Appleton spurns Illinois for Badgers

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

It's barely 8 a.m. in the Central time zone, and there's already been a fairly major signing day development in the Big Ten. 

Wide receiver Kraig Appleton of East St. Louis, Mo., has signed with Wisconsin after committing to Illinois in late November. There had been increased rumors that Appleton and his high school teammate, wideout Terry Hawthorne, will head elsewhere after committing to Illini head coach Ron Zook.

But according to the live blog at uwbadgers.com, Appleton sent in his letter to Wisconsin at around 8 a.m. 

The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Appleton, ranked as the nation's No. 15 wide receiver by ESPN's Scouts Inc., is a huge find for Wisconsin at a position where it needs help. The Badgers' wideouts dropped too many passes last season, and the departure of former All-American tight end Travis Beckum creates a void in the passing game as the team prepares for yet another quarterback competition this spring.

Illinois, meanwhile, has lost some recruiting momentum in recent days. If the Illini lose Hawthorne as well, it could be a very long day for Zook and his staff. 

In other Big Ten news, Minnesota bolstered its defensive backfield with cornerback Michael Carter, who originally committed to West Virginia before changing his mind. 

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Big Ten players at the NFL combine

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The official list of players invited to the 2009 NFL scouting combine later in Indianapolis has been finalized. The Big Ten will be sending 46 players to Indianapolis from Feb. 18-24.

Not surprisingly, Penn State and Ohio State led the way with eight participants each, followed by Wisconsin (7), Illinois (5) and Iowa (5). Minnesota is the lone Big Ten team not sending a player to Indy.

Here's the team-by-team rundown.

ILLINOIS (5)

• Cornerback Vontae Davis^
• Defensive end Will Davis
• Tackle Xavier Fulton
• Defensive end Derek Walker

INDIANA (1)

• Wide receiver Andrew Means^

IOWA (5)

• Center Rob Bruggeman
• Cornerback Bradley Fletcher
• Running back Shonn Greene^
• Defensive tackle Mitch King
• Guard Seth Olsen

MICHIGAN (4)

• Long snapper Sean Griffin
• Defensive end Tim Jamison
• Defensive tackle Terrance Taylor
• Cornerback Morgan Trent

MICHIGAN STATE (3)

• Quarterback Brian Hoyer
• Running back Javon Ringer
• Safety Otis Wiley

NORTHWESTERN (1)

• Running back Tyrell Sutton

OHIO STATE (8)

• Tackle Alex Boone
• Linebacker Marcus Freeman
• Wide receiver Brian Hartline^
• Cornerback Malcolm Jenkins
• Linebacker James Laurinaitis
• Wide receiver Brian Robiskie
• Cornerback Donald Washington
• Running back Chris Wells^

PENN STATE (8)

• Wide receiver Deon Butler
• Tackle Gerald Cadogan
• Defensive end Maurice Evans^
• Defensive end Aaron Maybin^
• Wide receiver Jordan Norwood
• Cornerback Lydell Sargeant
• Center A.Q. Shipley
• Wide receiver Derrick Williams

PURDUE (4)

• Defensive end Alex Magee
• Wide receiver Greg Orton
• Quarterback Curtis Painter
• Running back Kory Sheets

WISCONSIN (7)

• Tight end Travis Beckum
• Linebacker Jonathan Casillas
• Running back P.J. Hill^
• Guard Andy Kemp
• Linebacker DeAndre Levy
• Defensive end Matt Shaughnessy
• Guard Kraig Urbik

^–Underclassman

Who got snubbed from the combine? Here are a few names surprisingly left off the list: Illinois center Ryan McDonald, Iowa defensive tackle Matt Kroul, Minnesota punter Justin Kucek, Northwestern defensive tackle John Gill, Penn State guard Rich Ohrnberger, Purdue linebacker Anthony Heygood and Wisconsin cornerback Allen Langford.

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Recruiting needs: Wisconsin Badgers

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema likely will return to his roots with his 2009 recruiting haul.

A former defensive lineman at Iowa, Bielema needs to replenish a Badgers' defensive front that loses three multiyear starters (end Matt Shaughnessy and tackles Mike Newkirk and Jason Chapman). Wisconsin needs to start generating pressure again, and Bielema will be looking for contributors at both line positions.

The Badgers also lose plenty of experience at linebacker, as mainstays DeAndre Levy and Jonathan Casillas graduate. Though Jaevery McFadden developed nicely this fall, there's not too much experience behind him.

For the second straight season, the Badgers will lose their best cover man as first-team All-Big Ten cornerback Allen Langford graduates. The secondary isn't a pressing need, but the Badgers would be well served by adding a defensive back or two.

On the offensive side, a mammoth line that helped Wisconsin lead the Big Ten in rushing loses three starters, including standout guards Kraig Urbik and Andy Kemp. Wisconsin likely won't need a true freshman to start but should try to build depth up front.

Wisconsin's wide receivers were a major disappointment this season, and while the team remains young at that position, a sure-hands target or two in the 2009 class wouldn't be a bad move. Standout tight end Travis Beckum graduates and Garrett Graham enters his senior season, so tight end also is somewhat of a need with this class.

The Badgers' struggles on return and coverage teams also provide paths for several freshmen to see the field this fall.

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Wisconsin’s Graham to return, Hill goes pro

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

Wisconsin announced today that tight end Garrett Graham will return for his senior season, while running back P.J. Hill, as earlier reported, will enter the NFL draft.

Graham led the Badgers in receptions (40), receiving yards (540) and receiving touchdowns (5) this season as he moved into a featured role while Travis Beckum battled injuries. The 6-4, 237-pound Graham will return as Wisconsin’s most reliable pass-catching option in 2009, as the team tries to make upgrades at both quarterback and wide receiver. Graham earned first-team All-Big Ten honors from the media this fall.

Hill finished his career ranked third on Wisconsin’s all-time rushing list with 3,996 yards. He and Ron Dayne are the only two Badgers’ players to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards in each of their first three seasons at the school.

“We are excited for both players,” Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema said in a statement. “I know that Garrett is looking forward to completing his time at UW and improving for his senior season and we are thrilled to have him returning. I wish P.J. the best in the future and want to thank him for all his hard work during his time as a Badger. He’s a great running back and I think his numbers speak for themselves.”

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Big Ten year-end wide receiver/tight end rankings

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

Only one Big Ten team (Illinois) ranked in the top 25 nationally in pass offense, so this was anything but an explosive year for the league’s wide receivers and tight ends. Subpar quarterback play had a role, as did injuries (Travis Beckum). Here’s a look at the best of an average bunch, as well as my preseason rankings for wide receivers/tight ends.

1. Eric Decker, Minnesota – The junior turned in an excellent season that would have looked even more impressive if not for an ankle injury Nov. 1 against Northwestern. Decker, who will play slot receiver in the NFL next season or in 2009, led the Big Ten and ranked 16th nationally in receptions. His blocking ability makes him even more attractive to pro teams. 

2. Arrelious Benn, Illinois – Benn came on strong in Big Ten play, racking up 45 receptions for 794 yards and three touchdowns in eight league games. A likely candidate to turn pro after the 2009 season, Benn averaged 17.6 yards per catch in conference games and solidified himself as Juice Williams’ top option. 

3. Deon Butler, Penn State – The former walk-on finished his college career with a flourish, leading Penn State in receptions (43), receiving yards (713) and touchdowns (7). Butler became Penn State’s all-time receptions leader (175) and ranks second in career receiving yards (2,674) and third in touchdown receptions (22). 

4. Derrick Williams, Penn State — Williams’ value went far beyond what he did as a wide receiver. Though he contributed to Penn State’s passing attack with 40 receptions and 451 yards, his impact on returns, as a ballcarrier and as a part-time quarterback in the “Wild Lion” offense was even greater. The former nation’s No. 1 recruit played his best football in the twilight of his career.

5. Desmond Tardy, Purdue — It wasn’t a banner year for the Purdue offense, but Tardy did his part, particularly in Big Ten play. The senior finished third in receiving yards in league games (510). He eclipsed 100 receiving yards in four games, including each of the final two.

6. Greg Orton, Purdue — Orton helped fill the void left by Dorien Bryant with a team-high 69 catches, which ranked second in the Big Ten behind Decker. He was reliable if not overly flashy and settled into the possession-receiver role in the Boilermakers’ offense.

7. Blair White, Michigan State — Wide receiver was a major concern for Michigan State entering the season, and White came out of nowhere to become Brian Hoyer’s top option in Big Ten play. Only Arrelious Benn had more receiving yards in Big Ten play than White (568), who averaged a blistering 17.1 yards per reception. 

8. Eric Peterman, Northwestern — Peterman led Northwestern in receiving for the second consecutive season and recorded all five of his touchdown receptions in Big Ten play. He made big plays at key points and seemed to finish the season playing his best football.

9. Garrett Graham, Wisconsin — Beckum’s injury really hurt the Wisconsin passing game, but Graham did a nice job of stepping up. He was the Badgers’ only reliable option and led Big Ten tight ends with 37 receptions for 478 yards and five touchdowns. 

T-10 Brandon Myers, Iowa — The Hawkeyes had the nation’s best running back (Shonn Greene) and didn’t need to pass much, but Myers made his mark with 30 receptions and four touchdowns. The senior tight end earned first-team All-Big Ten honors from the league’s coaches and helped Iowa reach a New Year’s Day bowl. 

T-10. Brian Robiskie, Ohio State — He certainly had higher expectations for his senior year and probably thought Todd Boeckman, not Terrelle Pryor, would be throwing him the ball. But under the circumstances, Robiskie performed adequately and grabbed a league-high eight touchdown receptions. 

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Bielema takes lessons from rocky season

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

Bret Bielema won 17 of his first 18 teams as a head coach, took his first two teams at Wisconsin to January bowl games and entered the fall with a squad poised for a BCS run.

Charmed certainly would be a term to describe Bielema’s salad days in Madison. But in the back of his mind, he knew things wouldn’t always go well for him.

	David Stluka/Getty Images
	Bret Bielema and the Badgers won their final three games of the regular season.

“If you don’t, you’ve just got your head in the sand,” Bielema said Wednesday while on a recruiting trip. “You realize that tough days are just beyond tomorrow.”

The tough days arrived for Wisconsin after a 3-0 start and an ascent to the top 10 in the national polls. After building a 19-0 halftime lead, the Badgers fell victim to the biggest comeback in Michigan Stadium history and fell, 27-25, on Sept. 27.

They lost their dominance at Camp Randall Stadium with consecutive losses to Ohio State and Penn State, dropped four games in a row and five out of six to sit at 4-5 in early November. Injuries to key players such as All-American tight end Travis Beckum, backup tight end Garrett Graham and left tackle Gabe Carimi stung, as did poor quarterback play and fundamental lapses on both sides of the ball.

Criticism swelled for Bielema, who earned the ever-popular fire-me Web site and questions about his decisions. Throughout the dark period, the 38-year-old tried to embrace his core beliefs more than ever.

“If I had the entire season to do over again, I would definitely make changes to what we did,” Bielema said, “not only during games, but also in preparation as well as postgame, being able to critique and move forward. Obviously, when we don’t have success, it brings up a lot of critiques and a lot of analysis from the outside world. But on the same account, you really have to understand the reason you’ve had success over your career is because you understand what football’s about, what schemes are about, what execution is about.

“It still gets down to basic principles of if you do things right and play hard and execute without mental errors, you’re going to win football games.”

Bielema still recites a famous quote — “Adversity introduces a man to himself” — as he reflects on a season that began with great promise, quickly spun out of control but finished with three consecutive wins and a postseason berth, most likely to the Champs Sports or Insight bowl.

Wisconsin was one of only three Big Ten teams — Ohio State and Iowa were the others — to win its final three games.

“Everybody can do well when things are going right,” he said. “Anybody can coach, anybody can have success. But when adversity strikes, when you hit a bump in a road, you have to right the ship. That’s probably the best thing I took from the season.

“It gave an indication of the resolve this team has to get themselves in a position where they are right now. For us as coaches, it was huge to face adversity and respond positively.”

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Leaguewide position rankings for the Big Ten

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

After studying the All-Big Ten selections for 2008, it’s clear the Big Ten is much stronger at some positions than others. The fact that it was hard to choose a second-team All-Big Ten quarterback tells you something about the league’s troubles under center. On the flip side, there are 10-15 defensive linemen worthy of All-Big Ten status.

With the regular season wrapped up, here’s a closer look at the Big Ten positions, from strongest to weakest.

Defensive line – The depth at both line positions is astounding and will be reflected in the next few NFL drafts. Beginning with end, you have Penn State’s Aaron Maybin, Minnesota’s Willie VanDeSteeg, Michigan’s Brandon Graham, Northwestern’s Corey Wootton and Indiana’s Jammie Kirlew. Guys like Michigan’s Tim Jamison, Illinois’ Derek Walker, Michigan State’s Trevor Anderson, Wisconsin’s Mike Newkirk, Purdue’s Ryan Kerrigan and Penn State’s Josh Gaines would be all-conference in most leagues, but not the Big Ten. The tackle spot might be even more stacked. Iowa’s Mitch King leads the way, but he’s joined by teammate Matt Kroul, Penn State’s Jared Odrick, Michigan’s Terrance Taylor, Northwestern’s John Gill and Ohio State’s Nader Abdallah.

Running back – If not for the overwhelming depth on the D-line, this group would be No. 1 on the list. The Big Ten boasts three of the nation’s top seven rushers in Iowa’s Shonn Greene, Michigan State’s Javon Ringer and Ohio State’s Chris “Beanie” Wells. Penn State’s Evan Royster also had a fabulous year. When guys like Purdue’s Kory Sheets, Wisconsin’s P.J. Hill, Michigan’s Brandon Minor and Northwestern’s Tyrell Sutton aren’t even on the radar for all-conference, you’ve got a pretty solid group.

Linebacker – This was another group that caused some tough choices for first-team all-conference. Ohio State’s James Laurinaitis was a shoo-in, but Illinois’ Brit Miller, Penn State’s Navorro Bowman and Michigan State’s Greg Jones are all in the mix for the other two spots. Iowa’s Pat Angerer and A.J. Edds, Ohio State’s Marcus Freeman, Wisconsin’s DeAndre Levy and Indiana’s Matt Mayberry add depth.

Offensive line (interior) – Three centers were listed on the media’s all-conference team, illustrating the depth there. Penn State center A.Q. Shipley earned Offensive Lineman of the Year honors, and Iowa’s Rob Bruggeman and Illinois’ Ryan McDonald also were recognized. The guard spot might be even stronger with Iowa’s Seth Olsen, Penn State’s Rich Ohrnberger and Stefen Wisniewski, Wisconsin’s Kraig Urbik and Andy Kemp and Michigan State’s Roland Martin.

Punter – This was another group that stirred some debate about All-Big Ten selections. Michigan’s Zoltan Mesko was the obvious choice, but Iowa’s Ryan Donahue, Michigan State’s Aaron Bates and Penn State’s Jeremy Boone also were in the mix. Freshmen Brad Nortman (Wisconsin) and Chris Hagerup (Indiana) had terrific seasons, and I was also very impressed with Ohio State’s A.J. Trapasso, Minnesota’s Justin Kucek and Northwestern’s Stefan Demos.

Cornerback – I didn’t fully grasp how strong the league was at cornerback until reviewing the All-Big Ten lists. Everyone knew about Ohio State’s Malcolm Jenkins and Illinois’ Vontae Davis, but several other players add depth, namely Wisconsin’s Allen Langford, Iowa’s Amari Spievey and Bradley Fletcher, Minnesota’s Traye Simmons, Northwestern’s Sherrick McManis and Michigan State’s Chris L. Rucker.

Offensive tackle — There weren’t any off-the-charts performances here, but it’s a solid group overall. Penn State’s Gerald Cadogan moved past Ohio State’s Alex Boone as the league’s premier tackle. Boone didn’t have the dominant year many expected, but he wasn’t the main problem on Ohio State’s underachieving line. Add in players like Iowa’s Bryan Bulaga, Illinois’ Xavier Fulton and Wisconsin’s Eric Vanden Heuvel, and it’s a decent group.

Safety – Michigan State’s Otis Wiley might be the only surefire NFL draft pick from this crop, but several other players turned in strong performances. Ohio State’s Kurt Coleman should have been second-team All-Big Ten for both the media and coaches, and Northwestern’s Brad Phillips has a major beef for being left off the list. Other standouts include Iowa’s Brent Greenwood, Wisconsin’s Jay Valai and Minnesota tandem Kyle Theret and Tramaine Brock.

Kicker – A decent group overall, led by Penn State’s Kevin Kelly and Michigan State’s Brett Swenson, both of whom should have been Lou Groza Award semifinalists. Wisconsin’s Philip Welch quietly had a very solid season (17-for-20), and Northwestern’s Amado Villarreal also performed well.

Tight end – Not the best season for tight ends, though it didn’t help that Wisconsin All-American Travis Beckum was hurt for most of the fall. His replacement Garrett Graham had a nice year, as did Iowa’s Brandon Myers, Michigan State’s Charlie Gantt, Minnesota’s Jack Simmons and Illinois’ Michael Hoomanawanui, but it wasn’t a great group overall.

Wide recever – Minnesota’s Eric Decker and Illinois’ Arrelious Benn will be solid NFL players, and Penn State’s Derrick Williams also will get to the next level. But quarterbacks and wide receivers are intertwined, and neither position sizzled this season. Penn State’s three seniors (Williams, Deon Butler and Jordan Norwood) performed well, as did Purdue’s Greg Orton and Wisconsin’s David Gilreath. But not much depth here.

Quarterback – This was the worst quarterback crop in recent memory. Penn State’s Daryll Clark was fabulous in his first season as the starter, and both Illinois’ Juice Williams and Minnesota’s Adam Weber showed growth at times. But it was legitimately difficult to choose a second-team all-league quarterback. Several fifth-year seniors struggled this fall, though there’s hope for next year with players like Ohio State’s Terrelle Pryor and Iowa’s Ricky Stanzi.

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Final Big Ten injury report: Week 13

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

Courtesy of collegeinjuryreport.com and some of my own research.

ILLINOIS (at Northwestern)

• QB Eddie McGee, toe, probable
• LB Martez Wilson, out, suspension
• DT Josh Brent, knee, questionable
• RB Mikel LeShoure, jaw, questionable
• FB Rahkeem Smith, suspension, questionable
• S Garrett Edwards, shoulder, questionable
• OT Ryan Palmer, foot, questionable
• CB Miami Thomas, knee, out (season)
• DT Sirod Williams, knee, out (season)

INDIANA (at Purdue)

• RB Zach Davis-Walker, thumb, questionable
• S Jerimy Finch, ankle, questionable
• RB Bryan Payton, ankle, questionable
• CB Richard Council, knee, questionable
• LB Will Patterson, knee, questionable
• CB Richard Council, knee, doubtful
• OL Andrew McDonald, undisclosed, questionable
• S Nick Polk, knee, out (season)
• TE Brian Zematis, ankle, out (season)
• S Austin Thomas, knee, out (season)
• OL Dennis Zeigler, knee, out (season)
• CB Chris Phillips, knee, out (season)

IOWA (at Minnesota)

• OG Andy Kuempel, muscle pull, doubtful
• OL Wes Aeschliman, hip, out (season)
• S Harold Dalton, suspension, out
• TE Tony Moeaki, leg, questionable
• OL James Ferentz, suspension, out

MICHIGAN (at Ohio State)

• WR Zion Babb, dismissal, out (season)
• RB Sam McGuffie, shoulder/personal, questionable
• OT Stephen Schilling, knee, questionable
• RB Carlos Brown, foot, questionable
• WR Junior Hemingway, mononucleosis, out
• QB Steven Threet, shoulder, doubtful,
• LB Kevin Leach, ankle, questionable
• T Mark Huyge, ankle, out
• WR Terence Robinson, knee, doubtful
• S Brandon Smith, appendix, out (season)
• G Cory Zirbel, knee, out (season)

MICHIGAN STATE (at Penn State)

• WR Keshawn Martin, undisclosed, questionable
• CB Chris L. Rucker, leg, questionable
• WR Mark Dell, knee, questionable
• S Roderick Jenrette, personal, out (season)

MINNESOTA (vs. Iowa)

• WR Eric Decker, ankle, probable
• S Kyle Theret, leg, probable
• LB Lee Campbell, questionable, hamstring
• RB Duane Bennett, knee, out (season)

NORTHWESTERN (vs. Illinois)

• DT Corbin Bryant, knee, out (season)
• LB Malcolm Arrington, knee, out (season)
• QB Mike Kafka, concussion, probable
• DE Vince Browne, knee, out
• RB Omar Conteh, knee, out (season)
• TE/FB Drake Dunsmore, knee, out (season)
• DE Rejaie Johnson, shoulder, out (season)
• RB Tyrell Sutton, wrist, out
• CB Justan Vaughn, shoulder, out (season)

OHIO STATE (vs. Michigan)

• WR Ray Small, suspension, questionable
• CB Jermale Hines, leg, doubtful
• OL Ben Person, leg, out
• OL Connor Smith, undisclosed, questionable
• DE Curtis Terry, undisclosed, out (season)
• OL Mike Adams, ankle, out (season)
• OL J.B. Shugarts, shoulder, out (season)
• DE Lawrence Wilson, knee, out (season)
• CB Andre Amos, knee, out (season)

PENN STATE (vs. Michigan State)

• DE Josh Gaines, ankle, questionable
• OL Ako Poti, knee, out (season)
• DT Devon Still, ankle, out (season)
• RB Brent Carter, knee, out (season)
• OL Doug Klopacz, knee, out (season)
• DE Jerome Hayes, knee, out (season)

PURDUE (vs. Indiana)

• TE Kyle Adams, knee, doubtful
• LB Jason Werner, back, out
• OL Justin Pierce, groin, questionable
• OT Sean Sester, knee, probable
• G Eric Hedstrom, knee, probable
• QB Joey Elliott, shoulder, out (season)
• T Garrett Miller, knee, out (season)
• RB Jaycen Taylor, knee, out (season)

WISCONSIN (vs. Cal-Poly)

• T Eric Vanden Heuvel, foot, probable
• WR Kyle Jefferson, concussion, out
• TE Lance Kendricks, leg, out (season)
• WR Maurice Moore, leg, doubtful
• TE Travis Beckum, leg, out (season)
• DE Brendan Kelly, thumb, out (season)
• CB Aaron Henry, knee, out (season)
• DE Kirk DeCremer, back, out (season)

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Big Ten lunchtime links: Paterno rumors persist

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

TGIF. Here’s your extra helping of links. 

• Is the spread offense dead? Say it ain’t so. But Michigan hasn’t done much to resurrect the system this fall, Doug Lesmerises writes in The Cleveland Plain Dealer.
• Retirement rumors have followed Penn State coach Joe Paterno for decades, and they’re picking up again this week as Penn State plays its home finale, Jeff McLane writes in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

“One Internet message-board story has Paterno announcing his retirement at halftime and then handing the team over to defensive coordinator Tom Bradley for the bowl game. Because Paterno is expected to have 100 members of his family in attendance, including all five of his children, a leap was naturally made.

“‘Everybody is looking for some kind of sign that something’s going on. There isn’t,’ said Jay Paterno, Joe’s son and quarterbacks coach.”

• The Chicago Tribune’s Teddy Greenstein is having some trouble deciding who gets the newspaper’s coveted Silver Football trophy as the Big Ten’s best player. Let’s spell it out for him: S-H-O-N-N G-R-E-E-N-E.
• Rich Rodriguez wants some fans to get a life. Michigan fans want him to get a win. All parties want to see this season end already, Mitch Albom writes in the Detroit Free Press. 
• Michigan State quarterback Brian Hoyer has held his own in Happy Valley before, Shannon Shelton writes in the Detroit Free Press. 
• Here’s an interesting Q&A with former Northwestern and Colorado coach Gary Barnett, who weighs in on the Northwestern-Illinois rivalry and whether he’ll return to coaching, courtesy of The (Champaign) News-Gazette.  

“Do you plan on coaching again?

“I haven’t really made myself available for that kind of stuff. If I were going to do it, this would be the year. I’ve been away from coaching for three years, but I’ve been around the game. I miss it a lot and still have a lot to contribute. If the right thing came up, I’d do it. I don’t have any expectations, though.”

• Wisconsin tight end Travis Beckum keeps a picture of his gruesome season-ending leg injury on his cell phone as motivation, Tom Mulhern writes in the Wisconsin State Journal. Despite playing sparingly this season, Beckum hopes to boost his NFL draft stock at the scouting combine.
• The Big Ten Network’s Dave Revsine runs down the key numbers that reflect each Big Ten team’s success or failure this season.

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Final Big Ten injury report: Week 12

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

Courtesy of collegeinjuryreport.com and some of my own research. Michigan State has a bye this week.

ILLINOIS (vs. Ohio State)

• RB Mikel LeShoure, jaw, doubtful
• FB Rahkeem Smith, suspension, probable (suspension lifted)
• S Garrett Edwards, shoulder, questionable
• OT Xavier Fulton, shoulder, probable
• OT Ryan Palmer, foot, probable
• CB Miami Thomas, knee, out (season)
• DT Sirod Williams, knee, out (season)

INDIANA (at Penn State)

• RB Zach Davis-Walker, thumb, questionable
• S Jerimy Finch, ankle, questionable
• RB Bryan Payton, ankle, out
• QB Kellen Lewis, ankle, probable
• QB Ben Chappell, probable, head
• LB Will Patterson, knee, out
• CB Richard Council, knee, doubtful
• S Joe Kleinsmith, undisclosed, questionable
• OL Pete Saxon, undisclosed, questionable
• OL Mike Reiter, abdominal, questionable
• OL James Brewer, ankle, questionable
• OT Rodger Saffold, knee, probable
• OL Andrew McDonald, undisclosed, questionable
• S Nick Polk, knee, out (season)
• TE Brian Zematis, ankle, out (season)
• S Austin Thomas, knee, out (season)
• OL Dennis Zeigler, knee, out (season)
• CB Chris Phillips, knee, out (season)

IOWA (vs. Purdue)

• OG Andy Kuempel, muscle pull, doubtful
• OL Wes Aeschliman, hip, out (season)
• S Harold Dalton, suspension, out
• TE Tony Moeaki, leg, doubtful
• OL James Ferentz, out, suspension

MICHIGAN (vs. Northwestern)

• RB Brandon Minor, shoulder/wrist/ribs, doubtful
• RB Carlos Brown, foot, questionable
• OL David Molk, toe, probable
• WR Junior Hemingway, mononucleosis, out
• QB Steven Threet, concussion, probable
• LB Kevin Leach, ankle, questionable
• T Mark Huyge, ankle, questionable
• WR Terence Robinson, knee, questionable
• S Brandon Smith, appendix, out (season)
• G Cory Zirbel, knee, out (season)

MINNESOTA (at Wisconsin)

• WR Eric Decker, ankle, out
• RB Duane Bennett, knee, out (season)

NORTHWESTERN (at Michigan)

• LB Malcolm Arrington, knee, out (season)
• QB C.J. Bacher, hamstring, probable
• DE Vince Browne, knee, out
• RB Omar Conteh, knee, out (season)
• TE/FB Drake Dunsmore, knee, out (season)
• DE Rejaie Johnson, shoulder, out (season)
• RB Tyrell Sutton, wrist, out
• CB Justan Vaughn, shoulder, out (season)

OHIO STATE (at Illinois)

• WR Ray Small, out, suspension
• OL Ben Person, leg, out
• DE Thaddeus Gibson, ankle, probable
• DE Curtis Terry, undisclosed, out(season)
• OL Mike Adams, ankle, out (season)
• OL J.B. Shugarts, shoulder, doubtful
• DE Lawrence Wilson, knee, out (season)
• CB Andre Amos, knee, out (season)

PENN STATE (vs. Indiana)

• CB Drew Astorino, thumb, probable
• DE Josh Gaines, ankle, probable
• OL Ako Poti, knee, out (season)
• DT Devon Still, ankle, out (season)
• RB Brent Carter, knee, out (season)
• OL Doug Klopacz, knee, out (season)
• DE Jerome Hayes, knee, out (season)

PURDUE (at Iowa)

• QB Curtis Painter, shoulder, probable
• TE Kyle Adams, knee, doubtful
• LB Jason Werner, back, doubtful
• OL Justin Pierce, groin, questionable
• OT Sean Sester, knee, questionable
• G Eric Hedstrom, knee, questionable
• QB Joey Elliott, shoulder, out (season)
• T Garrett Miller, knee, out (season)
• RB Jaycen Taylor, knee, out (season)

WISCONSIN (vs. Minnesota)

• T Eric Vanden Heuvel, foot, doubtful
• LB Jaevery McFadden, concussion, probable
• TE Lance Kendricks, leg, out (season)
• WR Maurice Moore, leg, questionable
• TE Travis Beckum, leg, out (season)
• DE Brendan Kelly, thumb, out (season)
• CB Aaron Henry, knee, out (season)
• DE Kirk DeCremer, back, out (season)

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