ESPN College Football

Jim Tressel talks about being hired at Akron as vice president of strategic engagement.

Brian Bennett previews today's Buckeyes-Zips matchup.

Whenever there's a coaching change in the Mid-American Conference, it's a good bet Big Ten assistants will be in the mix.

Michigan State aides Don Treadwell, Mark Staten and Pat Narduzzi gained consideration for the Miami (Ohio) opening last year, and Ohio State co-defensive coordinator Luke Fickell was mentioned when the top job at Bowling Green became available.

There's another opening in the MAC, this time at Akron, and Big Ten assistants once again could be candidates.

The Sporting News mentioned Wisconsin offensive coordinator Paul Chryst and Fickell as possible contenders for the Akron job.

Chryst was a leading candidate to succeed Joe Tiller at Purdue, and he might want to aim a little higher than Akron. Fickell will certainly be a head coach some day, and served as Akron's defensive line coach from 2000-01, but he also could hold out for a more coveted job.

Ohio State wide receivers coach Darrell Hazell, who took a more active role in the team's play calling this season, also should gain some interest for vacancies.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Akron has indefinitely suspended starting quarterback Chris Jacquemain for an undisclosed team policy violation, meaning Indiana will see backup Matt Rodgers on Saturday (ESPNU, 3:30 p.m. ET).

Jacquemain had started Akron's first two games, passing for 320 yards with four touchdowns and an interception. Rodgers has completed 3 of 8 passes for 24 yards on the season.

Needless to say, this is a huge break for the Hoosiers (2-0). Jacquemain is Akron's biggest weapon and the type of quarterback who can challenge an unproven secondary. Indiana will surely turn up the heat on Rodgers with defensive ends Jammie Kirlew and Greg Middleton.

Is it too late to change my pick for the game? For what it's worth, Indiana wins Saturday.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Indiana has issued its injury report for Saturday's road game against Akron (ESPNU, 3:30 p.m. ET).

OUT

• Offensive lineman Alex Perry (ACL)
• Defensive end Kyle Kozak (shoulder)
• Defensive end Fred Jones (foot)
• Running back Zach Davis-Walker (shoulder)
• Offensive lineman Cody Faulkner (shoulder)

QUESTIONABLE

• Defensive end Terrance Thomas (shoulder)
• Linebacker Chad Sherer (hamstring)
• Cornerback Donnell Jones (hamstring)

PROBABLE

• Left guard Justin Pagan (ankle)
• Running back Darius Willis (ankle)

Encouraging news on both Pagan and Willis, who will be needed as Indiana looks for continued production from its running game against the Zips. Pagan started last week's game against Western Michigan, while Willis sat out. The Hoosiers look a bit thin along the defensive line but should be fine as long as ends Jammie Kirlew and Greg Middleton continue to shine.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Big Ten football is here!

If you could see me right now, I'd be doing my happy dance. On second thought, it's probably better you don't see me.

Anyway, after this Sahara of an offseason, I'm excited to start blogging about actual games again.

Here's a quick rundown of what's on tap for the opening weekend in the Big Ten:

THURSDAY

Eastern Kentucky at Indiana, 8 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network

Indiana debuts the pistol offense against FCS Eastern Kentucky, a team that enjoyed good success under current Purdue head coach Danny Hope from 2003-07. Keep an eye on the Hoosiers' running back race, as three or four backs, including dynamic redshirt freshman Darius Willis, are expected to get carries. Coming off a 3-9 season, Indiana needs a strong start from its defense, who will face Colonels quarterback Cody Watts, a converted wide receiver who led the team in touchdown receptions (5) last season.

SATURDAY

Towson at Northwestern, noon ET, Big Ten Network

The Wildcats shouldn't have much trouble with Towson, a team that went 3-9 last season and still hasn't decided on its starting quarterback. But this will be a chance for Northwestern senior quarterback Mike Kafka and a new crop of starting skill players to get comfortable and gain confidence. Star defensive end Corey Wootton returns to the field after recovering from a torn ACL, and true freshman running back Arby Fields likely will see a lot of work.

Montana State at Michigan State, noon ET, Big Ten Network

All eyes will be on the Spartans' offensive backfield, where position battles at both quarterback and running back have intensified. Quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Keith Nichol both are expected to play a lot, but who creates separation will be key. Michigan State coaches told ESPN.com last week that running backs Caulton Ray, Larry Caper and Edwin Baker likely will enter the season as the top ball carriers. Montana State also remains unsettled at quarterback with Mark Iddins and Cody Kempt competing for the top spot.

Navy at No. 6 Ohio State, noon ET, ESPN

Before a much anticipated rematch with USC, Ohio State must get past Navy, which always provides a challenge but doesn't appear to be as strong as it is in most years. Terrelle Pryor's progress from Year 1 to Year 2 will be interesting to watch, and I'm also very curious about the left tackle position. Will Andrew Miller or J.B. Shugarts emerge as the answer to protect Pryor's blind side?

Akron at No. 9 Penn State, noon ET, Big Ten Network

Whether it's fair or not, everyone expects a blowout here, and Penn State needs to deliver. The Lions' schedule forces the team not only to win, but win in very impressive fashion. Penn State can build confidence at wide receiver and offensive line against Akron, which ranked 90th nationally in total defense last fall. Akron quarterback Chris Jacquemain is pretty solid and will provide a good test for a new-look Penn State secondary.

Minnesota at Syracuse, noon ET, ESPN2

What is it about Minnesota and dome stadiums? The Golden Gophers thought they had rid themselves of domes for good by moving out of the Metrodome last fall, but they head indoors again to face Syracuse. Emotions will be high in the Carrier Dome as the Doug Marrone era begins and former Duke basketball player Greg Paulus starts at quarterback. Minnesota is the better team here, and as long as the Gophers keep their composure and don't struggle too much with their new pro-style offense, they should be fine.

Toledo at Purdue, noon ET, Big Ten Network

The Danny Hope era begins in West Lafayette as Purdue takes on Toledo, which also welcomes in a new coach (Tim Beckman). It will be interesting to watch how much the Boilers offense has changed under coordinator Gary Nord. Running back is arguably Purdue's deepest position, and backs like Jaycen Taylor, Ralph Bolden and Frank Halliburton all should get work. Boilers quarterback Joey Elliott needs to be aware of Toledo star safety Barry Church, a Nagurski Award candidate.

Northern Iowa at No. 22 Iowa, noon ET, Big Ten Network

This isn't your run-of-the-mill FBS vs. FCS beatdown. It could turn out that way, but Northern Iowa is pretty good and Iowa has some issues at running back. Former walk-on Paki O'Meara likely will get the start at running back for the Hawkeyes. Former Wisconsin linebacker Elijah Hodge, whose brother Abdul starred for Iowa, is making his debut with Northern Iowa at Kinnick Stadium. Iowa has won the last 14 meetings in the series stretching back to 1898.

Western Michigan at Michigan, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC

There's plenty of intrigue here, and I'll be on hand to watch it. Michigan tries to win its first opener since 2006 and close the book on a disastrous 2008 season. The Wolverines could use three quarterbacks (Nick Sheridan, Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson) in the game, and they must try to contain a really good signal-caller (Tim Hiller) on the other side. Perhaps the biggest question is how Michigan will come out after the allegations from players about NCAA rule violations within the program. Can Michigan keep it together for a critical opener?

Illinois vs. Missouri (at St. Louis), 3:40 p.m. ET, ESPN

Easily the best matchup of a pretty bland opening weekend, Illinois and Missouri meet in what is usually an extremely entertaining game. Illinois returns more experience on offense and really needs a win to start a tough opening stretch. A key matchup pairs Illini quarterback Juice Williams and Missouri star linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, who recently Tweeted he'd "squeeze the pulp out of Juice." Williams set the total offense record at Edward Jones Dome in his last appearance against Missouri and needs a repeat performance.

Northern Illinois at Wisconsin, 7 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network

Week 1 wraps up with a night game at Camp Randall Stadium, where Wisconsin's surprise starting backfield of Scott Tolzien and Zach Brown takes on Northern Illinois. The Badgers likely will play both Tolzien and redshirt freshman Curt Phillips at quarterback, but Tolzien will have the first chance to create some separation. Versatile NIU quarterback Chandler Harnish provides a good challenge for a Wisconsin defense replacing five starters in the front seven.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Bob from St. Louis writes: Adam-I'm sure you've received hundreds of e-mails questioning your selection of Terrelle Pryor and Ricky Stanzi for your "South" All-Star team (over Juice Williams), so I'll just say this:Did you know that if Juice rushes for 70 yards per game and throws for 280 per game, he'll finish his career as the Big Ten's all-time leader in Total Offense? And this is a guy you put third out of five QB's in the fictional "Big Ten South"?With the offensive weapons that each team possesses, if Ricky Stanzi has his best possible season, he's second-team All Big Ten. If Juice Williams has his best possible season, he's sitting in New York.

Adam Rittenberg: You're not the first person to bring up the Juice-Stanzi debate, and I definitely can see the case for Juice, who will finish his career with some great numbers. One factor that played into it was the way the two players finished the 2008 season. Juice really struggled down the stretch, while Stanzi showed a lot of growth. Illinois certainly has a better receiving corps than Iowa, but from talking with people around the league, don't be surprised if Stanzi makes a major jump in his development. In hindsight, Juice probably deserves the nod as Pryor's backup, but his inconsistent play over the years makes it pretty close with Stanzi.

---

Rich from Columbus, Ohio, writes: Adam, I was meaning to write this to you when the list first came out but how in the hell is Pryor not going to the Big Ten Media Days? Is there something that we are missing here or do these players get into some kind of trouble that dont allow them to go? Another one I found pretty interesting of not going was Mayberry from Indiana and took another LB on their team but he was a captain last year but is no where near as good as Mayberry who I thought this is what it is all about is to bring the best players!? I am so confused and I know you mentioned Adam Weber before so I thought I would throw these two names that shocked me who werent going!

Adam Rittenberg: The media days lineup is filled almost exclusively with seniors, and it has been that way for years. Coaches view it as a reward for the guys who have put in their time. I get that. Also, seniors are the least likely to provide bulletin-board material. Still, any returning starter at quarterback should be required to attend this event. A lot of fans tell me they don't care about player quotes, but the starting quarterback is, in many ways, the team spokesman, no matter if he's a sophomore like Pryor or a senior like Juice Williams. The quarterback usually provides the best perspective on the team because he's the leader, so I was disappointed not to see Pryor, Stanzi and Weber on the list. Good call on Mayberry as well. Will Patterson has been a more outspoken player, but Mayberry is the name people know.

(Read full post)

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

As I prepare to hit the road next week for some much needed R&R, I thought we should take a look at the most pivotal road games for each Big Ten team this season. Winning on the road in the Big Ten is never easy, and there might not be a greater factor to a team's success or failure than its performance away from its home turf.

Here are the road games that could make or break the season in the Big Ten. These aren't necessarily the toughest road games for a team, just the most important ones.

ILLINOIS

Fork in the road: Nov. 7 at Minnesota

The Illini will be coming off a fairly manageable stretch against Indiana, Purdue and Michigan, the league's worst three teams last season. If they haven't dug too big a hole to open Big Ten play, they could make a serious bowl push beginning at TCF Bank Stadium. But a loss could trigger a down-the-stretch slide, much like last year.

INDIANA

Fork in the road: Sept. 19, at Akron

Indiana enters the season with its head coach on the hot seat and serious doubts about the team's ability to get on track again. That's why an early trip to Akron and the new InfoCision Stadium is so critical. Indiana could be 3-0 after a win against Akron, or it could be 1-2 with a loss and starting the death march.

IOWA

Fork in the road: Sept. 26 at Penn State

One of the nation's toughest road schedules has been well-documented, and it all begins in Happy Valley. The Hawkeyes will get a huge boost from a victory at night in front of Penn State's white-out -- never easy to do -- and can validate themselves as a serious league title contender. A loss would reinforce Iowa's recent struggles on the road (the Hawkeyes went 2-3 last year) with more challenges ahead.

MICHIGAN

Fork in the road: Oct. 3 at Michigan State

Michigan's first road game will be pivotal in a number of ways. It could mark the first road start for a freshman quarterback (Tate Forcier or Denard Robinson), and it kicks off a tough stretch of games against the Big Ten's upper tier. Michigan might head to East Lansing at 4-0, but another loss to in-state rival Michigan State could sidetrack Rich Rodriguez's team.

MICHIGAN STATE

Fork in the road: Sept. 26 at Wisconsin

I'm starting to get really excited about this game because it could mean so much for both teams. Michigan State might be coming off its seventh consecutive victory at Notre Dame and looking to establish itself as a factor in the Big Ten title race. But the Spartans have dropped four of their last five games at Camp Randall Stadium, which will provide a tough setting for a new starting quarterback.

MINNESOTA

Fork in the road: Sept. 26 at Northwestern

The Gophers don't get many favors with their Big Ten road schedule, and their league-opening trip to Northwestern provides the best opportunity for a win. Minnesota will be coming off two emotional home games against Cal and Air Force, and could be anywhere from 3-0 to 1-2 entering Ryan Field. If the Gophers have taken the next step, they need to show it against Northwestern, which has delivered consecutive heartbreaking losses to Tim Brewster's team.

NORTHWESTERN

Fork in the road: Oct. 17 at Michigan State

For the second straight year, Northwestern could enter its showdown against Michigan State undefeated because of an easy opening stretch. The Wildcats took themselves out of last year's contest with a miserable first quarter, but they've had pretty good success at Spartan Stadium since 1995. A win could propel Northwestern toward a major bowl, while a loss would lower expectations.

OHIO STATE

Fork in the road: Nov. 7 at Penn State

An obvious choice here as Ohio State likely will take one of the nation's most impressive win streaks into Happy Valley. Provided the Buckeyes handle Purdue and Indiana, they will own a 17-game Big Ten road win streak. The last team to beat Ohio State at home? Penn State in 2005. A win in the Big Ten's premier game could clinch a league title for Ohio State. A loss could put the Buckeyes out of the BCS mix.

PENN STATE

Fork in the road: Oct. 3 at Illinois

Penn State plays six of its first seven games at Beaver Stadium, but a trip to Champaign could prove problematic. Illinois boasts the league's best passing attack, and Penn State's secondary likely will be its weakest link this fall. The Lions lost their last game at Memorial Stadium and struggled to contain Arrelious Benn last year in Happy Valley. A win likely means Penn State will be 7-0 heading to Michigan on Oct. 24.

PURDUE

Fork in the road: Oct. 10 at Minnesota

Like Indiana, Purdue is a team that needs some early success to keep things afloat. The opening stretch won't be easy, and Purdue hosts Ohio State and Illinois after its visit to the Twin Cities. The Boilers will have a rough time winning at Oregon in Week 2, so this game provides quarterback Joey Elliott and his teammates a chance to build confidence away from home.

WISCONSIN

Fork in the road: Oct. 10 at Ohio State

Wisconsin's overall schedule is extremely favorable this fall, but the team's biggest test arrives in Columbus. This isn't necessarily a must-win for Wisconsin, but the Badgers need to show they can play with the league's best on the road. Wisconsin faces Ohio State and Iowa in back-to-back weeks, and its performance in those games will determine whether or not the Badgers are back.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Colleague Bruce Feldman recently conducted his annual search for cupcakes and ranked the nation's 10 easiest nonconference schedules. Not surprisingly, two Big Ten teams topped his list, as Northwestern had the easiest slate and Penn State wasn't far behind. 

Here's Feldman's take on the Wildcats' cakewalk:

1. Northwestern (Towson; EMU; at Syracuse; Miami [Ohio]) Quality point average: 2: Wow. The Wildcats face three FBS opponents and all three are projected to finish in the cellar of their respective conferences or at least conference divisions. Plus, that FCS team they've got, Towson, is coming off a 3-9 season. This is about as close to four sure wins as anyone is going to get.

And his thoughts on Penn State's stay-at-home vacation:

2. Penn State (Akron; Syracuse; Temple; Eastern Illinois) Quality point average: 2.5: Yes, this is the same exact rating as Ole Miss. PSU wins (or is it loses?) the tiebreaker because the Nittany Lions didn't even schedule a road game and because Ole Miss at least faces someone who went to a bowl game in the past three seasons. PSU has six of its first seven games at home, and the closest thing to a formidable nonleague opponent is Temple, which is 3-34-1 against the Lions and hasn't knocked off Penn State since 1941. Akron also is an OK opponent, but is still coming off a 5-7 season. It's worth noting that this is only the third time in 16 years since PSU arrived in the Big Ten that the Nittany Lions have scheduled an FCS opponent.

No major surprises here, though the order could be switched. Syracuse is definitely down, but in my view, a road game against a BCS opponent still carries a higher degree of difficulty than home games against supposedly superior MAC teams (Akron and Temple). 

Wisconsin finished No. 10 on Feldman's list, which also included three SEC teams (Ole Miss, Kentucky, Arkansas). I think Florida gets a pass on a lot of these lists. The Florida State game is a mere shell of what it used to be, and the Gators' other three nonconference games are ridiculously easy. 

When I look at the nonleague slates of the Big Ten and the SEC, I don't see much difference. But the Big Ten seems to get bashed more in the scheduling debate because its power teams (Penn State, Michigan, Wisconsin) all scheduled easy for 2009, while Georgia beefed up its slate and Alabama opens with Virginia Tech. 

As for Northwestern and Penn State, more challenging days are ahead, thankfully. Northwestern faces Boston College, Vanderbilt and possibly Stanford in future seasons, while Penn State takes on Alabama, Rutgers and possibly Miami. 

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

If you haven't noticed, scheduling is the theme around ESPN.com this week. My colleagues have examined the decline of marquee nonleague games and the money-driven formula that goes into scheduling.

Now it's time to get more specific and look at the nonconference schedules for each Big Ten team. The Big Ten has taken a lot of heat for softening its nonleague slates, though other BCS conferences, namely the SEC, are also guilty of the practice.

Here's how they stack up, from toughest to easiest.

1. ILLINOIS -- vs. Missouri (at St. Louis), Illinois State, at Cincinnati, Fresno State

It's not just the opponents that make the slate tough, but also unusual dates of the games. Illinois must finish with two tough nonleague foes in late November and early December, when a bowl berth likely will be on the line. The Illini have lost their last five games against Missouri in St. Louis.

2. PURDUE -- Toledo, at Oregon, Northern Illinois, Notre Dame

First-year head coach Danny Hope has his work cut out for him early on this fall. Oregon is the toughest nonconference road game for a Big Ten team this season, and Notre Dame has been pegged as a BCS bowl contender (jury's still out for me) and lit up the Boilermakers' defense last year in South Bend. Northern Illinois also could be a very tough game for Purdue.

3. MINNESOTA -- at Syracuse, Air Force, California, South Dakota State

Arguably no Big Ten team has a tougher opening stretch than the Gophers. Sure, Syracuse is down, but Doug Marrone's first game and the possible debut of Greg Paulus at quarterback should get the Carrier Dome cranked. Air Force and especially Cal provide major tests at the new TCF Bank stadium.

4. OHIO STATE -- Navy, USC, vs. Toledo (at Cleveland), New Mexico State

The USC factor simply can't be overlooked on what is otherwise a soft slate for the Buckeyes. Ohio State's matchup with USC once again serves as the league's premier nonconference matchup and a chance for the Buckeyes and the Big Ten to gain some redemption. Navy is never an easy game, especially in the opener.

5. IOWA -- Northern Iowa, at Iowa State, Arizona, Arkansas State

The Hawkeyes are consistently solid in scheduling, and this slate shouldn't generate too many complaints. If you're going to play an FCS team, Northern Iowa is a darn good one. Mike Stoops returns to Iowa City with an Arizona team coming off of a bowl victory in 2008. Iowa shouldn't have much trouble going 4-0 -- rival Iowa State remains a disaster -- but the competition isn't terrible.

6. MICHIGAN STATE -- Montana State, Central Michigan, at Notre Dame, Western Michigan

The Spartans' slate isn't as challenging as it was last season, but a trip to what should be an improved Notre Dame team could be tough. Michigan State has won three straight against the Irish, who crumbled on offense last year in East Lansing. Two tough MAC opponents with talented quarterbacks (Western Michigan's Tim Hiller and Central Michigan's Dan LeFevour) should test Michigan State's defense.

7. INDIANA -- Eastern Kentucky, Western Michigan, at Akron, at Virginia

The Hoosiers are the only Big Ten team to play two true nonconference road games, which stands for something even though both Akron and Virginia have struggled recently. Western Michigan also provides a big test in Week 2 for a Hoosiers defense hoping to turn a corner behind Jammie Kirlew, Greg Middleton and Matt Mayberry.

8. MICHIGAN -- Western Michigan, Notre Dame, Eastern Michigan, Delaware State

Michigan doesn't deserve to be ranked this high, but the Wolverines' schedule looks like a gauntlet compared to the sorry slates belonging to some other Big Ten teams. Western Michigan presents a sizable challenge in the opener, as Greg Robinson's defense faces off against Hiller. A transitioning Michigan offense might need to keep pace on the scoreboard. Notre Dame also will test the Wolverines with its high-powered passing attack.

9. WISCONSIN -- Northern Illinois, Fresno State, Wofford, at Hawaii

Soft scheduling has been a hot topic in Badger Nation, and this year's rundown won't do much to quench the fire. Northern Illinois and Fresno State are decent teams, but the lack of a BCS opponent drags down the quality of the schedule. Hawaii has been tough to beat at home in recent years, and Wisconsin could be fighting for bowl position when it heads to Oahu.

10. NORTHWESTERN -- Towson, Eastern Michigan, at Syracuse, Miami (Ohio)

Northwestern is trying to make bowl games on a more consistent basis, and another visit to Cupcake City should help. All four of these teams have new head coaches, and the lone "test," a trip to Syracuse, certainly isn't what it used to be. The watered-down slate certainly won't remedy Northwestern's attendance problems, and the school should (and will) take a more aggressive approach to scheduling in the future.

11. PENN STATE -- Akron, Syracuse, Temple, Eastern Illinois

This is the hard truth for Penn State: A desire to fill Beaver Stadium eight times could very well keep the Nittany Lions out of the national title game. We won't get a true read on Penn State until Iowa visits Happy Valley on Sept. 26, and anything less than an undefeated season will prevent the Lions from reaching the BCS championship in Pasadena. Sure, Penn State had no idea Syracuse would be this bad, but the absence of a road game against a decent opponent could really hurt the national profile of the team and its individual stars this fall.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Listening to Joe Paterno, you'd think Penn State would be lucky to go .500 this season.

The defending Big Ten co-champs lose a sizable senior class, including the entire starting secondary and entire starting wide receiving corps. Penn State brings back national award candidates such as linebacker Navorro Bowman, defensive tackle Jared Odrick and running back Evan Royster, but all the turnover has taken a toll this spring.

"I don't think we've had a very great spring," Paterno said Wednesday. "We had a great winter program. The kids started out well. We've had a problem with the weather. ... And we've got some areas that we're not even adequate. That's the offensive line right now, the secondary has got a long way to go, and we've got to improve.

"Some of the good things are we've got kids that are working hard."

Paterno is feeling 100 percent physically following hip-replacement surgery in November, but his team's health hasn't been as promising. The Lions have had "more injuries this spring than I can remember in a long time," Paterno said, and they've been spread across the board.

The injured include linebacker/defensive end Jerome Hayes (knee), cornerback A.J. Wallace (hamstring), center Doug Klopacz (knee) and tackle Nerraw McCormack (knee).

There have been several bright spots, namely the play of Royster, quarterback Daryll Clark, a new-look wide receiving corps and the defensive line, led by Odrick. But for a team that still lists national titles and Big Ten championships as its goals, there's a ton to do in the final six spring workouts and the summer.

"Our running back situation's good, our tight end situation's good, our quarterback situation's good, we've got a chance to have a couple pretty good wideouts," Paterno said. "We're very, very shallow at the offensive line, not even close to being good enough. Same way with our secondary. The linebacker's are good, I think our kicking game will be good.

"That should cover everything."

Almost.

I didn't sit down with Paterno in person today -- some obligations kept him at home until practice, which was closed -- but we discussed several other topics over the phone.

Here are a few notes:

• Clark has thrown the ball extremely well this spring, and a new-look group of receivers are making plays. Paterno likes the fact that Penn State has some bigger wideouts -- Brett Brackett (6-foot-6), Derek Moye (6-5), A.J. Price (6-4) and Graham Zug (6-2) are bigger targets -- who allow for some different things in the offensive scheme.
  

The only concern for Paterno is that the wideouts aren't facing the best competition this spring.

"People are going to bang 'em around, and they're going to need some experienced game time," Paterno said. "We're trying to give them as tough situations as we can, but the secondary is not as aggressive as I would like. So I'm not so sure just how good the receivers are. They've worked hard, they catch the ball well and they have ability, but they haven't really been challenged yet."

• Night games at Beaver Stadium are a Penn State trademark, but the Lions will kick off only one contest under the lights this fall -- the Big Ten opener against Iowa. Last year, Penn State played three prime-time games. In 2007, Penn State had night games at home against Notre Dame and Ohio State.
  

"It doesn't make a difference, we've got to show up," Paterno said. "But the fans have a lot of fun at night. I don't know why we don't have one more. I guess it's all television."

• Paterno is a bit worried about the depth on the defensive line, but for the most part, he shares the same opinion as most of his fans -- that assistant Larry Johnson will find a way to succeed with the front four. Odrick anchors the middle of the line, and Jack Crawford, Eric Latimore and Kevion Latham are emerging at defensive end.
  

"We've got some talent there," Paterno said. "They're all right."

• Paterno also sees talent along the offensive line, though that group typically takes longer to develop. Stefen Wisniewski has shifted from right guard to center, and right tackle Dennis Landolt is the only other returning starter up front.
  

"We've just got to get a couple more kids to come forward," Paterno said. "There's some talent there. They're not comfortable, they're not confident, they're not aggressive, they're not sure of themselves. And obviously, that's why you practice. But I think they'll come along."

• The 82-year-old coach joked that maybe Penn State was better off when his assistants ran most of the practice, but he's clearly feeling a lot better than he did last fall, when he coached the final eight games from the press box and could barely walk. When the Lions take the field Sept. 5 against Akron, Paterno expects to be running out of the tunnel.

"Right now, I'm concerned about this football team," he said. "We're not very good right now, we've got a lot of work ahead of us and we're running out of time. But I'm sure when it's a day or two before [the game], and I start thinking about going back out on the field, I'll be excited."

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Northwestern and Miami (Ohio) will still meet this fall, but not in the season opener.

A Miami (Ohio) official confirmed that the Northwestern game remains a go, but it will no longer be played Sept. 5, as originally scheduled. Miami's schedule is "basically ready" but can't be unveiled until the Mid-American Conference releases its full 2009 schedule.

Negotiations have taken place between Miami and Kentucky to open the season Sept. 5 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati. There are also rumors that Miami wants to get out of a Sept. 12 home game against Colorado (the Buffs say the game is still on).

Should both things happen, Miami could visit Northwestern on Sept. 12. But the Wildcats are scheduled to face FCS-member Towson that day, and Towson team spokesman Dan O'Connell said a contract has been signed and Towson fully expects to make the trip to Evanston. Towson opens its season Sept. 3 against Morgan State.

Northwestern has no open dates until after the Big Ten slate wraps up Nov. 21 against Wisconsin. The Wildcats' other non-league games come against Syracuse (Sept. 19) and Eastern Michigan (Oct. 10).

Northwestern could not confirm any schedule changes at this time and still lists the Sept. 5 contest against Miami on its 2009 schedule.

Should Northwestern need to look elsewhere for a Sept. 5 contest, one possibility would be Akron. The Zips are among just a handful of FBS teams looking for a game to round out the schedule.  

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The Big Ten has largely stiff-armed the national trend of scheduling midweek football games, but the league will open the 2009 season on a Thursday night.

(Amen.)

Indiana has released its 2009 schedule, which begins with a Thursday night clash against Eastern Kentucky on Sept. 3. It marks the first Thursday home game in Memorial Stadium history and Indiana's first Thursday appearance since opening the 2001 season at N.C. State. The Hoosiers also will be unveiling the new renovations to Memorial Stadium that night. 

"I think it will be a special treat for our fans to open our season and our renovated stadium on the Thursday night before Labor Day weekend," Indiana athletic director Fred Glass said in a statement. "Hopefully, it will not only help our attendance versus a game in the middle of the holiday weekend, but it will be a great kickoff for a new football tradition in our new stadium." 

Indiana's non-league schedule also features a home game against Western Michigan and trips to Akron and Virginia. Both Ohio State and Michigan return to the Hoosiers' Big Ten schedule, while Michigan State and Minnesota are off the slate. 

Here's the complete 2009 schedule:

Sept. 3 Eastern Kentucky, 8 p.m. ET

Sept. 12 Western Michigan

Sept. 19 at Akron

Sept. 26 at Michigan

Oct. 3 Ohio State

Oct. 10 at Virginia

Oct. 17 Illinois

Oct. 24 at Northwestern

Oct. 31 at Iowa

Nov. 7 Wisconsin

Nov. 14 at Penn State

Nov. 21 Purdue

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

After a Big Ten co-championship and a Rose Bowl appearance, Penn State aims to repeat last year's success this fall. It has the schedule to do so. 

NONCONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Sept. 5 Akron

Sept. 12 Syracuse

Sept. 19 Temple

Oct. 10 Eastern Illinois

My take: Penn State should have no trouble cruising through the league's easiest nonconference schedule. The problem once again comes if the Nittany Lions are in the national title mix. They didn't get nearly enough credit for a Week 2 blowout of Oregon State last year, but their 2009 slate is impossible to defend. Penn State's only chance for a trip to the BCS championship is an undefeated regular season, and even that isn't a guarantee. Temple is making some progress under Al Golden, but the Owls shouldn't challenge Penn State in Happy Valley. Anything less than 4-0 will be a major disappointment, and Penn State should win all four home games by a wide margin. 

BIG TEN SCHEDULE

Sept. 26 Iowa

Oct. 3 at Illinois

Oct. 17 Minnesota

Oct. 24 at Michigan

Oct. 31 at Northwestern

Nov. 7 Ohio State

Nov. 14 Indiana

Nov. 21 at Michigan State

Byes: Purdue, Wisconsin

My take: Penn State is the last Big Ten team to beat Ohio State at home, and the Nittany Lions get the Buckeyes in Happy Valley for a game that could decide the league title. They also host Iowa, a preseason top 20 team that stunned Penn State last year at Kinnick Stadium. The road schedule isn't easy, as Illinois and Michigan should be improved and Northwestern usually plays the Lions tough in Evanston. The regular-season finale at Michigan State also could loom large. Penn State dropped its last game at Spartan Stadium and saw its scoring production drop off on the road late last season. Still, the schedule favors the Lions to repeat as league champs. 

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

After a look at Illinois' near-complete schedule, it's time to examine Indiana, the only other Big Ten team without a finalized 2009 slate. 

Here's what we know at this point about the Hoosiers:

NONCONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Sept. 5 Eastern Kentucky
Sept. 12 Western Michigan
Sept. 19 at Akron
Oct. 10 ??? 

My take: Indiana's nonleague slate lost some flavor after South Florida rescheduled a 2009 trip to Bloomington for 2015 so it could face Florida State in Tallahassee this fall. Then again, the Hoosiers lost to two MAC teams (Ball State and Central Michigan) in 2008 and will have their hands full with Western Michigan and a trip to Akron. Last year's soft slate was set up for Indiana to return to a bowl game, but an easy opening stretch seemed to leave the team poorly prepared for Ball State in Week 3. Eastern Kentucky is a solid FCS program that produced new Purdue head coach Danny Hope and was knocked out of the playoffs last season by eventual national champion Richmond. It would be nice to see Indiana fill its final spot with a BCS program, but it could be tough at this late date. 

BIG TEN SCHEDULE

Sept. 26 at Michigan
Oct. 3 Ohio State
Oct. 17 Illinois
Oct. 24 at Northwestern
Oct. 31 at Iowa
Nov. 7 Wisconsin
Nov. 14 at Penn State
Nov. 21 Purdue 

Byes: Michigan State, Minnesota

My take: The road schedule is simply brutal, and Indiana has dropped eight consecutive games away from Memorial Stadium (7 road, 1 bowl), stretching back to Sept. 29, 2007. Indiana does catch Michigan fairly early on, and if the Wolverines are still finding their way, the Hoosiers could hang around in the Big House. The Hoosiers travel to Happy Valley for the second straight year, and they also visit an improved Iowa team and a Northwestern squad that won't take them lightly after last year's upset in Bloomington. The key is to survive September and October with something to play for and then take advantage of the November home games.