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Ohio State is dotting the iPad.

The nation's largest athletic department announced Wednesday that it will begin providing all of its student athletes with iPads this fall as part of an academic support initiative. Ohio State had a record number of scholar athletes (548 had at least a 3.0 GPA) in the past academic year, and the school is poised for another strong finish in the Directors Cup.

The initiative, part of Ohio State's Digital First program, will provide 500 iPads to select teams this fall, with the goal being to supply every student-athlete with an iPad in the next two years. The iPads will be preloaded with athletic department materials the athletes currently receive in paper or book form.

Hmmm, wonder how many of those initial 500 iPads will go to football players? Can Urban Meyer and Tom Herman upload their playbook on Braxton Miller's iPad?

Ohio State's athletic department will fund the program while looking for additional support in the coming years.

Buckeyes athletes have to be thrilled with this development, and you can bet Meyer and his staff will mention this to recruits.

Athletes get perks at every Big Ten school, but it'll be interesting to see which other programs follow Ohio State's lead.

The arms race is alive and well.

The tireless Phil Steele, he of the eponymous and indispensable college football preview magazine, has come out with his preseason All-Big Ten teams. You can find them -- which include four teams for offense, defense and special teams -- on his blog here.

Some of Steele's choices were obvious ones, like Montee Ball, Rex Burkhead, Ricky Wagner and Taylor Lewan on the first-team offense, and John Simon, Kawann Short, William Gholston, Gerald Hodges, Chris Borland, Mike Taylor and Johnny Adams on the first-team defense.

Steele picked Michigan's Denard Robinson as his first-team quarterback, with Ohio State's Braxton Miller on the second team. Iowa's James Vandenberg doesn't appear on his top four teams, which is very surprising.

Receiver may be the hardest position to figure out this year in the Big Ten. Steele has Wisconsin's Jared Abbrederis, Iowa's Keenan Davis and Michigan's Roy Roundtree on his first team. He picks Ohio State's Jake Stoneburner as the top tight end in a year when that position could be stacked. Wisconsin's Travis Frederick, Michigan State's Chris McDonald and Nebraska's Spencer Long are the first-team interior linemen.

Steele likes Ohio State's Johnathan Hankins as a first-team performer on the defensive line. He goes with four linebackers, making room for Illinois' Jonathan Brown. Iowa's Micah Hyde joins Adams at first-team cornerback, while Michigan State's Isaiah Lewis and Ohio State's C.J. Barnett are the safeties.

Wisconsin leads the way with seven first-team picks, while Michigan State has the most players on all four teams, with 16. Ohio State has 15, including receivers Corey Brown and Devin Smith on the fourth team. Minnesota had only one player on Steele's top four teams -- Troy Stoudermire, who appears as the fourth-team cornerback and fourth-team kick returner.

The book is closed on spring football in the Big Ten, but what did the chapters reveal? Although no games are played during the spring, which fuels optimism for all 12 teams, the 15 practices provide clues for the upcoming season. The Big Ten saw few major injuries to key players, some good news (the NCAA declaring Michigan State WR DeAnthony Arnett eligible for 2012) and some potentially troubling signs.

It's time to revive the power rankings coming out of the spring. We see separation with the top two teams, while Nos. 3-5 are closely matched. The same holds true for Nos. 7-10.

Here they are ...

1. Michigan State: The Spartans' defense looks like the single best unit in the Big Ten entering the season. Spring practice only enhanced our opinion of Pat Narduzzi's group, which has no shortage of stars. While the passing game needs work, Arnett's presence should help, and the Spartans will rely more on their run game with Le'Veon Bell and an improved offensive line.

2. Michigan: Quarterback Denard Robinson and Fitzgerald Toussaint, who affirmed himself as Michigan's top tailback this spring, form arguably the Big Ten's most dangerous backfield tandem. If Michigan can fill some key pieces on both lines, where there was some shuffling this spring, it will be back in the BCS bowl mix and among the favorites to win the Big Ten crown.

3. Wisconsin: It seems hard to fathom, but Montee Ball appeared to take his game to an even higher gear this spring. The Badgers' star running back will fuel the offense again, although quarterback remains a question mark as Maryland transfer Danny O'Brien arrives this summer. Wisconsin still needs more playmakers to emerge on the defensive line and in the secondary.

4. Nebraska: Tough call on this spot, but the Huskers return their core pieces on offense from a 9-4 team. Footwork-conscious quarterback Taylor Martinez received good reviews this spring, and he should be more comfortable in Year 2 at the helm of Tim Beck's offense. Coach Bo Pelini thinks the defense will be improved and potentially deeper, although the Huskers lose a lot of star power on that side of the ball.

5. Ohio State: There were few dull moments in Ohio State's first spring under Urban Meyer, who began installing an offense unlike any seen in Columbus. After resembling a "clown show" early on, the offense made strides and quarterback Braxton Miller looks like a strong fit for the system. An improved defense, led by linemen John Simon and Johnathan Hankins, should buy the offense some time to get acclimated.

6. Penn State: New coach Bill O'Brien ushered in a historic spring in Happy Valley, and Penn State players for the most part embraced the many changes taking place. The Lions still don't have a quarterback, but they have an excellent running back in Silas Redd and an improved offense line that pleasantly surprised O'Brien this spring. Penn State's defensive front seven, led by linebacker Gerald Hodges and tackle Jordan Hill, might need to carry the team at times.

7. Purdue: Fourth-year coach Danny Hope thinks this is clearly his best team in West Lafayette, and with 18 starters back, it's easy to see why. The Boilermakers are one of the Big Ten's deepest teams at positions like quarterback, defensive tackle, running back and cornerback. Purdue must continue to absorb the new defense installed by Tim Tibesar and fill some key gaps along the offensive line.

8. Iowa: Although Iowa's changes this spring didn't make national headlines like the ones at Penn State and Ohio State, they were very significant. New offensive coordinator Greg Davis began installing a more up-tempo and multifaceted offense that seems to be clicking with senior quarterback James Vandenberg. Jordan Canzeri's ACL injury once again clouds the picture at running back entering the summer, and Iowa needs its young defensive line to grow up in a hurry.

9. Northwestern: The Wildcats showcased one of the league's top wide-receiving corps this spring, and if Kain Colter can improve his passing, the offense should surge. Defense has been Northwestern's bugaboo in recent years, and young players like end Deonte Gibson and cornerback Nick VanHoose stepped forward this spring. It's crucial for the defense to keep making progress if Northwestern wants to maintain its bowl streak.

10. Illinois: There's little doubt Illinois will be a defense-driven team, and the Illini look loaded in the front seven with players like end Michael Buchanan, who turned in a very strong spring, as well as tackle Akeem Spence and linebacker Jonathan Brown. An offense that flatlined late last season began learning a new system this spring and still lacks playmakers at running back and wide receiver. Running back Josh Ferguson's spring-game performance is encouraging.

11. Minnesota: The second spring of the Jerry Kill era brought greater comfort for both players and coaches alike. Quarterback MarQueis Gray made strides in his second spring session as the starter, although the Gophers are still looking for more weapons to surround No. 5. The defensive line should be an improved group after several lifeless seasons. Minnesota still needs to develop depth in the secondary and at wide receiver.

12. Indiana: After playing an insane number of freshmen in 2011, Indiana began to reap the benefits this spring. An influx of junior-college defenders, including linebackers David Cooper and Jacarri Alexander, also should boost a unit that needs all the help it can get. The Hoosiers have some nice building blocks on offense at both quarterback (Tre Roberson) and running back (Stephen Houston, Isaiah Roundtree), but they still have a lot of work to do before the season.

We're getting near the end of our series looking at the most indispensable players on each Big Ten team. Once again, this is not necessarily a listing of the best players on each team, but ones whose absence would be toughest to absorb because of their particular value or a lack of depth behind them.

We're selecting two players from each Big Ten squad, usually one on offense and one on defense, but not always. Ohio State is on the clock:

Braxton Miller, QB, Sophomore

It's not just that Miller is the team's best playmaker and a seemingly perfect fit in Urban Meyer's spread offense. It's also that there isn't much depth behind him. Kenny Guiton is the only other quarterback on the roster with any game experience, and that experience is threadbare at best. While Meyer said earlier this week that he liked what Guiton was doing, there is still a major dropoff from Miller to anyone else. The Buckeyes' season would also experience a major dropoff if Miller had to miss extended time.

John Simon, DL, Senior

Depth isn't nearly as big of a factor in selecting Simon. Ohio State should actually be pretty stacked on the defensive front once its talented newcomers all get up to speed. Depth at linebacker is much more of a concern on the defense. But Simon is indispensable for reasons other than just his talent, which is immense. Meyer can't heap enough kind words on the senior, at one point calling him "Tebowish." Simon provides an excellent example on and off the field in building the type of program Meyer wants. He's also good enough to be an All-American and can play either end or tackle if needed. That makes this choice a pretty easy one.

Spring practice is a time when coaches install new schemes or just instill the fundamentals. The most exciting part of spring practice is potential new stars emerge, with newcomers or former reserves turning heads with their performances.

Some of these guys will fade back into the shadows come fall. But others will be making major contributions on a field near you. Here's a list of some players who had breakout springs:

Josh Ferguson, RB, Illinois: Redshirted last year after a hamstring injury, Ferguson blew up for 130 yards and caught six passes in the Illini spring game. He flashed his speed and versatility for an offense that desperately needs playmakers in its new spread attack. Ferguson should be in line to get a lot of touches in 2012.

Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State: A true freshman who enrolled in January after spending a year in prep school, Thomas suddenly became Braxton Miller's favorite target in the spring game, hauling in 12 catches for 131 yards. Like Ferguson, he gave a glimmer of hope to a position that was sorely in need of a boost for the Buckeyes, and he'll get a shot at plenty of playing time right away.

Darien Harris, LB, Michigan State: Few people were talking about Harris at the start of spring, especially since the Spartans return all three starting linebackers. But with Chris Norman out this spring with an injury, Harris got a bunch of reps and ran with it. Mark Dantonio called the redshirt freshman "one of the exciting surprises of the spring." He'll play this fall, but the question is how much?

Joey Burzinski, OL, Michigan: Even most Wolverines fans had probably not heard of Buzinski, a walk-on freshman, before this spring. But a strong work ethic and a lack of depth on the Michigan O-line helped him make a move until he found himself working with the first string. Burzinski is no lock to start but should see minutes somewhere on the line and is a great story.

Bill Belton, RB, Penn State: Belton was a highly-regard recruit who started to make an impact at the end of last season. Moved to full-time running back this spring, he responded by making a lot of plays and adding depth to a spot that was extremely thin behind Silas Redd. Belton's versatility should help him become a useful weapon in Bill O'Brien's offense.

David Cooper, LB, Indiana: There's no question that the Hoosiers desperately needed some help on defense, and head coach Kevin Wilson scoured the junior college ranks for a talent injection. Cooper, along with Jacarri Alexander, proved he could run and tackle this spring, and he also brought a high energy level that rubbed off on his teammates. He's slated to start at middle linebacker and hopefully bring some improvement to the overall defensive effort.

C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa: He was a hyped recruit, and now Fiedorowicz might be about to show why. A matchup nightmare at 6-foot-7 and 265 pounds, the junior is expected to play a major role in new offensive coordinator Greg Davis's offense, and James Vandenberg has to love having such a big target.

Frankie Williams, S, Purdue: By the end of last season, Danny Hope regretted his decision to redshirt Williams because he felt he could have contributed at cornerback. Williams moved to safety this spring and got the start there in the spring game. The Boilers are deep at corner but could use a little help at safety, and Williams looks ready to fill that need.

2011 overall record: 6-7
2011 conference record: 3-5 (fourth, Leaders division)
Returning starters: Offense: 7; defense: 9; kicker/punter: 2

Top returners
QB Braxton Miller, RB Jordan Hall, TE Jake Stoneburner, T Jack Mewhort, DE John Simon, DT Johnathan Hankins, DT Garrett Goebel, LB Ryan Shazier, S Christian Bryant, S C.J. Barnett, CB Bradley Roby

Key losses
OT Mike Adams, C Mike Brewster, RB Dan Herron, WR DeVier Posey, LB Andrew Sweat, S/LB Tyler Moeller

2011 statistical leaders (*returners)

Rushing: Braxton Miller* (715 yards)
Passing: Braxton Miller* (1,159 yards)
Receiving: Devin Smith* (294 yards)
Tackles: C.J. Barnett* (75)
Sacks: John Simon* (7)
Interceptions: Bradley Roby* and Orhian Johnson* (3)

Spring answers

1. System suits Miller: Ohio State's offense will take time to settle in, but it's clear from the spring that the no-huddle, spread system suits quarterback Braxton Miller. The athletic sophomore ran a version of the spread in high school and should flourish in an offense that demands mobility from the quarterback position. Miller completed 24 of 31 passes in Ohio State's spring game; he attempted 37 total passes in his first seven games last fall. Things are changing in Columbus, and Miller should benefit.

2. Simon dazzles: John Simon hasn't played a game for Urban Meyer, but the Buckeyes defensive end already has put himself in an elite group of former Meyer stars. Simon dominated play this spring, so much so that the coaches had to pull him off of the field at times so the offense could get in its work. Meyer made headlines by calling Simon "Tebowish" and later told ESPN.com, "It should be Simonish. He's a next-level type player: leader, character, toughness, commitment. He's elite, elite."

3. Hall, Stoneburner emerge: Meyer spent much of the spring grumbling about Ohio State's lack of offensive playmakers, but he identified two in running back Jordan Hall and tight end Jake Stoneburner. Like Miller, Hall is a player who could flourish more in the spread offense and fill the so-called "Percy position," occupied by former Meyer standout Percy Harvin and others. Stoneburner is a pass-first tight end finally playing in a pass-heavy offense. While he needs to improve his conditioning this fall, he'll play a big role for the Buckeyes.

Fall questions

1. Search for playmakers: Meyer and offensive coordinator Tom Herman are adamant about the need for additional playmakers to emerge around Miller. The Buckeyes might have found one in the spring game in freshman receiver Michael Thomas, who recorded 12 receptions for 131 yards. Whether Thomas can build on his performance in August remains to be seen. Other players to watch include receivers Corey Brown, Devin Smith and Chris Fields, and running backs Carlos Hyde, Bri'onte Dunn and Rod Smith.

2. Offensive line depth: The Buckeyes appear to have a good starting five up front on offense, but offensive line depth remains a big concern entering the summer. Tight end Reid Fragel moved to tackle this spring, and the Buckeyes will need some of their younger linemen like Chris Carter Jr. and Jacoby Boren to grow up in a hurry. Help is on the way from the recruiting trail, but Ohio State can't afford many injuries to its starters.

3. Studying the spread: While Ohio State will be much more interesting to watch on offense under Meyer and Herman, the fact remains that the new system is a dramatic departure from what the Buckeyes ran in the past. Early this spring Meyer likened the offense's performance to a "clown show," and while things improved, the unit is far from a finished product. Meyer and Herman want to operate at an extremely fast past -- think Oregon -- but can only do so if players can execute without drive-killing mistakes.

You got questions, I got answers. Let's do this.

Mickey from Battle Creek, Mich., writes: Your recent "Take Two" post really has me fired up. I'm pretty sure that I speak for many of the "little 10" fans out there who are just tired of seeing nearly every future projection regarding B1G dominance including only Michigan and Ohio State. When will you guys realize that just because you get top flight recruits and a have high profile program, doesn't mean success on the field? A national title for U of M or Ohio St in the next 5 years? Not at OSU with Braxton Miller playing, or the young guy after he graduates. Michigan I will admit is much more likely than OSU. I know they aren't the "sexy" picks, but I'd be willing to wager that a team that develops its players better (Wisconsin, Michigan State, Iowa) has a better shot, but still gets no mention, even with all the success those programs have had lately. Thoughts?

Brian Bennett: Well, I laid out my thoughts in that post. I don't know why you dismiss Braxton Miller, who showed major potential as a true freshman and seems like the ideal fit for Urban Meyer's offense. As I wrote, I wouldn't be surprised if Wisconsin or Michigan State or Nebraska, etc., jumped up and played for a title. But if I've got to pick one, I'll take a team that is getting elite-level recruits and has good coaches. Ohio State did pretty well, before last season's tumultuous events, in making BCS games and even championship appearances. With a coach who knows how to win titles, why wouldn't the Buckeyes be a safe bet for doing it again?

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Max from Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich., writes: I enjoy the blog and thinks you guys do a good job most of the time, but you seemed to have "mailed it in" today. OSU and UM on the fast track? Come on. In today's game defense wins national championships and only Michigan State has that type of defense. Speed and depth at every position, two players considered to be possible first rounders next year, and loads of experience. What am I missing here? Adam mentions that the losses on offense will hamper the Spartans then states that UM will challenge next year after they lose their only weapon. You mention OSU's lines while discounting the experience and depth of both lines at MSU. Come on, guys, you can do better.

Brian Bennett: I absolutely love what Michigan State is doing on defense. Yet I'm still not sure it's quite at the level of some of the recent SEC superpowers. Remember that the Spartans' 'D' was rated one of the nation's best a year ago, and yet it still gave up 30 points to Georgia. (OK, only 23 of those points actually came against the defense, but the 'Dawgs mustered just 10 points against LSU, for instance). A Big Ten team is going to need to score points as well to win a national title, just as Michigan State was able to put up 33 points in that Outback Bowl. I have serious questions about the Spartans' passing game this year. I think once Ohio State gets rolling, it will have a top-notch defense and a highly productive offense. But we'll see who's right in the next few years.

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Ry P. from Greensburg, Pa., writes: You understated PSU's nonconference opponents. Temple is now a Big East school AND they are a rival, especially since they are 1 of 3 PA FBS schools and that many kids go to Temple after PSU and PITT pass them over. Also, Navy is an important independent school and cannot be overlooked and disrespected like that. PSU has one of most consistent nonconference schedules with n0 FCS schools scheduled the next 3 years. Personally I'd love to see PSUs nonconference schedule be Temple, PITT, WVU, and Syracuse EVERY season.

Brian Bennett: Memphis, San Diego State and SMU are in the Big East, too. Would you like to play those teams? Temple might be in the same state as Penn State, but it's hardly a rival, given the unequal results between the two. As you said, Penn State has consistently scheduled ambitiously, and the Nittany Lions should be taking on marquee teams like Alabama or USC at least once every year.

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Jeff from Marquette, Mich., writes: Hey, Brian, how much of an impact do you really think Andre Rison can have as a coach for MSU? The current coaching staff has done a pretty good job developing receivers and it seems like we've got talent, just not experience. It's not like Rison can take the field so how much of a difference can he really make?

Brian Bennett: I see it as every little bit helps. Rison won't be the main voice in the meeting room or the practice field. But kids will listen to him, because of the success he had in his career. And he surely has some tips and advice to offer. With a group as inexperienced as this one, another mentor can only help.

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Ryan from Geneva, Ohio, writes: I think Jim Delany really needs to play hardball with Mike Slive when it comes to campus sites/neutral sites north of the Mason-Dixon. If Slive doesn't capitulate then Delany and Larry Scott (of the Pac 12) should walk out of the talks and announce plans for starting a rival, 8-team playoff on their terms and let the other conferences decide who to follow. The other conferences, particularly the ACC, BE, and the former non-AQs will be inclined to side with the Delany/Scott playoff because they have greater access to it. To entice them to come any conference champion in the top 12 would automatically qualify. What are your thoughts?

Brian Bennett: Boy, I hope that doesn't happen. We're so close to a workable college football playoff system that your scenario would be a nightmare. And can you imagine the fan backlash against the Big Ten and Pac-12 if they were basically to announce they were taking their ball and going home? Delany and Scott have no interest in expanding the playoff beyond four teams, anyway. The problem is the Big Ten doesn't have a ton of leverage against the SEC, because Slive is the one holding all those trophies. The home site idea appears to be dead or dying; at the very least, the Big Ten needs to make sure that Midwest sites are strongly considered for the championship game.

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Brian from Warrensburg, Mo., writes: Am I the only one that was shocked to see both Montee Ball and Rex Burkhead missing from Todd McShay's way too early 2013 mock draft first round? Are they both too undersized to be first rounders?

Brian Bennett: I'm not surprised by Burkhead's omission. As much as I love him as a college player, I don't think he fits the mold of what NFL scouts -- who often rigidly adhere to measurables and preconceived notions -- are looking for in a running back. But he'll play in the league. It has to be disheartening for Ball, who came back to school largely to improve his draft status after receiving a third-round grade. But after seeing Doug Martin and David Wilson go in the first round, Ball has to like his chances of moving up with a big senior season.

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Charlie from Chicago writes: As a Northwestern fan, I think it's a little lame that Fitz is copying Woody Hayes by calling Illinois "that team from Champaign." What do you think about him maybe changing it to "Champaign's Big Ten team"?

Brian Bennett: That's funny, though I've grown tired of the "Ohio" and "That team up north" stuff. Everybody knows who you're talking about. Let's find more clever ways to tweak our rivals.

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Andrew F. from Fairbanks, Alaska, writes: As a Buckeye fan, I love Terrelle Pryor -- the kid was awe inspiring on the field, and its not like he was beating up women crashing cars off of it. I don't want him to go away. Did he screw up? Did Tressel screw up? Sure. But I don't care if Urban Meyer is the coach now, I have enjoyed the best coach that Ohio State will ever see, and Terrelle Pryor gave us three wonderful years. I am proud to call them Buckeyes.

Brian Bennett: We have found Terrelle Pryor's fan base: it's in Alaska. Just kidding, Andrew. So you don't want Pryor to go away? Well, Ohio State certainly does, since it banned him from any association with the program for five years. And get back to me if he does actually write that book he promised. I've got two words for you: Jose Canseco.

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Logic from Ohio writes: Brian, I agree with your comments about Terrelle Pryor's tattoos not being much help for his family. Another thing - didn't Pryor's attorney claim that his mother bought him a car last May? (The Nissan 350Z that he showed up to a team meeting in). If she couldn't afford her rent, why was she buying him a car? It's hard to feel bad for a kid who time and time again appears dishonest, and only out for himself.

Brian Bennett: You're right, and there was also the issue of some pretty nice cars with dealer tags he drove around Columbus. Was he doing "God's work" in those? Look, I can't begrudge anyone for trying to help their family, and sometimes people go through economic ups and downs. But the point is that Terrelle Pryor has always been about Terrelle Pryor, and I don't find him credible on any of this stuff.

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Drew from Milwaukee writes: I can only imagine what kind of completely outrageous emails you are receiving about this Ron Brown business, but I do have a bone to (respectively) pick with you about something you said in your chat on Monday. I find the approach of giving equal consideration to opposing view points, even when one of those viewpoints is utterly objectionable, to be completely irresponsible. Freedom of speech does not mean freedom from consequences. If any public figure associate with a major institution like the University of Nebraska had spoken up to say the same things about laws protecting African Americans or Women from discrimination he would fired immediately (especially if he listed his residence as a campus building). Should he be arrested? No. Should he be fired? I'm not even sure about that. But lets stop saying that this is a 'complicated issue' because people have the right to believe whatever they want to. Its not complicated. Ron Brown is a bigot.

Skip from Omaha writes: I want to let you know that I come to ESPN to read about SPORTS! If I wanted to read about social issues I'd go over to a news website. There is a large Christian following that agrees with Coach Brown. You should run some articles about their points of view, but right now you are just making a lot of people like me very angry. I support Coach Brown, he is a very moral person who has had a great impact on many people. Being openly against the gay community is not uncommon, nor is it an immoral stance. The way these articles beat up on Coach Brown, you would think that he is some sort of pedophile or anomaly. He is not. I support Coach Brown and his stances, and I know a vast amount of people who would stand up for him and agree with him. You need to be careful running articles like this. There is no reason to lose sports fans and paying customers over political, social issues.

Brian Bennett: I have largely stayed away from commenting on the Ron Brown story, because you start getting into political, religious and social views that are probably a bit too much for a college football blog. Others have had strong viewpoints and have made their case well. I do know this: I really, really don't want to read any of the articles Skip is talking about.

Big Ten bloggers Adam Rittenberg and Brian Bennett will occasionally give their takes on a burning question facing the league. We'll both have strong opinions, but not necessarily the same view. We'll let you decide which blogger is right.

Given all the recent talk about a college football playoff, today's Take Two topic is this: Which Big Ten program is best equipped to win a national title in the next five years?

Take 1: Adam Rittenberg

As we've both written, the Big Ten doesn't appear to have a national title contender in 2012. Michigan and Michigan State might have the best teams to do it, but the Wolverines face one of the nation's toughest schedules, and Michigan State is replacing much of its offensive firepower from last year's Legends division championship squad. So we're looking at 2013 at the earliest. Ohio State likely will be a popular pick, as Urban Meyer will be in his second year at the helm and players will be used to his offensive system. The Buckeyes certainly have shown they can get to the title game. But I'm going with Michigan here.

Why Michigan? Because I love the consistent vision Brady Hoke and his staff have for the program. They know exactly where they're going -- as evidenced by the recruiting success so early in the calendar -- and they're taking steps to get there despite inheriting a roster that doesn't exactly fit what they want to do. By 2013, Michigan should have more of Hoke's top-level recruits in position to make a difference. Sure, quarterback Denard Robinson no longer will be wearing a winged helmet, but his presence, in a sense, is delaying Michigan from running the type of offense that Hoke, coordinator Al Borges and the rest of the staff envision. The Wolverines will be more of a true pro-style offensive team, and I see no reason why the defense won't continue to make strides with this staff in place. Does that mean Michigan will compete for a national title in 2013? Not necessarily, but the Wolverines will be closer to that point in 2013 and beyond.

You certainly can make a strong case for Ohio State as well. And Michigan State has favorable schedules in both 2013 and 2014. I wouldn't be shocked if the Spartans, who are rolling by the way, make a run one of those years. Nebraska has national championship aspirations, and Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema loves the team he'll have in 2013. But Michigan isn't far away, even if the Wolverines don't win 11 games again this fall because of the brutal schedule. While Michigan hasn't played for a crystal football in the BCS era, the wait could end soon.

Take 2: Brian Bennett

It may sound strange since they're ineligible for postseason play this season, but I believe the Ohio State Buckeyes are still the league's best bet to win a national title in the near future. This is a program that has never lacked for talent and has a lot of good young players in the system right now, plus some future studs at key positions on both lines coming in. Meyer knows how to win national championships; he has two more than every other Big Ten coach right now. Ohio State has everything in place to compete at the highest level, as evidenced by its three BCS title game appearances since 2003. Nebraska (2002) is the only other program in the league to make the championship game in the BCS era.

Meyer still has work to do to get the Buckeyes back among the nation's elite. Specifically, he has to recruit world-class athletes at the skill positions to run his offense effectively. But those players are easier to find than dominating defensive linemen, several of which he has already scooped up, and they can be plugged into the starting lineup more quickly than the guys in the trenches. That's why I believe Ohio State can contend for a title as soon as 2013, and definitely by 2014. The biggest difference for me between Ohio State and Michigan is that the Buckeyes will have an established veteran quarterback for the next three years in Braxton Miller, while the Wolverines will have to break in a new starter for Robinson next season.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Michigan, Nebraska, Penn State, Michigan State or Wisconsin break through and play for -- and possibly win -- a national championship in the next five years. But if I'm picking one program to do it, I'll take Ohio State.

Big Ten bloggers Adam Rittenberg and Brian Bennett will occasionally give their takes on a burning question facing the league. We'll both have strong opinions, but not necessarily the same view. We'll let you decide which blogger is right.

In our most recent Take Two, we debated which position group was the strongest throughout the league. So on the flip side, today's Take Two topic is this: What position group in the league looks most in need of improvement after spring practice?

Take 1: Brian Bennett

The Big Ten had nine receivers drafted into the NFL over the weekend, and overall the league lost its top seven pass-catchers from the 2011 season. So there's no wonder that position looked a little weak across several campuses this spring. Only two players who caught at least 50 passes last year -- Wisconsin's Jared Abbrederis and Iowa's Keenan Davis -- return in 2012. Michigan State lost its top two wideouts in B.J. Cunningham and Keshawn Martin and is relying on wildly inexperienced players to step up there. Ohio State didn't have a player catch more than 14 passes last year, and new coach Urban Meyer criticized the receivers all spring, though Michael Thomas did have a strong spring game. Wisconsin missed Abbrederis (foot injury) this spring and is trying to find someone else to play with consistency at that spot. A.J. Jenkins basically was the passing game for Illinois last year, and now the Illini need more options in their new spread system after losing the first-rounder. Michigan needs to replace Junior Hemingway and is hoping Roy Roundtree bounces back after a subpar junior year stats-wise.

I could go on and on. Very few schools appear settled at receiver right now, and I'd be hard pressed to select a pair of preseason first-team all-conference performers there at this point. While receiver is one position where young players can often have a quick impact, it's also true that the league is lacking proven stars at that spot heading into the season.

Take 2: Adam Rittenberg

The league undoubtedly loses a lot at receiver, but I'm going with the guys throwing the passes, not catching them. Great quarterbacks can make adequate receivers good and good receivers great. It rarely works the other way around. The Big Ten doesn't lose as many standout quarterbacks as it does receivers, but the league says goodbye to three of its best in Wisconsin's Russell Wilson, Michigan State's Kirk Cousins and Northwestern's Dan Persa. Wilson energized Wisconsin's offense with his strong arm and athleticism, and while his accomplishments were overshadowed by those of teammate Montee Ball, he'll be sorely missed. While Danny O'Brien is a nice addition, he's not Russell Wilson. Cousins and Persa also leave significant voids in East Lansing and Evanston, respectively. While Kain Colter is a great athlete and Andrew Maxwell has been groomed for the spotlight, both men have a lot to prove.

The overall quality of quarterback play in the league needs a boost in 2012. Remember that the Big Ten failed to have a team ranked in the top 35 nationally in pass offense in 2011. Nebraska's Taylor Martinez, Illinois' Nathan Scheelhaase and Minnesota's MarQueis Gray must become a lot more consistent. Ohio State's Braxton Miller and Indiana's Tre Roberson must grow up. Michigan's Denard Robinson needs to cut down on his interceptions and add reliability to his repertoire. Iowa's James Vandenberg has to get a lot better on the road. Purdue and Penn State need a quarterback to separate himself from the pack. There are many more familiar names at quarterback, but if they don't make strides, the Big Ten once again will be grounded on offense.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Jake Stoneburner had one of the strangest stat lines in all of college football last season.

It said as much about his potential as a tight end as it did about Ohio State's inability to maximize that potential in an offense that could kindly be described as pass averse.

"It got kind of crazy," Stoneburner told ESPN.com. "Every time I had a catch, I'd score. It's weird. Only 14 catches and seven touchdowns, but I'll take seven touchdowns any day."

The 50 percent touchdown ratio is mind-boggling when you consider Stoneburner's 14 total receptions tied for the team lead.

Stoneburner set the tone for an odd season with four receptions, three of which went for touchdowns, in Ohio State's season-opening victory against Akron. He recorded four catches the following week against Toledo, three of which amazingly didn't wind up in the end zone.

Then he went catch-less for two games. He recorded two receptions for eight yards in the Big Ten opener against Michigan State. The following week, his only reception, a 32-yarder, went for a touchdown at Nebraska.

Stoneburner finished the season with three one-catch, one-touchdown performances.

"I guess you could say I had a knack for getting in the end zone," he said, "but we also didn't really throw it that much."

Ohio State attempted only four passes in a win at Illinois. The lone completion? A 17-yard touchdown to guess who? While Stoneburner recorded only five catches in Ohio State's first seven Big Ten games, the team averaged a measly 15 attempts and 6.6 completions during the span.

Ohio State finished 115th nationally in pass offense. Only six FBS teams, including all three service academies and Georgia Tech, attempted fewer passes than the Buckeyes (245).

Those days are over. Jim Bollman has exited, Urban Meyer and Tom Herman have arrived, and Ohio State's pass offense received a spring awakening in recent weeks. The spread has come to C-Bus, and a player who never approached his ceiling in the previous system can't be happier.

"We don't huddle," Stoneburner said. "It's nonstop, fast-paced, throwing the ball everywhere, read-option, triple-option. It's something we definitely had to get used to, but I'm loving the offense."

Stoneburner should. He came to Ohio State after recording 168 receptions, including 28 touchdowns, for nearby Dublin (Ohio) Coffman High School. Unlike his predecessors, who basically served as extra offensive linemen, Stoneburner arrived at Ohio State as a big receiver who grew into the tight end spot.

He was a pass-first player who at first expressed concern about moving positions. The reason: "I knew they didn't get the ball," he said of the tight ends.

Former Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel raved about Stoneburner since the spring of 2009, but Stoneburner recorded just two receptions that fall. He followed it up with 21 in 2010 but saw the total cut by one-third last season.

Meyer's hiring changes everything for the 6-foot-5, 245-pound Stoneburner.

"He's known for spreading the wealth with the ball," he said. "Having athletic tight ends and guys who can catch the ball, it gives us more opportunities in space to get open."

Stoneburner spent much of the spring watching Aaron Hernandez, who starred at tight end for Meyer at Florida, recording 68 catches for 850 yards as a senior before becoming a fourth-round draft pick of the New England Patriots.

"Seeing Hernandez make all those plays makes someone like me pretty happy," Stoneburner said. "It's something I've been waiting for since I graduated high school, being able to go out there knowing you're going to get the opportunity to get the ball more than once or twice a game.

"It's a pretty good feeling."

Meyer identified Stoneburner and running back Jordan Hall as two potential playmakers who emerged this spring. Ohio State's lack of proven depth at receiver is no secret, and Stoneburner will be featured in the passing game.

Herman, the team's offensive coordinator, also is excited about Stoneburner's potential, although he needs to see dramatic improvement in one area.

"I see a big guy with great body control, good hands, good feet, decent speed," Herman told ESPN.com. "Jake's just got to get in better shape. Jake's a much worse player on the fifth play of the drive than he is on the first play of the drive. For him to be our bell cow in the throwing game and really doing the things we want to be able to do in the running game, he needs to be a guy that we can try to run into the ground and he keeps asking for more because he's in such great shape."

The pace of the new offense shocked Stoneburner's system. In the first 7-on-7 session of the spring, he estimates Ohio State logged 40 reps in 15 minutes.

"Just nonstop, go, go, go," he said. "The first day, I was exhausted."

Stoneburner's summer will be all about conditioning. Herman doesn't want the senior to lose weight or strength, but Stoneburner has to be an every-down player.

"The kid's not used to that," Herman said. "I'm not upset at him for it, but we've identified a problem and now it's up to him and our strength staff and his coaches and myself to come up with solutions."

Stoneburner shouldn't have trouble staying motivated. The more he stays on the field, the more passes will be thrown his way.

Buckeyes quarterback Braxton Miller thinks Stoneburner can eclipse 40 receptions this season.

As for the touchdown trend?

"We'll keep it going," Miller said with a smile.

Don't expect another 14-and-7 season from No. 11.

"I'll take seven touchdowns again," Stoneburner said, "but as long as I can get some more catches, I'll be happy."

We're reviewing all three Big Ten spring games from the weekend. It's time now to look back on Urban Meyer's first spring game at Ohio State.

You can find coverage of the Buckeyes' game here, here and here.

Star of the game: Quarterback Braxton Miller completed 24 of 31 passes for 258 yards. The surprise star was Michael Thomas, who caught 12 balls for 131 yards to lead all receivers.

How it went down: Meyer signaled a change in direction right away, having players line up for 1-on-1 circle drills to start the spring game, as teammates and coaches raucously cheered them on.

And then the Buckeyes took the field and looked like a much different team, one that could actually throw the ball around. The two squads combined for 443 passing yards and attempted 55 throws in the Scarlet's 20-14 victory over the Gray.

“We’re going to be a very balanced offense; that was very imbalanced,” Meyer said. “However, that was done for a reason. We’re taking one of the worst passing teams in America a year ago, and we’ve got to find out if we can do that. People can stop the run. We know that.

“We know we can run at quarterback. We didn’t run it one time today. What we don’t know -- and, unfortunately, even after the spring game I still don’t know -- is if we can throw the ball. That was the objective today. I have a better opinion of some guys now.”

The Buckeyes used only about 30 percent of Meyer's playbook and were without running back Jordan Hall, who was held out for precautionary reasons. After a spring-long search for a playmaker in the passing game, they may have unearthed one in the freshman Thomas, whom Miller continually looked toward. The two played together at a high school all-star game in Florida before Thomas went off to prep school.

Meyer also gave some high marks to Miller.

“He had a very good spring, a very productive spring, but once again we grade our guys real hard," Meyer said. "First-rounders, that’s how I evaluate [quarterbacks] because I’ve had some first-rounders. He has a lot of talent.”

Linebacker Ryan Shazier led the defense with eight tackles and a sack. Adam Griffin, son of two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin, had an interception against Miller. Several potential defensive contributors sat out with injuries, while defensive lineman John Simon played sparingly.

A crowd of 81,112, the largest spring game attendance so far this year, was on hand for Meyer's Horseshoe debut. And in case anyone was wondering, Meyer continued the tradition of singing "Carmen Ohio" with the players after the game.

"I'm a big fan of tradition, and this is a school where we don't have to create a whole lot of tradition," Meyer said.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Urban Meyer raves about Braxton Miller's competitive spirit these days, but not long ago the Ohio State coach felt differently about his quarterback.

"It was very alarming in the [winter]," Meyer told ESPN.com.

New coaches must wait until the spring to work with players on the practice field, but they keep close tabs during winter conditioning. It's no coincidence the coaches' offices at programs like Nebraska overlook the team's weight room.

When Meyer observed Miller this winter, he became concerned. It wasn't as if Miller slacked off or didn't get his work in with the strength coaches. But he didn't measure up to the starting quarterbacks Meyer had in the past.

"Chris Leak doesn't get enough credit at Florida," Meyer said, referring to the quarterback who helped him win his first national title, against Ohio State. "He was a very hard worker in the weight room, a very competitive guy in the weight room. [Tim] Tebow was off the charts. Alex Smith was extremely competitive in the offseason program. I didn't see that from Braxton."

"He worked hard," Meyer continued. "He was fine. I didn't see him compete at the level he's competing at right now. The lights come on, you get the ball in his hands and he becomes an excellent competitor."

The lights of spring practice are only so bright, even here at Ohio State, but Miller's work on the field has put Meyer's concerns to rest. The sophomore still has a long way to go in absorbing a new offense and improving the technical aspects of his game, but his drive to win isn't in doubt for a coach who knows what he wants in a starting quarterback.

"In the winter, it's just all working out, a little bit of competitive drills going on," Miller told ESPN.com. "But when the pads come on, the lights come on, it's just more natural for me to have fun and compete."

He showed glimpses of it as a freshman last fall, never more so than in the closing moments of Ohio State's 33-29 win against then-No. 15 Wisconsin. The Buckeyes had squandered a 12-point lead with 4:39 to play and trailed 29-26 when Miller rallied the team in the closing seconds. On first down from Wisconsin's 40-yard line, Miller rolled out, spotted teammate Devin Smith slipping behind Wisconsin's secondary, and fired the game-winning touchdown pass with 20 ticks left.

Miller also led a late scoring drive in regulation at Purdue, and didn't seem fazed by his first trip to Ann Arbor, passing for 235 yards and two touchdowns with an interception against a top-20 Michigan defense.

Although he had limited production in a limited role in a limited offense last season, Miller didn't shy away from big moments.

"All my life, when I get the chance to get the ball in my hands, it's exciting," he said.

When spring ball began, Buckeyes offensive coordinator Tom Herman had different concerns than Meyer about Miller. Herman knew he had inherited an athlete -- Miller rushed for 715 yards and seven touchdowns last season -- but he had never seen Miller pass the ball live.

Despite starting 10 games in 2011, Miller only attempted 157 passes, including a laughable four in a win at Illinois.

"I crossed my fingers and held my breath and went out there for the first practice," Herman said. "It was a big sigh of relief, seeing him throw the football. How he throws the football from the shoulders up is actually very mechanically sound. His footwork is probably the biggest thing we're continuing to work on.

"They're not easy fixes, but they're a lot less complex than trying to break a kid's arm mechanics down and build him back up."

Meyer likens Miller to Josh Harris, who played quarterback for Meyer at Bowling Green in 2001-02. But Miller has his "own little niche," Meyer said.

Like Meyer, Herman has seen Miller compete hard in practices, particularly during winner/loser days.

"He wants it to be perfect every time, and especially when he's the one contributing to those mistakes, then it really frustrates him," Herman said. "That's a good thing. If he wasn't frustrated, we'd have problems."

For the most part, Miller remains even-keeled. Buckeyes offensive tackle Jack Mewhort doesn't expect Miller to become "more rah-rah" in the weight room. Mewhort also doesn't expect Miller to be rattled in big moments.

"He wants the ball in his hands because he knows he can do great things with it," tight end Jake Stoneburner said. "You weren't really able to see that in the winter, because it's all lifting and running, but once you get on the field, some guys change, and he's one of those guys."

Stoneburner has seen significant changes in Miller this spring, acknowledging that a quarterback who was "a little bit intimidated" last season is taking charge more in the huddle. The soft-spoken Miller is trying to be more vocal, whether it's flipping protections with his linemen, or changing the routes for his pass-catchers.

"I grew up a lot," he said.

But he's not where he needs to be.

"He's an average leader right now," Meyer said. "We need to make him a great leader. You have to raise the level of play of those around you. This summer, he has to do it. He hasn't done it to this point. He's been at Ohio State for a little over a year, and his leadership qualities are not where they need to be.

"I think he will get there, because he's sharp, he's smart and he's a competitor."

Especially when the lights come on.

The new offensive coordinator talks about installing the new scheme, quarterback Braxton Miller, and the need for more perimeter playmakers.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Greetings from the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, where I'll be spending the next day or so with the Ohio State Buckeyes.

I'm scheduled to visit with head coach Urban Meyer, some assistant coaches, and several players later today. On my way in I bumped into former Buckeyes wide receiver DeVier Posey, who is anxiously awaiting next week's NFL draft. Posey has no idea where he'll be selected after playing in just three games during his senior season. He just wants to be in a good situation. While Posey made some off-field missteps during his Buckeyes career, he's a talented player who will get an opportunity at the next level. Best of luck to him.

Turning back to the current team, Ohio State is almost through its first spring under Meyer, and will wrap things up with the spring game Saturday at Ohio Stadium. The installation of a fast-paced, no-huddle spread offense has been a big storyline, as the Buckeyes divert from a more conservative scheme. Meyer has been impressed with quarterback Braxton Miller so far, although he's on the lookout for more playmakers to develop. There seem to be fewer question marks on defense, where Ohio State returns most of its core, led by All-America candidate John Simon on the defensive line.

Much more to come from C-Bus, and check the blog for Ohio State coverage the next two days and into next week.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State fans had to figure their football team would look different under first-year coach Urban Meyer this coming season.

But Meyer said Wednesday that the Buckeyes will run a no-huddle, hurry-up offense in 2012. Quarterback Braxton Miller said Meyer wants the Ohio State offense to take 80 to 85 snaps per game and play at a much faster pace than the Buckeyes did under former coach Jim Tressel.

Think Oregon Ducks-like fast.

"All you've got to do is look at Oregon," Meyer said. "We're committed to it. We're still going to pop a huddle once in a while, but we're committed to it."

The Buckeyes bring back seven offensive starters from a team that finished 6-7 under interim coach Luke Fickell in 2011. Fickell, who took over when Tressel was forced to resign on May 30 for witholding information from NCAA investigators and OSU officials about NCAA rules violations, was retained by Meyer and will work as the Buckeyes' defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.

"It's fun," OSU fullback Zach Boren said. "It's all up-tempo stuff and stuff we're not used to doing here."

Miller, a sophomore from Huber Heights, Ohio, ran a spread offense in high school. He said he's comfortable running Meyer's system, after leading the Buckeyes in rushing (715 yards with seven touchdowns) and passing (1,159 yards with 13 touchdowns) as a freshman last season.

"It's very fast," Miller said. "The defense gets really tired. They're always complaining after practice, saying we need to slow it down. I'd compare it to Oregon."

Last season, after losing starting quarterback Terrelle Pryor, who entered the NFL's supplemental draft, the Buckeyes averaged 107th nationally in total offense (318.1 yards per game), 115th in passing (127 yards) and 81st in scoring (24.4 points). Meyer said he has also installed some triple-option plays for Miller, who can also pass out of the formations.

"I've never run the triple-option until this year," Miller said. "It's neat. There are a lot of things that go into it. I can't wait to run it."