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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Recruiting needs: Indiana Hoosiers

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

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

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

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

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

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

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Recruiting spotlight: Indiana Hoosiers

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

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

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

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

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

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

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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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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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Big Ten injury updates: Threet, Painter improving

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

In addition to the big news that Minnesota star wide receiver Eric Decker will miss Saturday’s game at Wisconsin (ABC, 3:30 p.m. ET), here are some other injury updates from around the Big Ten.

MICHIGAN
Head coach Rich Rodriguez said quarterback Steven Threet (concussion) is improving and should return to practice today. If Threet practices, he will split first-team snaps with Nick Sheridan. Threet made eight consecutive starts before sitting out last week as Sheridan helped Michigan to a 29-6 win at Minnesota.

Running back Brandon Minor (shoulder, wrist, ribs) also is improving but won’t practice today. Rodriguez hopes Minor can practice later this week, though it’s unlikely the junior will start Saturday against Northwestern (ESPN2, noon ET).

“Obviously he’s very questionable for this weekend,” Rodriguez said. “We’ll see how he responds [Wednesday] and Thursday. He’s definitely not going to practice today. He’s a tough guy and I’m sure if he’s able to go at all in practice this week, he will.”

INDIANA
Quarterbacks Kellen Lewis (ankle) and Ben Chappell (head) both should be fine for Saturday’s game at No. 8 Penn State after leaving last week’s loss to Wisconsin with injuries, head coach Bill Lynch said.

Linebacker Will Patterson (knee) will miss the Penn State game, while cornerback Richard Council (ankle) is questionable and likely will be replaced in the starting lineup by Donnell Jones. Indiana already has lost three starters in the secondary — cornerback Chris Phillips and safeties Austin Thomas and Nick Polk — to season-ending knee injuries.

WISCONSIN
Starting middle linebacker Jaevery McFadden (concussion) has been cleared and will practice today. Right tackle Eric Vanden Heuvel will undergo an MRI on his lower right leg and could return to practice Wednesday.

PURDUE
Fifth-year senior quarterback Curtis Painter (separated throwing shoulder) is improving and should return to practice today. Painter told head coach Joe Tiller that he threw about 50 passes Monday — the team is off that day — and experienced minimal pain.

Tiller said Purdue likely will start redshirt freshman Justin Siller for the third consecutive game but could rotate Siller and Painter from series to series against Iowa.

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What to watch in the Big Ten: Week 11

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

Here’s your weekly checklist for Saturday’s exciting six-pack of games.

1. Penn State’s national title quest resumes – Big Ten teams have struggled after bye weeks, and it will be interesting to see how the Nittany Lions respond at Iowa (ABC, 3:30 p.m. ET). Quarterback Daryll Clark is looking forward to taking on contact again after sustaining a mild concussion at Ohio State. Saturday marks Penn State’s final road trip of the season, and an Iowa team that has lost four games by a combined 12 points should keep things close.

2. Quarterback conundrums with Northwestern and Purdue – Both teams received impressive performances from backup quarterbacks in victories last week. But both are expected to go back to starters C.J. Bacher (hamstring) and Curtis Painter (shoulder) if they recover from injuries. Northwestern’s Mike Kafka and Purdue’s Justin Siller should still be part of the game plan as their teams take on No. 11 Ohio State (ESPN2, noon ET) and No. 18 Michigan State. How head coaches Pat Fitzgerald and Joe Tiller mix and match will be key.

3. Big Ten weather is here — It will be cold, wet and potentially snowy in Iowa City, Evanston and East Lansing, and the conditions could play a major role in Saturday’s games. The Big Ten has been a league of running backs this fall, and players like Shonn Greene, Evan Royster, Javon Ringer and Chris “Beanie” Wells should take center stage. Field position and turnovers will loom large and scoring could be down.

4. Linemen in the limelight at Kinnick Stadium – If you enjoy line play, make sure to watch the Penn State-Iowa game. Iowa boasts the Big Ten’s top tandem of defensive tackles in Mitch King and Matt Kroul, who go against a dominant Penn State offensive line that ranks fourth nationally in fewest sacks allowed. Big Ten sacks leader Aaron Maybin and the Nittany Lions defensive linemen have stepped up all season and will set their sights on stopping Iowa’s Greene.

5. Terrelle Pryor and the Buckeyes offense searches for an identity – After 10 weeks of experimenting with formations and personnel, Ohio State enters the stretch run needing to find some definitive answers on offense. Pryor took the Penn State loss especially hard, and his resiliency will be put to the test against a confident Northwestern defense. Ohio State ranks 97th nationally in total offense and tied for 95th in sacks allowed, two categories that must improve.

6. Minnesota goes for the Jug-u-lar — Golden Gophers head coach Tim Brewster placed the empty display case that would hold the Little Brown Jug outside the players’ lounge in Minnesota’s football building this week. After a tough loss that in the past would trigger a collapse, the Gophers need all the motivation they can get for Saturday’s matchup against Michigan (ESPN, noon ET). Brewster said Minnesota-Michigan won’t be a rivalry until the Gophers start winning again. They have an excellent chance Saturday at the Metrodome, where Michigan has never lost.

7. Beleaguered Bielema heads to Bloomington – Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema has been under fire for much of the last six weeks, with his latest misstep an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in an ill-fated fourth quarter last Saturday at Michigan State. Bielema and the Badgers desperately need a strong performance at Indiana. A win restores hope for a minor bowl, while a loss will only increase criticism for the 38-year-old coach.

8. Illinois tries to break pattern in an odd environment — The Illini haven’t won consecutive games since Sept. 6-13, a disturbing pattern for such a talented team. They can continue a win streak and get bowl eligible by beating Western Michigan at Ford Field in Detroit (ESPN Regional, noon ET). It won’t be a typical college atmosphere and the crowd could be small, so Illinois’ ability to get energized will be vital. Western Michigan can wing it a bit with quarterback Tim Hiller, so Juice Williams and the Illini need a strong showing.

9. Spartans can continue under-the-radar push for the league title – Michigan State is still alive in the Big Ten title race and can set the stage for a huge matchup Nov. 22 at Penn State by taking care of business against Purdue. Not much has come easy for the Spartans this season, but with Ringer getting healthy, quarterback Brian Hoyer making strides and the emotion of Senior Day, Michigan State should be in good shape against the Boilers.

10. The response of Indiana defenders to linebacker Will Patterson — The Hoosiers’ co-captain called out the defense after last week’s loss to Central Michigan, saying, “We got certain guys that will go out and play like warriors every Saturday, and then [we] got the few guys that just kind of do their own thing.” Head coach Bill Lynch didn’t mind Patterson’s comments, and the Hoosiers’ disappointing defense could use a boost right now. Indiana will need to contain Wisconsin running backs P.J. Hill and John Clay, or its bid for a second straight bowl game will be officially over.

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A look at Week 11 in the Big Ten

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

All 11 teams are in action this weekend, and a six-pack of games is on the slate. Let’s take a look.

No. 11 Ohio State (7-2, 4-1 Big Ten) at No. 24 Northwestern (7-2, 3-2), ESPN2, noon ET
After a bye week, Ohio State returns to the field against a Northwestern team it has dominated the last three seasons. But there’s hope for the Wildcats, who are much improved on defense and face a Buckeyes offense that has slipped to 97th nationally in yards (318.3 yards per game) and 69th in points (24.6 points per game). It will be interesting to see how Buckeyes freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor responds after the Penn State loss, which he took especially hard. Ohio State still could be in the mix for a BCS berth, but it needs to find an offensive identity down the stretch. Northwestern likely will use two quarterbacks after backup Mike Kafka stepped up last week at Minnesota.

Wisconsin (4-5, 1-5) at Indiana (3-6, 1-4), noon ET
Two of the league’s more disappointing teams meet at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. Wisconsin needs a win to keep its hopes for a minor bowl alive, while an Indiana loss will seal a losing season. Despite last week’s loss to Michigan State, the Badgers seemed to make strides on offense and can take another step against the Big Ten’s worst defense (394.1 ypg). The matchups between Wisconsin running backs John Clay and P.J. Hill and Indiana linebackers Matt Mayberry and Will Patterson are worth watching.

Purdue (3-6, 1-4) at Michigan State (8-2, 5-1), noon ET
The Spartans still control their own destiny in a push for a BCS bid and can set up a huge matchup Nov. 22 at Penn State by taking care of business against Purdue. Third-string quarterback Justin Siller sparked the Boilermakers against Michigan, but senior Curtis Painter likely will start if he recovers from a separated throwing shoulder. This has quietly become one of the Big Ten’s most competitive matchups, with Michigan State holding a 29-28-3 edge in the all-time series. Purdue coach Joe Tiller has a 7-2 record against the Spartans.

Michigan (2-7, 1-4) at Minnesota (7-2, 3-2), ESPN, noon ET
With Michigan eliminated from bowl contention and assured of a losing season, it seems likely the Little Brown Jug will reside in Minneapolis this winter. But history favors the Wolverines, who will actually be sorry to see Minnesota move out of the Metrodome next fall. Michigan has never lost to the Gophers in the Hump Dome, going 11-0. Minnesota leads the Big Ten and ranks second nationally in turnover margin (plus-1.67), while Michigan has committed more turnovers (25) than any Big Ten team.

No. 3 Penn State (9-0, 5-0) at Iowa (5-4, 2-3), ABC, 3:30 p.m. ET
After what they called a much-needed respite, the Nittany Lions resume their quest for a Big Ten title at Iowa, which took some of the luster off this matchup by stumbling last week against Illinois. Penn State quarterback Daryll Clark is expected to start after leaving an Oct. 25 matchup at Ohio State with an apparent concussion. These teams boast the best two defensive lines in the Big Ten and two of the top running backs in Iowa’s Shonn Greene and Penn State’s Evan Royster. Iowa has won six of its last eight meetings with Penn State.

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Indiana’s Patterson calls out fellow defenders

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

As a team captain, Indiana linebacker Will Patterson took some blame for the team’s latest loss to Central Michigan. But he also hinted at some division within a defense that ranks last in the Big Ten (394.1 ypg) despite returning most of its core from 2007.

“It’s pretty much self-explanatory. We got certain guys that will go out and play like warriors every Saturday, and then [we] got the few guys that just kind of do their own thing,” Patterson said. “It showed today.”

Patterson did his part against Central Michigan, recording an interception and a sack. And fellow linebacker Matt Mayberry has been terrific, leading many Hoosiers fans to wonder if he’ll turn pro after this season (I doubt it).

But as a unit, Indiana’s defense has been a major disappointment.

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