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Former Ohio State receiver Ray Small probably won't be appearing in at any football alumni events any time soon.

Small's comments to The Lantern about memorabilia sales, special car deals and a disregard for NCAA rules drew some strong responses on Twitter from his former Ohio State teammates. Several players criticized Small for speaking out against the program and breaching the team bond.

Here are some responses:

Ohio State C Mike Brewster (played with Small in 2008-09)

• @Brewster50: He isn't a part of the sacred brotherhood anymore...never on time, never accountable, never sacrificed for the team. Can you trust his word?
• @Brewster50: Show me a coward and I will show you ray small
• @Brewster50: I made my name by hard work-blood-sweat and tears...he made his name today...by selling lies to the lantern..enough said..workout time!!

Former Ohio State WR Brian Hartline (played with Small 2006-08)

• @brianhartline: Stop crying and lieing... Just bc u didn't play as much as u wanted to doesn't mean u can talk now...

Former Ohio State RB Chris "Beanie" Wells (played with Small 2006-08)

• @BeanieWells26: The nerve of some cats!! It's one thing to bite the hand that feeds, but to go and lie about what u were being fed???? Really?!

Ohio State LT Mike Adams (played with Small in 2008-09)

• @75Ent: Crazy how people change...thanks a lot man! hope you got paid to do that interview

As my pal Nate likes to say, rough chatter.

Small took to Twitter as well on Thursday.

• @SmallyMcfly: Lol Ima snitch now that's the verdict got it up! Snitch on what?
• @SmallyMcfly: The Media is the devil if people really think I said these unruly thing about the teamates that I love... Now I did tell them about myself

I figured the credibility issue would come up with Small, given his struggles at Ohio State and with coach Jim Tressel. He probably spent more time in Tressel's dog house than on the field. Not exactly a model teammate.

So the attacks against Small from ex-teammates aren't a shock. Neither is the talk about him betraying the team.

The claims that Small is lying, meanwhile, are interesting. How do they know? And why would he lie? Just to get attention?

Here's the ironic part about Ohio State's first five games this season: The Buckeyes figure to play a ton of Tressel-Ball without Jim Tressel.

While Tressel serves his suspension, the Buckeyes likely will employ the strategy that has brought them tremendous success during the coach's tenure. You know the core principles: stout defense, field position, conservative offensive play calls, polished special teams and, most important, fewer mistakes than the opponent.

Ohio State often plays Tressel-Ball with a full complement of starters, so it's hardly a stretch to suggest the Buckeyes will turn to the scheme as they try to survive the first five games without top quarterback Terrelle Pryor and four others.

If Tressel-Ball is in the forecast for Ohio State, Joe Bauserman most likely will be, too.

The Buckeyes need a replacement for Pryor, and Bauserman appears to be the safest choice. He has significantly more game experience than any of the other quarterbacks vying to replace Pryor. He has been in the system for four seasons.

But he didn't really separate himself this spring, leaving the door open for Kenny Guiton, Taylor Graham and the most talked-about candidate, Braxton Miller. A true freshman who enrolled early, Miller had Buckeyes fans buzzing after a strong performance in the spring game, albeit against defenders several notches down the depth chart.

The Columbus Dispatch's Ken Gordon encapsulates the QB question in a recent story:

The debate seems to come down to Bauserman, Mr. Safe and Steady, versus Miller, Mr. Clueless but Flashy. Quarterbacks coach Nick Siciliano did not shy away from that comparison.

"The best comparison I can make is when Trent Dilfer was the caretaker of the Baltimore Ravens, and he led them to a Super Bowl victory [in 2001]," Siciliano said. "He wasn't expected to go out and put up phenomenal numbers. He was supposed to take care of the ball, and they relied on their defense. I don't know throughout the course of time if we haven't ever had a different opinion. That's still what we want our quarterbacks to do."

If Bauserman can be Ohio State's Dilfer, the Buckeyes should be in good shape until Pryor's return.

But what if Ohio State needs its quarterback to win games, rather than not lose them? There are legit questions about the Buckeyes' supporting cast. Because of the suspensions, they have no proven receivers and a hole at left tackle. While folks are excited about the running backs group, Ohio State certainly would be better off if it had Dan Herron as an option. And while the Buckeyes' track record on defense suggests they'll be fine, they still must replace a lot of production.

This could be a reason to take a chance with Miller, but it also might strengthen Bauserman's case to start. In 2008, when Pryor replaced veteran Todd Boeckman at quarterback, he was surrounded by an excellent supporting cast (running back Chris "Beanie" Wells, receivers Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline, the nation's No. 6 scoring defense).

With question marks elsewhere, I'd expect Ohio State to go with the safe choice at quarterback when the season kicks off Sept. 3.

When Dane Sanzenbacher speaks before games, he senses the electricity in the Ohio State locker room.

Sanzenbacher, one of six Buckeyes co-captains this season, impels his teammates to carry over their energy onto the field. But he also tells them to leave something behind.

"It's an emotional game, there's a lot riding on everything, but you can't play with fear," Sanzenbacher says. "Fearlessness is probably one of the most important aspects of trying to be a good player. Nerves can be fine before a game or other emotions, but when it turns into fear, your opponent already has the upper hand."

Sanzenbacher's message might sound hollow if he didn't go out and back it up. Fortunately for Ohio State, there probably isn't a more fearless wide receiver in college football than No. 12.

Sanzenbacher's evolution as one of the Big Ten's best receivers has taken place in the middle of the field, usually surrounded by defensive backs and linebackers itching for a kill shot.

It has been a painful progression at times: Sanzenbacher suffered concussions in each of his first two seasons and has absorbed more than a few massive body blows, usually in midair. But the 5-foot-10, 180-pound senior wouldn't have it any other way.

"When the ball's in the air, you jump up to get it," Sanzenbacher said. "Yeah, in the back of your mind, you think, 'My legs might get taken out, I'm probably going to get hit on the end of this,' but you have to make the catch. It's the game we signed up for, so might as well play it."

Sanzenbacher has played it extremely well this season. He leads the Big Ten and ranks 26th nationally in total receiving yards (591). He's fourth in the Big Ten in receiving yards average (73.9), sixth in receptions (4.6 rpg) and, before last week, led the league in touchdown receptions.

Sanzenbacher has caught eight touchdown passes -- one or more in five of Ohio State's first eight contests -- to match his total from his first three seasons.

Although the touchdown catches are nice, Sanzenbacher is best known for the plays he makes outside of the end zone. He made several gutsy grabs in Ohio State's Oct. 16 loss at Wisconsin, including this one, when he flipped over after a hit from Badgers safety Aaron Henry, but still hung on to the ball for a first down. After the game, members of the sideline crew found Sanzenbacher's father and congratulated him on Dane's gritty performance.

"He is fearless," Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel said. "My reaction is great when he comes up with those catches, and I cringe a little bit when I see people storming over there to take a good shot at him. But Dane can take care of himself."

Sanzenbacher downplays the punishment he appears to take on some of his more acrobatic catches.

"A lot of times, film can be deceiving," he said. "Sometimes I'll watch it on film, it'll look bad and I'm like, 'Wow, it really didn’t feel that bad.' And sometimes you’ll look at hits that hurt a lot and they didn't look that bad. So you can never really tell."

Sanzenbacher isn't the first Ohio State receiver to build his reputation on the most dangerous area of the field. After Sanzenbacher caught four touchdown passes in a Week 4 rout of Eastern Michigan, Buckeyes quarterback Terrelle Pryor called him a "slick little sneaky guy" and likened him to former Buckeyes Brian Hartline and Anthony Gonzalez.

It's a good comparison, as both Hartline and Gonzalez shined in the slot receiver role for the Buckeyes.

"The majority of the guys who have played this position before me, or had inside roles here, haven't been afraid to go across the middle," Sanzenbacher said. "It's probably a characteristic that gets you on the field. You wouldn’t be playing the position otherwise."

In many ways, the drive epitomizes Terrelle Pryor's career at Ohio State.

It didn't always look pretty and featured some bumps along the way -- a fumble recovered by Pryor, two negative-yardage plays by the quarterback -- but no one could argue with the end result.

"A lot of luck, a lot of luck," Pryor told reporters Wednesday in Columbus, "and I think we executed."

Back in October 2008, No. 14 Ohio State trailed No. 18 Wisconsin 17-13 with 6:26 left in the game when Pryor led the offense onto the field. The Buckeyes needed to drive 80 yards.

It's never easy to beat Wisconsin at Camp Randall Stadium. Much less at night. Much less with a true freshman calling the signals. Pryor was making just his third career start and his first on the road.

Before Ohio State took the field, senior running back Chris "Beanie" Wells approached Pryor.

"Beanie said, 'You're in a man's world. This is what it is. So are you gonna be a man or a kid?' " Pryor said after the game.

To that point, his night had been a mixed bag: a few good completions, a first-quarter interception and four sacks taken.

The drive began with a dropped pass by receiver Brian Hartline. Moments later, Pryor faced third-and-6 from his own 24-yard line, and he hit Hartline for a 19-yard gain. Then came the fumble, which Pryor fell on at the Ohio State 38.

Pryor responded on the next play with a 27-yard pass to Hartline, who fumbled following a hit by safety Jay Valai. Once again, Ohio State dodged a bullet as receiver Brian Robiskie recovered.

The freshman quarterback once again was challenged following a 4-yard loss. But on second-and-14, he found Ray Small for a 13-yard gain. Three plays later, Wisconsin had a defensive meltdown and Pryor scooted into the end zone on an 11-yard run with 1:08 left for the winning score.

Ohio State prevailed 20-17.

"That was like his first big game as a starter," Buckeyes receiver DeVier Posey said. "I feel like he was sort of born that day."

Barely two years later, Pryor makes his first trip back to Madison, as No. 1 Ohio State faces No. 18 Wisconsin on Saturday. Once again, he'll have to deal with a rowdy road crowd in an October night game that will shape the Big Ten title race.

Pryor is much more aware of what to expect this time around, but he still draws upon what happened in 2008.

"That started my confidence of being a quarterback here, but it also grew and grew," he said after last week's win against Indiana. "Any time you get that win, it's huge. I matured as time [went] by."

Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt watched it all unfold, rendered powerless by NCAA transfer rules. Watt had to sit out the 2008 season after transferring to Wisconsin from Central Michigan.

"I was watching on the sidelines in sweatpants, not being able to have any impact on the game," he recalled. "Just watching everything unfold and watching [Pryor] carry their team down the field on that last drive and ultimately score, that hurt.

"That's something that stuck with me for a while, and it's something we need to avenge this week."

Watt calls Pryor "the complete package" now and notes that the Buckeyes quarterback has greater command of the offense this year. After an inconsistent sophomore season, Pryor has been much more polished this fall, completing 68 percent of his passes for 1,349 yards with a league-leading 15 touchdown passes and only three interceptions.

Although he's not running nearly as much this year, he remains a threat on the ground, averaging 6.2 yards a carry with three touchdowns.

Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel has observed a "day-by-day, week-by-week, season-by-season maturation" with Pryor, but the quarterback's first big step took place in Madison on that October night in 2008.

"For a young guy, he certainly didn't seem to be affected by the difficulty of the defense and the difficulty of the crowd and all of those things," Tressel said. "I thought that was a very important moment for him to step up."

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

DeVier Posey remembers the conversation like it happened yesterday.

"Hey, how you doing?" Posey asked Terrelle Pryor. "We’ve played each other many times in the AAU circuit in basketball."

Pryor already knew who Posey was, but Posey made sure the nation's top high school football recruit had no misgivings. Posey explained how he played for the D1 Greyhounds AAU squad and had faced Pryor's team, Pittsburgh's Finest, in tournaments back when they were in middle school.

	Charles LeClaire/Getty Images
	DeVier Posey has recorded 45 receptions for 672 yards and seven touchdowns this season.

"I was like, 'I'm playing football now, and I saw you play football, so we should play together,'" Posey said. "And I don't know, it just sparked from there."

Posey committed to play wide receiver for Ohio State in March 2007. Almost exactly a year later, Pryor signed on with the Buckeyes.

"[Pryor] was our No. 1 target as far as our recruiting class goes," Posey said. "As much as the coaches were recruiting him, we were recruiting him more."

The two have formed one of the Big Ten's top big-play connections this fall, hooking up 45 times for 672 yards and seven touchdowns. Six of Posey's seven scoring grabs have been 23 yards or longer and three have stretched 57 yards or longer, including a 62-yarder in last week's victory at Penn State.

Posey is tied for the league lead in touchdown receptions and ranks fifth in receiving yards (67.2 ypg).

"It was always our dream once we got here," Posey said of himself and Pryor, "but I don’t know if we pictured how things are going right now."

Posey, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound sophomore from Cincinnati, said he could have played his college ball elsewhere and become a No. 1 wide receiver as a freshman. Instead, he came to Ohio State knowing he would play sparingly behind mainstays Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline.

He had only 11 receptions last fall but still came away from the season a better player.

"With the receiver tradition that they have here, I knew I’d be able to be behind an NFL receiver and see an NFL receiver every day," he said. "Rather than having a coach tell me, I could see it and visualize it and be a visual learner. That was a big thing for me. Being behind guys like Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline, I learned a lot."

Posey tagged along with Robiskie and Hartline this summer as they trained for the NFL. And whenever Ohio State's former star wideouts like Anthony Gonzalez and Santonio Holmes return to campus, Posey makes sure to see them.

"He wants to be good," Buckeyes head coach Jim Tressel said. "He’d be the first to tell you he’s a long way from where he’d like to be, but he’s working to progress and he has come up with some big catches. We need him to be a guy that when his number is called, he makes the play."

The big play is one of few calling cards for Ohio State's offense this year, as Pryor and the unit have endured ups and downs. But the Buckeyes gained confidence from the Penn State win and look for a repeat performance in another big game Saturday against No. 10 Iowa (ABC, 3:30 p.m. ET).

"I always feel like when it’s a big game, I’ll show up," Posey said. "It’s just something with my confidence level. And when my number’s called, I'll be ready."

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The preseason position rankings march on with the wide receivers and tight ends.

The Big Ten wasn't known for its air show last year, as only Illinois ranked among the top 25 nationally in pass offense. But most would agree the league boasts two of the nation's elite wide receivers in Illinois' Arrelious Benn and Minnesota's Eric Decker, as well as a good crop of tight ends led by Wisconsin's Garrett Graham. The overall landscape at wideout/tight end should improve this fall.

1. Illinois -- An easy choice for the top spot as Illinois boasts by far the league's best crop of wide receivers. Benn aims for a second consecutive 1,000-yard receiving season and hopes to increase his touchdowns total. Florida transfer Jarred Fayson enters the mix and should make a major impact along with Jeff Cumberland. Senior tight end Michael Hoomanawanui is one of the league's more underrated players.

2. Minnesota -- Decker certainly headlines the group and will finish his career as arguably the most decorated wide receiver in team history. But he's not alone. Junior college stud Hayo Carpenter arrives and will play alongside Brandon Green, Ben Kuznia, Da'Jon McKnight and Troy Stoudermire, who should play a much bigger role in the passing game after working more at receiver this spring.

3. Michigan State -- The Spartans return virtually everyone from a receiving corps that had some decent moments last fall. Blair White and Mark Dell both have All-Big Ten potential, and the team will look for more production from Keshawn Martin and B.J. Cunningham. The real story here is the depth at tight end. No Big Ten team boasts more as Charlie Gantt and Clemson transfer Brian Linthicum lead the way.

4. Wisconsin -- Much like Michigan State, Wisconsin brings back the core from a group that endured ups and downs in 2008. Graham enters the fall as the Big Ten's premier tight end and has Lance Kendricks and Mickey Turner behind him. The improvement at wide receiver should be the biggest difference for Wisconsin. Nick Toon could be a star this fall, and Kyle Jefferson, Isaac Anderson and David Gilreath all return. 

5.  Ohio State -- The Brians (Robiskie and Hartline) are gone, but Ohio State could be more explosive at wide receiver this season. Though Ray Small's academic situation creates some uneasiness, DeVier Posey and Dane Sanzenbacher form a nice 1-2 punch. Ohio State should be better at the tight end position with the Jakes (Ballard and Stoneburner).

6. Michigan -- This group didn't have much of a chance to shine last fall, but things should be different in 2009. The big-play potential is there with Martavious Odoms, Greg Mathews and Darryl Stonum, and redshirt freshman Roy Roundtree had a solid spring. Tight end Kevin Koger could be a very effective weapon if Michigan throws to him more. 

7. Iowa -- There are some question marks here, namely Tony Moeaki's health and Derrell Johnson-Koulianos' practice performance, but it wouldn't surprise me if Iowa climbed the list. Moeaki could bring a huge spark at tight end after the loss of Brandon Myers. Johnson-Koulianos will be motivated after his depth-chart demotion, and converted quarterback Marvin McNutt has impressed the coaches.  

8. Penn State -- I'm sure I'll hear it from Nittany Nation (as I usually do), but the loss of three multiyear starters takes a pretty big toll. It wouldn't shock me one bit if Derek Moye, Graham Zug, Brett Brackett and Chaz Powell don't miss a beat, but I need to see them excel in more featured roles. Tight end Andrew Quarless has tons of talent but needs to put it all together this fall.

9. Purdue -- The Boilers usually find a way to succeed at wide receiver, but they lose a lot in Greg Orton, Desmond Tardy and running back Kory Sheets, an excellent pass-catcher. Keith Smith steps into the No. 1 spot after recording 49 receptions last fall, but he'll need help from Aaron Valentin, converted cornerback Royce Adams and junior college import Keith Carlos. Purdue should be much better at tight end as Kyle Adams returns. 

10. Northwestern -- The program needs to prove it can reload after losing three multiyear starters (Eric Peterman, Ross Lane, Rasheed Ward). Northwestern has had high hopes for converted quarterback Andrew Brewer, but he's struggled to stay healthy. The Wildcats will lean on Brewer, junior Sidney Stewart and sophomore Jeremy Ebert, who performed well last fall. The superback position might finally be featured as Drake Dunsmore returns from a knee injury.

11. Indiana -- Last year's leading receiver (Ray Fisher) likely will start at cornerback, while the man expected to be the No. 1 (Kellen Lewis) was dismissed after spring ball. There are some major questions here, but you've got to like Indiana's young wideouts Damarlo Belcher and Tandon Doss. Sophomore tight end Max Dedmond could be a player to watch this fall.  

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

CHICAGO -- Ohio State senior tight end Jake Ballard didn't have to search for the subtle signs showing Terrelle Pryor's growth as a leader this summer.

Pryor made it plainly obvious during 7-on-7 workouts.

If a Buckeyes receiver dropped a pass, Pryor let him have it.

"If you drop one or two balls, he's going to try and get you out of there and put somebody else in," Ballard said. "If it hit your hands, he's going to take you out. He demands a lot from us and we demand a lot from him, and all of us know we can handle it."

The trust between the quarterback and his teammates wasn't as strong in 2008, when Pryor replaced senior co-captain Todd Boeckman just four games into the fall. Though Pryor had his share of highlights and won Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors, he struggled to find a consistent rhythm with his receivers.

Ohio State finished a woeful 105th nationally in pass offense, and Pryor took time to grow into the leadership role thrust upon him prematurely.

"All of us feel a greater sense of comfort, including Terrelle," Ballard said. "He's not the freshman that hasn't played before going into the huddle with all seniors and juniors, who are like, 'Where's Todd?' When it first happened, everybody's like, 'Wow, Todd's really not playing and we have to trust this kid, Terrelle.'

"Now Terrelle's more of a leader type. He commands our attention, and we give it to him."

Ballard avoided Pryor's wrath during the summer workouts, hanging onto the passes that came his way. It helped that Pryor looked more often to the tight ends, who have been used sparingly as pass receivers in the past.

Ballard expects to see more action this fall. Ohio State loses two standout receivers in Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline, and head coach Jim Tressel has greater trust in Pryor to run a more wide-ranging offense.

"TP's not just looking for receivers to get the ball," Ballard said. "He's looking to tight ends, running backs, fullbacks. If you're open, he's going to hit you. I really think we're going to have a bigger role in the offense. Coach Tress has talked about it."

Pryor's evolution this summer was also visible to those on the other side of the line.

"He has to take command and he has to be the leader," safety Kurt Coleman said. "And if you're not doing it right, he's going to tell you what you're doing wrong until you correct yourself. Honestly, he's improved his game so much."

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Looks like our scheduling series has had the desired effect.

Justin from Iowa writes: Adam,I've heard a lot of people suggest Iowa will split their away schedule 2/2. Iowa is a historically slow starter that gets better as the season progresses. If they avoid any pitfalls and start their OOC schedule 4-0, followed up by a win at Penn State to kick off big 10 play, how do you see this prediction perhaps changing?

Adam Rittenberg: The pattern definitely held true last year as Iowa played its best football down the stretch. The Penn State game means everything for Iowa. Win in Happy Valley, and suddenly the league road schedule doesn't seem so daunting. My prediction could change a bit if Iowa prevails at Penn State, but the Hawkeyes get no breathers on the road this fall.

---

Will from Cleveland writes: Dear Adam,I actually have two very different questions I'd love for you to answer. What does non-conference schedules mean anymore? Because its always taking the backseat by the end of the year bowl games. Like last year the Pac10 was spanked across the country for the most part of the beginning of the season. But now every time I'm on a blog fans act like it means nothing we went 5-0 in the bowls but does who you play in bowl games ever matter?Secondly Adam I want to know how can the PSU fans talk so much smack, and their team last year did nothing against good teams? Sure they're highlight was against my Buckeyes but we were terrible according to our own standards. We have so much to look forward to other than Laurinitis, and Jenkins (sorry Adam but the Wideouts I hated worst starting tandem of Tressel era). But it seems they've lost so much more, and they act like its the exact opposite explain the theories for me please ADAM?

Adam Rittenberg: As to your first question, you're right about bowl performance. It seems to mean everything these days, while the regular season fades to the background. But nonconference scheduling can shape how a team or a league is viewed nationally, and it could help or hurt in the all-important polls. Take Penn State this fall. There's no way the Nittany Lions make any jump in the polls until the Iowa game. They would need everyone else to lose in order to move up.

Moving on, Penn State definitely deserves credit for beating Ohio State in Columbus, no matter how "down" the Buckeyes might have been. I think you're being a little hard on Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline, but neither man had the season many thought they would. Penn State also knocked off Oregon State, albeit early, and thumped Wisconsin in Madison. Both Penn State and Ohio State lost a lot from last year, but the confidence from Penn State fans stems from the fact that the program is on the upswing since 2005 after some lean years.

(Read full post)

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Ohio State Buckeyes 2008 overall record:10-3 2008 conference record: 7-1 Returning starters Offense: 5; Defense: 7; Special teams: 0 Top returners QB Terrelle Pryor, C Michael Brewster, TE Jake Ballard, DE Thaddeus Gibson, DT Doug Worthington, S Kurt Coleman, S Anderson Russell, DE Cameron Heyward Key losses RB Chris "Beanie" Wells, WR Brian Robiskie, WR Brian Hartline, LT Alex Boone, DT Nader Abdallah, LB James Laurinaitis, LB Marcus Freeman, CB Malcolm Jenkins, P A.J. Trapasso 2008 statistical leaders (* returners) Rushing: Chris "Beanie" Wells (1,197 yds) Passing: Terrelle Pryor* (1,311 yds) Receiving: Brian Robiskie (535 yds) Tackles: James Laurinaitis (130) Sacks: Thaddeus Gibson* (5) Interceptions: Kurt Coleman* (4) 2009 Schedule Sept. 5 Navy Sept. 12 USC Sept. 19 vs. Toledo (at Cleveland) Sept. 26 Illinois Oct. 3 at Indiana Oct. 10 Wisconsin Oct. 17 at Purdue Oct. 24 Minnesota Oct. 31 New Mexico State Nov. 7 at Penn State Nov. 14 Iowa Nov. 21 at Michigan Spring answers 1. Pryor develops -- Terrelle Pryor quieted concerns about his passing ability with a strong spring capped by an excellent performance in the well-attended spring game at Ohio Stadium. Pryor made significant improvement with his footwork and looked better on the high-percentage throws that dogged him at times last season. His first full offseason as a college player appears to have paid off, and Pryor looks primed for an All-Big Ten season. 2. Boom and Zoom -- Running back is the biggest void on the Buckeyes' depth chart, but Dan Herron ("Boom) and Brandon Saine ("Zoom") appear ready to carry the load. Herron built off his experience last fall as a backup and performed well this spring, while Saine finally appears healthy and ready to showcase the explosiveness that made him such a heralded recruit coming out of high school. 3. Big bad Boren -- Justin Boren will always be in the spotlight because he transferred from Michigan, but the left guard generated plenty of buzz with his play this spring. Boren brings brute strength and an edgy attitude to an offense line that needs a jolt after a subpar 2008 season. He has quickly become a favorite of Pryor's and his fellow linemen, and should bring a nasty attitude to the front five this fall. Fall questions 1. Cornerback -- Chimdi Chekwa has a starting spot locked up, but the other position remains open entering the summer. Senior Andre Amos has a slight edge because of experience, but Devon Torrence, who played minor league baseball in the Astros organization the last two summers, made a strong push this spring. If Torrence focuses solely on football, the starting job could be his. 2. Kicking game -- It's no secret how important special teams has been to Jim Tressel's success at Ohio State, and the head coach is focused on replacing his starting specialists. Aaron Pettrey looks capable at kicker, but the punting job is a bit of a mystery with Jon Thoma and Ben Buchanan competing for the top spot. 3. Linebacker rotation -- Ohio State has plenty of exciting options at linebacker, namely Etienne Sabino and Brian Rolle, both of whom had very solid springs. The key will be finding the right combinations of 'backers and not being afraid to use younger players like Sabino ahead of veterans who played behind Laurinaitis and Freeman for years. It will be tough to replace the lost production, but Ohio State has enough depth, as long as players are used the right ways.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

A heaping helping of headlines for you. 

• Former Michigan quarterback Steven Threet discusses his decision to transfer to Arizona State, Angelique Chengelis writes in The Detroit News. Michigan already has a commitment from quarterback Devin Gardner, but the Wolverines aren't stopping there, Josh Helmholdt writes in the Detroit Free Press. 

"A lot of people said I left because I was scared of competition, but you're going to have competition in Division I football," Threet said. "If you look at when I transferred to Michigan, Ryan Mallett was here, and it's not like the cupboard is bare at Arizona State. It's Division I college football, and you're going to compete. If you're guaranteed a spot, then you're probably not at a good team. I just wanted a place where I fit the offense and the coaches could develop me."

• The Columbus Dispatch's Tim May and Ken Gordon recap Ohio State's spring ball, and predict another BCS bowl run for the Buckeyes. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor will miss wideouts Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline this fall, Doug Lesmerises writes in The Cleveland Plain Dealer. 
  
• Former Big Ten coaches Lloyd Carr and Gerry DiNardo are working as headhunters for an executive search firm that hires college coaches and fills other leadership positions,  Doug Wilson writes in The Herald-Times (subscription required).
  
• Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis expects Nick Saban to still be Alabama's coach when the Spartans and Crimson Tide meet in 2016, Joe Rexrode writes in the Lansing State Journal. 
• Iowa's newest recruit has close ties to head coach Kirk Ferentz and plays lead guitar in a band, The (Cedar Rapids) Gazette's Marc Morehouse writes in his blog. 
• Penn State needs tight end Andrew Quarless and cornerback A.J. Wallace to reach their potential this fall, Cory Giger writes in The Altoona Mirror. 
• Several factors are helping Purdue in the Robert Marve sweepstakes, Mike Carmin writes in The Journal and Courier. 

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The 2009 NFL draft was a fairly forgettable one for the Big Ten, which didn't have a top-10 pick for the first time since 2002 and had fewer first-round picks (4) than the SEC, ACC and Big 12. Michigan didn't have a player drafted until the fourth round (defensive tackle Terrance Taylor), while hoops powerhouse Connecticut already had four players drafted by that point.

The Big Ten had 28 players drafted overall and 15 in the first three rounds, the second-highest total for a league.

Here's the team-by-team breakdown of draft picks, which looks pretty good if you're an Ohio State fan.

OHIO STATE

Picks: 7

• Cornerback Malcolm Jenkins, Saints (1st round, No. 14)
• Running back Chris Wells, Cardinals (1st round, No. 31)
• Linebacker James Laurinaitis, Rams (2nd round, No. 35)
• Wide receiver Brian Robiskie, Browns (2nd round, No. 36)
• Cornerback Donald Washington, Chiefs (4th round, No. 102)
• Wide receiver Brian Hartline, Dolphins (4th round, No. 108)
• Linebacker Marcus Freeman, Bears (5th round, No. 154)

PENN STATE

Picks: 5

• Defensive end Aaron Maybin, Bills (1st round, No. 11)
• Wide receiver Derrick Williams, Lions (3rd round, No. 82)
• Wide receiver Deon Butler, Seahawks (3rd round, No. 91)
• Guard Rich Ohrnberger, Patriots (4th round, No. 123)
• Center A.Q. Shipley, Steelers (7th round, No. 226)

IOWA

Picks: 4

• Running back Shonn Greene, Jets (3rd round, No. 65)
• Cornerback Bradley Fletcher, Rams (3rd round, No. 66)
• Guard/tackle Seth Olsen, Broncos (4th round, No. 132)
• Tight end Brandon Myers, Raiders (6th round, No. 202)

WISCONSIN

Picks: 4

• Defensive end Matt Shaughnessy, Raiders (3rd round, No. 71)
• Linebacker DeAndre Levy, Rams (3rd round, No. 76)
• Guard Kraig Urbik, Steelers (3rd round, No. 79)
• Tight end Travis Beckum, Giants (3rd round, No. 100)

ILLINOIS

Picks: 3

• Cornerback Vontae Davis, Dolphins (1st round, No. 25)
• Tackle Xavier Fulton, Buccaneers (5th round, No. 155)
• Defensive end Will Davis, Cardinals (6th round, No. 204)

PURDUE

Picks: 2

• Defensive tackle Alex Magee, Chiefs (3rd round, No. 67)
• Quarterback Curtis Painter, Colts (6th round, No. 201)

MICHIGAN

Picks: 2

• Defensive tackle Terrance Taylor, Colts (4th round, No. 136)
• Cornerback Morgan Trent, Bengals (6th round, No. 179)
  

MICHIGAN STATE

Picks: 1

• Running back Javon Ringer, Titans (5th round, No. 173)

Northwestern, Minnesota and Indiana did not have any players drafted this year.

Notable Big Ten players not drafted included: Iowa defensive tackle Mitch King, Ohio State offensive tackle Alex Boone, Michigan State quarterback Brian Hoyer, Penn State defensive end Maurice Evans, Purdue running back Kory Sheets, Northwestern running back Tyrell Sutton, Wisconsin running back P.J. Hill and Michigan State safety Otis Wiley.

A few final thoughts from the draft.

• Wells entered the 2008 season as a sure-fire top-10 pick, but his injury history dropped his stock a bit. He still ended up in a pretty good spot and should have an excellent pro career if he stays healthy.
• The draft reiterated how bad the Big Ten is at the quarterback spot, with only one signal-caller selected (Painter).
  
• The Giants will get a steal in Beckum if the former All-American stays healthy. I also liked Seattle's move to land Penn State's Butler, a reliable and quick target. The Bears could get a steal at linebacker with Freeman, who would have been the top defender on most college teams.
  
• It will be fascinating to see how Greene and Ringer perform in the pros after carrying their respective college teams last fall.
  
• I was shocked not to see Iowa's King get drafted. He might not fit the NFL "measurables," but he creates havoc in the middle of the defensive line and might have been the Big Ten's defensive MVP last fall.
• As I wrote in November, Northwestern's Pat Fitzgerald and Michigan State's Mark Dantonio deserved Big Ten Coach of the Year honors more than Joe Paterno. Fitzgerald guided Northwestern to a 9-4 mark without a single NFL draftee on his roster, while Dantonio posted the same record with only one draftee (Ringer).
  

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Spring game wrap-ups are on the agenda today, and four more recaps will be published this afternoon. I'll turn my attention to the Big Ten's very blah draft on Tuesday and keep feeding you features and other items.

Onto the links.

• The Columbus Dispatch's Bob Hunter explores the reasons why 95,722 people would show up at Ohio State's spring game. Buckeyes players Donald Washington and Brian Hartline appeared to make the right call by declaring early for the NFL draft, Tim May and Ken Gordon write in The Dispatch. 
• Michigan might open the renovated Big House against Massachusetts in 2010, Steve Buckley writes in the Boston Herald.   
• Michigan State can feel good about its quarterback situation after Saturday's Green-White Game, Joe Rexrode writes in the Lansing State Journal. Though no conclusions were drawn at QB, Oklahoma transfer Keith Nichol seemed to make more big plays, Eric Lacy writes in The Detroit News.
  
• Everything you need to know about Illinois' spring game can be found here, courtesy of The [Champaign] News-Gazette. 
• Northwestern saw some encouraging signs from its offense, particularly the run attack, against a defense missing four starters in the spring game, Lindsey Willhite writes in the Daily Herald. 
• Penn State wide receiver Derek Moye thinks he's ready to take the next step, Ron Musselman writes in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 
• Adam Weber should remain Minnesota's starting quarterback, but the Gophers must find ways to get MarQueis Gray on the field, Patrick Reusse writes in the Star Tribune. 
• In case you missed it from Friday, three Wisconsin assistant coaches, including defensive coordinator Dave Doeren, were admonished for violating recruiting rules.
  

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

I'll be off most of Friday, but I didn't want you to miss out on your second helping of questions and answers.

Michael from Akron, Ohio, writes: Adam, after your time in Columbus recently I wanted to get your thoughts on the offense. Lots of players did leave but I think the players returning and coming in are more suited to play the same style of offense where last year you had a major change of pace with beanie in the "I" formation then spread with Pryor down to the types of receivers. I think this years bunch (and next for that matter) will be a more consistant offense that the players will benefit from with a clear cut scheme. Do you agree?

Adam Rittenberg: It could go one of two ways, Michael. By mid-October, you could be marveling at Ohio State's stockpile of playmakers, guys like DeVier Posey, Ray Small, Lamaar Thomas, Dan Herron and Brandon Saine. Or you could miss reliable guys like wideouts Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline. I tend to agree with you that these players fit the same style of offense, which would appear to be spread-ish. You're absolutely right that Ohio State spent all of last season experimenting with the scheme and never really found its offensive identity. The Buckeyes should have an easier time figuring out who they are this year. Will it be good enough? Have to wait and see.

---

Russell from Iowa City, Iowa, writes: Adam, I love your stuff. I was wondering if you agree with Andre Ware's B10 picks. 1. Ohio St 2. Minnesota 3. Penn St 4. Illinois 5. Wisconsin Also how could Iowa have a "bad" offensive line if we managed to produce a 1850 yard rusher? Also we did not give up 46 sacks, like he said. I am very optimistic for this Iowa team, even with our road schedule.

Adam Rittenberg: I'm sticking with my pre-spring power rankings of Ohio State at No. 1, Penn State at No. 2 and Iowa at No. 3. Minnesota has a good deal of talent, but there have been too many changes in Minneapolis to think the Gophers will finish second in the league. Add in a much harder schedule, and I could see Minnesota right around where it finished last year (8-4 or 7-5). I really, really like Iowa's offensive line and the confidence Ricky Stanzi brings to the huddle, but I'm not sold on the defensive tackles or the wide receivers.

---

Chris from Chicago writes: I've seen some Illinois scrimiges and from what I saw Illinois has an explosive offense and a fast defense. They return key members from last years offense. But they lose some key players on D. How many wins do you think we(Illinois) will have?

Adam Rittenberg: It really depends on the defense, Chris. Like you, I see a very explosive offense led by the Big Ten's most experienced quarterback in Juice Williams. I see the league's best wide receiving corps and two improved running backs in Jason Ford and Mikel LeShoure. But I'm not sold on the defense, particularly the front seven. If Martez Wilson becomes more consistent at middle linebacker and Illinois identifies a capable pass-rusher or two, it could win eight or nine games. The schedule worries me, though, and the opening Big Ten stretch of Ohio State, Penn State and Michigan State looks tough.

---

Doug from Ann Arbor, Mich., writes: The Wall Street Journal (believe it or not) had an interesting article about offensive line experience. They site a very short table listing the Top5 programs with the most combined o-line starts. And Michigan comes in at #5 with 75 combined starts. The only bad part about this article is that there is no link offered to any further source of info. I'd like to see what linemen they are counting as starters for this year, and where lots of other programs come in for combined starts. Do you have any recommendation for such a source? I've done by best to search the internets, but haven't had any success! Thanks. Go Blue!

Adam Rittenberg: Doug, I like the idea here and will try to put together a chart for you on next week's blog. But just going down the list of Big Ten teams, I'd say Michigan, Iowa, Purdue, Northwestern and Indiana return the most starting experience on the offensive line. If you count Justin Boren's starting experience at Michigan toward Ohio State's total, the Buckeyes aren't bad, either. Wisconsin boasts excellent experience with center John Moffitt (25 starts) and left tackle Gabe Carimi (23 starts), but there are some holes elsewhere.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Spring is here, people. Time to get serious. 

• Ben Chappell has done enough to open spring practice as Indiana's starting quarterback, while Kellen Lewis gets more work as a wide receiver, Terry Hutchens writes in The Indianapolis Star.  

"The biggest difference in our offense is that we're going to be more of a downhill running football team," head coach Bill Lynch said. "I think that fits us better if Kellen isn't back there at quarterback."

• Minnesota opens spring practice with three new coordinators and a new-look offensive line, Marcus Fuller writes in the Pioneer Press. 
  
• Cornerback Aaron Henry returns to the mix, and safety Shane Carter tries to improve his tackling skills as The Capital Times' Jim Polzin previews Wisconsin's secondary. 
• It should be an emotional day at Minnesota as linebacker Sam Maresh goes through his first practice after undergoing open heart surgery last spring, Dennis Brackin writes in the Star Tribune. 
• As expected, Penn State's Stefen Wisniewski will shift from guard to center when spring ball opens, and he's got big shoes to fill, Ron Musselman writes in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  
• President Obama has got nothing on former Ohio State wide receiver Brian Hartline, who's winning The Cleveland Plain Dealer's celebrity NCAA tournament bracket challenge. 
  

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Ohio State loses a large and decorated senior class, as well as three underclassmen (Chris "Beanie" Wells, Brian Hartline and Donald Washington) who would have been starters in 2009. There are holes on both sides of the ball, but Ohio State's ability to consistently produce elite defenses eases concerns there.

An offense that ranked 76th nationally last fall will be in the spotlight this spring. Here's the strong point and weak point for the Buckeyes.

Strongest position -- Defensive line

Key returnees: Junior end Cameron Heyward, senior end Lawrence Wilson, junior end Thaddeus Gibson, senior tackle Doug Worthington

Key departures: Tackle Nader Abadallah (33 tackles, 6 TFLs, 4 pass breakups).

The skinny: The Buckeyes' linebackers have led the way for some time on defense, but things could change this fall. Almost everyone returns on the defensive line, and Ohio State should be particularly strong at the end spot with Heyward, Wilon and Gibson, who made a huge difference in the second half of 2008. After finishing seventh in the league in sacks last season (28), the Buckeyes should see their total rise. Other strong spots include safety and wide receiver, where Ohio State gets a lot younger but potentially a lot better.

Weakest position -- Running back

Key returnees: Sophomore Dan Herron, junior Brandon Saine

Key departures: Chris "Beanie" Wells (207 carries, 1,197 yards, 8 TDs), Maurice Wells (39 carries, 129 yards)

The skinny: Injuries dogged Beanie Wells throughout his career, but he was a force when healthy, a three-tool back (size, speed, agility) who struck fear in opposing defenders. Herron performed decently in place of Wells last year, but his size raises some concern. Saine came to Ohio State with a ton of hype but hasn't been able to stay healthy. Help is on the way this summer with freshmen Jaamal Berry and Carlos Hyde, but the position looks a bit unstable right now. Cornerback also could be a weak spot after the losses of Washington and Thorpe Award winner Malcolm Jenkins.