ESPN.com - Big Ten lunch links

ESPN.com: Big Ten

Thursday, December 29, 2011
Big Ten lunch links

By Adam Rittenberg

After the big news about the Big Ten-Pac-12 partnership, the links will be split into two categories.

BIG TEN-PAC-12 PARTNERSHIP

Check out all of ESPN.com's coverage here.
Some good overall analysis of the merger here and here and here and here.
Ohio State AD Gene Smith said the plan won't change the school's approach to non-league scheduling.
Iowa AD Gary Barta expects the Cy-Hawk series won't be affected.
Michigan AD Dave Brandon also weighs in on the impact.
The partnership also won't impact the Purdue-Notre Dame series.

OTHER BIG TEN LINKS

Michigan State junior defensive tackle Jerel Worthy is "50-50" on whether he'll return in 2012. Max Bullough and Denicos Allen have formed a new linebacker legacy in East Lansing.
Ohio State's juniors gear up for what will be their final bowl game (bowl ban in 2012). The Buckeyes' offense hopes to build on its last performance.
It has been 50 years since Minnesota last played in the Rose Bowl.
Penn State quarterback Matthew McGloin (concussion) missed practice again Wednesday. Lions interim coach Tom Bradley has helped his players through a difficult time, David Jones writes.
Nebraska coach Bo Pelini insists he's not looking around for other jobs. T-Magic is very much on South Carolina's radar.
Wisconsin's departing assistants discuss what the program has meant to them. The Badgers will be sharp when the Rose Bowl kicks off, Tom Oates writes.
It's time for Purdue to raise the bar in 2012. A nice wrap-up of Purdue's 2011 season.
Iowa offensive lineman Riley Reiff will discuss his NFL future next week. Kirk Ferentz and Bob Stoops are big fans of one another.
Illinois linebacker Trulon Henry, who should return to the field Saturday, feels like he has "nine lives." Illini quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase wants to end the season on a high note. New Illinois coach Tim Beckman answers your questions.
Northwestern is ready to get rid of the bowl monkey. Check out the chat wrap from Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald.
Injuries on the defensive line force Michigan's veterans to pick up the slack.