Destination: Madison

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
Gotta admit, I've been getting a bit antsy seeing my fellow bloggers bounce all over the country to spring practices the past week or so. After a nine-day hiatus, I'm back on the road today, heading up I-90 to Madison to check out the Wisconsin Badgers.
I'll be visiting with head coach Bret Bielema and offensive coordinator Paul Chryst early…
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Wisconsin Badgers Go Cold at Wrong Time, Fall to Ohio State Buckeyes

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Court Report – Wisconsin

Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Wisconsin Badgers

Date: Friday, March 13
Time: 2:30 p.m. ET
Place: Conseco Fieldhouse – capacity 18,345
TV: ESPN with Brent “Pard’ner” Musburger, Steve “Hair Gel” Lavin, and Erin Andrews-Barker.
Radio: WBNS-AM 1460 and WBNS-FM 97.1 in Columbus and 58 more stations across Buckeyeland on the Ohio State Buckeyes Radio Network with Paul Keels and Ron [...]
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Position superlatives: Wisconsin

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
The Wisconsin Badgers are up next on the superlatives rundown. Quarterback certainly hurt the Badgers more than any other spot last season, but the team should be better stocked under center this year.
Here's the good news and bad news for Wisconsin entering spring ball.
Strongest position — Safety
Key returnees: Junior Jay Valai, senior Chris…
Continue reading at ESPN.com – Big Ten – Blog

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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Ohio State Vs. Wisconsin Preview

Tonight at 9 PM on ESPN in a primetime battle the Ohio State Buckeyes (17-5, 7-4) take on the Wisconsin Badgers (15-9, 6-6) up in Madison, Wisconsin. The game is significant to both teams as the Buckeyes are trying to get back to second place in the Big Ten while the Badgers are hanging onto [...]
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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 Badgers season recap

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

Wisconsin made no secret about its chief goal for the 2008 season. As one of only three FBS teams to have reached January bowl games in each of the last four years, the Badgers’ next step was obvious.

BCS or bust.

Unfortunately for Bret Bielema’s team, it turned out to be the latter. A four-game losing streak to begin Big Ten play eliminated Wisconsin from the BCS mix and made the program’s last BCS bowl appearance (2000 Rose) seem a little further away. Wisconsin rallied to win three of its final four games and reach its fifth consecutive bowl, but the Badgers and their fans wanted more.

Things looked good after Wisconsin won its first three games and built a 19-0 halftime lead at Michigan. But the fundamental lapses and poor quarterback play that would define the losing streak surfaced in the second half in the Big House. Though Wisconsin boasted the Big Ten’s deepest rushing attack with P.J. Hill, John Clay and Zach Brown, it needed more from its quarterback and its drop-prone wide receivers. Dustin Sherer provided a lift under center down the stretch, but Wisconsin figured things out a little too late.

The defense had its moments but struggled to stay consistent, and Bielema began to feel some heat after a charmed first two seasons on the job. Wisconsin’s bungling of the second half at Michigan and the fourth quarter at Michigan State prevented a special season, though the Badgers can finish with a Champs Sports Bowl victory against Florida State.

Offensive MVP — Wide receiver David Gilreath
It’s tough to separate Hill and Clay, so Gilreath gets the nod after showcasing his big-play ability during the Big Ten season. Gilreath led Wisconsin in receiving yards (515) and displayed his speed as a runner (290 rush yards) and a punt returner (9.1 ypr). The sophomore finished third in the Big Ten in all-purpose yards (145.3 ypg).

Defensive MVP — Cornerback Allen Langford
Langford battled back from a torn ACL and finished his college career on a high note. The senior earned first-team All-Big Ten honors from the media after finishing second in the league in passes defended (14) and recording two interceptions. Langford racked up 11 of his 14 pass deflections in Big Ten play. Linebacker DeAndre Levy and defensive tackle Mike Newkirk also deserve to be recognized.

Turning point — Sept. 27 at Michigan
The Badgers were rolling along: a 3-0 record, a top 10 national ranking, a 19-0 halftime lead. They pounded Michigan with Hill and Clay and shut down the Wolverines offense. But everything fell apart in the second half, as Wisconsin lost its defensive edge, committed costly turnovers and made fourth-quarter mental mistakes that cropped up too often this season. A second turning point should be noted on Oct. 25, as the Badgers beat Illinois to open a 4-1 closing stretch.

What’s next
A Champs Sports Bowl win against Florida State would end things on a good note and possibly build some momentum for 2009. Sherer could be the answer at quarterback, but Wisconsin will once again turn to the rushing attack of Hill, Clay and Brown. The Badgers must fill some holes on both lines and at linebacker, but they return enough talent to make another postseason push. Bielema is definitely safe in Madison, but another disappointing season could change things.

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Champs Sports or Insight for Wisconsin?

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

Mickey Mouse vs. Giant Saguaro. The Everglades vs. Camelback Mountain. Urban sprawl vs. urban sprawl. 

These are the choices facing the Wisconsin Badgers, who find themselves in the mix for the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando, Fla., or the Insight Bowl in Tempe, Ariz. Despite a recent newspaper poll that showed a large percentage of fans would rather not see the Badgers in any bowl game, the debate about where Wisconsin will spend its postseason continues in Madtown. 

The Champs Sports Bowl picks first in the Big Ten bowl order, but there’s some concern that Wisconsin would rather head somewhere other than Florida after visiting the Sunshine State the last four seasons. That somewhere would be Arizona for the Insight Bowl, which carries a little less prestige. 

The Wisconsin State Journal’s Tom Oates weighs in today on Wisconsin’s whereabouts, arguing that the Badgers would be better off in Arizona. After a regular season that has already disappointed most Wisconsin fans, another bowl trip to Florida could be a turnoff. 

“It’s just that Badgers fans, already disillusioned by a UW’s 7-5 record, will yawn collectively at the prospect of another bowl game in Florida, especially if it’s not on New Year’s Day. That’s true even if the opponent is the ever-attractive Florida State.

So while the Champs is a better bowl destination – bigger payout, more television exposure and a closer drive – than the Insight for UW fans, it simply isn’t as appealing in 2008 as it would be in other years.

A trip to the Insight would benefit UW more than returning to Florida for the fifth straight year. That’s because the Badgers haven’t played in an Arizona bowl in 10 years and a game there would hold considerable appeal to the many UW alums and former Wisconsin residents who live within driving distance in Phoenix, Las Vegas and southern California.”

Wisconsin likely will have to speak up if it really wants to avoid Champs Sports. Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see how things pan out on Selection Sunday. 

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Who Is…John Clay?

I guess you could call this my second installment of “Who is?”, as I did one previously on Brewers backup catcher Mike Rivera. I apologize for no picture of Clay, as I’m having trouble uploading photos on here.

But enough of that, let’s get to it.

John Clay is the second string running back for the Wisconsin Badgers, behind P.J. Hill who gained over 1,000 yards for the third-straight season this year.

Even though he is the backup, Clay, at 6-2 and a nothing but muscle 240 lbs., is definitely the more powerful back for the Badgers.

I like to compare the two as; P.J. has the the power to run through defenders, but Clay will down right run over you.

P.J. will move the pile by constantly moving his legs, but Clay will run over that pile and make his own lane.

John Clay gained 845 yards on 144 carries this year, which is 5.9 yards/carry. If you give the ball to Clay twice, you have a first down, and I guarantee you, he breaks one of those for 20+.

I’m amazed whenever I see him run, the sheer power he has, and the ability to see the lanes. He is the epitome of running backs in college football, hell, the NFL; a perfect fit in that Badger offense.

He just needed to learn to put his studies first; after all they are called STUDENT-athletes.

Clay is a sophomore, but has freshmen eligibility, due to the fact he red-shirted last year for academic struggles. If he can keep those grades in check, Clay will be a nightmare for Big Ten defenses for the next couple of years.

This power running is nothing new for Clay either, as he racked up huge stats at Racine Park High School (in southeast Wisconsin).

He received four letters for football and three more in track and field. He was a two-time Wisconsin State finalist in the 4×100 (so he has speed too).

As a sophomore at Park, Clay gained 1,490 yards and 15 TDs, but followed that up with an amazing junior year. He rushed for 2,032 yards on just 162 carries; do the math, 12.5 yards/carry. Clay also had 30 TD as a junior, and led his team to the WIAA State title in Division I that year.

At that title game, Clay rushed 19 times for 259 yards (team had 306 total), with 3 TD, one was for 65 yards, and another for 70. That 259 yards on the ground is a state record in D-I.

He closed out his HS career with 1,485 yards on 170 touches and 15 more scores; 8.7 yards/carry. He finished with 509 carries for 5,005 yards and 58 TD; 9.8 yards/carry.

So, in the next few years that he dons the “W” on his helmet, all head coach Bret Bielema needs to do is get the ball to Clay, he’ll make a smart man out of you.

This is a warning to the rest of the Big Ten, as well as the nation; you know who John Clay is now…all you need to do is make sure he doesn’t run over YOU.

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