ESPN College Football

Schedule: Ohio State's first preseason practice takes place today in Columbus.

What's new: Not that much. Jim Tressel's staff remains intact, and Ohio State returns 16 starters, including 10 on offense. The only spot that sees a decent amount of turnover is safety, as the Buckeyes lose both Kurt Coleman and Anderson Russell. They also will have a new look along the defensive line, although Cameron Heyward is a familiar face, one opposing offensive linemen won't be happy to see.

Sidelined: Ohio State is healthy entering camp, although the Buckeyes are down a running back as Jermil Martin will transfer. The Scarlet and Gray will have incoming freshman running back Rod Smith on the field after Smith met his academic requirements.

Key battle: Let's start at kicker, a position that always means a lot to a Tressel-coached team. Aaron Pettrey departs, and Devin Barclay needs to rebound after struggling at times this spring. Punter Ben Buchanan and freshman Drew Basil are possibilities if Barclay can't hold down the top job. The other key battle takes place at left tackle, as junior Mike Adams tries to lock up a starting spot ahead of Andrew Miller and others.

New on the scene: Ohio State isn't deep at wide receiver and could find room for James Louis and Corey Brown. Defensive back Christian Bryant will have a chance in the secondary, and linebacker David Durham also might make an early impact. Carlos Hyde could work his way into a crowded mix at running back after enrolling a year later than expected. Basil will be a factor on special teams.

Back in the fold: Tyler Moeller is cleared for full contact after suffering a head injury last summer as an assault victim. Moeller played linebacker early in his career, but was on track for a possible starting job at safety in the spring of 2009. As Ohio State looks to replace Coleman, Moeller might be the answer.

Breaking out: Everyone is raving about sophomore defensive lineman John Simon, a weight-room superstar who saw some action last season. There also was some buzz this spring about linebacker Etienne Sabino, who should join Ross Homan and Brian Rolle in the starting lineup. Ohio State needs a No. 3 wide receiver, and watch out for redshirt freshman Chris Fields.

Quotable: "We're a very capable team. I think we should be a team that's being targeted. I know we'll be a team that's being targeted. And we'll always get everyone's best shot. And with that in mind, we better make sure our best shot's ready each Saturday. But it's just part of the deal." -- head coach Jim Tressel

Here's the second half of my look at special teams in the Big Ten in 2010. For Part I, click here.

NORTHWESTERN

• Kicker: Second-team All-Big Ten selection Stefan Demos returns after connecting on 18 of 25 field goal attempts in 2009.
• Punter: Demos also has handled the punting duties for Northwestern the last two seasons, although it's not his strong suit.
• Kick return: Primary return men Stephen Simmons and Jeravin Matthews both are back. Northwestern ranked ninth in the league last year (20.6 ypr).
• Punt return: Brendan Smith and Andrew Brewer both depart.
• Quick thoughts: Special teams have cost Northwestern key games in recent years and continue to be a priority for head coach Pat Fitzgerald. Despite Demos' Outback Bowl struggles, he remains a very solid option on field goals. Northwestern would be well served by identifying a punter to lighten Demos' load, and redshirt freshman Brandon Williams is an option. Simmons provides a good threat on kick returns when healthy, but NU must identify a few options for punt returns. Incoming freshman Venric Mark could be a factor there. The punt and kickoff coverage teams were average in 2009 and could use a boost.

OHIO STATE

• Kicker: Aaron Pettrey departs, but Devin Barclay, whose kick against Iowa sent Ohio State to the Rose Bowl, will be back.
• Punter: Jon Thoma departs after finishing 10th in the league in average (37.9 ypp) last fall. Sophomore Ben Buchanan has a big leg and will step in.
• Kick return: Primary return men Lamaar Thomas and Ray Small both depart. Ohio State ranked sixth in the league last fall (22.3 ypr).
• Punt return: Small leaves a pretty big void here after averaging 8.3 yards on a league-high 33 attempts last season.
• Quick thoughts: Jim Tressel's teams always will be strong in the kicking game, although there are some key spots to fill in 2010. Barclay did a really nice job in relief of Pettrey last fall, but whether he can provide the same long-range threat as Pettrey remains to be seen. Small is a big loss on both return teams, and it will be interesting to see who steps into his spot. Running back Brandon Saine and wideout DeVier Posey both are possibilities. Ohio State covered punts well last fall but finished a surprising 51st nationally in kickoff coverage (21.2 ypr) with a touchdown allowed against Iowa.

PENN STATE

• Kicker: Collin Wagner is back after an excellent Capital One Bowl performance. He connected on 15 of 22 field goal attempts last fall.
• Punter: Second-team All-Big Ten selection Jeremy Boone departs after averaging 43.3 yards per punt in 2009. Ryan Breen's decision to leave the team creates some uncertainty here.
• Kick return: Chaz Powell, Devon Smith and Stephfon Green all are back for 2010. Powell averaged 23.2 yards per runback in 2009.
• Punt return: Graham Zug, Justin Brown, Evan Royster and Drew Astorino shared duties in 2009, and all are back.
• Quick thoughts: Penn State was surprisingly mediocre on special teams in 2009, and the kicking game should be a focal point this spring. Boone's graduation and Breen's departure leaves no true punter on the roster. The Lions finished 10th in the league in punt returns (5 ypr) last fall and need a true starter to emerge there. Punt coverage was a mess in 2009, as Penn State finished 117th nationally (15.4 ypr) out of 120 FBS teams. With several key personnel losses on both sides of the ball, Penn State can't afford to have the kicking game be a liability this fall.

PURDUE

• Kicker: Carson Wiggs has the strongest leg in the Big Ten and connected on 14 of 21 field goal attempts last fall. He's back for 2010.
• Punter: Chris Summers departs after averaging 39.5 yards per punt last fall. Wiggs had four punts in 2009, averaging 36.5 yards.
• Kick return: Al-Terek McBurse is back after averaging an impressive 24.6 yards per runback as a true freshman. Purdue must find a No. 2 option because Aaron Valentin departs.
• Punt return: Valentin was the primary return man, but wideout Waynelle Gravesande recorded 11 attempts last fall.
• Quick thoughts: Purdue made plenty of special-teams blunders in 2009, and for the Boilers to take the next step this fall, their kicking game must get better. Wiggs can boom field goals from anywhere on the field, giving Danny Hope a valuable weapon. McBurse could be a weapon on kick returns, although Purdue must address the punt return team. Kickoff coverage was miserable in 2009, as the Boilers ranked 112th nationally (24.7 ypr). The Boilers also must address their punter position.

WISCONSIN

• Kicker: Philip Welch is back after connecting on 17 of 24 field goal attempts as a sophomore.
• Punter: Brad Nortman returns after finishing fourth in the Big Ten in punting average last fall (42 ypp).
• Kick return: David Gilreath has been the man on returns for Wisconsin, and he's back. Isaac Anderson also could be an option here.
• Punt return: Gilreath averaged 5.6 yards and had a 68-yard touchdown as the primary punt returner.
• Quick thoughts: Welch and Nortman boast plenty of experience as the primary specialists. It'll be interesting to see if Wisconsin sticks with Gilreath as its top return man or opens things up to other players this spring. Bret Bielema likely will spend much more time worrying about the kickoff coverage team, which ranked 119th nationally out of 120 FBS teams last fall (26.4 ypr). Punt coverage was decent, but you can bet Wisconsin will spend a lot of time on special teams in spring ball.

I'm chatting at 1 p.m. ET, so join me before it's too late!

• Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany tells ESPN that Michigan had a proactive response to the NCAA's allegations, Angelique Chengelis writes in The Detroit News. An excellent breakdown of similar allegations and outcomes for college teams from mgoblog. I completely agree with Dave Curtis' take on the Michigan situation, so you should read it, too.
• Word to the wise: Don't ask former Ohio State kicker Aaron Pettrey about his knee today, Ken Gordon writes in The Columbus Dispatch.
• According to Michigan defensive backs coach Tony Gibson, Donovan Warren will have a long NFL career, annarbor.com's Dave Birkett writes.
• The attorney for Michigan State cornerback Chris L. Rucker, who pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault Thursday, says his client has been reinstated to the team, George Sipple writes in the Detroit Free Press.
• An interesting breakdown how former Wisconsin running backs Ron Dayne and Michael Bennett fared in the NFL, from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
• Minnesota president Robert Bruininks weighs in on football coach Tim Brewster's contract extension in this interview with the Minnesota Daily.
• Penn State defensive tackle Jared Odrick deserves more NFL hype than he's getting, Bob Flounders writes in The (Harrisburg) Patriot-News.

The official list of invitees to the NFL scouting combine is out, and the Big Ten will send 41 former players to Indianapolis later this month. The combine takes place Feb. 24-March 2, and all 11 Big Ten schools will be represented. Iowa leads the way with seven invitees, followed Penn State with six invitees and four teams (Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio State) each with four invitees.

You've already seen an early list, which didn't include underclassmen and some seniors who were named later.

Here's the full roster of Big Ten participants, sorted by team:

ILLINOIS: G Jon Asamoah, WR Arrelious Benn, TE Michael Hoomanawanui

INDIANA: DE Jammie Kirlew, DE Greg Middleton, S Nick Polk, OT Rodger Saffold

IOWA: LB Pat Angerer, OT Bryan Bulaga, OT Kyle Calloway, LB A.J. Edds, TE Tony Moeaki, G Dace Richardson, CB Amari Spievey

MICHIGAN: DE Brandon Graham, P Zoltan Mesko, RB Brandon Minor, CB Donovan Warren

MICHIGAN STATE: K Brett Swenson, WR Blair White

MINNESOTA: LB Lee Campbell, WR Eric Decker, LB Simoni Lawrence, LB Nate Triplett

NORTHWESTERN: QB Mike Kafka, CB Sherrick McManis, DE Corey Wootton

OHIO STATE: S Kurt Coleman, DE Thaddeus Gibson, K Aaron Pettrey, DT Doug Worthington

PENN STATE: LB Navorro Bowman, QB Daryll Clark, LB Josh Hull, LB Sean Lee, DT Jared Odrick, TE Andrew Quarless

PURDUE: DT Mike Neal, CB David Pender

WISCONSIN: TE Garrett Graham, LB O'Brien Schofield (injured)

College football all-star season is nearly upon us, as ESPN's Scouts Inc. is covering all of the preparations for Saturday's East-West Shrine Game in Orlando.

Don't forget about the Texas vs. The Nation All-Star Challenge, to be played Feb. 6 at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas. As its title suggests, the game pits all-stars hailing from Texas against those from around the country.

Eight Big Ten players are scheduled to participate in the game, all for the Nation squad.

They are:

• Penn State CB A.J. Wallace (also listed as a return man)
• Ohio State K Aaron Pettrey
• Indiana S Nick Polk
• Minnesota LB Simoni Lawrence
• Minnesota LB Nate Triplett
• Penn State LB Josh Hull
• Indiana DE Jammie Kirlew
• Penn State OL Dennis Landolt

The full game rosters can be found here.

A strong Big Ten bowl season leaves me with some tough choices for the All-Bowl team. We can certainly debate some of these, especially the O-linemen, but here are my selections.

OFFENSE

QB: Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State
He came of age in the Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi, delivering a complete performance as both a passer and a runner. Pryor accounted for 338 total yards; Oregon had 260.

RB: John Clay, Wisconsin
Clay gave Miami a taste of Big Ten football by bulldozing the Hurricanes for 121 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries in the Champs Sports Bowl.

RB: Brandon Wegher, Iowa
It seemed like no running back could stay healthy for Iowa this year, but Wegher came up huge in the FedEx Orange Bowl. The true freshman had 113 rush yards on 16 carries, including the clinching 32-yard touchdown run with 1:16 left.

WR: DeVier Posey, Ohio State
I saw a future NFL receiver when I watched Posey in the Rose Bowl. He had eight receptions for 101 yards, including a leaping 17-yard touchdown that all but sealed Ohio State's victory.

WR: Andrew Brewer, Northwestern
Brewer saved his best game for last, hauling in eight receptions for 133 yards and scoring on receptions of 35 and 39 yards in the Outback Bowl.

TE: Drake Dunsmore, Northwestern and Lance Kendricks, Wisconsin
Dunsmore had nine receptions for 120 yards, including an electrifying 66-yard touchdown dash through the Auburn defense. Garrett Graham might be the first-team All-Big Ten selection, but Kendricks stole the show in the Champs Sports Bowl with seven receptions for 128 yards.

C: John Moffitt, Wisconsin
Moffitt moved back to center because of a teammate's injury and helped the Badgers overpower Miami in the Champs Sports Bowl. Wisconsin racked up 430 total yards and held the ball for 39:15.

G: Justin Boren, Ohio State
Boren led a big and nasty Buckeyes line that generated push for the run game and helped Pryor attempt a career high 37 passes in the win against Oregon.

G: Joel Foreman, Michigan State
The Spartans' offensive line stepped up nicely in the Valero Alamo Bowl, helping to generate 148 rush yards and allowing only one sack against a Texas Tech team that rushes the passer extremely well. Foreman, an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection, deserves some props.

OT: Bryan Bulaga, Iowa
Bulaga showed why he's jumping to the NFL draft with a terrific performance against Georgia Tech star defensive end Derrick Morgan in the FedEx Orange Bowl.

OT: Dennis Landolt, Penn State
Landolt and his linemates did a good job against LSU's blitz and protected Daryll Clark on a muddy field in Orlando. Penn State allowed only one sack and rushed for 124 yards.

DEFENSE

DL: Adrian Clayborn, Iowa
Clayborn was an absolute beast in the Orange Bowl, recording nine tackles (all solo) and two sacks as he disrupted Georgia Tech's triple option attack.

DL: J.J. Watt, Wisconsin
Watt led an aggressive Badgers defensive front with a sack, two tackles for loss, two pass breakups, a quarterback hurry and a fumble recovery against Miami.

DL: O'Brien Schofield, Wisconsin
Schofield was disruptive all season and showed it in the bowl game, recording two sacks and forcing a fumble that led to a crucial field goal in the fourth quarter.

DL: Thaddeus Gibson, Ohio State
The Buckeyes defensive front made life miserable for Oregon quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, and Gibson stepped up with two tackles for loss in what proved to be his final collegiate game.

LB: Navorro Bowman, Penn State
Bowman had a game-high nine tackles, including 1.5 for loss, and forced LSU into a critical penalty in the final minute as the Lions preserved a Capital One Bowl win.

LB: Ross Homan, Ohio State
Homan ended the season as one of the Big Ten's top linebackers and turned in a terrific performance in Pasadena with 12 tackles and an interception that set up a field goal just before halftime.

LB: Pat Angerer, Iowa
The triple option will test a middle linebacker, but Angerer stepped up for Iowa with a game-high 10 tackles, including one for loss, against Georgia Tech.

DB: Kyle Theret, Minnesota
Theret was the Gophers' MVP in the Insight Bowl, recording seven tackles (all solo), two interceptions, a tackle for loss and a 40-yard reception on a fake punt that set up the team's first touchdown.

DB: Ross Weaver, Michigan State
The Spartans' secondary struggled against Texas Tech, but Weaver recorded a team-high seven solo tackles and had a forced fumble and an interception that led to 10 Michigan State points in the second half.

DB: Kim Royston, Minnesota
Royston recorded a career-high 15 tackles, tying the Insight Bowl record, including 14 solo stops against Iowa State. He also forced a fumble that turned into a Minnesota field goal.

DB: Sherrick McManis, Northwestern
McManis made plays throughout his career and finished it in typical fashion with an interception and a fumble recovery, both occurring in Northwestern's end of the field.

SPECIALISTS

K: Collin Wagner, Penn State
The horrible field conditions didn't bother Wagner, who went 4-for-4 on field-goal attempts and drilled the game winner with 57 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

P: Blake Haudan, Minnesota
Haudan averaged 49.6 yards on five punts and completed a 40-yard pass to Theret on a well-timed fake in the third quarter.

Returner: Keshawn Martin, Michigan State
Martin blossomed as the Big Ten's most dangerous kick return man this fall and averaged 24.8 yards per runback with a long of 36 against Texas Tech.

Honorable mention -- WISCONSIN: QB Scott Tolzien, RB Montee Ball, P Brad Nortman, LB Chris Borland, TE Garrett Graham, starting offensive line. MINNESOTA: WR Da'Jon McKnight, LB Lee Campbell. NORTHWESTERN: QB Mike Kafka, WR Zeke Markshausen, WR Sidney Stewart, CB Jordan Mabin, LB Quentin Davie. PENN STATE: QB Daryll Clark, RB Stephfon Green, TE Andrew Quarless, LB Sean Lee, DT Jared Odrick, CB A.J. Wallace, starting offensive line. OHIO STATE: DE Cameron Heyward, DT Doug Worthington, RB Brandon Saine, WR Dane Sanzenbacher, K Devin Barclay, K Aaron Pettrey, P Jon Thoma, starting offensive line. MICHIGAN STATE: RB Edwin Baker, WR Blair White, P Aaron Bates, LB Greg Jones, starting offensive line. IOWA: QB Ricky Stanzi, TE Tony Moeaki, P Ryan Donahue, DT Karl Klug, LB A.J. Edds, DE Broderick Binns, starting offensive line.

The official list of invitees to the NFL scouting combine should be available soon, but Sporting News has compiled a preliminary roster, which includes 33 players from the Big Ten. This list DOES NOT include juniors who have declared for the draft and will be updated with underclassmen and other seniors.

The combine takes place Feb. 24 through March 2 in Indianapolis.

ILLINOIS: G Jon Asamoah, TE Michael Hoomanawanui

INDIANA: DE Jammie Kirlew, DE Greg Middleton, S Nick Polk, OT Rodger Saffold

IOWA: LB Pat Angerer, OT Kyle Calloway, LB A.J. Edds, TE Tony Moeaki, G Dace Richardson

MICHIGAN: DE Brandon Graham, P Zoltan Mesko, RB Brandon Minor

MICHIGAN STATE: K Brett Swenson, WR Blair White

MINNESOTA: WR Eric Decker, LB Simoni Lawrence, LB Nate Triplett

NORTHWESTERN: QB Mike Kafka, CB Sherrick McManis, DE Corey Wootton

OHIO STATE: S Kurt Coleman, K Aaron Pettrey, DT Doug Worthington

PENN STATE: QB Daryll Clark, LB Sean Lee, DT Jared Odrick, TE Andrew Quarless

PURDUE: DT Mike Neal, CB David Pender

WISCONSIN: TE Garrett Graham, DE O'Brien Schofield

PASADENA, Calif. -- They form one of the most decorated classes in Ohio State history, but their accomplishments always seemed to come with an asterisk.

A 43-8 record. Four Big Ten championships (three outright, one shared). Four wins against archrival Michigan. Four trips to BCS bowl games, including two national title games.

But without a bowl victory, Ohio State's seniors had an incomplete legacy.

Problem solved.

Ohio State's 19 seniors went out as winners following Friday's 26-17 win against No. 7 Oregon in the Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi. They helped to end the Buckeyes' three-game losing streak in BCS bowls and the Big Ten's six-game losing streak at the Rose.

The Buckeyes' seniors end their careers with 44 wins, one more than the previous high for a class set by three groups (1995-98, 2002-05, 2005-08).

"It makes up for a lot of misfortune and shortcomings," tight end Jake Ballard said.

"We needed to come out and win for these seniors," sophomore quarterback Terrelle Pryor said.

Ballard made the biggest catch of his career in his final game, a leaping 24-yarder on third-and-13 that set up Ohio State's decisive touchdown.

The Buckeyes also received contributions from seniors like kicker Aaron Pettrey (45-yard field goal), defensive tackle Doug Worthington (tackle for loss, tipped pass that led to interception), punter Jon Thoma (43.7-yard average), left tackle Jim Cordle and safeties Anderson Russell (six tackles) and Kurt Coleman (four tackles).

"Every loss that we've had at the end of every bowl has been a learning experience," said Coleman, who turned down the NFL draft after his junior season in large part to win a bowl game. "Last year [against Texas], we were so close to winning, and that was one of our biggest motivation factors going into the offseason.

"We put in the hard work, and it paid off."

PASADENA, Calif. -- Ohio State has the lead again at 19-17, but it's hard to think it will last.

The Buckeyes continue to drive into Oregon's red zone but stall before the goal line. Since their opening touchdown drive, they have had four field goals, as both Devin Barclay and Aaron Pettrey have been terrific. But field goals usually don't beat Oregon.

The Ducks, meanwhile, have converted two red-zone opportunities into touchdowns. Terrelle Pryor just had one of his first really bad throws of the game, as he missed Dane Sanzenbacher for a possible touchdown.

LOS ANGELES -- The 96th Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi is nearly upon us, and here are three keys for No. 8 Ohio State as it tries to end its BCS bowl slide against No. 7 Oregon on New Year's Day (ABC, 4:30 p.m. ET).

1. Allow Terrelle Pryor to make a difference with his feet: I know Pryor is a bit banged up, but he remains Ohio State's most dangerous offensive weapon. I've yet to see a defense consistently stop Pryor around the edges, and that includes Texas in the 2009 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, a game where Pryor easily could have had 50 more rush yards. If the Buckeyes can run between the tackles with Brandon Saine and Dan Herron and then go outside with Pryor, they'll be tough to stop. It's the last game. It's a must win. It's time to turn Pryor loose and let him be a difference maker.

2. Buckeyes linebackers must tackle well in the open field: Oregon knows Ohio State's defensive line is trouble, and it will try to run away from Cameron Heyward, Thaddeus Gibson and Co. LaMichael James is one of the fastest backs Ohio State has faced in some time, so there will be increased pressure on linebackers Ross Homan, Brian Rolle and Austin Spitler to be sound in their tackling. Ohio State tackles better than the Pac-10 defenses Oregon typically faces, but James, Jeremiah Masoli, Kenjon Barner and LeGarrette Blount all have the speed to take it the distance.

3. Win the special teams edge: This is usually a given for Ohio State, but the Buckeyes have some questions at kicker and with their punt and kick returners. They also allowed a long kickoff return for a touchdown Nov. 14 against Iowa. Ohio State can help its offense by winning the field-position battle, breaking off a big runback or two and keeping Oregon's dangerous return teams in check. Barner averages 24.3 yards on kickoff returns and has a 100-yard touchdown, and he's no slouch on punt returns (9.1 ypr average). If the game comes down to a field goal, Jim Tressel has two decent options in Devin Barclay and Aaron Pettrey.

LOS ANGELES -- Anyone with a cursory knowledge of Jim Tressel's career knows how important special teams mean to the Ohio State head coach.

The kicking game has played an enormous role in Tressel's success, and it's no surprise that Ohio State clinched a Rose Bowl berth on a 39-yard field goal by backup kicker Devin Barclay in overtime against Iowa.

Sound special teams are a given at Ohio State, but the team has more question marks than usual in the third phase heading into its matchup against No. 7 Oregon in the Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi (ABC, 4:30 p.m. ET). There's some haziness at place-kicker as well as on punt and kickoff returns.

The Buckeyes' kicker situation actually is a decent problem to have.

Starter Aaron Pettrey suffered a torn MCL in his right (kicking) leg on kickoff coverage Oct. 31 against New Mexico State. Pettrey underwent surgery and had a wire inserted in his knee to hold the ligament in place. Barclay handled the kicking duties in November, but Pettrey has made an incredible recovery and will be available against Oregon.

During bowl practice, he has drilled 50-yard field goals with room to spare and converted a 63-yard attempt in Tuesday's practice.

"I'm just happy to be back," Pettrey said. "The doctor told my parents after the surgery that there's no way I'd be back for the game. [Pettrey's parents] never told me that until last week, so I feel great."

Barclay will handle kickoff duties Friday rather than Pettrey, mainly because of the torque it puts on the knee and the need to have a capable 11th tackler on the coverage unit. But the two likely will share field goal duties against Oregon.

Pettrey converted 13 of 19 attempts before his injury, while Barclay is 4-of-7 with the big 39-yarder against Iowa.

"Devin's still been with the [first team], I'm with the 2s," Pettrey said. "Devin's been kicking all year, and I've taken a month and a half off. I've only had like a week to get ready. If I'm back, I'm back, and right now, I feel close, 90-95 percent."

Ohio State gets deeper at kicker but thinner on returns because wide receiver Ray Small, the team's primary punt returner and No. 2 kick returner, is suspended after a repeat violation of team rules. Wideout Duron Carter, another return option, also is unavailable because of academics.

Tressel said Thursday that wide receivers DeVier Posey and Dane Sanzenbacher will handle punt returns Friday, with running back Jordan Hall as the third option. Posey and Sanzenbacher have combined for three returns this year.

Lamaar Thomas remains Ohio State's top option on kick returns, and one of the team's top running backs, Brandon Saine or Dan Herron, will occupy the second spot. Saine has three kick returns for 67 yards (22.3 ypr) this season.

"I'm not excited about the way I've been given this opportunity," said Thomas, who could also be a bigger factor as a receiver Friday. "I'm truly going to miss those guys, Ray and Duron, but it is going to be an opportunity that I'll be able to showcase some things. I'm excited about that."

Jim Tressel doesn't mind if you point out Ohio State's recent BCS failures. Just be accurate about them.

"I get more weary when they talk about what we have done and pat us on the back than I do anyone saying something that we haven't done because it's the truth," Tressel said during Ohio State's Rose Bowl media session Monday in Columbus. "No, I don't get tired of hearing it. If someone said something that wasn't true, I suppose you would be tired of hearing it.

"If they said, 'Hey, you've lost nine straight bowl games, you probably want to correct them on that.' It's only been three, or four, I don't know. Three?"

Yes, three. Two blowout losses to SEC teams in the BCS title game and a 24-21 loss to Texas in the final minute of the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl in January.

Get used to hearing about them, Tress.

Until Ohio State steps on the field Jan. 1 against Oregon for the Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi (ABC, 4:30 p.m. ET), Tressel and his players will be bombarded with questions about their recent struggles in the big bowls. No factor shapes the Big Ten's national repuation more than Ohio State's bowl performances, simply because the Buckeyes are clearly the league's flagship program.

Once again, Ohio State will carry the Big Ten banner, this time in the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1997. And the Buckeyes are ready for the challenge, especially after hearing all about their shortcomings.

"They know we haven't won a bowl game the last three tries and they've known we've played three very good teams," Tressel said. "They know Oregon is as good a team as any team in the nation. So they know the challenge and I think they also feel or know the responsibility to represent their conference because guys want to have a 6-1 bowl record rather than a 1-6."

Ohio State's seniors are still searching for their first bowl victory.

"We talked about that at the beginning of the year, back during the summer when we were working out," senior safety Anderson Russell said. "We have a chance to go out as one of the winningest classes in Ohio State history, so we definitely want to do that. And what better opponent to do that against than Oregon."

A few Buckeye nuggets:

• The team's health looks good heading into the Rose Bowl. Kicker Aaron Pettrey (knee) is a few weeks ahead of schedule and should be fine for the game. Safety Jermale Hines (leg) and defensive tackle Dexter Larimore (knee) also are healed. Tressel said Terrelle Pryor's ankle was an issue early in November, but the quarterback was at 100 percent before the regular-season finale at Michigan. The first-team offensive line is all practicing this week.
• Tressel sent in paperwork for 10 juniors to NFL Draft Advisory Board. The coach declined to identify the players but said all were starters. Defensive linemen Cameron Heyward and Thaddeus Gibson are the likeliest candidates to leave early.

Thumbs up, Purdue WR Keith Smith -- Smith had a career-high 15 receptions for 152 yards and a score against Michigan State, showing again why he's one of the league's best wideouts. The junior has six 100-yard receiving performances this season.

Thumbs down, Illinois' third-quarter offense -- I'm still scratching my head over why Ron Zook pulled Jacob Charest in favor of Eddie McGee after trailing by just four points at halftime. Illinois generated no passing yards in the fourth quarter against Northwestern and fell into a 21-3 hole.

Thumbs up, Iowa QB James Vandenberg -- No one expected much from Vandenberg after his shaky debut against Northwestern on Nov. 7, but the redshirt freshman exceeded all expectations with his performance at Ohio State. Vandenberg had two touchdown passes and showed exceptional poise in a hostile environment.

Thumbs down, Iowa's defensive line -- This group essentially won the game at Penn State, and Iowa needed a similar showing in Columbus. Ohio State rarely tested the Hawkeyes secondary, but running backs Brandon Saine and Dan Herron and quarterback Terrelle Pryor piled up 229 rush yards. Aside from Adrian Clayborn's play, it wasn't a good game for the line.

Thumbs up, Northwestern WR Zeke Markshausen -- One catch. That's all Markshausen had entering the season. The senior now ranks second in the Big Ten with 76 receptions after making six catches for 104 yards and a touchdown against Illinois.

Thumbs down, Indiana's second-half performance -- The game doesn't end at halftime, and Indiana once again let a lead slip away on the road. Penn State scored 24 unanswered points after Indiana couldn't truly capitalize on four first-half turnovers. The Hoosiers have been outscored 145-92 in the second half this season.

Thumbs up, Wisconsin WR Nick Toon -- Like father, like soon. Al Toon's kid is turning into a superstar at Wisconsin, becoming the team's No. 1 wide receiver. Toon had five receptions for 98 yards and two touchdowns in Saturday's win against Michigan.

Thumbs down, Minnesota's offensive line -- Inconsistency has plagued this group all season, and the Gophers did next to nothing on offense against South Dakota State. Minnesota allowed four sacks and the offense gained only 231 yards in a too-close-for-comfort win against the Jackrabbits. The Gophers failed to score an offensive touchdown.

Thumbs up, Ohio State K Devin Barclay -- You just knew when Aaron Pettrey went down with an injury that the Buckeyes would face a huge field-goal attempt. Barclay, the former Major League Soccer player, came through in the clutch with a 39-yard field goal in overtime to essentially put Ohio State in the Rose Bowl.

Thumbs down, conservative coaching at The Shoe -- Mistakes usually kill you in this sport, but Jim Tressel and Kirk Ferentz both played it too safe in the closing minutes of regulation on Saturday. Both teams had time to mount game-winning drives, but both coaches didn't call a single downfield pass play. Disappointing to see, especially from Ferentz.

Thumbs up, Michigan DE Brandon Graham -- It's too bad he plays for a lousy defense because Graham could very well be the best player in the Big Ten this year. He continued his stellar season with four tackles for loss, two sacks and a forced fumble that teammate Ryan Van Bergen returned to the end zone.

Thumbs up, Michigan State WR Keshawn Martin -- Martin is developing into the Big Ten's top kick return man after breaking off an 85-yarder against Purdue to set up the game-winning field goal. He also led the Spartans with 70 rush yards on only three carries.

Thumbs up, Minnesota CB Michael Carter -- The Gophers defense won the game Saturday, and Carter played a major role. He forced a fumble that led to Minnesota's only touchdown and recorded two pass breakups against South Dakota State.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Ohio State will have to get through a tough closing stretch without senior kicker Aaron Pettrey, who suffered a torn MCL in Saturday's win against New Mexico.

Pettrey, who sustained the injury on kickoff coverage, will undergo surgery today and miss the remainder of the regular season. The hope is he can be back for the Buckeyes' bowl game.

Pettrey leads the Big Ten in kick scoring (8 ppg) and did much of his best work from long range, converting six of his 13 field goals from 40 yards or longer. He also converted 28 of 29 extra-point attempts.

The place-kicking duties now fall to junior Devin Barclay, who replaced Pettrey against New Mexico State and hit on 1 of 3 field-goal attempts. Barclay faces a tough assignment Saturday afternoon at Penn State, where the weather can always be a major factor.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

To upset a team like No. 9 Ohio State, you need to be virtually mistake free, even at home.

When Indiana looks back at Saturday night's game, it will point to a flurry of unforced or somewhat forced errors. Ben Chappell can't pump-fake on an over-the-middle route and then toss the ball right to Buckeyes safety Anderson Russell. Chappell needs to have more awareness of a 292-pound defensive lineman like Todd Denlinger. And worst of all, Indiana can't afford a bad snap on a punt, especially near the end zone.

The Hoosiers' defense has done an adequate job tonight, but their mistakes in other areas are putting the game out of reach. Ohio State is putting together a Tressel-ball masterpiece, winning with defense, the run game and special teams (aside from two Aaron Pettrey misses on short field goals).