ESPN College Football

The college football bloggers get you up to date with the biggest surprises so far in spring practice across the country.

The road trip of all road trips is winding its way through the nonconference slate. In case you're just joining us, we're picking which game we would attend in each week of the Big Ten season if it were up to us (which it's not). Some of our desired destinations will come true, and others won't.

But in a perfect world, we'd be heading to these spots in Week 4 of the 2012 season.

First, let's survey the options:

Michigan at Notre Dame
Temple at Penn State
Louisiana Tech at Illinois
Syracuse at Minnesota
Central Michigan at Iowa
UTEP at Wisconsin
Eastern Michigan at Michigan State
UAB at Ohio State
South Dakota at Northwestern
Idaho State at Nebraska

Adam Rittenberg's pick: Michigan at Notre Dame

When the Big Ten blog launched in 2008, I fully expected to spend at least one fall Saturday at Notre Dame Stadium. While there weren't many things I enjoyed about covering ND in my previous gig, I loved game day in South Bend. But for various reasons, I haven't made it back to see the Fighting Irish on their home field. In a perfect world, things will change this fall. Week 4 isn't a great slate of games, and Michigan-Notre Dame easily jumps out as the best of the bunch. Bennett, you were fortunate enough to cover last year's edge-of-your-seat contest at Michigan Stadium, the first night game in Big House history. Now it's my turn to see the Wolverines and Fighting Irish meet under the lights.

It'll be interesting to see what type of condition the teams will be for this game. Michigan has an extremely tough opener against Alabama, followed by a tricky game against Air Force. Notre Dame will be coming off of a tough test at Michigan State. This should be a pivotal game for both squads. Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson has tormented Notre Dame during his career, turning in a record-setting performance two years ago in South Bend and following it up with last year's fourth-quarter comeback. Fighting Irish fans must have nightmares about No. 16, and he'll try to torment Notre Dame again and post Michigan's fourth consecutive win in the series. Brian Kelly's head might explode. Both defenses should be a lot better than what we saw last year. It's Michigan-Notre Dame under the lights at one of college football's iconic settings. Sign me up.

Brian Bennett's pick: Michigan at Notre Dame

I guess Adam and I will arm-wrestle over this one, or else we'll have this one staffed to the gills. If this one is ruled out for me, I might say my couch would be the best place to watch games on this Saturday. The Syracuse-Minnesota game could be kind of interesting, and I haven't been to TCF Bank Stadium yet.

But Michigan-Notre Dame is always special, and especially under the lights. I was there last year in Ann Arbor for the first night game at the Big House, and it was one of the wildest games I've ever seen. I definitely don't want to miss the rematch.

Previously on the road trip ...

Week 1: Adam at Boise State-Michigan State, Brian at Michigan-Alabama.

Week 2: Brian at Penn State-Virginia, Adam at Nebraska-UCLA

Week 3: Adam at Notre Dame-Michigan State, Brian at Cal-Ohio State

We're putting together the ultimate Big Ten road trip for 2012. We don't get to choose what games we attend each Saturday in real life, but if we could this is how our itinerary would read.

We'll both pick a game for each week of the season, based on what looks the most interesting to us and to get a wide view of the conference. It's time to take a look at the options for Week 3:

Charleston Southern at Illinois
Ball State at Indiana
Northern Iowa at Iowa
UMass at Michigan
Notre Dame at Michigan State
Western Michigan at Minnesota
Arkansas State at Nebraska
Boston College at Northwestern
Cal at Ohio State
Navy at Penn State
Eastern Michigan at Purdue
Utah State at Wisconsin

Brian Bennett's pick: Cal at Ohio State

This is not exactly the most appetizing slate of games. Notre Dame at Michigan State is the obvious one, but I've seen the Irish a lot over the past couple of years and have a feeling I'll be seeing them later on in this road trip. So I'm heading to Columbus.

Sure, Cal has been down of late, but the Golden Bears should still present a challenge to the Buckeyes. Mostly, I just want to see the Urban Meyer offense in person for the first time and get a sense of how good this Ohio State team can actually be. The Buckeyes aren't really playing a loaded nonconference schedule, so this could bring their toughest test before Big Ten season arrives. I'm interested to see if Meyer has found some playmakers on offense to pair with Braxton Miller by Week 3.

Adam Rittenberg's pick: Notre Dame at Michigan State

As much as I'd like to see my childhood team, the Cal Bears, head to Columbus, I think the better game will be in East Lansing, where I'll be for the second time in the first three weeks. Last year, Notre Dame handed a mistake-prone Michigan State team a 31-13 loss at Notre Dame Stadium in a game the Fighting Irish desperately needed to win. The Spartans should get a more polished effort on their home field.

This should be a low-scoring, defense-driven matchup with plenty of star power such as Michigan State defensive end William Gholston and Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o. Michigan State will be breaking in a new starting quarterback (Andrew Maxwell), while Notre Dame's quarterback situation is up in the air right now. The game features two intriguing running backs in Michigan State's Le'Veon Bell and Notre Dame's Cierre Wood. Should MSU drop its opener to Boise, it could find itself in a similar spot to Notre Dame in 2011 -- desperately needing a win. If this game is anything like the last time these teams played at Spartan Stadium, it'll be well worth the trip. Maybe Aaron Bates can present the game ball. I'm heading back to Sparta!

Previously on the road trip ...

Week 1: Adam at Boise State-Michigan State, Brian at Michigan-Alabama.

Week 2: Brian at Penn State-Virginia, Adam at Nebraska-UCLA.

The links aren't going anywhere, but the Big Ten chat starts right now.

• Illinois' offensive staff won't be retained by Tim Beckman, Bob Asmussen reports. Defensive coordinator Vic Koenning, meanwhile, has the option to stay.
• Recruit Bri'onte Dunn re-commits to Ohio State after meeting with Urban Meyer. Colleague Joe Schad reports Meyer will add North Carolina interim coach Everett Withers to his staff. Ohio State's Gator Bowl ticket sales, meanwhile, are going at a slow pace, Bill Rabinowitz writes.
• Several Big Ten players appear on SI.com's All-America teams.
• Navy says Penn State has not asked to speak with coach Ken Niumatalolo about its vacancy. Marketing experts say Penn State was right to cut licensing ties with Joe Paterno.
• Coordinator Greg Mattison says Michigan's defense has exceeded his expectations. Michigan's seniors select alternate road uniforms for the Sugar Bowl.
• CBSSports.com's Dennis Dodd ranks the bowl games. The Rose Bowl is the second most intriguing matchup, according to Bruce Feldman.
• Randy Peterson weighs in on the Kirk Ferentz-Kansas City Chiefs talk and who will replace Iowa defensive coordinator Norm Parker. Oklahoma will have Iowa star wide receiver Marvin McNutt on its radar screen.
• Recruiting experts say Michigan and Michigan State must be wary of Meyer on the trail.
• With Ralph Bolden sidelined, Purdue must keep No. 2 running back Akeem Shavers healthy for its coming bowl. The Boilers' bowl appearance should boost recruiting efforts.
• Nebraska AD Tom Osborne is confident Bo Pelini will pick the right defensive coordinator. Possible DUI charges against Huskers center Mike Caputo might not be filed until after the Capital One Bowl.
• Minnesota's newest 2012 recruit explains why he decommitted from Baylor and chose the Gophers.
• As ticket sales sag, Wisconsin should do better in looking out for its fans' best interest. What do Wisconsin fans, Neil Diamond and the Kennedy Center have in common?
• Northwestern loses a defender for its bowl game and regains the services of another.

Join our ESPN.com college football experts as they take a look back at Week 12 and look ahead to Week 13.

Contribute your thoughts and questions beginning at noon ET. See you there.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- In a makeshift media room a football's throw away from the same Ross-Ade Stadium field he just watched his team demolish Purdue on, Brian Kelly was finishing off his opening statement when screams, roars and general excitement began emanating from the nearby Notre Dame locker room.

"You can see they're pretty happy about the way they played," the Fighting Irish coach explained.

What's not to love for Notre Dame fans about a 38-10 thrashing that, for at least one night, validated the early preseason expectations of Year 2 of the Kelly era?

His spread offense looked every bit as high powered as many initially expected, totaling 551 yards. The quarterback he has stood behind through a rocky three-and-a-half games impressed, completing 24 of 40 passes for 254 yards and three touchdowns.

The wide receiver he insisted would not be kept under wraps after a rough showing at Pitt amassed 137 yards on 12 catches, none more important than his 35-yard grab on a beautiful play-action fake by Tommy Rees on Notre Dame's second play from scrimmage, making it 7-0 24 seconds into action.

"On the road it's really important," Kelly said of Michael Floyd's early touchdown. "You wanna take the crowd out of it, you wanna be able to put the first one on the board and kind of dictate the tempo of the game, and we did that at Michigan as well, we just didn't finish. It was very similar in the way we really started well [and we] built on that.

"The difference between the two games is we finished this one in the third quarter, is really where we finished it. We deferred, got the ball in the third quarter, had a great opening drive. I think dominating the third quarter really put us in a great position."

Rees completed 9 of 11 passes in the third quarter, ending both of the Irish's drives with touchdown passes. Notre Dame punted on just one of Rees' nine drives at quarterback (excluding his knee to end the first half).

And, more importantly, Rees, and the Irish, did not turn the ball over a single time; this after entering the night with an FBS-worst 15 giveaways.

"I don't know that that is a sigh of relief as much as we have a way that we need to play the game if we're gonna be successful, and we've said that from Day 1," Kelly said. "We're making good decisions, we ran hard. I thought physically our backs, both Jonas Gray and Cierre Wood, really exerted their will on Purdue today, and playing that way physically gives them a confidence that there's no reason why the ball should be on the ground."

No kidding. Notre Dame averaged a ridiculous 7.2 yards per rush, bursting through holes on the left side all night that Kelly, three weeks shy of his 50th birthday, could have probably run through himself.

Wood finished with 191 yards and a touchdown. Gray rushed for 94 yards and a score.

Asked if the backs or linemen were more excited breaking out of each huddle, Gray said: "Offensive line, definitely. You got five against two, they wanted to run it every play."

Tough to blame the group. Hit hard, hit early, leave no doubt. The Irish, above .500 for the first time this season, finally put on the performance they expected all along.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- A Notre Dame team that had trouble putting everything together did just that Saturday night, routing Purdue by a final of 38-10 before an announced crowd of 61,555 at Ross-Ade Stadium.

Gary Gray set the tone early, picking off Caleb TerBush on the first play from scrimmage. Two plays later, Tommy Rees hit Michael Floyd for a 35-yard touchdown, and the rout was on.

Floyd returned to his normal self after an off week at Pitt. The senior eclipsed the 10-catch, 100-yard mark once again, re-inserting himself into the conversation as one of the nation's top receivers.

More importantly, the Fighting Irish imposed their will on the ground, running over and around the Boilermakers throughout the evening and controlling the tempo in the second half.

The Irish defense, meanwhile, continued a stellar effort, allowing Purdue to cross midfield just twice in the first half and allowing just a field goal during that span.

Be sure to keep it right here for Brian Kelly and player reaction from the Irish's convincing win.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Everyone wondered if and when Notre Dame would have a game where it could stomp out its opponent early and leave no doubt.

Everyone now has an answer.

Tommy Rees completed 9 of 11 passes in the third quarter, ending both of his drives with touchdown passes to account for the 35-3 score as the fourth gets underway.

The question now is what the Fighting Irish have in store with a big lead. Could we see the return of Dayne Crist? Could Everett Golson or Andrew Hendrix, quarterbacks 3-A and 3-B in no particular order, finally get game action with a comfortable lead?

At this point, the biggest storyline is if Notre Dame can actually go the entire game without committing a turnover. Given its nation-leading 15 entering tonight, that's no small feat.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Notre Dame goes into halftime leading Purdue 21-3. Here's a quick analysis of what went down in the first 30 minutes:

Turning point: It's never early to establish momentum, and Gary Gray did that by picking off Caleb TerBush on the first play from scrimmage. Michael Floyd caught a 35-yard touchdown pass two plays later and the Fighting Irish set the tone early, playing ahead the whole half.

Stat of the half: Purdue has nine penalties for 78 yards, an inexcusable number for a whole game, let alone one half against an Irish team it is overmatched against. To put those numbers in perspective, the Boilermakers have just 122 total yards in the first half.

What Notre Dame needs to do: The Irish need to stick to their ground game until Purdue otherwise proves it can stop it. Notre Dame rushed for 160 yards on 19 carries in the first half, good for a ridiculous 8.4 yards per rush.

What Purdue needs to do: Aside from shooting themselves in the foot with dumb penalties, the Boilermakers need to make some kind of a stand defensively. Notre Dame has two missed field goals that could have put this game that much further out of reach, but the Irish have gone the entire half without a turnover after entering the contest with an FBS-leading 15.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — A primetime audience saw everything Notre Dame does good and bad through the first quarter, one the Fighting Irish have escaped leading 14-0.

Gary Gray picked off Caleb TerBush's first pass of the game, and Tommy Rees hit Michael Floyd two plays later for a 35-yard touchdown pass. Jonas Gray punched it in from two yards out with three seconds left in the quarter for the Irish's other score.

David Ruffer had a 28-yard field goal attempt blocked earlier in the frame after the Irish failed to score on a series that started with a first-and-goal from the Purdue 5. A false start penalty on Chis Watt was the killer on that drive.

Also mind-boggling is, once again, the punt-return game, as John Goodman lost two yards on the one punt he did return and watched the ball roll for a 61-yard punt on the one kick he chose not to return.

Still, the mental gaffes have affected the Boilermakers more so far, as they committed consecutive penalties on the Irish's next red zone trip, resulting in two new sets of downs from inside the 5.

Encouraging for the Irish has been their ability to do whatever they want in the run game so far. Notre Dame has gained 75 yards on 11 carries, and its offensive line is manhandling the Purdue front seven so far.

It will be interesting to see if this can continue as the game progresses. Regardless, the Irish have put themselves in great position to start, so long as they can avoid shooting themselves in the foot once again.

Purdue is searching for a boost, and Robert Marve hopes to provide one.

Marve made his first appearance for the Boilers in nearly a year Sept. 17 against Southeast Missouri State, completing 7 of 8 pass attempts for 91 yards and a touchdown. Although Caleb TerBush remains the Boilers' starting quarterback, Marve is ready to help if called upon.

Little has come easily for Marve at Purdue. He suffered a torn ACL days after he announced he was transferring from Miami. Four games into the 2010 season, he suffered another ACL tear. More knee issues cropped up in preseason camp, keeping him sidelined for Purdue's first two games.

Now he's back and ready to contribute. ESPN.com recently caught up with the signal caller.

How did it feel to finally play again?

Robert Marve: It's good. It was a little frustrating at first. In camp, I thought I was going to be ready. My tendon started flaring up. One day, you feel normal and then you can't practice for two or three days. But I'm happy where I'm at now.

How did you feel when you finally got out there on the field?


RM: It was a good feeling, a feeling that you finally got back and you overcame the injury. I was happy, too, because a lot of my family was in town. They deal with me the most, going through the whole surgery and everything. So I was happy for the whole situation.

Was it hard to see Rob [Henry] go down, especially after you dealt with your own knee injury?

RM: Yeah, it was. Rob and I are close friends, so I know exactly what he's going through. It's frustrating. I'm trying to be there any way I can. He's a great quarterback, and I really was looking forward to playing with him. Hopefully, next year, we can.

Where do you fit in as far as leadership with this offense? Can you be a leader even though you've been out for a while?

RM: I feel better about it actually this year than I did last year, when I started right away. I've been around the team longer. They've gotten to see my work ethic, and I really started understanding the playbook a lot better. Once you understand, you can do more helping and coaching. So it's been good for me, and I think they're responding well to me.

How do you feel about your understanding of the playbook now?

RM: I noticed it a lot last week. You start noticing things without really looking hard, like the coverages and the fronts and where the linebackers stand. I had a couple audibles I felt good about, and I've been doing it in practice. Once you get an understanding of what the coaches want, you can build the plays off of that.

All the injuries really limited you on offense last year. How broad can this offense be this season?

RM: I definitely think we can open it up a little more because, as you said, we have more guys not hurt. So hopefully we can open it up, get the ball downfield, but at the same time, be able to power it down against a couple of opponents. I hope it's going to be high-powered, so we can get this thing rolling.

How important is this game against Notre Dame?

RM: I was very impressed with Notre Dame when I watched them on film. You see a team that's 2-2 on paper, but when I started seeing their front and how their linebackers flow, it's pretty impressive. It's going to be a big opponent for us, but lucky for us, we have it at home and in a night game, so the atmosphere should be in our favor.

How important is it to win a game like this, to get guys believing you can do something special this season?

RM: This game is kind of a program-changer. You go through a big game like this, with a sold-out crowd at home, before Big Ten play, and you can get the program excited about the rest of the season. It could change a lot of things. I definitely see an urgency in practice, guys playing more attention. I was impressed with how many guys came and started watching film on our bye week. Coach gives us off a couple days and I felt like I wasn't going to see a lot of people around, but a lot of guys came through, the receivers, the tight ends, the offensive line, a lot of people came through to watch film and try to pick up little things and see the players they're going to play against.

Coach [Danny] Hope has been very open about wanting to play two quarterbacks. How do you feel about that?

RM: I feel like I'm in a blessed situation. I can't be real choosy. I'm coming off of two ACLs and all that, so whatever I can do to help out. Last week, it felt good and I felt like I played very well. I'm happy the most that I'm comfortable in the offense now. I can audible out of stuff, I can get the flow of the game a lot better, so I just want to manage the game and whenever my number is called, I'll be ready.

You've been through a lot with the injuries. How has that experience changed you?

RM: It's definitely humbling. You definitely view the game as a game. I felt like when I was a little bit younger, coming out of high school, you see football as your world and your everything. Not that I don't still love the sport and I love playing it, but you have to understand there's much more to life than just a football game. And it also brought my family a lot closer. They're always there for me, and there are a lot of dark days before there are bright days. Hopefully, we get a couple wins.

What are your expectations individually and for the team the rest of the year?

RM: The biggest one is just to win and be a leader. I feel like I can bring some different things to the table from the quarterback position and just get the ball out of my hands. We've got a lot of playmakers people need to know about on this team. Hopefully, I can help that process.

Who are some of those guys?

RM: Justin Siller, No. 2, is a big-time receiver, a physical guy on the edge. We've got to get the ball in his hands. Then you've got guys like O.J. [Ross] and Antavian Edison out there at slot [receiver]. It's a great matchup because [Edison] lines up a lot against linebackers, and if you can get him one-on-one with the safety, that ball normally comes out to him.

Is this an opportunity for the Purdue offense to make a statement?

RM: It's a big statement for the team, the program, to see where we're at. You've got to start beating the big dogs, and Notre Dame's obviously that. I have a lot of respect for them, and hopefully, we can go out there, sling it around a little bit and get a win.

Big Ten play kicks off Saturday, which means no more freebies (OK, a few freebies). But it's time to get serious. Bennett has proven himself in nonconference play, but he'll be ridiculed -- along with his hair color -- if he doesn't succeed in Big Ten play. Rittenberg? He looks like the Big Ten neophyte so far. Just a miserable start.

Neither blogger has recorded a spotless week this season, so the quest for perfection continues.

Let's get picky ...

PENN STATE at INDIANA

Brian Bennett: Here's one game where it won't matter whether Matthew McGloin, Rob Bolden or Joe Paterno starts at quarterback. Penn State adds to the Hoosiers' woes with a dominating defensive performance. ... Penn State 31, Indiana 13

Adam Rittenberg: Paterno at quarterback? I do love the fullback dive. Penn State needs to get its run game going, and this should be the week to do it. Silas Redd, this is your last chance, pal. ... Penn State 34, Indiana 10

MINNESOTA at NO. 19 MICHIGAN

Adam Rittenberg: Denard Robinson needs to build confidence as a passer. Presenting ... Minnesota's defense, ranked 108th nationally against the pass. "Shoelace" and his receivers get it going in this one, as Michigan improves to 5-0. ... Michigan 33, Minnesota 17

Brian Bennett: The Gophers are reeling, and if they couldn't handle the North Dakota State Bison, they're not going to slow down Robinson. Michigan goes for the Little Brown Jug-ular ... Michigan 35, Minnesota 14

NORTHWESTERN at NO. 24 ILLINOIS

Brian Bennett: Dan Persa's back, but I have to believe he'll be a little rusty. Illinois' defense has been merciless and Mercilus. The Illini three-headed running back committee makes the difference in a tight one. ... Illinois 24, Northwestern 21

Adam Rittenberg: If this was Persa's second game and not his first, I might pick the Wildcats in a mini-upset. Illinois looked like a team asking to get beat for portions of last week's game. But Northwestern's defense doesn't excite me at all. Illinois' does and the Illini have a much better ground game. Illinois 28, Northwestern 24

MICHIGAN STATE at OHIO STATE

Adam Rittenberg: Another very tough game to choose. I'm a believer in Michigan State's defense, and the Spartans will give Braxton Miller trouble in this one. I give Ohio State a decided edge in special teams, as the Buckeyes surged last week, while Michigan State has had several breakdowns. Beating Ohio State would be huge for the Spartans, and they'll find a way to get it done. ... Michigan State 23, Ohio State 21

Brian Bennett: I like Sparty here, too, mostly because that No. 1-ranked defense will cause all kinds of problems for an already pretty one-dimensional Ohio State offense. The Buckeyes will stop the run, so Kirk Cousins will have to lead the way with his passing and not turn it over in what I expect to be a low-scoring affair. ... Michigan State 16, Ohio State 14

NOTRE DAME at PURDUE

Brian Bennett: The Boilers have had two weeks to get ready and really need a breakthrough win. However, I think Notre Dame's defensive front can slow down their run game, and a big night from Michael Floyd powers the Irish to a fourth straight win in this series. ... Notre Dame 27, Purdue 17

Adam Rittenberg: It's tough to get a read on Purdue, which has played a really soft schedule and has had mixed results. The additional prep time should help and I expect a decent performance from Ralph Bolden and Akeem Shavers, but Purdue doesn't have enough on defense to slow down Notre Dame. ... Notre Dame 30, Purdue 24

NO. 8 NEBRASKA at NO. 7 WISCONSIN

Adam Rittenberg: Wisconsin doesn't lose many games in Madison, and the offense has been operating in fifth gear for nearly a year now. Nebraska's special teams and big-play offense will keep this game very close, but ultimately, Russell Wilson makes enough plays in the fourth quarter to secure a big W. ... Wisconsin 31, Nebraska 26

Brian Bennett: I see a lot of points in this one, as I'm not sure Nebraska's defense can win the point of attack or whether Wisconsin can contain the speed on the edge of the Huskers offense. I think the Badgers are a little more balanced, especially in the passing game, and that makes the difference. ... Wisconsin 38, Nebraska 28

Bye: Iowa

SEASON RECORDS

Rittenberg: 33-13 (.717)

Bennett: 36-10 (.783)

Purdue linebacker Joe Holland has some personal motivation to beat Notre Dame this week. Both of Holland's parents and his grandfather graduated from the school in South Bend, and though the Irish recruited Holland out of high school, "they didn't recruit me like Purdue did," he says.

Holland doesn't want to finish his Boilermakers career without beating Notre Dame, so stopping the three-game losing streak in this rivalry is a high priority. But while Holland might be the happiest guy in Ross-Ade Stadium on Saturday night if Purdue wins, he realizes this game is more than just personal. It's an important opportunity for the entire program.

"The stage is definitely set," he told ESPN.com. "It's a huge game because of the opponent, it's a huge game because of the stage we're on. It would mean a lot for our team to get this one and to get some momentum going into the rest of the season."

Forward momentum has been hard to come by lately for the Boilers. They haven't had a winning season since 2007 and failed to make a bowl game in each of coach Danny Hope's first two years. Hope's first season included an upset of then-No. 7 Ohio State at home and a road triumph over Michigan. The team beat Northwestern on the road last year with a true freshman quarterback starting.

But Purdue (2-1) comes into this week with a six-game losing streak against BCS AQ teams. The program has been beset by injuries and hasn't registered on the national radar for a while now. Simply put, Hope and the players need something positive to happen. While Notre Dame is unranked and already owns two losses, beating the Irish would provide a good start.

"A win against Notre Dame would be a signature win," Hope said. "It would create great confidence for our football team. It certainly would receive a lot of national attention, and I think it would be a great sign for the direction the program is going in. It could also impact recruiting in some ways."

It's hard to say just how good this Boilermakers team is. It beat Middle Tennessee in the opener by blocking a field goal attempt on the last play, then lost the following week at Rice when its own late field goal try was rebuffed. A 59-0 win over Southeast Missouri State was good for confidence building and saw the return of quarterback Robert Marve to the lineup, but Southeast Missouri State has about as much in common with Notre Dame as West Lafayette does with Rio de Janeiro.

"We're still developing," Hope said. "This football team has great potential. I think it's one of those teams that will get better and better."

Purdue hangs its hat on its running game, which ranks 11th nationally with 258 yards per game on the ground. The return of Ralph Bolden from a knee injury and the addition of junior college transfer Akeem Shavers has given the backfield two fast, powerful ball carriers. Junior quarterback Caleb TerBush was pressed into starting duty when Rob Henry went down with a knee injury in preseason camp. TerBush has played well enough to retain the starting job over the veteran Marve, though Hope plans to play both quarterbacks.

The defense has solid experience on the back end and is led by its interior playmakers up front. Kawann Short and sophomores Bruce Gaston and Ryan Isaac have been disruptive from their defensive tackle positions.

"The games where we've been able to completely shut down the run have been our defensive tackles' best games," Holland said. "Kawann is a monster up front, and he's stringing together a couple of really good seasons. Bruce and Ryan are younger guys who are very, very developed and very strong. Both have the potential to be great players inside."

Purdue will need to play its best game to stop a Notre Dame team that could be undefeated if not for all its turnover problems. The Boilers have had an extra week to prepare thanks to a bye last week. It came at a good time, because they got to focus their attention on what looks like a key game in the program's trajectory.

"If things don't work out right, it's not the end of the world," Hope said. "But a win on Saturday could change our world in some ways."

With apologies to the Eastern/Western/Central Michigans and Dakota FCS schools of the world, the good stuff is finally here in the Big Ten.

Week 5 brings us the arrival of conference play at long last. And the first week in no way disappoints, with perhaps the league's game of the year on tap. There are five conference games in all, and the one nonconference game is a traditional rivalry. Here's a quick preview of a Saturday that can't come fast enough (all times ET):

No. 8 Nebraska (4-0) at No. 7 Wisconsin (4-0), 8 p.m. (ABC): We talked about this game all offseason, and we'll have plenty to say about it this week. Nebraska plays its first Big Ten game in what should be an unbelievable, "GameDay"-stoked atmosphere, with league supremacy on the line. It could also be a preview of the Big Ten title matchup in Indianapolis. Other than that, it's just another game.
Michigan State (3-1) at Ohio State (3-1), 3:30 p.m. (ABC regional): The fact that both these teams stubbed their toes in the nonconference schedule doesn't make this game less interesting. In fact, I'd say it's more intriguing because of it. The winner will feel like it's right back on track, while the loser will be scrambling. The Spartans have lost seven straight to the Buckeyes and haven't won in Columbus since 1998.

Northwestern (2-1) at No. 24 Illinois (4-0), Noon (ESPN2): Come on, feel the Illinoise. Dan Persa should be back for the Land of Lincoln Trophy battle, and the Wildcats had an extra week to prepare. Can Illinois keep up its best start in more than half a century?

Minnesota (1-3) at No. 19 Michigan (4-0), Noon (Big Ten Network): The Gophers just lost to North Dakota State and now have to play a team they've only beaten once since 1987. This is the first meeting between the two since 2008. Marqueis Gray and Denard Robinson are two of the best athletes playing quarterback anywhere in the country, assuming Gray is still the starter this week for Minnesota.

Penn State (3-1) at Indiana (1-3), Noon (ESPNU): Has Joe Paterno settled on a starting quarterback? Will it even matter who plays quarterback against a Hoosiers team that is a long way from competing against the better Big Ten teams?

Notre Dame (2-2) at Purdue (2-1), 8 p.m. (ESPN): The Boilermakers had a bye week to get ready and really need this victory if they want to go bowling. They've lost five of the last six against the Irish, but Brian Kelly's team sure likes to give away the ball this year.

Bye: Iowa

We had a spirited discussion -- mostly about Penn State, the Big Ten and the ACC -- during Wednesday's chat.

In case you missed it, here's the full wrap-up.

Some highlights:

Ben (Columbus): Is there any excuse as to why Braxton Miller should not start every game for the rest of the season? He has the talent, and I can live with the mistakes...but after the Miami game, it has become completely and plainly obvious that Joe Bauserman does NOT have the talent to compete on this level.

Adam Rittenberg: Ben, a lot of Ohio State fans feel this way. The big question is whether Luke Fickell and his staff can live with Miller's mistakes, because he will make them, as long as he also brings more playmaking to the table. Keep in mind these are former Jim Tressel assistants, and The Vest HATED turnovers more than anything. Now Fickell needs to be his own man and make the calls for this team at this time, but I have a hard time seeing them giving Miller chance after chance if he keeps committing turnovers.

Brian Kelly (South Bend): If Notre Dame's hand is forced into conference alignment, do you think the Irish will end up in the B1G or the ACC? Most folks are pointing east... Your thoughts?

Adam Rittenberg: Well, Brian, you know more than I do. I get the argument for the ACC, which will make Notre Dame its crown jewel and has an appealing location in the southeast. But people are overlooking the Big Ten Network factor and what it brings for Notre Dame's entire athletic program. Think of the exposure the Fighting Irish hockey team will get on BTN. Same with the other sports, which Notre Dame really cherishes. I still don't think the ACC is a nationally relevant conference, even with the additions of Pitt and Syracuse. The Big Ten, meanwhile, always has national relevance because of its fan bases, its tradition and its revenue.

DJC (Omaha): What do you need to see out of Nebraska at Wyoming in order to for you to go into that Neb Wiscy game thinking Nebraska is going to win? Is there anything you could see that would make you believe that?

Adam Rittenberg: Defense, defense, defense. It's all about the Blackshirts, DCJ. If there's not a significant uptick in performance with that unit, Nebraska won't beat Wisconsin in Madison. The offense is what it is -- frustrating at times but always having the potential to make big plays. But Nebraska's defense needs to tighten up significantly or it'll be a long night against Russell Wilson, Montee Ball and the others.

Rick (Pittsburgh): Thanks for answering part 1 of my question, so I hope you let me respond - and you follow up. Last one I promise.An ACC network - set-up similar to the BTN - with possibly as many as 110 million residents in the states where the schools are located, with the majority of the major markets ... will make a TON more than the BTN - especially with basketball filling the winter (and relevant baseball in the spring). Don't be short sighted, the ACC is a sleeping giant in that regard ($$$) and FSU, Miami, Clemson, Georgia Tech, PSU, ND at the top of a "New ACC" is pretty attractive no?I don't think Spanier is happy in the B1G. We have no rivals, our alumni and students are heavily skewed to/from the east coast. 8 ACC schools are within closer distance than just 3 B1G schools.IF ND goes ACC ... I'll bet you a sandwich PSU does as well! Are we on?

Adam Rittenberg: You've got a deal, Rick! Or we could bet a large ice cream at the Creamery. Mmmmm. ... OK, here's the deal. Everyone assumes you can just "get" markets. Like the ACC can just "get" New York or Boston with its TV network. Don't you think the Big Ten would add schools like Rutgers in a heartbeat if it truly felt it could claim the New York market? It's not that simple. The ACC has too many irrelevant football programs for my liking. Now yes, if the league added both Notre Dame and Penn State, it would have a huge East Coast presence. But you're also overlooking the Big Ten markets and the huge fan bases the Big Ten brings. It's why Notre Dame should continue to be the Big Ten's top expansion target. Add Notre Dame, and there's not a more popular conference in the country, not even the ACC.

Thanks again for all the questions. Join me next week: same time, same place.