Paulus likely headed to Syracuse, not Michigan

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
The Greg Paulus to Michigan story seemed to die not long after it spawned, and it's likely the former Duke point guard will play quarterback for his hometown Syracuse Orange, according to ESPN.com's Joe Schad.
Paulus visited Michigan's final practice of the spring April 14 and said he received an opportunity to join the team, but it never…
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Northwestern finalizes nonconference slate

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
After some extensive mixing and matching, Northwestern's 2009 nonconference schedule has been finalized. It turns out the Wildcats will play the same four teams they originally scheduled, but three home games will be on different dates.
Here's the rundown: Sept. 5 vs. Towson Sept. 12 vs. Eastern Michigan Sept. 19 at Syracuse Oct. 10 vs….
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Bracketology after 3/12

Bill Rabinowitz here. Before I get to the Bracketology, respect must be paid to the Syracuse-UConn game last night/this morning. It was one of the most unbelievable games I’ve ever seen. Since it ended at 1:25 a.m., it’s way too…
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Buckeyes, Tar Heels, Orange and Golden Bears

Ohio State will be joined in New York by North Carolina, Syracuse and California next season for the final two rounds of the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic in Madison Square Garden, tournament organizers announced today. The games will be played…
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Where Have Penn State’s Rivalries Gone?

Year after year, the Penn State football schedule reads like a high school team exhibition rotation. Temple, Syracuse, and Akron are just a few of the teams that litter the 2009 Nittany Lions’ matchup list. The question is, where have the big schools gone?

I’m going to break down important Penn State rivalries, both current teams and former ones that fans long for.

 

Ohio State

Probably…
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Spring Q&A: Michigan’s Greg Robinson

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
This is the first installment of a weekly interview series with a Big Ten coach or player that will appear on the blog from now until the end of spring practice.
First up is Michigan defensive coordinator Greg Robinson, who joined Rich Rodriguez's staff last month after four seasons as Syracuse's head coach. Robinson has previously served as…
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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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Friday Big Ten mailbag

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Jake from Indianapolis writes: Adam, I recently moved to Indiana from Michigan, and the love for football in the Hoosier State clearly lies in the NFL. However, I still love my college football. I've adopted IU as my in-state team to watch and cheer for. Given their past and present situation, what does IU football have to do to become a contender in the Big10? Could they ever become the Kansas of their conference?

Adam Rittenberg: Always root for the underdog, Jake. Indiana has taken a few steps toward becoming a contender, though 2008 was a big step back. The stadium renovations certainly should help, but Indiana must upgrade its recruiting and make some improvement on defense. I've harped on this even after the bowl run in 2007. Indiana won't be a relevant Big Ten program until it consistently fields a decent defense. The numbers for the last decade have been really poor. There's talent on that side of the ball with Greg Middleton, Jammie Kirlew and Matt Mayberry, but they've got to put it together.

As far as recruiting, Indiana has recruited the state decently, even though the talent might not be as strong as other states. The other thing is continuity in coaching. As new AD Fred Glass noted in our conversation last month, there has been way too much fluctuation on the Hoosiers staff.

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Jason from Unionville, Mo., writes: I don't know if you're a draft person or not but I have a question about Shonn Greene and Scouts, Inc.'s analysis. They give him average at elusiveness and center of gravity. My question is were they not watching the Wisconsin or Purdue game? Greene spun a defender out of his shoes against Purdue and ran for a 75 yard touchdown. And only average at Center of Gravity? Come on. I just wanted to know if you had any thoughts on this. Thanks for the blog, I really enjoy reading it and think you do a great job!

Adam Rittenberg: The guys at Scouts Inc. are much stronger evaluators than yours truly, but having watched Greene for much of the season, I tend to agree with you, Jason. He runs slightly upright but has the ability to juke defenders and maintain his balance on tough runs. Loyal Big Ten blog readers know all about my man crush on Greene, and my only concerns with him are things that Iowa didn't ask him to do, like catching the football out of the backfield. I think he could improve his stock with a strong performance at the combine.

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Joe from State College, Pa., writes: You did a great job with the blog this year, Adam. Do you think with Ohio State having the top recruiting class and Penn State coming in at number 10, along with a weak Michigan team coming in at number 13 (according to Scout.com), that the Big Ten is on the upswing? Ohio State was seconds away from beating a team that many believed deserved to be in the National Championship game, and with Penn State holding USC to 7 points in the second half of the game, while scoring 17 points in the fourth quarter, I feel like the Big Ten is highly underrated. What will it take for the Big Ten to finally get some recognition?

Adam Rittenberg: Thanks, Joe. The consensus on Big Ten recruiting this year seemed to be the league did a solid job despite not landing many of the super elite prospects. Michigan's recruiting class coming off the worst season in team history certainly was encouraging, and Ohio State brought in an excellent group. Penn State also answered needs with its class. Getting recognition is simple: win your bowl games. Though Ohio State regained some national respect in the Fiesta Bowl, playing Texas tough or, in Penn State's case, limiting damage against USC doesn't win too many points nationally. The Big Ten desperately needs a bowl season of .500 or better this year.

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A bit of Big Ten scheduling history this fall

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

After reading all the Big Ten scheduling snapshots, a friend tipped me off to a unique element of the league's non-league slate — Syracuse appears three times. 

Big Ten teams make up three-fifths of Syracuse's non-league rundown, as the Orange host Minnesota and Northwestern and travel to Penn State. In an era when BCS teams rarely play more than two non-league games against foes from other BCS conferences, Syracuse's scheduling approach is rare.

When was the last time a team from another BCS conference played three Big Ten teams during the regular season?

Notre Dame does it every year — the Irish have contracts with Michigan, Michigan State and Purdue — but the program has more scheduling flexibility as an FBS independent.

I checked the schedules of several common Big Ten nonconference opponents from BCS leagues — Syracuse, Iowa State, Pitt, UCLA, USC — and found that UCLA faced Purdue, Wisconsin and Ohio State in consecutive weeks during the 1980 season. UCLA's run through the Big Ten nearly three decades ago appears to be the last time that this has happened. 

According to the Big Ten, MAC member Ball State was the last FBS team to face three Big Ten teams in the regular season, as the Cardinals played Indiana, Purdue and Michigan in 2006. Arizona State faced three Big Ten teams in 2004, though the final meeting against Purdue came in the Sun Bowl.

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Early schedule snapshot: Penn State

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

After a Big Ten co-championship and a Rose Bowl appearance, Penn State aims to repeat last year's success this fall. It has the schedule to do so. 

NONCONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Sept. 5 Akron

Sept. 12 Syracuse

Sept. 19 Temple

Oct. 10 Eastern Illinois

My take: Penn State should have no trouble cruising through the league's easiest nonconference schedule. The problem once again comes if the Nittany Lions are in the national title mix. They didn't get nearly enough credit for a Week 2 blowout of Oregon State last year, but their 2009 slate is impossible to defend. Penn State's only chance for a trip to the BCS championship is an undefeated regular season, and even that isn't a guarantee. Temple is making some progress under Al Golden, but the Owls shouldn't challenge Penn State in Happy Valley. Anything less than 4-0 will be a major disappointment, and Penn State should win all four home games by a wide margin. 

BIG TEN SCHEDULE

Sept. 26 Iowa

Oct. 3 at Illinois

Oct. 17 Minnesota

Oct. 24 at Michigan

Oct. 31 at Northwestern

Nov. 7 Ohio State

Nov. 14 Indiana

Nov. 21 at Michigan State

Byes: Purdue, Wisconsin

My take: Penn State is the last Big Ten team to beat Ohio State at home, and the Nittany Lions get the Buckeyes in Happy Valley for a game that could decide the league title. They also host Iowa, a preseason top 20 team that stunned Penn State last year at Kinnick Stadium. The road schedule isn't easy, as Illinois and Michigan should be improved and Northwestern usually plays the Lions tough in Evanston. The regular-season finale at Michigan State also could loom large. Penn State dropped its last game at Spartan Stadium and saw its scoring production drop off on the road late last season. Still, the schedule favors the Lions to repeat as league champs. 

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