ESPN College Football

I hope you love me as much as Mike Martz loves Jay Cutler. Yeesh.

• The Big Ten will be more than the big four this season, AOL FanHouse's John Walters writes.
• Big Ten defensive ends Ryan Kerrigan (Purdue), Adrian Clayborn (Iowa) and Cameron Heyward (Ohio State) can single-handedly change games, Tim May writes in The Columbus Dispatch.
• Geography won't determine Big Ten divisions in the end, Mike Hlas writes in The (Cedar Rapids) Gazette. Purdue AD Morgan Burke weighs in on the division debate, Mike Carmin writes in The (Lafayette) Journal and Courier.
• True freshman Robert Bolden could soon become Penn State's starting quarterback, David Jones writes in The (Harrisburg) Patriot-News. Jack Crawford is in line to become Penn State's next star D-lineman, Ron Musselman writes in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
• Bolden isn't the only true freshman quarterback in the mix for a starting job in the Big Ten, Mark Snyder writes in the Detroit Free Press. Still, Denard Robinson looks like the man to beat at Michigan, Michael Rosenberg writes in the Free Press. The downward spiral of former Michigan cornerback Boubacar Cissoko continues, annarbor.com's Lee Higgins writes.
• Brandon Wegher's return this fall seems unlikely, but Iowa should be fine at running back, Marc Morehouse writes in The (Cedar Rapids) Gazette.
• Not surprisingly, mammoth Michigan State freshman William Gholston is switching from linebacker to defensive end, Matt Charboneau writes in The Detroit News. Michigan State's secondary has something to prove this fall, Denny Schwarze writes in the Lansing State Journal.
• Minnesota's schedule looks pretty brutal, Hlas writes. Still, the Gophers could catch a big break in their opener if Middle Tennessee's Dwight Dasher can't play, Monte Hale writes in The Daily News Journal.
• Defensive lineman Johnathan Hankins and wideout Corey Brown are among the Ohio State freshmen who could see the field this fall, Doug Lesmerises writes in The Cleveland Plain Dealer.
• Speaking of freshmen, Venric Mark leads a group of Northwestern newcomers who should see the field this fall, Teddy Greenstein writes in the Chicago Tribune.
• Illinois starting tight end Zach Becker will miss the first three games with a foot injury, Bob Asmussen writes in The (Champaign) News-Gazette.
• The competition for Indiana's backup quarterback job remains open, Dustin Dopirak writes in The (Bloomington) Herald-Times (subscription required).
• Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt, a former tight end at Central Michigan, is getting some work at his old spot, Tom Mulhern writes in the Wisconsin State Journal.

If you asked me Tuesday morning to form a short list of players Michigan must have on the field this fall, Troy Woolfolk's name would be right at the top.

Woolfolk isn't Michigan's best player, nor is he the team's most talented. By most measures, he was an average Big Ten cornerback for the half season he spent there in 2009.

But Woolfolk brought leadership and experience to a secondary that severely lacks both. Plus, he eased some concern (not all) at a position that has gone through a major talent drain in the last 10 months.

That's why the news that Woolfolk reportedly suffered a dislocated ankle and a broken bone in his leg at Tuesday's practice is so painful for Michigan to endure. Head coach Rich Rodriguez hasn't said much about the situation, only that it was a lower body injury and that Woolfolk went to the hospital from practice.

But Woolfolk's high school coach, Jim Creech, told colleague Joe Schad that "it looks like [Woolfolk will] miss the season." Woolfolk was treated and released from University Hospital on Tuesday night, and his father told multiple media outlets that a decision on surgery will be made later.

Woolfolk posted on his Twitter page late Tuesday night: "Even though T-Woolf will be absent, Troy will be on sidelines coaching&cheering for Michigan till all air has vacated my lungs." T-Woolf, for those who don't know, is Woolfolk's alter ego.

Fortunately, Woolfolk has a redshirt season and could return in 2011, but his injury leaves Michigan young and thin at cornerback. Considering how well Michigan has recruited the cornerback spot in recent years, it's amazing to think that the program could get to this point.

Remember these guys?

• Donovan Warren: First-team All-Big Ten selection in 2009 declared for the NFL as a junior but wasn't drafted in April.
• Boubacar Cissoko: Blue chip recruit started the first four games in 2009, missed two games because of a suspension, returned for a game and then was dismissed for violating team rules. In a truly sad story, Cissoko is now in jail serving time for his role in multiple robberies.
• Demar Dorsey: The Big Ten's top-rated recruit signed with Michigan in February but was denied admission in June, a decision that didn't sit well with the coaching staff. Dorsey is still waiting to see whether he gets admitted to Louisville.
• Adrian Witty: Signed with Michigan in 2009 but never made it to Ann Arbor because of academic issues. He eventually landed at Cincinnati, where he has been impressive in training camp.
• J.T. Turner: Decorated recruit was granted his release from the team last week and intends to transfer.

It's quite a list, and Michigan certainly could use the help this fall.

I wonder if Pacman Jones has any eligibility left. Or Charles Woodson.

Michigan feels good about J.T. Floyd at one corner spot, but the other spot is a mystery and the overall depth is very shaky. The Wolverines have been fighting a numbers game on defense since Rodriguez's arrival, and the situation at cornerback has exacerbated the problem.

One thing is clear: youth will be served in 2010, and freshmen like Cullen Christian and Courtney Avery had better grow up fast.

In all likelihood, J.T. Turner wasn't going to start for Michigan in its Sept. 4 opener.

From everything I've been told, J.T. Floyd will join veteran Troy Woolfolk as the Wolverines' starting cornerbacks against Connecticut. But Turner's decision to transfer combined with Michigan's decision not to admit prized recruit Demar Dorsey raises the anxiety level about a secondary that already sparks a ton of concern after the past two seasons.

Michigan has had little trouble luring heralded cornerbacks, namely Turner, Dorsey and Boubacar Cissoko. But for various reasons -- I'm not directly blaming anyone here -- none of them will be suiting up for the Maize and Blue this fall.

The Wolverines' depth at cornerback isn't what we thought it would be a few months ago.

Woolfolk and Floyd not only need to be good, but they need to stay healthy. And you can bet incoming freshmen Cullen Christian, Courtney Avery and Terry Talbott will have chances to see the field early.

Ready for camp?

• Quarterback and offensive line are two of Penn State's primary concerns as camp opens today, Derek Levarse writes in The Times-Leader. Joe Paterno remains The Story in State College, statecollege.com's Mike Poorman writes. JoePa should keep quiet about how Bobby Bowden was treated at Florida State, Mike Bianchi writes in the Orlando Sentinel.
• Big Ten players are meeting regularly on how to deal with the agent issue, annarbor.com's Dave Birkett writes.
• Ohio State safety Tyler Moeller finally gets to hit somebody, Doug Lesmerises writes in The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Those who think Jim Tressel is conservative apparently have "no investment in the situation," Ken Gordon writes in The Columbus Dispatch.
• The (Champaign) News-Gazette's Loren Tate educates us on the 2010 Illinois football team. Eddie McGee's career hasn't gone according to plan, but the quarterback-turned-receiver has a license to lead this fall, Mark Tupper writes in The (Decatur) Herald & Review.
• Minnesota head coach Tim Brewster might be in the minority, but he likes a nine-game conference slate, Phil Miller writes in the Star Tribune.
• After the NCAA investigation, Michigan players seemed less inclined to show up for summer workouts, according to cornerback Troy Woolfolk, Mark Snyder writes in the Detroit Free Press. Former Wolverines corner Boubacar Cissoko is sentenced for his role in four robberies, Gregg Krupa writes in The Detroit News.
• Northwestern's Pat Fitzgerald is only 35, but he doesn't plan to coach even into his sixties, Teddy Greenstein writes in the Chicago Tribune. The Wildcats are looking for big things from defensive tackle Corbin Bryant, Tina Akouris writes in the Chicago Sun-Times.
• Michigan State is loaded at linebacker, prompting a shift to the 3-4, Joe Rexrode writes in the Lansing State Journal.
• Big Ten analysts have questions about Purdue's rushing attack, Mike Carmin writes in The (Lafayette) Journal and Courier.
• A look at five story lines for Indiana as training camp begins, Dustin Dopirak writes in The (Bloomington) Herald-Times (subscription required).
• Penn State and Iowa love to party.
• Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins grew up wanting to play for Iowa, Pat Harty writes in the Iowa City Press-Citizen.
• According to Jim Delany's criteria (1993-present), Wisconsin looks very strong as the Big Ten decides divisions, Tom Mulhern writes in the Wisconsin State Journal.

In honor of the celebrity I saw this weekend in New York, I give you today's quote.

"Cameron's moment went on for a really, really long time. Turns out I could've run to the party and made it back for the end of his moment."

• Marketing experts think the Big Ten will stick with its brand name despite going to 12 teams, Brian Christopherson writes in the Lincoln Journal Star. Nebraska steps into a very good and very lucrative situation in the Big Ten, Lee Barfknecht writes in the Omaha World-Herald.
• Michigan player Jon Bills is recovering well from a very serious car accident, annarbor.com's Dave Birkett writes. The Detroit News' Gregg Krupa and Vincent Goodwill examine what went wrong with former Michigan cornerback Boubacar Cissoko.
• Iowa's seniors won't be around for it, but they think the Nebraska rivalry will be a big hit, Marc Morehouse writes in The (Cedar Rapids) Gazette. Some Hawkeyes fans are so excited to see their team on the road that they bought season tickets at Arizona to do so, Ryan Suchomel writes in the Iowa City Press-Citizen.
• A strong Big Ten divisions proposal from The York Daily Record's Frank Bodani.
• Wisconsin's weight-room transition from John Dettman to Ben Herbert is working out well, Mike Lucas writes in The Capital Times.
• Chicago Sun-Times columnist and former Northwestern cornerback Rick Telander checks in with his former Wildcats teammates about what football did for them -- and to them.
• Purdue coach Danny Hope likes the idea of more Big Ten games on the football schedule, Mike Carmin writes in The (Lafayette) Journal and Courier.
• The Indianapolis Star's Terry Hutchens and Tom Brew discuss the new Big Ten and agree that the title game should be played in Naptown.
• The 2013 NFL draft is a long way off, but Michigan State's Jerel Worthy might hear his named called early on that day, Shannon Shelton writes in the Detroit Free Press.
• Ohio State has the academic support structure in place, but some players like Duron Carter and Keith Wells still struggle in the classroom, Ken Gordon writes in The Columbus Dispatch.

Gol!

• The Fiesta Bowl wanted to pick Iowa, but political reasons led to a TCU-Boise State matchup, Scott Dochterman writes in The (Cedar Rapids) Gazette.
• Nebraska might be new to the Big Ten, but Penn State knows all about the Huskers, Ron Musselman writes in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. College football needs Joe Paterno for as long as he's willing to contribute, statecollege.com's Mike Poorman writes.
• Big Ten commish Jim Delany and Nebraska AD Tom Osborne are among the expansion winners, Matt Hayes and Dave Curtis write in Sporting News.
• Cornerback Delonte Hollowell is the latest player to make the move from Cass Tech to Michigan, annarbor.com's Dave Birkett writes. Michigan ranks 68th nationally, according to the Orlando Sentinel's Andrea Adelson.
• Michigan State actually ranks lower than its in-state rival at No. 69, Adelson writes.
• Speaking of countdowns, Illinois comes in at No. 84 nationally, according to Rivals.com. As the Missouri series goes on pause, Illinois will open the 2011 season against Arkansas State.
• Iowa looked to the Lone Star State for its latest verbal, receiver Austin Vincent, Andy Hamilton writes in the Iowa City Press-Citizen.
• The downward spiral of former Michigan cornerback Boubacar Cissoko continues, Gregg Krupa writes in The Detroit News.
• So far, quarterback Robert Marve is making the most of his second chance at Purdue, Rivals.com's Tom Dienhart writes. Bob Griese and Brian Griese hope to broadcast a game featuring their alma maters Purdue and Michigan, Mike Carmin writes in The (Lafayette) Journal and Courier.
• The verbals keep rolling in for Indiana, which bolstered its offense on Tuesday, Dustin Dopirak writes in The (Bloomington) Herald-Times.
• The Big Ten Network hands out its 2009-10 awards, and Iowa-Ohio State football claimed best game.

It looks like the Big Ten will stick to its original timetable for the expansion study, 12-18 months. But commissioner Jim Delany addresses reporters today at BCS meetings, so it'll be interesting to see what he has to say.

• Pac-10 blogger Ted Miller is at BCS meetings all week -- follow him here -- and he recaps the expansion buzz of Day 1. Pac-10 commissioner Larry Scott, by the way, doesn't see an urgent need for his league to expand, Miller writes.
• Everyone else is waiting to see what the Big Ten does, SI.com's Andy Staples writes.
• Penn State president Graham Spanier says you'll keep waiting because nothing is imminent, Dave Curtis writes in The Sporting News.
• SI.com's Stewart Mandel has a good look at frequently asked questions about possible Big Ten expansion.
• There's a slight leader in Illinois' quarterback race, and it's redshirt freshman Nathan Scheelhaase, Shannon Ryan writes in the Chicago Tribune.
• Purdue adds junior college safety Max Charlot to help its revamped secondary this fall, Mike Carmin writes in The (Lafayette) Journal and Courier.
• DeLeon Eskridge and Duane Bennett are still competing for a starting job at Minnesota, but both backs look improved this spring, Kent Youngblood writes in the Star Tribune.
• Bryan Bulaga is the latest promising offensive lineman to come out of Iowa, Dan Pompei writes in the Chicago Tribune. Iowa is on the board for 2011 recruiting, and the team addresses a need at wide receiver, Andy Hamilton writes in the Iowa City Press-Citizen. Iowa has named its leadership group for 2010.
• Michigan's spring game helped its recruiting efforts, Josh Helmholdt writes in the Detroit Free Press. The problems continue for former Wolverines cornerback Boubacar Cissoko.
• Indiana football players pay an important visit to a children's hospital in Indy, Dustin Dopirak writes in The (Bloomington) Herald-Times.

Links? Are you out there? Links?

• Big Ten Freshman of the Year Chris Borland will miss spring ball at Wisconsin following shoulder surgery, Tom Mulhern writes in the Wisconsin State Journal. Bret Bielema is in no rush to hire a defensive backs coach, Mulhern writes.
• Minnesota could look to these names to fill its offensive coordinator vacancy, Kent Youngblood writes in the Star Tribune.
• Rejection really hurts in recruiting, especially for ego-driven college football coaches, Tim May writes in The Columbus Dispatch.
• The troubles continue for former Michigan cornerback Boubacar Cissoko, who was arrested Friday for marijuana possession with the intent to sell, annarbor.com's Dave Birkett writes. Former Wolverines linebacker Brandon Smith lands at Temple, Kevin Tatum writes in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
• Penn State could be adding another Royster to the team, Josh Moyer writes.
• Illinois remains in the mix for heralded recruit Corey Cooper, who isn't visiting Florida State, Mike Helfgot writes in the Chicago Tribune.

Happy Friday.

• Ohio State can take its first step toward a national title run next fall by winning the Rose Bowl, Doug Lesmerises writes in The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Jim Cordle has done it all for the Buckeyes' offensive line, Ken Gordon writes in The Columbus Dispatch.
• Minnesota athletic director Joel Maturi faces a big decision about head coach Tim Brewster's future, Jim Souhan writes in the Star Tribune. The Gophers hope recruit Devon Wright can spark their dormant rushing attack, Marcus Fuller writes in the (St. Paul) Pioneer Press.
• In a candid interview with The Sporting News' Dave Curtis, former Illinois wide receiver Arrelious Benn weighs in on the team's struggles this fall.Vic Koenning will be introduced today as Illinois' defensive coordinator, Bob Asmussen writes in The (Champaign) News-Gazette.
• Iowa's unsuccessful trip to the Orange Bowl in 2003 changed the way head coach Kirk Ferentz conducts postseason preparation, Mike Hlas writes in The (Cedar Rapids) Gazette.
• Former Michigan cornerback Boubacar Cissoko still could return to the team, though he has some work left, Angelique Chengelis writes in The Detroit News.
• Junior college defensive back Andre Kates remains committed to Indiana, but he's looking around a bit, Dustin Dopirak writes in The (Bloomington) Herald-Times (subscription required).
• Connecticut should throw its hat in the Big Ten expansion ring, Jeff Jacobs writes in the Hartford Courant.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The strange saga of Boubacar Cissoko is over, as Michigan dismissed the cornerback for an unspecified violation of team rules.

Cissoko began the season as a starter but lost his job after the first four games. He was suspended before Michigan's game at Iowa on Oct. 10 but was reinstated for Saturday's contest against Penn State and played a few snaps in the 35-10 loss.

Head coach Rich Rodriguez released a statement Tuesday saying Cissoko had been dismissed.

Cissoko's high school coach told the Detroit Free Press that the sophomore missed classes and workouts. Rodriguez had acknowledged publicly that academics were part of the reason for Cissoko's suspension.

Safety Troy Woolfolk has moved to cornerback and will make his fourth consecutive start there Saturday against Illinois (ABC, 3:30 p.m. ET). Redshirt freshman J.T. Floyd will serve as his backup.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Greetings from Michigan Stadium, where in a few hours No. 13 Penn State will face Michigan in what figures to be a very exciting game.

Both teams have plenty to prove in today's contest.

Penn State needs to show it can win here, something it hasn't done since 1996, and confirm itself as a legitimate contender for the Big Ten title or possibly an at-large BCS bowl. The Lions snapped a nine-game losing streak to Michigan last year in Happy Valley, but the Wolverines hold a 10-4 edge in the all-time series, which marks Penn State's worst record against an opponent (minimum 10 meetings).

Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez is still searching for his first signature Big Ten victory. A win today combined with an Iowa loss to Michigan State could open the door for Michigan to vault back into the league title race with games against both Ohio State and Wisconsin still left on the schedule.

The weather could be a factor, as light rain is likely this afternoon with winds around 15 miles an hour.

Injuries: Penn State will be without backup running back Stephfon Green, who didn't make the trip because of an ankle injury. Lions linebacker Sean Lee tweaked his sprained knee last Saturday against Minnesota but practiced this week and expects to play. Michigan running backs Carlos Brown and Brandon Minor and center David Molk are all probable for the game. Molk has been out since Sept. 19 with a broken bone in his foot.

One other personnel note: Michigan cornerback Boubacar Cissoko is eligible for the game after being suspended the last two contests. Cissoko won't start but could play.

THREE KEYS FOR PENN STATE

1. Don't lose contain on QBs: Michigan quarterbacks Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson both are best on the move, and it's important for Penn State's defensive front seven to keep them in the pocket. The defensive line has played very well in recent weeks, particularly tackles Jared Odrick and Ollie Ogbu, but they'll be tested by Michigan's overall speed.

2. Stop Brandon Minor: Minor was limited in practice this week because of a lingering ankle injury, but he should be ready for the game. The senior rushed for 117 yards and two touchdowns last year against Penn State, and he gashed Iowa's talented defense in the third quarter on Oct. 10.

3. Daryll Clark in the clutch: Clark has accomplished a lot in his two years as Penn State's starting quarterback, but the senior still needs to prove he can win a close game. He struggled against Iowa the last two seasons and left last year's close win at Ohio State with a concussion. This game figures to come down to the fourth quarter, and Clark will need to make clutch throws.

THREE KEYS FOR MICHIGAN

1. Give Forcier the chance to create: Forcier has been at his best when freelancing, and most of his big plays come outside the pocket. Michigan's offensive line gets Molk back and gained confidence from the Iowa game, but left tackle Mark Ortmann admitted this week that Penn State's defensive front is more athletic.

2. Attack Penn State's secondary: It's hard to find weaknesses with Penn State's defensive line or linebacking corps, so Michigan should target the secondary as much as possible. Penn State did a great job containing Minnesota star wide receiver Eric Decker last week, and cornerback A.J. Wallace seems to have hit his stride. But Michigan has more weapons than the Gophers and needs to use them.

3. Stop Evan Royster: The Lions are a bit thin at running back and don't like to run Clark as much as they did last season. They'll want to pound the football with Royster, who is due for a huge game. Michigan's front seven will need to be disciplined and keep Royster from moving the ball and controlling the clock.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

It's no surprise that Tate Forcier will remain Michigan's starting quarterback despite getting benched late in Saturday's 30-28 loss to Iowa.

But the circumstances surrounding the final few minutes of the game keep getting weirder.

So it turns out Forcier suffered a mild concussion after getting hit by Iowa's Adrian Clayborn on an incomplete pass early in the fourth quarter. But Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez didn't know about the concussion until after the game. Rodriguez's decision to play Denard Robinson at quarterback for Michigan's final two possessions didn't relate to Forcier's health.

“Tate's got a little concussion -- I didn't know that at the time -- he got it on the last play he was in,” Rodriguez said Monday. “He got hit pretty good. Those concussions are day to day, and I don't think it was a severe one.”

It's still odd that no one on Michigan's training staff informed Rodriguez of a possible injury to Forcier immediately after it happened. At the very least, Rodriguez could have cited Forcier's health as a reason for not playing him in the clutch, when the freshman has been at his best this season. It could have saved Rodriguez some criticism.

Forcier still has a headache Monday and will be limited in practice. He needs to be at or near full strength by Wednesday to play this week against Delaware State, though Rodriguez expects to him ready.

Rodriguez also expects senior running back Carlos Brown to return from a concussion that kept him home for the Iowa game. And cornerback Boubacar Cissoko is practicing with the scout team during his suspension. Rodriguez said Cissoko's suspension is related to academics and other reasons.

"Playing football is important to him," Rodriguez said. "And I think his academics are important. But to what level? It has to be at the right level."

Safety Troy Woolfolk started at cornerback against Iowa. Woolfolk and J.T. Floyd likely will share time this week.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Happy Monday to all.

• It frustrates the rest of the Big Ten, but Ohio State once again is setting the standard for the league, Doug Lesmerises writes in The Cleveland Plain Dealer.
• Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi might drive fans crazy, but he wins games, Marc Morehouse writes in The (Cedar Rapids) Gazette. The second half for the Hawkeyes should be a wild ride, Sean Keeler writes in the Des Moines Register.
• Penn State's defensive line is shaping up nicely, Ron Musselman writes in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
• Rich Rodriguez's decision to play Denard Robinson over Tate Forcier against Iowa is being second-guessed here and here and here. Also, Michigan cornerback Boubacar Cissoko is indefinitely suspended.
• Michigan State running back Larry Caper expects his workload to increase, Eric Lacy writes in The Detroit News. Line play on both sides of the ball is sparking Michigan State, Shannon Shelton writes in the Detroit Free Press.
• Wisconsin has let down at times this season, and the Badgers finally paid the price at Ohio State, Jeff Potrykus writes in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
• Minnesota quarterback Adam Weber isn't happy with his play, Kent Youngblood writes in the Star Tribune.
• A week after shuffling quarterbacks, Illinois coach Ron Zook is taking aim at his struggling offensive line, Bob Asmussen writes in The (Champaign) News-Gazette.
• Aside from Notre Dame, college football in the state of Indiana leaves much to be desired, Terry Hutchens writes in The Indianapolis Star.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Michigan sophomore cornerback Boubacar Cissoko didn't make the trip to Iowa City, team officials said.

Cissoko lost his starting job to J.T. Floyd last week after a rough outing Sept. 26 against Indiana. Michigan staged an open competition for the top spot opposite Donovan Warren in practice this week. Cissoko has 16 tackles, an interception and a pass breakup this season.

Expect Floyd to get the start tonight.

Also, Iowa tight end Tony Moeaki is warming up and doesn't appear to be limited. He and cornerback Shaun Prater both worked with the first-team offense.

Moeaki has missed Iowa's last three games with an ankle injury. Prater missed last week's game with a hyperextended knee.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Don't forget to follow me on Twitter today during the Big Ten coaches teleconference.

• Ohio State feels Big Ten officials and the league dropped the ball in handling the Kurt Coleman situation, Ken Gordon writes in The Columbus Dispatch.
• Michigan cornerbacks Boubacar Cissoko and J.T. Floyd will compete for a starting job this week, annarbor.com's Dave Birkett writes. The records don't matter in the emotion-charged Michigan State-Michigan game, Angelique Chengelis writes in The Detroit News.
• Safeties Kim Royston and Jay Valai have remained close friends, but Saturday's game against Wisconsin is a little more personal for Royston, who transferred from UW to Minnesota, Jeff Potrykus writes in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
• The Sporting News' Dave Curtis checks in with Wisconsin quarterback Scott Tolzien.
• Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald feels his team is capable of much more, Dan McGrath writes in the Chicago Tribune.
• Arkansas State sees an opportunity at Kinnick Stadium, while Iowa guards against a letdown this weekend, Andrew Logue writes in the Des Moines Register. Former Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George likes what he sees from Iowa's young running backs, Andy Hamilton and Pat Harty write in the Iowa City Press-Citizen.
• Indiana's performance at Michigan gives fans a reason to believe, Chris Korman writes in The (Bloomington) Herald-Times (subscription required).
• Michigan State needs some leadership to emerge on a struggling defense, Joe Rexrode writes in the Lansing State Journal. The Spartans' margin for error is shrinking, Steve Grinczel writes in The Grand Rapids Press.
• Penn State has two weeks to fix its problems, Bob Flounders writes in The (Harrisburg) Patriot-News.
• Illinois appears to be falling apart, David Jones writes in The (Harrisburg) Patriot-News. Illini fans shouldn't panic just yet, Loren Tate writes in The (Champaign) News-Gazette.