ESPN College Football

This was bound to happen eventually. I've been trying so hard to suppress like my carefree idiot side that it just rebelled and came out swingin'.

• Two former Ohio State coaches weigh in on Luke Fickell's tough call at quarterback, Tim May writes in The Columbus Dispatch. Doug Lesmerises answers several questions on Ohio State's offensive struggles.
• Nebraska CB Alfonzo Dennard reveals the full extent of his injury and says he isn't quite mentally ready to play. Huskers offensive coordinator Tim Beck is proud of T-Magic.
• The Heisman hype is building for Wisconsin's Russell Wilson.
• Will the Big Ten be forced to jump into realignment fever?
• Vincent Smith emerges for Michigan at running back, colleague Michael Rothstein writes. Wolverines players say this year's fast start feels different than the previous two.
• Illinois' offense is now the unit with something to prove, John Supinie writes. The Illini are on the rise in the Big Ten.
• The ACC is a good regional fit for Penn State, but the Big Ten still brings plenty of pluses, Donnie Collins writes. Bob Flounders doesn't like what he sees from Penn State after the first three games.
• Former Michigan State assistant Dan Enos looks to spark Central Michigan against his alma mater, David Goricki writes in The Detroit News.
• Bruce Davis' parents were surprised the Iowa LB quit the team, Randy Peterson writes in the Des Moines Register.
• Minnesota QB MarQueis Gray is starting to blossom, Marcus Fuller writes in the (St. Paul) Pioneer Press.
• The Big Ten could be in another down year, Loren Tate writes in The (Champaign) News-Gazette. Here are Athlon Sports' latest Big Ten power rankings.
• Northwestern' bye week comes at a good time.
• Terry Hutchens looks at Indiana's next opponent -- North Texas.
• Sparty and Brutus are holding their own in the Capital One Mascot Challenge.

Reserve linebacker Bruce Davis has left Iowa for personal reasons, the team announced Monday.

Davis, a senior who is set to graduate in December, played in each of the Hawkeyes' first three games and recorded four assisted tackles. Davis missed most of last season after getting hurt early in the season against Arizona. He started one game at middle linebacker before the injury.

He served as the backup to James Morris this season at middle linebacker. Davis' departure deals a blow to the depth on Iowa's defense, which has allowed 71 points the past two games. Starting outside linebacker Tyler Nielsen injured his ankle early in the Pitt game last weekend.

James Morris didn't set a goal for number of minutes played as a freshman at Iowa.

He didn't even care which unit -- first team, second team -- he joined on Saturdays. He simply wanted to get on the field. The linebacker ended up appearing in all 13 games, starting the final six, finishing fourth on the squad in tackles with 70.

"It was a pretty awesome experience," said Morris, who added four pass breakups and a sack. "I feel like I got a good jump on most of my competition. I think it'll pay bigger dividends once the season rolls around and I can apply some of that experience."

Morris knows he'll take on an enhanced role for the Hawkeyes' defense this season. He also knows others will have to replicate his rise as Iowa replaces six defensive starters, four of whom were selected in April's NFL draft (Adrian Clayborn, Christian Ballard, Karl Klug and Tyler Sash).

Iowa entered the 2010 season seemingly with a clear identity on defense, but the unit ended up with mixed results. The Hawkeyes need the opposite to occur this fall -- for a new-look defense to establish its personality and consistently shut down the opposition.

"I feel like we're young, but that's not necessarily a bad thing," Morris said. "We're unproven, and there's a lot of guys on our squad who take offense to that. They want to prove themselves, and I'm hoping people are going to be surprised by what they see with the effort and how determined our guys are to prove what kind of players they are."

Morris began the proving process last season. A rash of injuries at linebacker thrust him into the starting lineup down the stretch, and he recorded 40 tackles in his first four starts.

Like many freshmen, Morris was prone to overthinking things when he first got in games. A National Honor Society member in high school, Morris admits he's "very much" an analytical person.

"You're sort of forced to lead a double life, what's expected of you on the field versus being a civil human being in conversation off the field," he said. "I thought I was doing a pretty good job of not outpacing myself toward the end of the year, as opposed to the beginning, when maybe I was playing a step slow, trying to process everything."

Morris acknowledges he made plenty of mistakes in 2010, but his effort level never wavered. He wants to be a more polished player this fall, especially as he guides the linebackers alongside veteran Tyler Nielsen.

Iowa must build depth around Morris and Nielsen with players like Christian Kirksey, Bruce Davis, Anthony Hitchens and Dakota Getz.

Morris doesn't expect the defense's personality to fully form until the end of training camp, which kicks off next month, but players are motivated to prove themselves and finish games better than they did in 2010.

"A lot of guys on our defense, they're driven and they're determined to improve and create their own identity," Morris said. "Some of them, they feel like last year was somewhat in flux in terms of what our identity was. They’re going to come out of camp with a purpose."

It's time to jump back into our preseason position group rankings. We've made our way through the offenses and the front line of the defenses. Now it's time to take a look at the linebackers.

As always, this is a ranking of the entire position group, so depth matters in addition to individual star players.

Away we go:

1. Nebraska: Lavonte David set the school record with 152 tackles last year, best in the Big 12. He also added 15 tackles for loss and six sacks on his way to second-team All-America honors. David was a one-man wrecking crew last year but should get more help this year. Will Compton returns after an injury-shortened season, and Sean Fisher is back after a broken leg cost him all of 2010. With an excellent defensive front leading the way, the Cornhuskers' linebackers should make plenty of impact plays.

2. Penn State: Is this the return of Linebacker U? The Nittany Lions technically only return one starter at the position but have plenty of talent. The unit got hit by injuries last year, including one that knocked Michael Mauti out of the lineup for several games. He's one of the best in the Big Ten when healthy, which he should be in 2011. Senior Nate Stupar led the team in tackles last year. Sophomores Gerald Hodges and Khairi Fortt are among the skilled youngsters battling for playing time. This could wind up as the deepest linebacking corps in the league.

3. Ohio State: The Buckeyes lost two starters, including leading tackler Brian Rolle. But the Silver Bullets usually reload at linebacker. Senior Andrew Sweat should emerge as the unit's leader, and hopes are high for Etienne Sabino after he took a redshirt year in 2010. Sabino showed promise this spring and locked down a starting job. The battle is on for the third starting position. Incoming freshman Curtis Grant could make a sudden impact.

4. Wisconsin: Much depends on the health of Chris Borland, who missed nearly all of 2010 and sat out the spring with a shoulder injury. The 2009 Big Ten Freshman of the Year will move to middle linebacker and should anchor the unit if he's sound. Mike Taylor finished second on the team in tackles for loss and interceptions last year, and Kevin Claxton is expected to take over at the strongside spot. The Badgers like what they have seen from redshirt freshman Marcus Trotter.

5. Iowa: The Hawkeyes lost a lot of experience from the 2010 team, including leading tackler Jeremiha Hunter. While there's some concern about the leadership void, Iowa has good young building blocks here. James Morris was pressed into service as a true freshman and was terrific; another year of development should only make him better. Tyler Nielsen was missed down the stretch when he suffered a neck injury, and the senior provides a veteran presence. Players like Bruce Davis, Christian Kirksey and Anthony Hitchens need to take on bigger roles.

6. Michigan State: It would be difficult to overstate how much the Spartans will miss two-time All-American Greg Jones and Eric Gordon, who combined to start 95 games in their illustrious careers. But life goes on. The lone returning starter, Chris Norman, is a dependable veteran. The Spartans hope Max Bullough and Denicos Allen build on their potential, and TyQuan Hammock inspired confidence with his play this spring.

7. Minnesota: An experienced linebacker group could be the strength of the Gophers defense this season. All three starters -- leading tackler Gary Tinsley, Keanon Cooper and Mike Rallis -- are back. Rallis needs to stay healthy after only appearing in 12 games the past two years because of injuries. Florida transfer Brendan Beal should provide a boost.

8. Purdue: The Boilermakers are led by senior Joe Holland, who has 35 career starts under his belt. Junior Dwayne Beckford finished second on the team with 85 tackles a year ago. Will Lucas could break out after an excellent true freshman campaign. Senior Chris Carlino adds veteran depth.

9. Michigan: The Wolverines struggled defensively last year, and the linebackers shouldered some of the blame. They lost Jonas Mouton to the NFL. Cam Gordon moves down from safety and adds some playmaking ability. Kenny Demens had 82 tackles last year at middle linebacker. Freshman Jake Ryan should contribute right away. This group still has a lot to prove.

10. Illinois: The Illini have to rebuild after losing a pair of NFL draft picks at the position in Martez Wilson and Nate Bussey. Senior Ian Thomas now becomes the veteran leader. Sophomores Johnathan Brown and Houston Bates -- who had a strong spring -- will be counted on to step forward.

11. Indiana: Fifth-year senior Jeff Thomas could be the centerpiece of the Hoosiers defense. Another fifth-year senior is Leon Beckum, though he lacks top-end speed. Overall, there isn't a lot of depth here.

12. Northwestern: Linebacker play was a sore spot last season, and starters Nate Williams and Quentin Davie are gone. Bryce McNaul needs to recover all the way from shoulder surgery and has to stay healthy. Pat Fitzgerald thinks he has some talented young players at the position; they'll need to grow up fast.

More than one Big Ten coach has called Iowa's defense vanilla in the past decade.

It's not a dig at the Hawkeyes or at longtime defensive coordinator Norm Parker. Just the opposite, in fact.

Unlike some defenses, which have to mix up formations and plays until something clicks, Iowa gets by with a basic 4-3 scheme that relies on hard-and-fast rules, polished fundamentals and execution. And for the most part, the Hawkeyes have vanilla-d their way to success. The biggest key to the scheme is a line that can consistently generate pressure and reach the offensive backfield.

But Iowa now must replace three defensive linemen selected in April's NFL draft (Adrian Clayborn, Christian Ballard and Karl Klug). And at times last season, especially against spread offenses -- Arizona, Missouri, late in the Northwestern game -- Iowa's line didn't put enough pressure on the pocket, leaving some to wonder if a schematic shakeup was in order.

Could we see one this season?

I talked about this issue last week with Hawkeyes beat writer Marc Morehouse at the Big Ten spring meetings. Morehouse wrote in March about the possibility of Iowa using a 3-4 alignment more often this season. Although Iowa will remain a base 4-3, several factors suggest the defense will be more multiple.

From Morehouse's story:

Against the pass, expect Iowa to work in some 3-4 on passing downs, especially if that passer is (Blaine) Gabbert's caliber. Iowa will continue to rush four or more (but mostly four) probably 90 percent of the time, so we’re not talking wholesale philosophy change, just a tweak that would put more speed on the field.

It makes sense, especially against spread offenses that get the ball out quickly and require speedy defenders to make plays in space. Iowa struggled to generate consistent pressure against Gabbert in the Insight Bowl, forcing Parker to shake up the scheme quite a bit.

Without much proven depth on the line, Iowa might be well served by being more multiple this season. Although there are some question marks at linebacker, the group could be better and deeper if younger players like James Morris, Christian Kirksey, Anthony Hitchens and Dakota Getz continue to develop. Tyler Nielsen provides a veteran presence to build around, and Bruce Davis is back from a knee injury.

The biggest obstacle to a 3-4 is the lack of a mammoth defensive tackle. Iowa's tackles typically are a bit undersized, which has worked out well with players like Mitch King, Matt Kroul and Klug. Redshirt freshman Carl Davis, who checks in north of 300 pounds, is the only lineman who could fit the traditional 3-4 tackle mold.

Still, the depth issues up front combined with the potential at linebacker suggest we could see more flavors from a vanilla Hawkeyes defense this season.

For the second consecutive season, Iowa is scrambling to find enough capable players to carry the football.

The Hawkeyes announced Tuesday that redshirt sophomore Jewel Hampton needs season-ending knee surgery after tearing his left ACL in Saturday's loss to No. 18 Arizona. This is a very tough blow for both the Hawkeyes and for Hampton, who missed all of the 2009 season after tearing his right ACL in the preseason.

I had really been looking forward to watching Hampton, who did a great job as Shonn Greene's backup in 2008 and had an impressive preseason.

Making matters worse, running back Paki O'Meara sustained a concussion at Arizona and will miss this week's game against Ball State, if not more time. O'Meara already has been a factor on special teams this year, blocking a punt and returning it for a touchdown against Eastern Illinois.

Entering camp in August, Iowa appeared to have three solid options at running back with sophomores Hampton, Adam Robinson and Brandon Wegher. But Wegher left the team days into camp and has shown no indication that he'll return this year. With Hampton now sidelined, it's critical for Robinson to stay healthy and continue to produce.

"We've got Adam, and anyone else that wants to volunteer," coach Kirk Ferentz said.

The one bit of good news is that freshman Marcus Coker should be back soon after dealing with a shoulder injury since the early part of preseason camp.

Iowa also loses backup middle linebacker and special-teams standout Bruce Davis to a torn ACL suffered on the same play O'Meara sustained the concussion.

I'm a big fan of Robinson's, but the lack of depth at running back likely will cause Iowa to go more to its strengths, the wide receivers and tight ends. The Hawkeyes also need their offensive line to grow up even faster now.

It's time to take a look at the top five linebacker units in the Big Ten this fall.

1. Ohio State: The Buckeyes boast two of the Big Ten's top 10 linebackers in Ross Homan and Brian Rolle, and they also have good depth. Homan might have been the league's most underrated defender in 2009 after tying for fourth in the league in interceptions (five) and finishing eighth in tackles (8.3 per game). Rolle makes up for his lack of size with speed and explosiveness. Ohio State's supporting cast includes Etienne Sabino, Andrew Sweat, Dorian Bell and others.

2. Michigan State: Back-to-back Big Ten preseason Defensive Player of the Year Greg Jones enters the season as the frontrunner to win the Butkus Award. But he's not alone on what should be a loaded linebacking corps. All-Big Ten candidate Eric Gordon has played a ton of football alongside Jones, and the coaches were pleased with Chris Norman this spring. Hopes are extremely high for true freshmen William Gholston, the Big Ten's top-rated recruit, and Max Bullough. It's clear to see why the Spartans are moving closer to the 3-4.

3. Wisconsin: Health remains a concern, as Mike Taylor's knee problems will linger and Chris Borland comes off of shoulder surgery, but Wisconsin has plenty of talent here. Borland is a rare, do-everything player who won Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors in 2009. Taylor likely would have contended for the same award if not for a torn ACL against Iowa. The Badgers also bring back Culmer St. Jean and Blake Sorensen.

4. Northwestern: As a College Football Hall of Fame linebacker, Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald loves the look of this group. Senior Quentin Davie is a bona fide NFL prospect who has consistently reached the offensive backfield throughout his career. Middle linebacker Nate Williams enters his third year as the starter, and the coaches have solid options in Bryce McNaul, Ben Johnson and David Nwabuisi. Fitzgerald says this is the most linebacker depth Northwestern has had in his tenure.

5 (tie). Iowa and Penn State: These teams combine to lose five All-Big Ten 'backers from 2009, including first-team selections Pat Angerer (Iowa) and Navorro Bowman (Penn State). But both have historically reloaded at linebacker, and this year should be no different. Iowa's Jeremiha Hunter returns for his third year as a starter, and Jeff Tarpinian and Tyler Nielsen are primed for bigger roles. Troy Johnson and Bruce Davis are two other names to watch, and hopes are high for freshman James Morris. Penn State loses all three starters, but Nate Stupar and Bani Gbadyu have played a lot of football. Michael Mauti's return from an ACL injury and Penn State's strong recruiting at linebacker also elevate hope for the group.

Next up: Secondary

More rankings ...

• Defensive line