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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Four Big Ten teams make Schlabach’s Top 25

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

No sport lends itself to premature predictions quite like college football, which provides a lengthy offseason for fearless forecasting. ESPN.com's Mark Schlabach did just that today with his revised Top 25 for 2009, which includes four Big Ten teams.

Ohio State leads off the Big Ten representatives at No. 7, one spot behind Sept. 12 opponent USC and two spots ahead of Penn State. This seems about right for the Buckeyes, who will be a lot younger in 2009 but arguably more talented at the skill positions. Though it was somewhat surprising to see Virginia Tech (No. 5) ahead of Ohio State, the Buckeyes certainly enter the fall with some question marks, many of which can be answered with a win against USC.

Penn State's placement also seems about right. Like Ohio State, the Lions lose a sizable senior class as well as two defensive ends (Aaron Maybin and Maurice Evans) leaving early for the NFL draft. The Big Ten's best offensive backfield (quarterback Daryll Clark and running back Evan Royster) and the league's best linebacking corps gives Penn State a chance to surpass Ohio State this fall.

Iowa moves up to No. 16 in Schlabach's rundown, thanks to a defense that returns nine starters and several experienced reserves. As Schlabach notes, quarterback Ricky Stanzi's development is paramount for an offense that loses Doak Walker Award winner Shonn Greene but should be stronger at wide receiver and possibly just as strong along the offensive line.

Michigan State rounds out the Big Ten contingent at No. 24. I was a bit surprised to see the Spartans in the rankings, though I would put them no worse than 30th in my preseason rundown. I'm always a bit hesitant to trumpet a team that must replace multi-year starters at both running back and quarterback, though Kirk Cousins or Keith Nichol could be an upgrade to Brian Hoyer under center. The Spartans should be even stronger on defense this fall, and if the passing game can be upgraded a bit, they'll crack my Top 25 as well.

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Iowa QB Christensen to transfer

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Iowa junior quarterback Jake Christensen has decided to transfer from the school, his father told ESPN.com this afternoon.

Christensen, who started every game in 2007 and two games this season before losing his job to Ricky Stanzi, was granted an unconditional release by head coach Kirk Ferentz. A fourth-year junior who appeared in eight games this season, Christensen is considering transferring to both FBS and FCS programs.

Four teams already have offered scholarships.

"It's wide open right now," said Christensen's father, Jeff, a former quarterback with the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns. "We're just going to go out and talk with everybody and see what's out there.

"Four [schools] have come back and said, 'Absolutely, we want him.'"

Christensen threw for 2,269 yards, 17 touchdowns and six interceptions as the starter in 2007, when Iowa finished 6-6 and missed a bowl game. Despite limiting turnovers, he took flak for a 53.5 percent completion percentage.

Iowa ranked last in the Big Ten in both scoring and total offense in 2007, but the unit dealt with several key injuries and poor offensive line play. The Hawkeyes allowed 46 sacks, which ranked 114th nationally.

Ferentz opened up the competition at quarterback during the preseason but reiterated that Christensen was his top option. Christensen and Stanzi platooned during the Hawkeyes' first four games before Stanzi took over for good in Week 5 against Northwestern.

Jeff Christensen said Ferentz has been fully cooperative with his son's decision.

"I think Kirk truly feels bad that it didn't go Jake's way," Jeff Christensen said. "He told me the way [Jake] handled this is amazing. I think Kirk wanted it to be Jake, and [offensive coordinator Ken] O'Keefe didn't, and that's just how it went. Kirk really for the right reasons cares about Jake. He said anybody that thinks that [Jake] can't go and play somewhere else is quite frankly crazy.

"He said he's willing to make all of the introduction phone calls with every coach in the country."

Christensen took heavy criticism following the 2007 season and was booed by Iowa fans at Kinnick Stadium following his first incomplete pass against Florida International on Sept. 6. He did not speak with reporters during the final months of the season.

Jeff Christensen said the decision to transfer has brought mixed emotions for his son.

"I'm sure he's gone through every emotion there is to go through," Jeff Christensen said. "Anger, sadness, humiliation, frustration. … He's got a lot of upside, and he can get into a place where they need him and want him. After what he endured in 2007, taking 46 sacks, as his dad, I just want to see him with a smile back on his face and treated like he needs to be treated."

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QB play is first step toward Big Ten fix

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

The Big Ten took a beating this bowl season, but rather than gripe about unfavorable locations and matchups, it’s time to acknowledge a fact about the league.

The quarterback position stinks.

And in this age of college football, that equals competitive suicide.

All it took was a look across the field during bowl season to realize how far the Big Ten must progress at the quarterback spot.

The list of quarterbacks the Big Ten faced included:

• Texas junior Colt McCoy, a Heisman Trophy finalist who ranks fourth nationally in pass efficiency, fifth in total offense and ninth in passing yards.
• USC junior Mark Sanchez, who ranks sixth nationally in pass efficiency and 20th in pass yards.
• Georgia junior Matthew Stafford, who ranks 15th nationally in pass efficiency and 14th in pass yards.
• Missouri senior Chase Daniel, who ranks fourth nationally in pass yards and fifth in total offense.
• Kansas junior Todd Reesing, who ranks eighth nationally in both passing yards and total offense.

Of the Big Ten quarterbacks competing in bowl games, only one, Penn State’s Daryll Clark, ranks among the top 25 nationally in pass efficiency (Ohio State’s Terrelle Pryor did not qualify). Minnesota’s Adam Weber had the most passing yards (2,761), which ranks 35th nationally.

Granted, the Big Ten’s best statistical passer, Illinois’ Juice Williams, didn’t reach the postseason, but this league is losing the arms race.

The Big Ten had by far the best stable of running backs in the country this season, boasting three of the nation’s top six ball carriers (Shonn Greene, Javon Ringer, Chris “Beanie” Wells).

Who cares?

College football has become a quarterback’s game, and the Big Ten has fallen way behind. For the Big Ten to restore its place among the nation’s top conferences, the fix must begin under center. It takes more than adopting the spread offense, which most Big Ten teams have done. Quarterbacks must be better developed in this conference.

And despite the league’s sagging national reputation, there is hope.

The quarterback spot figures to be stronger in 2009 than it was in 2008.

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Iowa gets Greene light to stellar finish

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

Shonn Greene might be gone to the NFL, but Iowa football is definitely back.

After three middling seasons, Iowa has restored its place among the Big Ten’s elite by winning six of its final seven games to close the season. The Hawkeyes (9-4) took care of business today in the Outback Bowl, stomping a bad South Carolina team 31-10 to give the Big Ten its first bowl victory of the season.

These two teams entered the game going in opposite directions, and Iowa did what it was supposed to do: Pound away with Greene and force mistakes from a shaky Gamecocks offense. If this was Greene’s final collegiate game — and from what I’ve heard, it will be — the burly junior went out with a trademark performance, rushing for 121 yards and three touchdowns on 29 carries.

Looking back at recent seasons, there certainly were flashier backs or ones with better numbers, but I can’t remember a guy coming off a season away from football to completely dominate his position the way Greene did this fall. He was truly a joy to watch.

Things came together perfectly for Iowa, which started the season 3-3 and turned up the heat on head coach Kirk Ferentz and his coordinators. The Hawkeyes notched a program-changing upset of Penn State on Nov. 8, crushed archrival Minnesota, 55-0, and leapfrogged Northwestern for the Outback Bowl. Honestly, it would have been nice to see the white-hot Hawkeyes face a more formidable opponent. South Carolina was in a giving mood today, committing five turnovers and 10 penalties in an unsightly loss.

Iowa’s defense forces a ton of turnovers, and South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia played right into the Hawkeyes’ hands with three interceptions. I’m continually impressed with the development of Iowa’s underclassmen on defense, particularly Tyler Sash, Pat Angerer, Amari Spievey and Jeremiha Hunter, who laid a filthy hit on a South Carolina ball carrier early in the second half.

Greene would certainly be a big loss, but freshman Jewel Hampton looks more than capable of stepping up as the starter in 2009. Hampton isn’t afraid of contact, as he showed on a near touchdown run in the third quarter. Though quarterback Ricky Stanzi needs to cut down his interceptions — his two picks today didn’t prove costly — Iowa’s offense should be fine. The defense, meanwhile, will be one of the Big Ten’s best if Iowa finds replacement for star defensive tackles Mitch King and Matt Kroul.

The big question in the coming days involves Ferentz, who has been linked to the Cleveland Browns head-coaching vacancy. If the Browns hire Ferentz’s good buddy Scott Pioli, Iowa might be looking for a new coach.

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Bowl picks for Outback, Cap One, Rose, Fiesta

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

So far, I’m 1-1 in bowl picks, though I should have had more faith in Northwestern and a lot less in Wisconsin. Despite an 0-2 start to the bowl season, the Big Ten can redeem itself in January. A BCS bowl win or two would go a long way toward repairing the league’s national image, though it won’t be easy at all.

Here’s how I see the last four bowls shaping up.

OUTBACK BOWL — Iowa 24, South Carolina 14

The Hawkeyes are the better team and ended the season strong, while South Carolina stumbled down the stretch. Both teams are solid on defense, ranking 12th (South Carolina) and 13th (Iowa) nationally. The difference is Iowa found an offensive identity toward the second half of the season, while South Carolina’s search continues. Hawkeyes running back Shonn Greene has another big game on a national stage, and he’ll get plenty of chances because South Carolina is so strong against the pass. Iowa defensive tackles Mitch King and Matt Kroul will stuff the run in their final collegiate game, forcing South Carolina to throw against a defense that generates a ton of turnovers. Unless quarterback Ricky Stanzi regresses, Iowa will get the Big Ten a bowl win.

CAPITAL ONE — Georgia 37, Michigan State 21

Mark Dantonio and his staff did an amazing job to get everything they could out of their players this season. But looking at how Michigan State struggled against elite offensive teams, there’s little to suggest the Spartans can slow down a Georgia offense stocked with future NFL players. If Spartans star running back Javon Ringer controls the clock and Michigan State’s defensive line puts pressure on Matthew Stafford, an upset isn’t out of the question. Georgia hasn’t defended the run well at times this season, and the Bulldogs will get a heavy dose of Ringer. But the Bulldogs have too many weapons, and they’ll pull away down the stretch to snap the Big Ten’s Capital One Bowl win streak.

ROSE PRESENTED BY CITI — Penn State 17, USC 14

There’s really no reason to pick against USC in a big game, especially one in Pasadena. But there’s something special about this Penn State team: the way they overcame offseason turmoil, the way they blitzed through most of the season and the way they made improvement in every facet of the game. So after a lot of thought, I decided not to play it safe in the Rose Bowl Game. USC has to lose one of these games, and Penn State has what it takes to beat the Trojans, especially on defense. There won’t be a lot of points, but special teams proves to be the difference for Penn State. Derrick Williams breaks off a big return and specialists Kevin Kelly and Jeremy Boone both step up as the Lions prevail in a defensive struggle.

TOSTITO’S FIESTA — Texas 30, Ohio State 21

Texas was supposed to be a year away, while Ohio State entered the season stocked with seniors and major contributors. But the Longhorns have evolved into the more complete team. Ohio State’s identity, particularly on offense, took a long time to develop. The Buckeyes are definitely playing their best football, particularly along the defensive line, and freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor won’t flinch in the national spotlight. If Ohio State’s defensive front puts pressure on Colt McCoy and heralded linebacker James Laurinaitis makes a huge play, the Buckeyes could pull off the upset. But Ohio State’s offense is too reliant on the big play, and an offensive line that struggled for most of the season won’t hold down Brian Orakpo and a Texas defense that leads the nation in sacks.

Postseason record: 1-1 (50 percent)

Regular-season record: 71-17 (80.7 percent)

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Big Ten year-end quarterback rankings

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

Big Ten bowl season is nearly here, but with a few days to go, it’s time to begin the year-end position rankings. These won’t be quite as in-depth as the preseason rankings, but I’ll try to get to each position before the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 5.

The rankings begin with arguably the Big Ten’s weakest position, quarterback. While signal callers from the Big 12 and SEC dominated the national spotlight, the Big Ten struggled under center, and several veteran quarterbacks backslid. There were some bright spots, especially at Penn State, but I can’t remember a season where the Big Ten was so poor at the game’s most critical position.

In case you forgot, here were my preseason rankings (what was I thinking?!?!). Note: I did not include first-year starters in this rundown.

	AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster
	Daryll Clark led Penn State to an 11-1 record.

1. Kellen Lewis, Indiana
2. Todd Boeckman, Ohio State
3. Curtis Painter, Purdue
4. Juice Williams, Illinois
5. C.J. Bacher, Northwestern
6. Brian Hoyer, Michigan State
7. Adam Weber, Minnesota

And now for the year-end top 10.

1. Daryll Clark, Penn State — Clark exceeded expectations in his first season as the starter, mastering Penn State’s Spread HD system and helping the Nittany Lions to an 11-1 record and a Rose Bowl berth. He ranked second in the league in pass efficiency and threw 17 touchdowns and only four interceptions in 285 pass attempts.

2. Adam Weber, Minnesota – His numbers weren’t spectacular, but the Gophers sophomore did an excellent job of leading the offense and limiting mistakes. Minnesota’s offensive line had major problems, and without a viable run game, Weber once again shouldered much of the load. He showed tremendous toughness by returning to the field just six days after knee surgery and led Big Ten starters in completion percentage (62.8).

3. Juice Williams, Illinois – This was your Big Ten offensive MVP through the first half of the season. Williams set total offense records at the Edward Jones Dome, Michigan Stadium and Memorial Stadium. He led the Big Ten in passing and ranked third in quarterback rating. If not for a poor finish — nine interceptions in the final five games — Williams would have been higher on the list.

4. Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State – There were undoubtedly some growing pains, but under the circumstances, Pryor exceeded expectations and fueled optimism for Ohio State’s future. Stepping into the starting job just four weeks into his college career, Pryor went 8-1 at the helm and helped the Buckeyes to a Big Ten co-championship. He still holds the ball too long at times and must become more consistent as a passer, but those things will come.

5. Ricky Stanzi, Iowa – Stanzi’s emergence down the stretch was the primary reason why Iowa finished so strong and reached a New Year’s Day bowl. Think about it. Shonn Greene was terrific all season, and so was the defense. But the quarterback position looked shaky until Stanzi emerged in October. He avoided an interception in four of Iowa’s final six games and threw 13 touchdown strikes.

6. Brian Hoyer, Michigan State — Hoyer overcame his struggles in close games and helped Michigan State to a 9-3 record and a third-place finish in the Big Ten. He came up huge against Michigan and led the game-winning drive against Wisconsin. Still, his unsightly stats can’t be totally overlooked. I just can’t get too excited about a guy who completed 50.8 percent of his passes and had only one more touchdown (9) than interception (8).

7. C.J. Bacher, Northwestern – Bacher deserves credit for playing some of his best football in Northwestern’s final two games, but the senior couldn’t eliminate the bad habits that dogged him throughout a career that featured plenty of passing yards. He threw as many interceptions (14) as touchdown passes for the second consecutive season and lacked the huge passing performances he had in 2007.

8. Curtis Painter, Purdue – It wasn’t the end Painter had envisioned to a record-setting career at Purdue. He finished second in the league in passing but really missed Dustin Keller and Dorien Bryant. Painter struggled to get the Boilermakers into the end zone and battled some injury problems late in the season. His incredible career numbers should not go unnoticed, but he never seemed to get over the hump against the Big Ten’s elite.

9. Dustin Sherer, Wisconsin – Sherer might have been higher on the list had he played a full season. The junior seemed to give Wisconsin a lift after replacing Allan Evridge as the starter on Oct. 18 at Iowa. Sherer went 4-2 as the starter and helped Wisconsin to wins in its final three games. His numbers weren’t stellar, but he avoided the critical mistakes that crippled Wisconsin earlier in the year.

10. Ben Chappell and Kellen Lewis, Indiana – These two shared duties this season, so they’ll share a spot as well. Chappell led Indiana to its only Big Ten win and showed some good leadership at times. Lewis had a rough season, throwing more interceptions (8) than touchdown passes (6) and sustaining an ankle injury. Though Indiana’s defense deserves most of the blame for a 3-9 season, the quarterback play wasn’t good.

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The top five Big Ten games of 2008

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

With the regular season in the books, it’s time to look back at the best Big Ten games from the 2008 season. What puts a game on this list? Great endings certainly help, and short- and long-term significance also increases a game’s appeal.

My only condition was that the game occurred between Big Ten teams. It was a fairly forgettable nonconference slate for the Big Ten, so I decided to confine the list to conference play.

Here’s my top five (OK, six). Please feel free to send me your nominations. Remember, conference games only.

1. Penn State at Iowa, Nov. 8, Kinnick Stadium

Not only did the game impact the national title race, but it featured a fairly dramatic shift and a thrilling finish. After falling behind early, Penn State controlled the clock and the game for most of the way, taking a 23-14 lead into the fourth quarter. But Iowa came alive late behind quarterback Ricky Stanzi, who overcame some early mistakes to attack the Big Ten’s top defense. Stanzi led the game-winning scoring drive, setting up a 31-yard field goal by Daniel Murray, an Iowa City native who hadn’t attempted a field goal since Sept. 20. Though the game took Penn State out of the national title mix, it might have turned around an Iowa program that had fallen off the last three years.

2. Penn State at Ohio State, Oct. 25, Ohio Stadium

Much like the Big Ten itself, the Penn State-Ohio State clash lacked the sexy offensive numbers and defense-optional feel that seemed to dominate college football this season. But this was a smart, well-played football game. Both defenses came to play and showed things that might not impress the average college fan but certainly made an impression on NFL scouts. In the end, it came down to the first major mistake, a fourth-quarter fumble by Ohio State freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor, who had played a solid game until that point. Despite losing starting quarterback Daryll Clark to a concussion, Penn State capitalized for the win.

3. Northwestern at Minnesota, Nov. 1, Metrodome

It’s pretty rare when you see a walk-off interception, but Northwestern safety Brendan Smith essentially pulled one off against the surging Golden Gophers. After several deflections, Smith intercepted an Adam Weber pass and raced to the end zone with 12 seconds left to give Northwestern a 24-17 victory. The game featured another defensive touchdown — on a Traye Simmons interception return — and a Big Ten record for quarterback rushing, as Northwestern backup Mike Kafka racked up 217 yards on the ground.

4. Ohio State at Wisconsin, Oct. 4, Camp Randall Stadium

When Terrelle Pryor’s college career is over, many will look back to this night as the start of something special. After Wisconsin took a 17-13 lead with 6:31 left, Pryor led a 12-play, 80-yard scoring drive. He converted two third downs and a second-and-15, and also benefited from two fumble recoveries. Pryor scored the game-winning touchdown on a Badgers defensive breakdown with 1:08 left. Ohio State running back Chris “Beanie” Wells turned in a big performance (168 rush yards), and the Buckeyes snapped Wisconsin’s 16-game home win streak.

T-5 . Wisconsin at Michigan, Sept. 27, Michigan Stadium

After covering this game, I figured it would end up much higher on the end-of-year list, but both teams ended up going downhill. Still, the greatest comeback in Michigan Stadium history deserves a place here. Wisconsin totally dominated the first half, building a 19-0 lead on a hapless Michigan team that got booed by its own fans at halftime. But Michigan transformed after the break and Wisconsin lost its edge on defense. A Wolverines defensive touchdown proved to be the game-winner, though Wisconsin had a chance to tie at the end.

T-5 Minnesota at Wisconsin, Nov. 15, Camp Randall Stadium

The Badgers were on the wrong end of several heartbreaking losses this year, but they rallied to beat rival Minnesota in dramatic fashion. After Minnesota dominated the first half, Wisconsin responded behind running back P.J. Hill (117 rush yards, 2 TDs). The Badgers broke a 24-24 tie with back-to-back safeties and scored another touchdown before Minnesota struck back late. But a Niles Brinkley interception sealed an emotional win for Wisconsin and kept Paul Bunyan’s Axe in Madison.

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Iowa coordinators discuss season, South Carolina

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz shields his coordinators from the media for much of the season, so when Ken O’Keefe and Norm Parker talk on the record, it’s sort of a big deal.

After reading the quotes from Thursday’s pre-Outback Bowl media session, it’s too bad O’Keefe and Parker aren’t in the spotlight more often. There’s some very entertaining stuff from both men, who have been with Ferentz since he took over in Iowa City in 1999.

Here are some of Thursday’s sound bytes as O’Keefe and Parker discussed the season and Iowa’s upcoming matchup against South Carolina.

Parker on South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier: “He’s not afraid to line up in any crazy formation. When he goes golfing and hits the ball in the trap he goes in the trap and draws plays in the sand. He’s got all kinds of gadgets and he’s not afraid to use them because he’s a very confident guy. He doesn’t have anything to lose. It’s not going to bother him and he knows what he’s doing.”

O’Keefe on South Carolina’s defense: “They’re big, they’re physical. Their linebackers are 250, 255, 265. They’re a big, physical, well-coached defense that plays multiple fronts and tries to change things up on you and bring some pressure at you. They’re going to try to get as many guys down in there as they possibly can. They play a defense a little different than what we’ve seen from most people this year, but they’re good.”

Parker on Iowa running back Shonn Greene, the Doak Walker Award winner: “I like it when he’s playing because the best way to play defense is to sit on the bench and say, ‘Way to go, Shonn [claps hands in applause]. First down.’ You just keep sitting there just watching him run. He probably helped our defense as much as anyone. He’s probably our most valuable defensive player because he kept us off of the field.”

O’Keefe on the impact of wide receivers coach Erik Campbell, a future coordinator or head coach: “The play we threw for a touchdown against Penn State [27 yards from Ricky Stanzi to Derrell Johnson-Koulianos] was an old play they used at Michigan. He’s brought a lot to the table. He’s a great person with an enormous amount of enthusiasm and that’s infectious with the players.

Parker on serving solely as defensive coordinator and not coaching a position: “I go and screw up this drill for a while and then I go and screw up another drill. In doing so, I’ve gotten to know the players better as a group. When I coached the linebackers, I knew my guys. That’s who I really knew. I knew who the other guys were and everything. But I didn’t know them like I know them now.”

Parker on whether he’d consider coaching as long as Penn State’s Joe Paterno: “Eighty five? Hell no. At 85, you’d have to dig me up to coach. You’d have to open the box and get me out. That’s amazing that guy can do that. It’s amazing that he can do it and still have the energy to do it.”

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Reviewing my preseason Top 25 (things to watch)

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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