ESPN College Football

Wisconsin's offense has put up record-setting numbers in each of the past two seasons, surviving key personnel losses after the 2010 campaign, only to reload in 2011. The Badgers have ranked in the top 25 nationally in rushing in each of the past five seasons, replacing productive running backs and offensive linemen almost every year. The one constant throughout had been offensive coordinator Paul Chryst, but he's no longer in Madison after taking the head-coaching job at Pitt.

Bret Bielema selected Northern Illinois offensive coordinator Matt Canada to replace Chryst. Canada, one of six new Badgers assistants for the 2012 season, returns to the Big Ten after spending seven seasons at Indiana from 2004-10, the last four as IU's offensive coordinator. While he ran a spread offense at both Indiana and NIU, he'll direct a pro-style system in Madison that has become Wisconsin's identity. Canada's biggest priority: keep the momentum going.

ESPN.com recently caught up with Canada. Here are his thoughts:

You expressed a lot of excitement about this job when you were hired. What has it been like being in Madison these last few weeks?

Matt Canada: I'm still real excited. It's a great place, and I continue to enjoy the opportunity that's been presented. I'm really excited about getting to know the players, and very, very happy with what great kids we have here in the program. Obviously, there's a reason for the success that's going on here. We've got great players, and [Bielema] has put together a really good staff. I'm excited about getting to know all the staff, focusing with the offense, obviously, and reconnecting with a couple guys I knew and getting to know a couple guys I don't. It's been a really, really good month.

What was your perception of Wisconsin from the outside, and how has that changed being on the inside?

MC: My perception is it's a very physical program. They're going to come in and run the football and stop the run. They do the things the right way. They're very, very sound. They don't beat themselves. And you come in and study the film, and it's exactly what I thought it was. I've played against them for a lot of years and been around the program as an opponent, so I've spent time studying it because it's a program you look at and want to emulate in why they are so successful. I don't think it's anything different [being there]. Things are even better than you thought they might be.

Bret wanted to bring in assistants from different backgrounds and different parts of the country. How many of the offensive assistants did you know and how many were you involved in bringing in?

MC: Well, I knew all but one, and the other one, I had a chance to be involved in the interviewing process. Thomas Hammock, obviously I coached when he was a running back at Northern Illinois. I was involved in recruiting Thomas and then coached him as a position coach for a couple of years, so I've known him a long, long time. Eddie Faulkner, who we hired, I worked with last year at Northern Illinois. Zach Azzanni, I've known through recruiting, so not as well, and then Mike Markuson, I was simply involved with [Bielema] on making that decision. I've known two really well, if you want to be specific.

You have a varied background, running some spread, running some pro-style. I know Bret wants to keep the pro-style in place. How do you blend your background with what Wisconsin has done and what it wants the identity to be?

MC: The identity won't change. There's no question what this place is about. Our job as coaches is putting our kids in positions to make plays and utilize the talent you've got. We certainly have talent on this team to continue to run what is considered a pro-style, downhill offense. We're going to continue to do that. Our recruiting base gives us a chance to recruit those types of players, so we're going to continue to be what Wisconsin has been. There's a reason I wanted to be here so bad. I certainly am well aware of what has gone on here. We're not going to come in here and change something that's not broke. Obviously, there's going to be nuances and little things. We all coach in our own way, we all have our own tendencies and things that we like, but the general rule is it's going to stay the same.

Is the Northern Illinois offense you coordinated in 2003 the most similar to what you want to do with Wisconsin now, rather than what you did at Indiana or NIU the second time?

MC: I would say so. We had a real special back [Michael Turner]. We had [Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle] Doug Free on the line. He was a young kid then. We had some pretty good linemen. We had some good tight ends, both went on to play in the league. So we had a real good program and real good players that year. It was such a special year. I feel good about what we've done in the sense that at certain times we used our talent as what it was. Obviously, we had a great runner in Michael and were able to utilize him. We go to Indiana and had some success with Kellen Lewis, who people considered a running type of quarterback. Ben Chappell was a drop-back guy. And you go to Northern and we rushed for 250 yards a game for the majority of the season in a different way. So we're going to maximize our talent. We've got a really good staff on offense, guys who are going to find ways to use what we've got, matchups and all the things that come along with it. We certainly understand how the system is going to work.

A lot of people on the outside see Wisconsin and these two record-setting seasons on offense. Now there's all this change with players and coaches. Is it a challenge to keep the momentum going with all the transition?

MC: It's all the way around. They won two Big Ten titles here, so obviously the challenge is to be great today and keep doing everything that's been done. But as a competitor, you have that regardless. I've been very, very fortunate, you look at the last two moves I had to make. I went to a program that won 11 games [in 2010] and we came in and found a way to do it again and go ahead and get the championship and win a bowl game and all those things we wanted to do. You compete against today. You compete against where you are and being great today. That's what we're going to do. We're certainly respectful of what we've done, but we're moving forward and looking ahead to the opportunities we've got and the great players we have that want to play. We have a bunch of great players still here. We're excited about that, and the guys who need to step up, they get a chance to show what they can do now.

Some of those guys are going to be at the quarterback position. Have you reviewed tape of those guys? What type of players are you inheriting?

MC: A little bit. I know some of them through things in the past. We've got a couple guys who have been nicked up, so it's a bit of a clean slate for those guys. We're certainly embracing everybody's concern. Look at what Russell [Wilson] was able to do when he came in here. What a great talent. When you watch the film, my goodness, he made some plays. He made some things happen when they weren't there. Certainly an unbelievable year for him, which led to the success. I told [the quarterbacks] the first day I met them that they play the greatest position in all of sports, and they get to do it at a great place with great players, great running backs and the whole deal. So I'm excited about it. We've got a good group of good kids that get along well, but obviously it's competition and we're excited about getting going with that.

You mentioned some guys are nicked up. How are Jon [Budmayr] and Curt [Phillips] from what you can tell?

MC: Everything is coming along well. This time of year, we're being very, very cautious in trying to get ourselves back, but everything is going well and they're working hard and feeling good about where they are.

You've been around some great running backs. Where does Montee Ball rank in that mix?

MC: I've certainly been fortunate to be around to be around [some good backs]. Thomas was a great, great player, and then Michael was a great player, and on and on. Montee, we're certainly excited he's here. I knew Montee through recruiting, and Montee was the first player I got to meet when I got here. It was over winter breaks, and most of the kids were gone, but he had been honored at the basketball game the night before and came up and said hello. Montee's just proven to be such a great kid, and everything he's seen and done is about the team and the program. He told me he was excited I was here. I certainly reassured him I was a lot more excited he's here. There's no doubt about that.

He's a great ambassador for what our program is about. Everything Coach B talks about in the quality of kids we have, everything he shows is what this place is about. It's going to be fun to watch him really explode into his senior year. I'm fired up to be part of that.

How much of spring practice is going to be the players getting to know you and the other new assistants?

MC: That happens all the way around. We're talking about coming into a place that has unbelievable success. They're going to get to know us, and the great part about it is this is what Wisconsin's about. It's a developmental program where guys are excited to work. They're excited to see how we're going to be, and we're excited to get to coach them. So it's a two-way street in getting to know each other. There's no confusion. We're trying to win a third Big Ten championship and take it from there, and let's go. Let's keep doing what they've been doing.

You're about a month away from spring ball. What will your main objectives be with the unit in the spring?

MC: Just get better every day. We feel we need to find a quarterback. That's one area everybody can talk about. But each day, I would be remiss in imagining I know exactly who we are. There's changes and we've got some guys nicked up, we're finding some guys to step in there currently and then maybe get those guys back. All those things come into spring football. So it's really about embracing the challenge of being great every day, and enjoying and getting to know each other.

The wait is finally over for Big Ten players not selected in April's NFL draft.

Free agent deals are finally taking place during a whirlwind week in the post-lockout NFL.

We'll have additional updates as the day goes on, but here's a look at where Big Ten players are landing.

ILLINOIS

• CB Travon Bellamy, St. Louis Rams
• WR Jarred Fayson: New Orleans Saints
• G Randall Hunt: St. Louis Rams
• DE Clay Nurse: New England Patriots

INDIANA

• QB Ben Chappell: Washington Redskins
• WR Terrance Turner: Philadelphia Eagles

IOWA

• P Ryan Donahue: Detroit Lions
• LB Jeremiah Hunter: New Orleans Saints
• TE Allen Reisner: Minnesota Vikings
• LB Jeff Tarpinian: New England Patriots

MICHIGAN

• T Perry Dorrestein: New York Jets
• CB James Rogers: Denver Broncos
• TE Martell Webb: Philadelphia Eagles

MICHIGAN STATE

• WR Mark Dell: Denver Broncos
• LB Eric Gordon: Jacksonville Jaguars
• T D.J. Young: Arizona Cardinals

MINNESOTA

• T Dom Alford: Cleveland Browns
• FB Jon Hoese: Green Bay Packers
• QB Adam Weber: Denver Broncos

NEBRASKA

• K Adi Kunalic: Carolina Panthers
• TE Mike McNeill: Indianapolis Colts
• DE Pierre Allen: Seattle Seahawks
• G Ricky Henry: Chicago Bears
• T D.J. Jones: Miami Dolphins
• S Rickey Thenarse: Seattle Seahawks

NORTHWESTERN

• DT Corbin Bryant: Chicago Bears
• LB Quentin Davie: Detroit Lions

OHIO STATE

• G Bryant Browning: St. Louis Rams
• G Justin Boren: Baltimore Ravens
• RB Brandon Saine: Green Bay Packers
• WR Dane Sanzenbacher: Chicago Bears
• DT Dexter Larimore: New Orleans Saints
• CB Devon Torrence: Minnesota Vikings

PENN STATE

• WR Brett Brackett: Miami Dolphins
• LB Chris Colasanti: Indianapolis Colts
• LB Bani Gbadyu: Oakland Raiders
• DT Ollie Ogbu: Indianapolis Colts

PURDUE

• TE Kyle Adams: Chicago Bears
• WR Keith Smith: Detroit Lions

WISCONSIN

• CB Niles Brinkley: Pittsburgh Steelers
• RB John Clay: Pittsburgh Steelers
• QB Scott Tolzien: San Diego Chargers

The Big Ten on Wednesday announced its 2011 Medal of Honor winners. This award goes to a male athlete and a female athlete from each Big Ten school and recognizes a graduating senior who has "demonstrated proficiency in scholarship and athletics."

Five Big Ten football players are among this year's male Medal of Honor winners.

They are:

• Indiana QB Ben Chappell
• Iowa G Julian Vandervelde
• Penn State G Stefen Wisniewski
• Purdue TE Kyle Adams
• Wisconsin T Gabe Carimi

All five players also were named to the Big Ten's fall Academic All-Big Ten team.

Congrats to all the winners.

What a Sunday night in America, and Big Ten students were part of the celebration here and here.

• Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins ends the spring with a big performance, Matt Charboneau writes in The Detroit News. Spartans basketball player Draymond Green logs a few reps in the spring game, George Sipple writes in the Detroit Free Press. More Michigan State spring game coverage here and here.
• A new billboard in Michigan taunts embattled Ohio State coach Jim Tressel.
• Iowa has six players selected in the NFL draft for the second consecutive year, Andy Hamilton writes in the Iowa City Press-Citizen.
• Wisconsin AD Barry Alvarez says the Big Ten opposed a new NCAA credit requirement rule, Jeff Potrykus writes in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Offensive lineman Bill Nagy rounds out a strong crop of Wisconsin's draftees, and barely avoids becoming Mr. Irrelevant, Tom Mulhern writes in the Wisconsin State Journal.
• The bonds between Ohio State and Jim Tressel make a clean break impossible, Doug Lesmerises writes in The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Tressel and Woody Hayes are now united by success and scandal, Bill Livingston writes in the Plain Dealer. The wait ended this weekend for four Ohio State draft hopefuls, Tim May writes in The Columbus Dispatch.
• Nebraska's new NFL draftees can learn from the case of former Husker Trev Alberts, Steven M. Sipple writes in the Lincoln Journal Star. Take a closer look at coach Bo Pelini's revised contract.
• A long day had a happy ending for Michigan offensive lineman Stephen Schilling, annarbor.com's Michael Rothstein writes. Michigan's 2012 recruiting class now features eight verbal commits. More thoughts on the late Jim Mandich from John U. Bacon.
• The Saints looked to Illinois for two of their draft picks, ESPNChicago.com's Scott Powers writes.
• Penn State's Stefen Wisniewski should feel right at home in Oakland, Jeff Rice writes in the Centre Daily Times. Nittany Lines takes a look at a lean draft for Penn State.
• Two Indiana players hear their names called in the fourth round of the draft. Quarterback Ben Chappell is among the IU players still waiting for an NFL opportunity, Dustin Dopirak writes.
• Purdue's Ryan Kerrigan makes a good first impression with the Redskins, The Associated Press' Joseph White writes.
• A spring snapshot of Minnesota from The (Cedar Rapids) Gazette's Scott Dochterman.

Greetings from ACC country. Tsk, tsk Tressel ...

• The latest word is that Ohio State co-defensive coordinator Luke Fickell could take over for the first two games.
• Some links for Ohio State fans, and anyone who likes to make fun of Jim Tressel.
• You can't go around punching people. Even if it is a mascot who happens to be a rodent.
• Michigan offensive coordinator Al Borges will tweak the offense, but quarterback Denard Robinson is the one who will have to make most of the changes.
• Here's an in-depth look back and forward at Iowa's wide receivers.
• Indiana's Ben Chappell showed up slimmer at the Hoosiers' pro day.
• There was much to lose and something to be gained at Nebraska's pro day.

The Indiana Hoosiers hit the practice field today for the first of 15 spring practices.

Here's a snapshot of what to expect in Bloomington:

The big story: A new era dawns as coach Kevin Wilson and his staff put the Hoosiers through their first practice sessions. Wilson wants to change the culture in Bloomington and has talked about getting Indiana players to believe they're better than what they think they are (and what they're told from the outside). Hoosiers players went through a ramped-up winter conditioning program, which showed some positive results. Now it's all about football as they adjust to new schemes on both sides of the ball.

Position in the spotlight: Quarterback. Three-year starter Ben Chappell departs, and Indiana's other quarterbacks lack substantial game experience. Dusty Kiel and Edward Wright-Baker are the leading candidates to succeed Chappell, but the competition is wide open and could spill over into preseason camp, when heralded recruit Tre Roberson arrives. Wilson has been terrific at developing quarterbacks throughout his career, and co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Rod Smith oversaw Denard Robinson's rapid rise last season at Michigan. But this will be a huge spring for the men calling signals.

Coaching changes: Indiana made a change at the top, and Wilson brings in an entirely new staff. Smith and Kevin Johns share offensive coordinator duties, and Mike Ekeler and Doug Mallory will oversee the defense. Among the new assistants is defensive tackles coach/special teams coordinator Mark Hagen, who returns to his alma mater after spending the past 11 seasons at rival Purdue. Smith and offensive line coach Greg Frey both join the staff from Michigan.

Keep an eye on: Adam Replogle. He started games at both defensive line positions but made eight starts at tackle in a system that often went with three down linemen. Ekeler and Mallory will operate in a 4-3 season, so it'll be interesting to see how Replogle adjusts. Replogle recorded 32 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and three quarterback hurries last season.

Spring game: April 16

Final spring practice: April 19

Spring practice is creeping closer, and Purdue will hit the field in less than two weeks (March 1 to be exact) for the first of its 15 workouts.

Here's a snapshot of what to expect in the Leaders Division this spring.

ILLINOIS

Spring practice starts: March 29
Spring game: April 23

What to watch:

• New look at linebacker: Illinois loses first-team All-Big Ten selection Martez Wilson as well as playmaker Nate Bussey. They combined for 195 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, two interceptions and four fumble recoveries. The Illini need a middle linebacker and could turn to productive senior Ian Thomas or promising sophomore Jonathan Brown. Illinois also is replacing linebackers coach Dan Disch.
• Ford tough: All-American running back Mikel Leshoure departs, turning the spotlight to Jason Ford. At 235 pounds, Ford is a true power back who will give the Illinois offense a slightly different look in 2011. The Illini also want to build depth at running back with players like Troy Pollard.
• Replacing Liuget: Illinois begins the difficult task of replacing the Big Ten's most disruptive interior defensive lineman in Corey Liuget, a likely first-round draft pick in April. Akeem Spence had a very solid redshirt freshman season and will take on a larger role, but Illinois must build around him with Glenn Foster and others. This is a major priority for defensive coordinator Vic Koenning and line coach Keith Gilmore this spring.

INDIANA

Start of spring practice: March 8
Spring game: April 16
End of spring practice: April 19

What to watch:

• Culture change: Kevin Wilson has talked extensively about changing the culture around the Indiana program, and the process begins in full force this spring. Players will have to adjust to the demands of Wilson and his staff, which still isn't in place but soon will be. There will be plenty of teaching and learning, as players must absorb Wilson's offense and a 4-3 defensive scheme (IU operated out of the 3-4 for part of last season).
• Quarterback competition: Three-year starter Ben Chappell departs, and there's no clear-cut successor entering spring practice. Both Dusty Kiel and Edward Wright-Baker played sparingly in five games last season, and they bring different skills to the table. It'll be interesting to see who emerges under center this spring before acclaimed recruit Tre Roberson arrives for fall camp.
• Identify defensive contributors: Indiana can't expect to get over the hump until it upgrades the defense, and co-coordinators Mike Ekeler and Doug Mallory begin a crucial evaluation process this spring. The Hoosiers need to build depth and identify Big Ten-ready players throughout the defense, particularly in the back seven after losing standout linebacker Tyler Replogle and others.

OHIO STATE

Start of spring practice: March 31
Spring game: April 23

• Suspension preparation: Ohio State knows it will be without four offensive starters and a key defensive reserve for the first chunk of the 2011 season. This spring, the Buckeyes start the process of evaluating who will step in, especially at the quarterback spot for Terrelle Pryor. Joe Bauserman holds an edge in experience (though little has come in games), and he'll compete with Kenny Guiton and heralded incoming freshman Braxton Miller.
• Receiving orders for Drayton: Stan Drayton left Florida for Ohio State primarily to expand his coaching repertoire and oversee a new position group. The career running backs coach will work with a mostly unproven group of Ohio State wide receivers this spring. Ohio State must replace All-Big Ten standout Dane Sanzenbacher, and DeVier Posey is among those suspended for the first part of the season. Says Drayton of his receivers, "Personnel wise, they're in competition with the whole offensive unit."
• Up-the-middle defensive replacements: Excuse the baseball reference, but Ohio State loses several standout players in the core of its defense: linemen Cameron Heyward and Dexter Larimore, linebackers Brian Rolle and Ross Homan, and safety Jermale Hines. Although the Buckeyes always find ways to reload on defense, it will be interesting to see who emerges this spring, especially at linebacker.

PENN STATE

Start of spring practice: March 18
Spring game: April 16

What to watch:

• The quarterbacks, especially Rob Bolden: Penn State's quarterback competition should be wide open this spring, and it might be the most fascinating race in the Big Ten. You've got sophomore Rob Bolden, who asked for his release after the Gator Bowl but didn't get it from Joe Paterno, and has returned to compete for a job he thought he never should have lost. Junior Matt McGloin tries to redeem himself after the bowl disaster, and Paul Jones and Kevin Newsome also are in the mix.
• Line play on both sides: The Lions boast enough at the skill positions on both sides of the ball to be a much improved team in 2011. But they have to get better and more consistent on both lines. The offensive line must replace standout Stefen Wisniewski and find the form it displayed in 2008. The defensive line tries to regain its swagger after backsliding in 2010, and identify a pass-rushing threat or two.
• Kicking it: Collin Wagner was Penn State's top offensive weapon for much of the 2010 season, but the standout kicker departs the program, leaving a void. Punter Anthony Fera likely will handle the bulk of the kicking duties this spring until incoming freshman Sam Ficken arrives.

PURDUE

Start of spring practice: March 2
Spring game: April 9

What to watch:

• Replacing Superman: Purdue returns nine defensive starters, but the Boilers lose Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Ryan Kerrigan. The Boilers were the league's top pass-rushing team in 2010, but Kerrigan's production and presence played huge roles in the overall sacks and tackles for loss totals. The entire defensive line took a step forward last fall, and will need to do so again without No. 94.
• The quarterbacks: Robert Marve is still recovering from his second ACL tear, so Rob Henry, Caleb TerBush and Sean Robinson will be in the spotlight this spring. Henry showed promise when healthy in 2010, and TerBush had a strong spring a year ago before being ruled academically ineligible for the season. The quarterback race won't be decided until the summer, but all the candidates can help themselves in spring ball.
• The offensive identity: A wave of injuries forced Purdue to overhaul its plan on offense in 2010. Although several key players will be out or limited this spring, the Boilers can start to reshape their plan on offense. Coach Danny Hope is optimistic Marve and the others return at full strength, but he doesn't want to take anything for granted. This is a huge spring for players a notch or two down the depth chart to get noticed.

WISCONSIN

Start of spring practice: March 22
Spring game: April 23

What to watch:

• Finding Tolzien's successor: After a one-year respite, Wisconsin's annual spring quarterback competition resumes. Sort of. Jon Budmayr will have every opportunity to establish himself as the Badgers' top option before Curt Phillips (knee) returns to full strength. Budmayr turned heads with his performance two springs ago, but played sparingly last season behind Scott Tolzien.
• New leadership on defense: Charlie Partridge and Chris Ash are familiar faces who step into new roles this spring. Partridge and Ash were promoted to co-defensive coordinators following Dave Doeren's departure, and they'll get their first opportunity to shape the defensive vision this spring.
• Reloading on the lines: Wisconsin loses three All-American linemen from 2010: Gabe Carimi and John Moffitt on the offensive side, and J.J. Watt at defensive end. Although the Badgers must replace more bodies on the offensive front, they boast excellent depth there and should be able to fill the gaps. Watt leaves a bigger void, and Wisconsin needs strong springs from players like Louis Nzegwu and David Gilbert.

The Big Ten postseason player rankings kick off with ...

No. 25: Ben Chappell, QB, Indiana, Sr., 6-3, 242

2010 numbers: Led the Big Ten and ranked 14th nationally in passing yards per game (274.6); finished third in the league in total offense with 3,309 yards; tossed 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions; completed 62.5 percent of his passes.

Preseason rank: Unranked

Why he's here: Indiana had too many problems to get over the hump in 2010, but Chappell did everything he could to get the Hoosiers to a bowl game. He threw 16 touchdown passes and no interceptions in Indiana's five victories, and had a record-setting performance (480 pass yards, 3 TDs) in a shootout loss to Michigan. Indiana had virtually no rushing attack and a very suspect defense, but Chappell gave his team a chance in all but three games. If Damarlo Belcher comes down with a Chappell pass in the end zone against Iowa, maybe the Hoosiers make a bowl. Everyone remembers the 83-20 debacle at Wisconsin, but Indiana trailed by only seven points in the second quarter and had the ball in Wisconsin territory when Chappell suffered a game-ending hip injury. You saw how ugly things got for IU without Chappell on the field. Few Big Ten players meant more to their teams than he did to the Hoosiers.

• No. 25: Indiana QB Ben Chappell

You know how to reach me. And if you're not following me on Twitter, you should turn in your Big Ten fan card.

Rolf from Kirkland, Wash., writes: Hello Adam,I have a question about the spring games. How come Ohio State gets practice started so late (March 31st) in the year? Then they have their spring game april 23rd. Does this mean they don't practice as much??? Other teams get started earlier and finish at the same time.

Adam Rittenberg: Rolf, every FBS team gets 15 spring practices, and you better believe they use all of them. Ohio State tends to use more practices in a smaller window because it's on the quarter system and wants to start spring ball after spring break. Spring quarter classes at Ohio State begin March 28 and practice kicks off three days later. Some teams will begin spring practice before spring break, take a chunk of time off and then resume the workouts. Nebraska and Northwestern are both going this route with their spring practice sessions.

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Ben from Lincoln, Neb., writes: How well do you think Nebraska will do next year with it being their first year playing against teams that have bigger and stronger players? And who do you think will get the starting QB job at Nebraska? everyone here is hoping on it being Bubba Starling but i dont want another freshman to take the starting job.

Adam Rittenberg: I'm not too concerned about Nebraska's defense adjusting to Big Ten play. Although the Huskers aren't the biggest defense, they make up for it with speed and athleticism. I think there will be some growing pains on offense with most likely a new play-caller. The quarterback situation will be interesting to watch. Taylor Martinez could regain his form when healthy, and Cody Green has some experience. We've got to see what Starling does with his baseball career, but he'll be one to watch if he sticks with football. Jamal Turner also is a heralded prospect, but I see your point about wanting to avoid another freshman quarterback.

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David from Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., writes: Adam, it is amazing to me how Ohio State seems untouchable as a program despite a myriad of issues ranging from the Jim O'Brien issues to all of the Tyrell Pryor issues, to the players selling their trophies an the like to the now Carter decision. No matter what happpens, it seems like Ohio State skates by and gets at worst a slap on the wrist. Any other program in the Big Ten would be villified and nothing seems to happen to Ohio State. Please explain.

Adam Rittenberg: David, while it's easy to group all of these situations together, I don't think it's the fair approach. Each situation must be examined individually. Some would argue that Ohio State is being hit pretty hard for players selling their memorabilia -- a five-game suspension isn't nothing. And while the rule that allowed the players to participate in the Sugar Bowl is highly questionable, it applies to every school, not just Ohio State. The Chris Carter Jr. decision had to do with the legal system in Cleveland. Ohio State wasn't involved. And while there has been a lot of buzz around Terrelle Pryor, no explicit violations have been brought to light aside from the memorabilia selling.

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Matt from Los Angeles writes: Adam, Love reading the blog, keep up the good work.I was wondering what your take is on the Badgers losing Running Backs coach John Settle. He seems to have always gotten the most out of his stable of backs at Wisconsin, and he was also a valuable recruiter. Who do you think steps up to fill the spot, and how big is this loss?

Adam Rittenberg: In my view, Settle is one of the nation's top assistant coaches, and he definitely leaves a void on Bret Bielema's staff. I loved the way he always encouraged competition among his players. No one ever got too comfortable, and all of his backs seemed to improve over time. The good news is Wisconsin will be a very attractive job for top running back coaches. The team boasts an incredible tradition at the running back spot, and the new coach inherits a ton of talent in Madison. I agree with you that Bielema not only has to find a good coach, but someone who can recruit well nationally, especially in the southeast. It'll be interesting to see who gets the job.

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Jonathan from Indiana writes: Will Edward Wright-Baker be Indiana's starting quarterback or will there be open competition for guys like Tre Roberson or Dusty Kiel to win the starting job?

Adam Rittenberg: Jonathan, there certainly will be open competition at Indiana, as no one did enough behind Ben Chappell to deserve the job handed to them. Wright-Baker is a gifted athlete who could do well in Kevin Wilson's offense, but Kiel also is right there in the mix. Roberson also brings a lot to the table, and while it'd be a bit surprising if he won the job, no one could see Rob Bolden claiming Penn State's starting quarterback spot as a true freshman. So anything is possible in Bloomington.

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Paul from Grand Rapids, Mich., writes: Hey Adam, what are the odds that Braxton Miller starts the first game for the Buckeyes? I know Bauserman is in the mix, but I'd much rather see Brax play based on what I've seen out of each of them. Do you think Tressel will try to be loyal to his senior? Who else is in the mix?

Adam Rittenberg: Paul, I'm sure we'll debate this situation to death from now until September, but it will be very interesting to see what The Vest decides. Tressel typically goes with experience, but I don't think Bauserman has shown enough in games to be the clear choice. When you've been a backup with virtually no chance of starting until now, it can be hard to flip the switch mentally. But Bauserman and Kenny Guiton certainly are in the mix along with Miller. This should be considered an open competition, and Miller will have a chance to prove himself in spring ball, something Terrelle Pryor couldn't do because he didn't arrive until the summer. I wouldn't count out Guiton, either. He showed some promise in the spring game last year and drew praise from QBs coach Nick Siciliano for quickly absorbing the system.

We looked at the recruiting needs for the Legends division earlier today. Now let's take a look at what the teams are looking for in the Leaders division.

As a reminder, I tried to look at positions that have depth issues for the 2011 and/or the 2012 seasons.

ILLINOIS

Linebacker: Martez Wilson's early departure to the NFL leaves a void at middle linebacker, and Illinois also says goodbye to playmaker Nate Bussey and reserve Aaron Gress. Ian Thomas comes back and Jonathan Brown showed a spark, but Illinois has to rebuild some depth in its defensive midsection.

Wide receiver: Offensive coordinator Paul Petrino wants to run the ball, but quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase showed in the Insight Bowl that he can be an effective passer. A.J. Jenkins returns to serve as Scheelhaase's No. 1 option in 2011, but Illinois needs other pass-catching options to emerge.

Quarterback: The Illini have lost two scholarship quarterbacks (Jacob Charest and Chandler Whitmer) in each of the past two seasons, creating a depth issue behind Scheelhaase. Given Scheelhaase's style of play, Illinois needs other options under center and must address this position with this class.

INDIANA

Secondary: The Hoosiers simply haven't had enough Big Ten-ready defensive backs in recent seasons. This might be a recruiting need for several years as Indiana has to begin building a talent base in the secondary.

Quarterback: Kevin Wilson has done wonders with quarterbacks at his previous coaching spots, but he needs talented players who can flourish in his system. Ben Chappell's departure leaves Indiana with no proven options at quarterback. Although the Hoosiers bring back all of their reserves, they should keep looking for the right answer under center.

OHIO STATE

Wide receiver: All-Big Ten receiver Dane Sanzenbacher departs, and DeVier Posey is suspended for the first five games of 2011, pending appeal. Ohio State hasn't developed much depth at wideout in recent seasons, and a capable freshman could put himself into the mix.

Quarterback: Ohio State needs someone to take the snaps during Terrelle Pryor's suspension, and it's unknown whether Joe Bauserman or Kenny Guiton will be the answer. The Buckeyes also must address life after Pryor in this recruiting class.

PENN STATE

Offensive line: The Lions began addressing this need with last year's class and will continue to do so with the 2011 crop. Getting the offensive line in order is the biggest key to Penn State reclaiming a place among the Big Ten title contenders. Penn State loses standout guard Stefen Wisniewski and will have more departures after the 2011 season, so building depth is paramount.

Defensive line: Penn State lacked a dynamic pass rusher in 2010 and could bolster the end spot, but it can't neglect the defensive tackle position, either. Ollie Ogbu departs and Devon Still will be gone after the 2011 season. Although Jack Crawford returns at end, the depth there could be enhanced through recruiting.

PURDUE

Running back: The Boilers should avoid a depth disaster like the one they endured in 2010, but they can't take any chances, either. Coach Danny Hope and offensive coordinator Gary Nord want to run the ball a lot and they need more options to emerge around Ralph Bolden and Al-Terek McBurse. There are opportunities for freshmen to emerge here.

Tight end: Purdue should be fine at receiver in 2011, but it loses starting tight end Kyle Adams, the team's top pass catcher, as well as backup Jeff Lindsay. Expect the Boilers to address the tight end position in the 2011 class, as it is a big part of the plan on offense.

WISCONSIN

Secondary: The Badgers lose a multiyear starter at safety in Jay Valai this season, and three more starters (safety Aaron Henry and cornerbacks Antonio Fenelus and Devin Smith) will depart after the 2011 season. It's important to start building depth with this class.

Wide receiver: Wisconsin benefits from Nick Toon returning for his senior year, but the overall depth at receiver isn't great. David Gilreath, Isaac Anderson and Kyle Jefferson all depart and with Toon gone after the 2011 season, the Badgers need to find playmakers to complement Jared Abbrederis.

Pass rusher: J.J. Watt's early departure to the NFL draft creates a potential depth issue at defensive end. Returning starter Louis Nzegwu and David Gilbert both are good options, but the Badgers are young and unproven after those two. Young players like Beau Allen will take on bigger roles in 2011, and the team could use an incoming player or two to emerge.

I've been falling behind on the mail -- blame the Big Ten news cycle -- and will try to catch up the rest of this week. More mailblogs coming Thursday and Friday.

Here's how you can reach me.

One programming note: I'll be chatting about all things Big Ten football at 4 p.m. ET Thursday. Join me.

Tyler from Columbus, Ohio, writes: I'm having some issues understanding why Hoke is being compared to Jim Tressel in the media. Tressel was an Ohio native who spent his whole career coaching in Ohio, as well as winning 4 national championships at Youngstown State. Hoke is an Ohio native who apparently became a Michigan fan to annoy his friends enough to run him out of the state to get a job in Ann Arbor. He has had little consistent success as a coach, and I am baffled as well as offended that he is being so immediately compared to one of the greatest coaches to ever enter the 'Shoe. Can you explain it, please?

Adam Rittenberg: I totally agree with you about the Hoke-Tressel comparison, but I think you're being a bit harsh on Hoke (to be expected as an Ohio State fan). Tressel came to Ohio State with terrific credentials, regardless of the level where he coached. Hoke had a good season at SDSU and a good season at Ball State, but his accomplishments to this point don't come close to Tressel's before he came to Ohio State. Now we've just seen Gene Chizik win a national title at Auburn after really struggling at Iowa State, so coaches have the ability to improve programs in a hurry. It'll be interesting to see if Hoke restores Michigan to elite status.

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Miles from Madison, Wis., writes: Hey Adam, Why are the Badgers playing an away game versus Michigan State next year? Two years in a row? I'm guessing it has something to do with the conference realignment but what gives? Seems a bit unfair I was looking forward to a payback game at Camp Randall next Fall.

Adam Rittenberg: The realignment changes the scheduling structure a bit, but the Big Ten also has things set on a two-year cycle where the no-plays rotate. This has resulted in teams playing at the same site two years in a row. One example I can remember is Iowa and Northwestern playing at Kinnick Stadium in consecutive seasons (2008-09). The good news is Wisconsin will host Michigan State in 2012 even though the teams are in opposite divisions.

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Andrew from Atlanta writes: If RichRod isn't offered a coaching position soon, why not grab him up as the offensive coordinator for Michigan? Even if it's only a temporary gig before teams come calling again, it would help keep a potent offense with even greater potential for 2011 on track and ready to go! Even a remote possibility?

Adam Rittenberg: Andrew, thanks for bringing some laughter to my day. As much fun as this would be to cover, it's not happening, my friend.

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John from Gilbert, Ariz., writes: Adam, any news on who will be the new DC or additions to the staff at Wisconsin?

Adam Rittenberg: Nothing official yet, but I heard late last week that Wisconsin is still committed to promoting from within to replace Dave Doeren as defensive coordinator. D-line coach Charlie Partridge and secondary coach Chris Ash are the primary candidates, and they could end up sharing the title as co-coordinators. Although Partridge has been at Wisconsin longer, Ash did an excellent job with the secondary in his first season.

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Jon from Sioux City, Iowa, writes: Adam-I read what we learned in the Big Ten bowl games, and you were almost right about everything. The only thing I have to say I disagree with the "mini-upsets". In Iowa's case, I could understand an upset, however, wouldn't their win show they have depth? I mean, a lot of younger players stepped up in that game, such as Coker, Hyde, and Morris. And I guess I really wouldn't call the Illinois game an "upset". They kind of blew Baylor out of the water. What's even more perplexing is that in early 2011 power rankings, you placed Wisconsin at number 2 because of depth.

Adam Rittenberg: Jon, the upset label is applied before games are played, not afterward, and both Iowa and Illinois entered their bowls as underdogs. Iowa had stumbled badly down the stretch of the regular season and was facing the No. 12 team in Missouri. Illinois came in 6-6 and faced Baylor in Baylor's home state. My comment had nothing to do with Iowa's depth, but sure, the Hawkeyes showed some in that game and raised hope for 2011. While Wisconsin loses several outstanding individuals, the Badgers still have depth at positions like running back, offensive line, receiver and linebacker that will pay off.

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Illini Mike from Chicago writes: Between loosing to Penn St, loosing three juniors, and loosing additional income to a lame duck tax increase; it has not been a good week for Illinois fans. I don't think the loss of Corey, Martez and Mikel will be as bad as some will think. I think Ford can be another running back that "comes out of nowhere" (aka not a five star prospect that commits to OSU or UM) to suprise people. I think Vic Koennign will continue to surprise on defense and develop talent. Mercilus (best last name for a punishing DT) can adequately fill Liuget's shoes. Who do you think can step up at middle linebacker next season?

Adam Rittenberg: Jason Ford is a different type of back than Leshoure, but he boasts experience and a powerful running style that should work in Paul Petrino's offense. Defensive tackle Corey Liuget is unquestionably the biggest loss of the three. Nothing against Whitney Mercilus, but it's unrealistic to expect him or anyone to replicate what Liuget did. It will be up to Vic Koenning to find some replacements on defense, as the unit struggled in the second half of Big Ten play. Ian Thomas likely will take over the lead role at linebacker in 2011.

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Zachary from New York writes: You said "most coaches only end up at Michigan after building an impressive legacy elsewhere." I think that is demonstrably false. Rodriguez fits that bill, but no one else does. Crisler had a decent record at Minny and Princeton, but not great. Bo isn't remembered for what he did at Miami and was greeted with headlines of "Bo Who?" when he was hired. Yost coached only three years total prior to Michigan. Moeller was a disaster at Illinois. Kipke coached one year at MSU. Okay George Little coached a lot before his one year at Michigan. Does anyone remember Little for anything other than his work as Wisconsin AD after he left Michigan? The rest (Carr, Oosterbaan, Elliott, Wiemann, and all the 19th century guys) were never head coaches prior to leading Michigan and Moeller of course hadn't been a head coach for roughly a decade.

Adam Rittenberg: Wrong, Zachary. I wrote, "Most coaches only land a job like Michigan after building an impressive legacy elsewhere." I'm placing Michigan in the elite category of programs that often attract coaches with impressive legacies at other schools. I get the Bo thing and the Lloyd thing. And Hoke very well could work out well. All I'm saying is Michigan didn't have to go this route. There were other coaches with more impressive résumés than Hoke available. There might not have been a better fit available.

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Chuck from Bloomington, Ind., writes: Based on who Indiana has hired so far as their coaches, how there doesn't seem to be many people leaving the team, and also based on how their recruiting class seems relativity intact, I can see Indiana easily becoming bowl eligible next season. That's not to say things are going to be easy, but from what I've been seeing here in how the coaching change has worked, we couldn't be in a better position! Coach Wilson and what staff he has hired already seems adamant about creating a team based on what we have, not on what scheme he wants to play. Do you think Indiana can become bowl eligible next year, or am I just full of wishful thinking and hopeless dreams?

Adam Rittenberg: Like you, I've been very impressed with the staff Kevin Wilson is putting together. Brent Pease would have been a nice offensive coordinator, but I'm confident Wilson will find a good replacement. The coaching will help, but I still look at the personnel and see a team that doesn't win more than five games. I could be wrong, but the talent level on defense still must be upgraded significantly, and Indiana will really miss Ben Chappell at quarterback. But things are heading in the right direction.

The 2011 season will be a historic one for the Big Ten as Nebraska joins the conference, the league splits into two divisions and the first Big Ten title game is held in December.

Here's the first of what will be many preseason installments of the power rankings. Keep in mind that it's early and these will change in the coming months.

There's clear separation with the top four. The next pack includes six teams that could make a jump or backslide. Both Minnesota and Indiana have some work to do following coaching changes.

1. Ohio State: The upcoming suspensions make the Buckeyes less of a firm favorite than normal, but Ohio State still boasts the most dominant program in the Big Ten. Although the Buckeyes lose a sizable senior class, they have shown the ability to reload and should improve at several positions like running back. The first half of the season will be a grind, but until someone consistently beats the Buckeyes, they're on top.

2. Wisconsin: Arguably no Big Ten team loses more outstanding individuals than Wisconsin, but the Badgers still boast a lot of depth, especially on offense. The run game and offensive line will be fine, and it comes down to Wisconsin identifying a capable quarterback. Standout linebacker Chris Borland returns to a defense that should be solid in the back seven.

3. Nebraska: There likely will be an adjustment period for the Huskers, but the Pelini-led defense makes Nebraska an immediate Big Ten title contender. Quarterback Taylor Martinez will face better defenses in the Big Ten than he did in the Big 12, but if he recaptures his form from the first half of 2010, look out. A brutal schedule does Nebraska no favors, but the Huskers have an immediate opportunity to distinguish themselves.

4. Michigan State: It wouldn't surprise me one bit to see the Spartans rise in the power rankings throughout the offseason, but I need to see improvement in several areas after a revealing Capital One Bowl loss. Can Kirk Cousins take the next step in his development? Who replaces Greg Jones and Eric Gordon at linebacker? Will Michigan State become a force along both the offensive and defensive lines? These are some of the questions facing a potential league title contender.

5. Penn State: There's a drop-off after the top four, but keep an eye on Penn State entering the 2011 season. The ingredients are there for the program to take a step forward, particularly on defense, after a mediocre 2010 campaign. It will be very interesting to see what happens with the quarterback competition this spring as Rob Bolden seemingly has rejoined the mix.

6. Northwestern: Star quarterback Dan Persa returns from injury and should make Northwestern one of the Big Ten's top offenses entering 2011. The Wildcats should be able to rack up plenty of points and yards as they lose only one starter on the offensive side. But there are major questions on defense after the unit allowed 163 points in its final three games.

7. Iowa: This is another team that likely will rise in the power rankings before the season kicks off. There are quite a few question marks after the departure of a sizable senior class, but players like Marcus Coker and Micah Hyde began to provide answers in the Insight Bowl victory. Iowa is typically at its best under the radar, so look out for Kirk Ferentz's crew.

8. Illinois: The NFL departures undoubtedly hurt the Illini, but the program took a step forward in 2010 and returns a decent core led by quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase. Illinois has some reloading to do on defense if tackle Corey Liuget joins linebacker Martez Wilson as an early entrant to the NFL draft. But this team has shown that it can beat anyone when things are clicking.

9. Michigan: It's very hard to rank Michigan right now as the program lacks a head coach or much schematic direction. The Wolverines still will have significant issues on defense but will be older and most likely deeper at several spots, namely the secondary. If Denard Robinson can continue to flourish in a spread offense, the Wolverines will put up points.

10. Purdue: The Boilers once again enter the fall as a potential sleeper team in the Big Ten. They'll be healthier and most likely a lot better on offense as key players return at the skill positions. Purdue boasts some exciting returnees on defense but must find a way to replace All-American defensive end Ryan Kerrigan.

11. Minnesota: Jerry Kill inherits some talent on offense, namely junior MarQueis Gray, who returns to the quarterback spot after a season as a receiver. The Gophers will be a year older on defense but need to make strides in several phases to keep pace in a tough division.

12. Indiana: I really like Kevin Wilson's plan for the Hoosiers, and when he gets more of his players in the program, IU should take a step forward. There are too many holes on defense to foresee a breakthrough this fall, and replacing quarterback Ben Chappell won't be easy.

» Power Rankings: ACC | Big 12 | Big East | Big Ten | Pac-10 | SEC | Non-AQ

The 2010 college football season is over, and the interminable wait for 2011 now begins.

Before taking a peek ahead at next fall, here's the final installment of the 2010 Big Ten power rankings.

1. Ohio State (12-1): The Buckeyes once again sit atop the rankings after holding on to beat Arkansas in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Although the circumstances surrounding the game sparked a lot of controversy, Ohio State showed tremendous focus and executed well on both sides of the ball against a good SEC opponent.

2. Wisconsin (11-2): There's no shame in losing to a team like TCU, but Wisconsin left Pasadena especially disappointed after veering ever so slightly off course in the Rose Bowl. If the Badgers had fully committed to between-the-tackles running, they likely would have celebrated another Rose Bowl championship. Still a great season for Bret Bielema's crew.

3. Michigan State (11-2): I'm reluctant to put the Spartans here after a non-competitive performance against 9-3 Alabama in the Capital One Bowl, but they still had three more wins than any other Big Ten squad below. Michigan State had a special season with a sorry ending, but the program is undoubtedly on the rise under coach Mark Dantonio.

4. Iowa (8-5): We saw a little bit of everything from Iowa in the Insight Bowl, but Micah Hyde's electrifying pick-six ensured a third consecutive bowl win and dulled the disappointment from the regular season. Returning players like Hyde and running back Marcus Coker fueled Iowa's win, and the Hawkeyes should be right at home under the radar entering 2011.

5. Illinois (7-6): No Big Ten team delivered a more complete postseason performance than Illinois, which outclassed Baylor and cruised to a 38-14 victory in the Texas Bowl. Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase came of age in the bowl and the defense contained Baylor star Robert Griffin III. Illinois could be dangerous this coming season, but the NFL departures will hurt.

6. Penn State (7-6): Florida gave Penn State every opportunity to build a big lead in the first half, but the Nittany Lions fell victim to too many mistakes. The defense made strides during bowl practice and should be a solid unit in 2011. Penn State's quarterback race will open up this spring, and it'll be interesting to see how much better this team gets during the offseason.

7. Northwestern (7-6): Thanks to Kain Colter, the Wildcats found enough offense to keep pace with Texas Tech despite not having star quarterback Dan Persa. But it's pretty odd that Persa's injury seemed to take any life out of Northwestern's defense, which allowed 163 points in its final three games. Pat Fitzgerald and Mike Hankwitz need to get the D on track for 2011.

8. Michigan (7-6): Speaking of defense, Michigan had none against Mississippi State in the Progressive Gator Bowl. Rich Rodriguez's fate might already have been sealed at the school, but the lack of improvement on defense made the decision pretty easy after the worst bowl loss in team history. Michigan has some pieces in place on offense, but the next coach must address the defensive woes to get the program back on track.

9. Minnesota (4-8): No changes to the bottom three and the Gophers deserve to be here after ending the season with victories against two of the Big Ten's three bowl winners (Illinois and Iowa). I'm excited to see how MarQueis Gray fares in Jerry Kill's offense as he moves back to quarterback from receiver.

10. Indiana (5-7): Despite Brent Pease's about-face, new Indiana coach Kevin Wilson is assembling a solid staff of assistants as he tries to change the culture in Bloomington. The Hoosiers have to figure out a way to compete better on defense in Big Ten play, especially since the offense likely will take a step back as quarterback Ben Chappell departs.

11. Purdue (4-8): Danny Hope's teams have played hard amid adversity, but the results haven't shown up in his two years as head coach. Purdue gets a lot healthier during the offseason and should boast a dynamic offense in 2011. The potential for a big jump forward is here, but Purdue must reduce major mistakes, particularly in the kicking game.

Here's the second half of my interview with new Indiana coach Kevin Wilson. Check out Part I as well.

What do you think it's going to take to turn around the defense at IU?

Kevin Wilson: Well, we'll start with our coordinator and structure, and I'm going to take some time to research and get the right person there, myself being much more offensive-oriented. So we'll take a little time and get the right one there and start with the structure standpoint. From there, I don't know because I've not really had the opportunity with our defense to know if there's physical limitations or concerns with certain position groups that aren't as talented, as strong, as big, as fast as we need.

So we'll start here with our defensive leadership, we'll start with our defensive structure. I've got a couple thoughts, but I'm going to wait until we get our defensive guy on staff and not square-peg or pigeonhole him and give him a chance to get it going. We're going to buy some time from the coaching and scheme standpoint, and I don't know a great deal about our actual personnel as we speak.

Is it a concern for you that the defense has been a problem for more than a decade? Indiana has had the offensive players -- Antwaan Randle El, Ben Chappell and those guys -- but the defense hasn't really caught up.

KW: I don't have a clue what their defensive stats have been. I just know for nine years, 15 spring practices, all preseason, every Tuesday and Wednesday going against coach [Bob] Stoops, with the attitude and the mind-set, I might be known as an offensive guy, but having come from the environment that I just came from, I have a great feel for what it looks like and how to structure, practice, recruit, coordinate, prepare, put a defense in great position.

Because I'm coming from one of the greatest defensive places there is with the coaching and the way that thing has been run with Bob, with Mike [Stoops], with Bo Pelini, with Brent Venables, that's been a pretty strong defensive place. Trust me, the hardest thing at Oklahoma isn't game day. The hardest thing at Oklahoma is Tuesday and Wednesday in practice.

There's a perception that Indiana is a basketball school. How do you deal with that? Was it a concern for you when you started talking about the job?


KW: It really wasn't. Coach [Tom] Crean is a great coach and we do have phenomenal tradition in basketball. He's going to be an extremely positive and avid supporter because this school is such a strong school, I don't think it should take a backseat or not be strong in any department. I don't think our school, the way president [Michael] McRobbie has it set up, he doesn't want to be average in anything.

From an athletic perspective, with our new administration with [athletic director] Fred Glass, with resources and dollars and Big Ten revenue and things we're generating and raising, I don't think we want to be just a member of a conference in any sport. We're pushing ourselves to get ourselves in position to play at an extremely high level, to play at a consistent winning level and start putting our teams in position to play for championships in all sports. It's great we're a basketball school, but what we really are at Indiana is we're a great school. We should be great at all things. We're looking forward to the challenge, and we're looking forward to the opportunity to build this thing and make it into a strong program.

I know you haven't been there too long, but from talking to the players or seeing any tape from last year, how close is Indiana to getting over that hump?

KW: I haven't really studied it. I know we're not playing horseshoes, so I don't want to be close. From what I've gathered, there is a strong nucleus of some talent coming back, sounds like a great recruiting class. I know we've done a very nice job in our scheduling and what we've got nonconference. I know the Big Ten league, I know it's going to be competitive. But I also feel we're going to put a plan in place, a process in place, to win.

We're not trying to win three, five years down the road. In fairness to our seniors, our alumni and our fans, we need to win right now. That's not trying to be arrogant or boastful or making statements that can't come true, but we're going to try and build something. It's a process, it's going to take time, but in fairness to our seniors, we're going to do everything we can to be as good as we can as fast as we can.

When you look at scores and you look at the talent, yeah, they're not far off. But being close is not winning. Being close doesn't excite me. But it does make me feel like there are the resources here where we feel like we have a chance. We tried to start [Tuesday] with a change of mind-set, a change of body language, a change of how we act and carry ourselves to see if we can get this thing going in a positive direction and build something that's going to be special here for our school and these players and for the fans and for the state of Indiana.

Coach Bill Lynch talked a lot this summer about Indiana being only 12 plays away from a nice season in 2009.

The Hoosiers got even closer to an elusive bowl berth this fall, winning five games and playing competitive contests against Michigan, Northwestern and especially Iowa. But a program that can't seem to get over the hump in Big Ten play fell just short again, and Indiana athletic director Fred Glass determined that the time had come for a change at the top.

Glass' decision to fire Lynch on Nov. 28 wasn't an easy one, but it made sense after Lynch won only three Big Ten games in the past three seasons. Like several of his IU predecessors, Lynch fostered success on offense, as quarterback Ben Chappell had another big season as one of the Big Ten's top signal-callers. He got plenty of help from his outstanding receiving corps, led by All-Big Ten selection Tandon Doss and fellow junior Damarlo Belcher.

But Indiana's defense continued to struggle mightily, despite the arrivals of several junior college players. Indiana allowed the most points (408) of any Big Ten team and didn't generate much of a pass rush aside from end Darius Johnson.

The Hoosiers' wins came against four weak nonconference foes and a banged-up Purdue team in West Lafayette. Although there were some nice moments, especially the players lifting the Old Oaken Bucket on Nov. 27, the time for change had arrived.

Offensive MVP: Ben Chappell. Few Big Ten players meant more to their teams than Chappell, who led the league in passing yards (3,295) and tossed 24 touchdowns and only nine interceptions for a one-dimensional Hoosiers offense. Overshadowed by so many other great Big Ten quarterbacks, Chappell ranked 22nd nationally in total offense and recorded six 300-yard passing performance this season. Belcher and Doss merit mentions here.

Defensive MVP: Tyler Replogle. Indiana endured another rough year on the defensive side, but Replogle did his part. The senior linebacker led Indiana with 87 tackles, six for loss, and added an interception, three quarterback hurries and a fumble recovery. His leadership for a young Hoosiers defense was invaluable.

Turning point: Indiana still had a chance to make a bowl game when it hosted Iowa on Nov. 6 at Memorial Stadium. The Hoosiers' defense kept the Hawkeyes out of the end zone until the closing minutes, and Iowa took an 18-13 lead with 2:50 remaining. Chappell drove Indiana downfield and lofted a fourth-down pass to an open Belcher in the end zone. But the normally sure-handed junior dropped the ball. Indiana was pasted 83-20 the next week at Wisconsin.

What's next: Glass acted quickly to find a successor for Lynch and will introduce Oklahoma offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson as the team's new coach today at a 4 p.m. ET news conference in Bloomington. Wilson has Big Ten ties at Northwestern and brings a strong track record to Indiana, which returns several exciting offensive weapons for 2011. His biggest task is no different from the one facing the men who came before him -- fix Indiana's defense.