lived. Being able to work for Zook, a “high-energy guy” and an “aggressive recruiter,” drew Schultz to the position.

“Change can be very healthy, but it can be scary at times,” Schultz said. “I’m treading into some new waters.”

Schultz, who spent Tuesday packing up his old office at TCU, admitted his scouting of Williams is limited to “what I’ve seen on ESPN.” But he sees similarities between the Illinois offense, a spread system with some read option, and the one he ran with the Horned Frogs.

“One of the things we were talking about with coach Zook is trying to keep things as consistent as we can keep them for the seniors coming back, Juice and those guys,” Schultz said. “I like to spread the ball, there’s no doubt, but there’s times you’ve to bunch it up and try to run the ball.

“We’ve used a tremendous amount of formations to try to create mismatches through movement and motion to give us angles or numbers one way or another.”

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Davis’ decision helped by big brother

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

Judging by most NFL draft projections, Vontae Davis’ decision to leave Illinois a year early looked like a slam dunk. 

But Davis was helped along in the process by his older brother, Vernon, who found himself in the same position in January 2006 after three seasons as Maryland. Things worked out pretty well for Vernon, who elected to forgo his senior season and was selected sixth overall in the 2006 NFL draft. Vontae hopes for similar results April 25. 

“He influenced me a lot,” Vontae Davis said this afternoon on a conference call with reporters. “If I didn’t have him, it’d be a lot tougher than what it is. My brother, he’s always looking after me. He told me go with what my heart told me.”

Davis downplayed the significance of the draft projections — most of which place him in the first round — in his decision to leave Illinois. But he did file paperwork with the NFL draft advisory board and was deemed a potential first-round pick. 

After earning first-team All-Big Ten honors and recording more than 70 tackles in each of the last two seasons, Davis felt prepared for the next level. He discussed his options with his grandmother, his high school coaches, former Illinois offensive coordinator Mike Locksley and Illini head coach Ron Zook, among others. 

But having a brother who went through the exact same experience gave Davis an idea of what to expect. He plans on attending the 49ers’ season finale Sunday against Washington and might start training with Vernon in preparation for the draft evaluations. 

“I looked at it being a goal, an accomplishment to even make it this far,” Vontae Davis said. “It’s just a blessing to have this opportunity. But a lot of people supported me to help me get to this position.”

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Recapping a quiet month in the Big Ten

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

It has been exactly one month since a Big Ten team played a game that counted.

Thankfully, we’re less than a week away from the end of the drought, as Wisconsin will take the field Saturday afternoon in the Champs Sports Bowl against Florida State (ESPN, 4:30 p.m. ET). Two days later, Northwestern faces Missouri in the Valero Alamo Bowl. Minnesota follows with an Insight Bowl matchup against Kansas, bringing us right to New Year’s Day.

Bottom line: Big Ten Nation can start getting excited for real football again.

Though the last month featured nothing on the field, there were several interesting happenings around the league.

Here’s a quick recap of the Big Ten’s top storylines for those who might have stepped away for a bit.

• Penn State and head coach Joe Paterno agreed to a contract extension through the 2011 season. Paterno, the 2008 Big Ten Coach of the Year, previously had a contract that expired following the Rose Bowl. But after helping Penn State to an 11-1 record and a Big Ten co-championship, Paterno was rewarded with a three-year extension. Paterno turned 82 years old on Sunday, and the university’s statement about the extension stated that “the parties might re-evaluate their circumstances and alter the arrangement by either shortening or extending its length as necessary.” There was no mention of a succession plan.
• Michigan defensive coordinator Scott Shafer resigned after only one season. The Wolverines finished 68th nationally in total defense but struggled at times, getting little to no help from the offense. It appeared as though a philosophical difference between Shafer and head coach Rich Rodriguez led to the split, as Michigan began the season in a base 4-3 before switching to a 3-3-5. Rodriguez said recruiting is his top priority before looking for a replacement at defensive coordinator.
• Other coaching changes included Purdue’s new head coach Danny Hope hiring Gary Nord as his new offensive coordinator. Hope, who didn’t retain Ed Zaunbrecher, also must look for a defensive coordinator after Brock Spack left to become Illinois State’s coach. Illinois lost a key member of its coaching staff, as offensive coordinator and top recruiter Mike Locksley left to become head coach at New Mexico. Minnesota head coach Tim Brewster scored a coup by hiring veteran offensive line coach Tim Davis to oversee the Gophers’ struggling front five.
• There were two prominent transfers, as Penn State backup quarterback Pat Devlin and Michigan running back Sam McGuffie both decided to leave their schools. Devlin likely will latch on with an FCS team, while McGuffie is looking at programs in his home state of Texas.
• Nothing official yet on any juniors who plan to enter the NFL draft, but it would be surprising if Iowa running back Shonn Greene, Ohio State running back Chris “Beanie” Wells and Illinois cornerback Vontae Davis don’t make the jump.
• It was a good month for awards in the Big Ten. Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Players who won national awards included Iowa’s Greene (Doak Walker), Penn State center A.Q. Shipley (Rimington), Ohio State cornerback Malcolm Jenkins (Thorpe) and Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis (Lott).
• Indiana head coach Bill Lynch received a vote of confidence for the 2009 season from his new boss, athletic director Fred Glass. Lynch will definitely be on the hot seat next fall after a 3-9 campaign.
• Illinois sophomore linebacker Martez Wilson suffered two stab wounds while trying to help a former teammate (D’Angelo McCray), who was being beaten by several men outside a bar in Champaign. Wilson underwent surgery and is expected to make a full recovery. Head coach Ron Zook praised Wilson for coming to the aid of a friend.

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Illinois Fighting Illini season recap

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

No one expected another Rose Bowl appearance from Illinois this fall. But no one expected this, either.

A year after reaching Pasadena, Illinois will stay home for the holidays, the product of a 5-7 record that once seemed unthinkable for a preseason top 20 squad. Despite returning key parts from the Rose Bowl team, the Illini were plagued by inconsistency on the field and some disciplinary issues off of it. They lost to teams with inferior talent and won consecutive games only once, against Eastern Illinois and Louisiana-Lafayette in September.

Head coach Ron Zook insisted throughout the season that the 2008 Illinois team was better than its predecessor, and at times he seemed right.

Quarterback Juice Williams carried the team through the first half of the year, setting total offense records at three different venues (Edward Jones Dome, Michigan Stadium and Memorial Stadium). Wideout Arrelious Benn surged midway through the season and Brit Miller transitioned well to middle linebacker, leading the Big Ten in tackles (132).

But the Illini never stayed on track. They missed star running back Rashard Mendenhall and safeties Kevin Mitchell and Justin Harrison. Williams threw nine interceptions in his last five games. A defensive line that Zook called the team’s strength entering the season struggled against the run. The team appeared fractured at times, as a fight between running back Mikel LeShoure and wideout Jeff Cumberland left LeShoure with a broken jaw. Other players missed time due to suspension or leave of absence.

Illinois returns plenty of talent for 2009, but the Illini must build better chemistry and consistency to get back to the top of the league.

Offensive MVP — Wide receiver Arrelious Benn
Williams had this award locked up midway through the fall, but his tumultuous finish gives the nod to Benn, who was fabulous in Big Ten play. He led the league in receiving yards (1,055) and racked up 794 yards in conference games. The dynamic sophomore had the most receptions in Big Ten play (45) and topped the chart in yards per catch (17.6).

Defensive MVP — Linebacker Brit Miller
Miller deserved better performances from those around him after stepping in nicely for All-American J Leman at middle linebacker. The senior led the Big Ten and ranked fifth nationally in tackles (132, 11 tpg). He also led Illinois in sacks (6) and had a fumble return for a touchdown. The Illini defense regressed this fall, but Miller certainly did his part.

Turning point — Nov. 8 at Western Michigan
A major bowl game was off the table, but Illinois could have reached bowl eligibility and set up a strong finish by beating Western Michigan in Detroit. Coming off an emotion-charged win against rival Iowa, the Illini offense flat-lined in the first half and showed up too late for a rally. A 23-17 loss at Ford Field kicked off a three-game slide to close the season.

What’s next
Williams and all his weapons return on offense, but the departure of coordinator Mike Locksley to New Mexico could bring some growing pains. The bigger losses will be on the defensive side, as Miller graduates and cornerback Vontae Davis likely enters the NFL draft. But the talent will be there for a turnaround in Champaign. If Illinois can build better team unity, it should rejoin the top half of the league.

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