ESPN College Football

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

It's your Friday mailbag, trick or treat edition.

Brian from Baltimore writes: Adam, why are people claiming Penn State vs Iowa a "trap game" for the Nittany Lions? WE ARE COMING OFF A BYE WEEK. Our players will be healthy and rested, and will have had an extra week to digest the OSU victory AND prepare for Iowa. For a team truly taking their season "one game at a time", giving PSU a bye week is almost like cheating.

Adam Rittenberg: Bye weeks haven't been good to Big Ten teams this season, and Iowa certainly has been playing well lately. But in this case, I suspect Penn State will benefit from the time off. Quarterback Daryll Clark might have been out if the Lions had a game this week, and he should be fine for the Hawkeyes next Saturday. More than anything, the Lions needed a mental break after a grueling October stretch. Things won't be easy at Kinnick Stadium, but Penn State should be ready.

Will from Kensington writes: So, as I have heard off-handedly, Penn State was originally slated to play Alabama this year but they pushed it back for one reason or another and we had to scramble to bring in Oregon State. I bring this up not to bring attention to PSU, but to lead to my question - what value would it present if the Big Ten conference would begin to cumulatively schedule more challenging opponents? Would you see this as worth while? How can we get this message out? Do you think it could help the Big Ten's image overall? Clearly this year, the value would have been gigantic just in PSU's case - and has anyone determined why they backed out? Maybe they surmised they would be in this position and having played us would not have been beneficial?

Adam Rittenberg: Ultimately, the Big Ten needs to win its BCS games to regain national respect, but more aggressive scheduling -- and winning -- certainly would help. I don't think Penn State gets enough credit for embarrassing Oregon State on Sept. 6, but the rest of the Lions' schedule didn't look too impressive. The Big Ten had several chances to boost its national image in September but failed, most notably with Ohio State's collapse against USC and Illinois' loss to Missouri. The future non-league schedules I've seen look much stronger, but if the Big Ten doesn't win its bowl games, nothing else matters.

Dennis from Bloomington, Ind., writes: Hey Adam, I hate to break it to you, but someone had massive billboards saying "M Go Blue" up within a few miles of East Lansing that lasted for several years now. Am told that they had been taken down sometime in the past couple of months, I would always see them when I was living around Detroit and would drive up to Lansing. I can assure you that by the quality of the design and the use of the wrong color "maize" for the lettering, these were not commissioned by the university. I can also say that there really aren't many (or really any) plausible reasons to put up a billboard like that in the outskirts of East Lansing/Okemos other than to rub our Spartan faces in some now bygone Wolverine arrogance. I'm sure you can imagine what the reaction would be in Tuscaloosa if there was a huge Auburn billboard nearby, right? My point is, that your assertion that nobody in Ann Arbor would do this next year if they win may be true, but that's only because they've been down that road before. Maybe you can call MSU fans unoriginal, this is par for the course in this rivalry.

Adam Rittenberg: Dennis, thanks for the information. If this is the case, then both fan bases are somewhat at fault. I'm all for celebrating big wins over archrivals, but there's a tasteful way to do it. I'll admit I got a good laugh out of the Michigan State signs, but it just seems like overkill. The way the Spartans players and coaches conducted themselves on the field after the win should be emulated by the fans. According to reports from last year's game, Michigan wasn't nearly as classy.

Sam from Waterford, Mich., writes: Huge Michigan fan adam, Does Rich Rod need a different starting QB next season, which means another freshman recruit. Or is Steven Threet going to fit into the system even though he's not the typical fit? and Everyone's gotten the monkey of their back against Michigan this season(penn st. & Mich st.) How does it look for Michigan snapping their skid against the buckeyes and help Michigan State to the big ten championship?

Adam Rittenberg: Rich Rodriguez will give the two incoming freshmen and Justin Feagin every opportunity to win the job next year. Sure, Steven Threet and Nick Sheridan will be in the mix, but I'd be surprised if either player is your opening day starter at quarterback. From what I know about the incoming freshmen, both players seem to be better suited to Rodriguez's offense. As for Michigan beating Ohio State in Columbus, I don't see it happening.

Mike from Richmond, Va., writes: I'm really not seeing your persistence in calling Shon Greene the best RB in the Big Ten. Look what each means to his team, their carries, rushing yards, who they have played. Who cares what Greene can get when is team loses. If the team keeps this turn around going, then we'll see.

Adam Rittenberg: Mike, there are strong arguments for both Shonn Greene and Javon Ringer, but there's a difference between "best" and "most valuable." As I mention in the RB rankings, Ringer is more valuable to his team than any other back in the Big Ten. But from what I've watched, Greene has been the more consistent producer this season. Greene has eclipsed 100 rushing yards in every game. He's working with a sophomore quarterback and a banged-up offensive line. Ringer works with the better offensive line and the more experienced quarterback. It doesn't take away from his value or his season, but Greene gets the slight edge in my book.

Rob from Philadelphia writes: Adam, Love your blogging; it helps me survive the time between Saturdays. What are the chances that Texas Tech vaults over Penn State and/or Alabama with a win over Texas? Also, is there anything the Nittany Lions can do to get the stain Ohio State has left on the conference off of them?

Adam Rittenberg: You never know with the polls, but my sense is if Texas Tech wins, it will jump to No. 3 behind Alabama and Penn State in the BCS standings. If the Tech-Texas game was in Austin and the Red Raiders won, maybe they'd jump Penn State. But the strength of schedule argument goes out the window with Texas Tech. The Raiders' non-league schedule is worse than Penn State's. As for your second question, the Lions can win the national title or the Rose Bowl. Simple as that. Anything less won't change the national perception of the Big Ten.

Steve from Orlando, Fla., writes: You mentioned the scenario where there could be a three way tie between Michigan State, Penn State and Ohio State. What happens if Minnesota wins out?

Adam Rittenberg: I received several notes like this one and wanted to clarify. The question I received only asked about Michigan State, but there's another reason why Minnesota wasn't included. Because the Gophers don't play Michigan State or Penn State, they have an 0-1 record (loss to Ohio State) against the teams with 7-1 records. This would eliminate Minnesota from the discussion for the Rose Bowl.

Jason from Boca Raton, Fla., writes: I am in a Big 10 Sec fantasy league. My quarterback is Darryl Clark who is off this week. I have Justin Siller as well, but I have not played him this year and if I do not play him, I can redshirt him for next year which could be a nice coup. However, if Siller is going to start this week, I am going to pull his redshirt. Do you have any insight? Thanks.

Adam Rittenberg:
I would hold off on using Siller, especially if you can get him for next year. Curtis Painter could still start Saturday against Michigan. He has a separated throwing shoulder, but it's the least severe type (first degree). If you can pick up another Big Ten quarterback, maybe Ricky Stanzi or Brian Hoyer, I would go that route. I'm assuming Juice Williams and Adam Weber are already taken.

Frank from Des Moines, Iowa, writes: Expansion. Lately there has been some more talk about the prospects of adding another team to the big10. What is your outlook, who would you think are realistic candidates and what are the chances in general?

Adam Rittenberg: The talk you're hearing must be among fans, because the Big Ten doesn't have expansion on its immediate radar. You never know what could happen, but I don't see a 12th team being added in the near future. Potential candidates include Pitt, Iowa State, maybe Missouri. But don't hold your breath on any of those.

Kevin from State College, Pa., writes: Adam, for the past few years now all we keep hearing about is how weak the Big Ten is. The Ohio State flops have a great deal to do with that, but many also contribute this to the lack of a championship game. Do you see the Big Ten adding another team soon so it can have 12 and get that championship. Also do you think it will be Notre Dame that finally gives in and joins.

Adam Rittenberg: Similar response to the one above, I don't see a championship game on the radar, though the clamor among fans and some media members seems to be growing. It's tough when you have a team like Minnesota that could go 11-1 without playing a ranked team. When the bowl selections come out, the Gophers could be unfairly penalized for their Big Ten schedule, which doesn't include Penn State or Michigan State. A championship game could give the Gophers a chance to prove themselves against top competition. As for Notre Dame, the Irish will never join a conference as long as the NBC contract is in place. It just doesn't make business sense.

David from near Houston writes: Predictions! 1 of 3 will happen (in order of likelihood): 1) Pollsters beat PSU down and keep them from the NC game. 2) Iowa beats PSU. 3) MSU beats PSU. What do you think? Give us your predictions.

Adam Rittenberg: I think you've got the order correct, David, though I don't believe any of the scenarios will play out. Penn State's BCS computer numbers are strong, and if the Lions can post another blowout or two in the final three games, they should be safe from all 1-loss teams. The Iowa game won't be easy, but I see Penn State surviving against both the Hawkeyes and Michigan State.