Levi (East Lansing): Brian, with all the talk of how the rose bowl is the league's ceiling, is there a team in the BIG who if goes 10-1 can still be considered for the NC game?
Brian Bennett: I think you mean 12-1, which would be the record for team that won the Big Ten championship with one loss. And sure. It depends on what other teams have done and who the one was against, of course. The SEC seems to have a stranglehold on getting at least one spot in the title game, so the competition for the other would be fierce. Michigan beating Alabama but losing one close conference game on the road might be the league's best shot for that scenario.

Matt (DC): Now that spring practice is over are there any true freshman in the conference that could make an immediate impact? I know that may be a way too early to know question because a lot are not even on campus but just curious if any stood out.
Brian Bennett: Sure. Joe Bolden at Michigan will play in some capacity. Great instincts. Obviously, Michael Thomas at Ohio State can be a factor after his big spring game. There are probably others I'm forgetting, but those two stand out.

Phil (Lincoln): How close is the Legends division? Everyone seems to be picking MSU, but I think both NU and MU has a shot to win the division. Would you say its more competitive than the leaders?
Brian Bennett: I think it's more top heavy. I have a hard time envisioning any scenarios where Northwestern, Iowa or Minnesota win the division, but I could see all three of the teams you mentioned in the Rose Bowl. Can only really say that about two in the Leaders.

Mr. T (Columbus): If you had to rank the Defenses in the B1G for this year what would be your top 5?
Brian Bennett: Hmmm... always tough to do off top of my head, but I'd probably go: 1. Michigan State. 2. Penn State. 3. Ohio State. 4. Michigan. 5. Nebraska.

AAWolv (Ann Arbor): Ok, now how about the top 5 offenses?
Brian Bennett: This one is tougher. How about: 1. Nebraska. 2. Wisconsin. 3. Michigan. 4. Northwestern. 5. Michigan State

Barry (Lincoln): Top 3 QB's this year... ready? Go!
Brian Bennett: We are heavy on the lists today, aren't we? Well, OK. In no particular order: Denard Robinson, James Vandenberg and -- surprise! -- MarQueis Gray.

Tony (Castle Rock, CO): Making a requirement for conference champions gets rid of more subjectivity of college football, by lessening how much polls and popular opinion means in determining who is the 'best'(highly opinionated) teams and allows you to play for it, not lobby like a politician.
Brian Bennett: It's always going to be subjective unless teams play the same schedules or conferences decide their champion the same way. The ACC is not as strong as the Big Ten or SEC, so why should its champion have a better shot of playing for the title than the second-best team from those leagues?

Kevin (Chicago): Feel like NU season depends on Colter's ability to pass. Your thoughts?
Brian Bennett: That will play a big role. I really like the receivers, and we know Colter can run. If he can throw it anything like Persa, he'll be a major force. Of course, Northwestern is usually good on offense. The defense has to get much better than what it showed last year.