ESPN College Football

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The 11th and final installment in a series examining the best and worst outcomes, within reason, for each Big Ten squad.

BEST CASE

The Badgers get back to the basics, running backs John Clay and Zach Brown punish defenders, the quarterbacks limit mistakes, the defense remembers how to finish and head coach Bret Bielema's seat cools down.

Wisconsin's surprise starting backfield of quarterback Scott Tolzien and Brown prove why they earned the top jobs against Northern Illinois, combining for four touchdowns in a 35-10 rout. Curt Phillips also plays several series and showcases his speed on a 50-yard scoring run. Wisconsin needs no drama to beat Fresno State and has little trouble with Wofford.

Michigan State comes to Madison and Wisconsin mounts a come-from-behind win. The Spartans lead by 10 early in the foruth quarter when head coach Mark Dantonio draws an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for looking too intense and angry. Dantonio's blunder leads to a downward spiral, and Wisconsin's Phillip Welch hits a 50-yard field goal as time expires for a 24-23 win. The Badgers retain Paul Bunyan's Axe the next week in Minneapolis, as safety Jay Valai collects another helmet decal from a Minnesota running back for his wall.

The Badgers drop games to Ohio State and Iowa but respond against the Indiana schools to go 7-2, as wideout Nick Toon becomes a star. Michigan visits Camp Randall Stadium and Wisconsin builds a big lead, this time hanging on for an impressive victory. Wisconsin splits its last two games to finish 9-3.

A trip to the Outback Bowl comes next, and Wisconsin beats Mississippi for its 10th win. Sales of red windbreakers skyrocket in the greater Madison area and Bielema gets another few years tacked on to his contract. Clay keeps his weight down as Wisconsin leads the Big Ten in rushing with two 1,000-yard backs. The Badgers get some clarity at quarterback and enter 2010 with BCS bowl hopes.

WORST CASE

The downward slide continues, a lack of discipline shows up again, the quarterbacks crumble, the defense caves and the head coach gets more heat.

Despite a nonconference schedule that doesn't include a BCS opponent, Wisconsin manages just a 2-2 split, with one of the wins against FCS Wofford. Tolzien starts off shaky, throwing two interceptions against Northern Illinois after a steady preseason. Phillips doesn't fare much better, and the Badgers go through another year with below-average quarterback play.

At 2-1 entering Big Ten play, Wisconsin suffers another mental meltdown against Michigan State, drawing 12 penalties in a 30-17 loss. Bielema continues to ride the refs too hard, and Valai gets ejected for headhunting. Minnesota reclaims the axe a week later at TCF Bank Stadium, as former Wisconsin safety Kim Royston records two interceptions in the win. Losses follow against Ohio State and Iowa, which thumps its alum Bielema by 21 points.

Wisconsin scrapes by against Purdue and Indiana and needs to win two of three to reach a bowl game. After building a 21-point halftime lead against Michigan, the Badgers collapse for the second straight year as Tate Forcier rallies the Wolverines in overtime. A week later, former Wisconsin defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz avenges his surprising dismissal by helping Northwestern to a shutout of the Badgers in Evanston.

Out of the postseason picture, Wisconsin heads to Hawaii and sleepwalks through a 44-20 loss. Clay can't stay below 250 pounds. The wide receivers continue to drop passes. Athletic director Barry Alvarez decides to keep Bielema but loses a chunk of season-ticket holders in the process. Bielema fires both of his coordinators. Minnesota and Iowa go to January bowls.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The 10th installment in a series examining the best and worst outcomes, within reason, for each Big Ten squad.


BEST CASE

The Big Ten's mystery team flummoxes opponents, youth is served and veterans flourish in featured roles, as Hope returns to West Lafayette.

First-year coach Danny Hope has accelerated the pace at Purdue since he took over for Joe Tiller, and the results show in the Boilermakers' first game. The team is faster and more athletic on both sides of the ball, as Ralph Bolden sparks the rushing attack in an easy win against Toledo. Purdue then heads to Eugene and paces Oregon before losing in overtime, but unlike last year's game, the strong showing against the heavily favored Ducks galvanizes the Boilers.

After handling Northern Illinois in Week 3, Purdue's defense provides a huge lift in an upset of Notre Dame. Defensive linemen Ryan Kerrigan and Mike Neal both record sacks, and a veteran Boilers secondary stifles the Irish pass attack. Purdue improves to 5-1 with wins against Northwestern and Minnesota before losing a defensive struggle against Ohio State.

The Boilers fall the next week against Illinois but bounce back in Madison as Bolden and Jaycen Taylor combine for 250 rush yards against a questionable Wisconsin front seven. Purdue loses a close one to Michigan State the next week, but crushes Indiana for the second straight year as young wideouts Antavian Edison and Gary Bush get into the act.

At 8-4, Purdue heads to the Alamo Bowl and beats Kansas. Robert Marve beams on the sideline, anxiously awaiting his chance to start in 2010. Elliott immediately joins the Purdue coaching staff to tutor the quarterbacks. Kerrigan decides to stay for his senior year and Neal earns first-team All-Big Ten honors. All Purdue male students grow mustaches to honor Hope and Tiller.

WORST CASE

All the transition catches up to Purdue, the offense stalls, the run defense collapses and fans wonder if the dark days are back.

Purdue stumbles out of the gate against Toledo, as Elliott and the offense can't find a rhythm and the defense fails to generate much pressure. The Rockets stun the Boilers, who are forced to play too many young players. Oregon remembers last year's near upset in West Lafayette and thrashes Purdue 42-7, as Jeremiah Masoli and LeGarrette Blount each gash the Boilers for 80-yard runs.

The Boilers barely salvage a win against Northern Illinois before Notre Dame visits Ross-Ade Stadium and takes to the air, consistently beating Purdue's veteran defensive backs with wideouts Golden Tate and Michael Floyd. Elliott proves why he hasn't been a starter before, tossing three interceptions in a 45-14 loss to the Irish.

Northwestern and Minnesota take advantage of Purdue's weak run defense, consistently double-teaming Kerrigan and Neal and forcing young players to beat them. Terrelle Pryor then runs wild as Ohio State hands Purdue its fourth straight loss. Things get even worse the next week against Illinois, which makes big play after big play against a defense that allowed far too many of them last year.

Purdue collapses down the stretch, as Indiana avenges last year's blowout with a 35-point victory at Memorial Stadium that secures bowl eligibility for Bill Lynch's crew. The Boilers go winless in the Big Ten for the first time since 1993 and miss the postseason for the second straight year. Kerrigan leaves early for the NFL, and several of Hope's recruits from Florida also depart. Purdue fans shave their mustaches in protest and wear "Hopeless" T-shirts at the home finale against Michigan State.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The ninth installment in a series examining the best and worst outcomes, within reason, for each Big Ten squad.

BEST CASE


Penn State proves it can reload, receives repeat performances from its stars, stays healthy and runs the table.

The dominance Penn State showed for most of last season returns, as the Nittany Lions handle their business against inferior opponents. Quarterback Daryll Clark and Evan Royster do their thing against Akron, but Derek Moye emerges as a playmaker at wide receiver and a new-look offensive line gains confidence. Defensive end Jack Crawford backs up the hype in Week 2, sacking Greg Paulus three times.

After another cakewalk against Temple, the Lions welcome Iowa into the "Whiteout" at Beaver Stadium. Linebackers Sean Lee and Navorro Bowman stuff the Hawkeyes' rushing attack, and after a slow start on offense, Clark picks apart Iowa's secondary down the stretch. The game is tight for a half, but Penn State turns the tide by blocking a Daniel Murray field-goal attempt early in the third quarter and goes on for a 27-17 victory. Penn State fans flood the blog to gloat.

Penn State faces arguably its biggest matchup problem of the season with Illinois' dynamic passing attack, but the secondary holds up as Drew Astorino intercepts Juice Williams twice in a 30-21 victory. The Lions move to 7-0 and vault into the top 5, and they take out years of frustration at the Big House by throttling Michigan 35-10 on Oct. 24.

Penn State survives a trap game at Northwestern as Royster scores two fourth-quarter touchdowns, setting up the showdown with undefeated No. 3 Ohio State. With a chance to finally gain some national respect, the Lions edge the Buckeyes in a defensive struggle, as Lee picks off Terrelle Pryor late in the fourth quarter to seal the win. Two more wins follow, and Penn State clinches its second straight Big Ten title and establishes itself as the league's third powerhouse.

In danger of getting snubbed from the national title game, Penn State watches as Florida stumbles in the SEC title game. As the only undefeated BCS team, Penn State heads back to Pasadena and faces Florida. Sorry, Nits fans, can't see Penn State beating the Gators, but it's a respectable showing.

Royster stays for his senior season. So does Bowman. Paterno says he'll coach forever but, just in case, sets up a succession plan for Tom Bradley. Penn State brings in the Big Ten's top recruiting class.


WORST CASE

Penn State can't fill the gaps, loses the one player it can't afford to lose and fails to capitalize on a cushy schedule.

The Lions start off 3-0 but do so in less-than impressive fashion, as the wide receivers drop passes, the offensive line struggles in protection and the secondary gets exposed by Akron's Chris Jacquemain and Paulus. Then disaster strikes in the Iowa game, as Clark sustains a season-ending injury on a blindside hit. Penn State's offense sputters with a freshman (Kevin Newsome) at the helm, and Iowa escapes Happy Valley with a 17-6 victory.

Illinois punishes the Penn State secondary the next week, as Williams channels his inner Mark Sanchez and tosses five touchdown passes. Unimpressive wins against Eastern Illinois and Minnesota follow, and the Big House once again becomes a House of Horrors for Penn State, which commits three second-half turnovers in a loss to Michigan. The Lions drop two of their final four games, falling to Ohio State as Pryor returns to his home state and sets a total offense record in Beaver Stadium.

At 7-5, Penn State heads to the Champs Sports Bowl with little fanfare. Royster and Bowman leave early for the NFL. Paterno retires and Penn State bungles the succession process. Ohio State leapfrogs the Lions for the Big Ten's top recruiting class.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The eighth installment in a series examining the best and worst outcomes, within reason, for each Big Ten squad.


BEST CASE

Terrelle Pryor puts it all together, the defense fills the gaps and the Buckeyes head back to Pasadena, but not for the Rose Bowl.

Ohio State fans provide a warm welcome for Navy, but the Mids' entrance is the only memorable moment in an easy Buckeyes' win. USC visits Columbus the next week and Pryor steals the show, throwing for three touchdowns and bulldozing Taylor Mays in a 28-17 win. Buckeyes defensive end Thaddeus Gibson makes Matt Barkley's road debut a living hell, and Carson Palmer leaves The Shoe with his head down. The win vaults Ohio State to No. 3 in the nation.

A week later, Ohio State heads to Cleveland and pounds Toledo, as Cleveland native Ray Small redeems himself by returning two punts for touchdowns. Cognizant of what happened the last time Juice Williams visited Columbus, Ohio State's defensive line puts Williams on his back throughout a Sept. 26 game, as the Buckeyes improve to 5-0. Four easy wins follow, and the run game starts to gain steam with Dan Herron and Brandon Saine.

Pryor returns to his home state and delivers a masterpiece at Beaver Stadium, dissecting the Nitttany Lions secondary for 310 pass yards. He finds DeVier Posey for the game-winning touchdown with four seconds left as Ohio State escapes with a 21-20 victory. The Buckeyes clear another hurdle the next week against Iowa to clinch at least a share of their fifth consecutive league title.

A trip to Ann Arbor follows, and Ohio State continues its dominance of the archrival Wolverines. Buckeyes left guard Justin Boren, a Michigan transfer, manhandles the Wolverines defensive tackles as Herron and Saine combine for 300 rush yards. Rich Rodriguez is left shaking his head and wondering what might have been as Pryor dazzles again.

The Buckeyes ascend to No. 2 nationally and head to Pasadena for the first time since January 1997 -- but not for the Rose Bowl. They face a heavily favored Florida team in BCS title game. As was the case in 2007, the underdog prevails as Jim Tressel wins his second national title at Ohio State. Pryor finishes third in Heisman voting and enters 2010 as the frontrunner. The defensive front mirrors the 2002 version and leads the Big Ten in sacks. Safety Kurt Coleman wins the Thorpe Award.


WORST CASE
The offense sputters again, the defense takes a step back, Ohio State's big-game blues continue and the Buckeyes give up their Big Ten crown.

Pryor remains a one-dimensional quarterback, and the offensive line doesn't give him much time to throw. Ohio State struggles for a half against Navy, and much like last year's game against Ohio, no one leaves The Shoe feeling good about the team's chances against USC. Another big-game flop follows, as Barkley outplays Pryor on the national stage, Mays records three interceptions and the Trojans roll 31-14. Palmer gloats on the sideline and fans file out early. Small enters Tressel's dog house again.

After thumping Toledo, Ohio State nearly drops its second straight home contest to Illinois before surviving in overtime. The Buckeyes quietly win their next five games, none by more than 17 points, and head to Happy Valley needing a much better showing.

It's a defensive struggle for the second straight year, and Ohio State takes a fourth-quarter lead before Sean Lee knocks the ball loose from Pryor on a scramble. Daryll Clark leads the game-winning touchdown drive as Penn State ends Ohio State's Big Ten road win streak at 17 games. Ohio State's run of Big Ten titles ends the next week as Iowa prevails in Columbus.

The team's last meaningful streak gets snapped Nov. 21 at Michigan, as the Wolverines pull the upset to beat their archrival for the first time since 2003. At 8-4, Ohio State misses a BCS bowl for the first time since 2004. The Buckeyes beat Kansas in the Alamo Bowl but leave San Antonio feeling extremely unfulfilled about the season.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The seventh installment in a series examining the best and worst outcomes, within reason, for each Big Ten squad.


BEST CASE



The offense reloads, the defense keeps pace, Pat Fitzgerald fends off suitors and Northwestern heads back to the postseason.

Despite losing multiyear starters at quarterback, running back and wide receiver, the Wildcats don't miss a beat on offense and actually increase their production. Mike Kafka provides the true dual threat quarterback that the spread offense demands, while Tyrell Sutton-clone Arby Fields headlines the rushing attack. The defense gets even better in Year 2 under coordinator Mike Hankwitz, and Northwestern gets through a season without special teams costing it a game.

The Wildcats cruise through their first two weeks as Kafka and the other first-time starters on offense gain confidence. Surprisingly good crowds turn up at Ryan Field to watch Northwestern crush Towson and Eastern Michigan. The team heads to Syracuse and thumps the Orange for the second straight year, as Corey Wootton sacks Greg Paulus four times. Northwestern then delivers more heartbreak to Minnesota, beating the Gophers in overtime on a Kafka touchdown run.

A trip to Purdue follows, and Northwestern improves to 5-0 as the run game capitalizes on a questionable Boilers front seven. The schedule spits out another patsy the next week, and the Wildcats start 6-0 by trouncing Miami (Ohio). For the second straight year, Northwestern heads to Michigan State undefeated and this time, the Wildcats don't doom themselves in the first quarter and pull out a 28-21 victory.

Entering the Top 25 for the first time, Northwestern avenges last year's inexcusable loss to Indiana by thrashing the Hoosiers. A tough closing stretch begins with Penn State on Halloween, and the Wildcats stumble for the first time. They recover to win two of their final three contests, including their third straight at Iowa's Kinnick Stadium, to finish at 10-2.

The Capital One Bowl predictably passes over Northwestern, but the Outback Bowl, which snubbed the team last year, selects the Wildcats to face Arkansas. Northwestern wins its first bowl since the 1949 Rose and winds up 11-2. Wootton earns All-America honors and wins the Ted Hendricks Award. After firing Charlie Weis, Notre Dame makes a run at Fitzgerald, who stiff-arms South Bend and says he'll coach NU for life. Northwestern finalizes a 2011 game at Wrigley Field and sees home attendance increase by 25 percent.


WORST CASE

New personnel struggle on offense, the defense backslides, attendance continues to struggle and Fitzgerald considers leaving.

Once again, Northwestern takes a major step back on offense with a new quarterback, as Kafka never establishes himself as a passer and throws too many pick-sixes. The defense reverts to its 2007 form at times, as Wootton and several other contributors go down with injuries. The kicking game costs the Wildcats two wins.

After two unimpressive victories to open the season, Northwestern heads to Syracuse and performs much like it did at Duke last year, except with a worse result. An uninspired offense doesn't move the ball, and Paulus dissects a veteran defense. A week later, Minnesota avenges back-to-back heartbreaking losses to Northwestern, which misses four field goals and watches the Gophers' Troy Stoudermire return a kickoff for a touchdown in a 35-28 loss.

The Wildcats rebound against Purdue and Miami (Ohio), but they come out shaky against Michigan State for the second straight year and can't recover. After squeaking by Indiana, Northwestern drops its final four games, including a heartbreaker to Wisconsin at home, to miss the postseason despite a cushy schedule. Wootton reinjures his knee against Penn State, and three of the four secondary starters also go down.

Attendance struggles again at Ryan Field, as visiting fans regularly outnumber NU backers during Big Ten play. Notre Dame comes after Fitzgerald, and the coach takes a long time before deciding to stay in Evanston, making NU fans very uncertain about his future with the program.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The sixth installment in a series examining the best and worst outcomes, within reason, for each Big Ten squad.

BEST CASE

The run game resurfaces, the defense plays takeaway and Minnesota restores its tradition in a new on-campus stadium.

Despite a change in offensive philosophy, Minnesota revives its run game and balances things out by attacking defenses with a deep and talented wide receiving corps, led by Eric Decker and Hayo Carpenter. Junior quarterback Adam Weber stays healthy, limits interceptions and operates the new scheme flawlessly with help from backup MarQueis Gray. The defense continues to pile up takeaways, replaces its lost pass-rushing production and does a better job of finishing games. Return specialist Troy Stoudermire sizzles and Minnesota replaces its starting kicker and punter.

Minnesota never wants to see the Metrodome again, but the team looks at ease in the Carrier Dome for its opener against Syracuse. Cedric McKinley makes Greg Paulus wish he'd stuck to hoops by sacking the Orange quarterback four times. The Gophers roll 41-10 and return home to open TCF Bank Stadium. Freshman linebacker Sam Maresh, who returned to football following open heart surgery last summer, leads the team onto the field as a deafening roar greets the players. Despite the emotions of the stadium opener and a tricky opponent (Air Force), Minnesota keeps its composure and improves to 2-0.

Heisman Trophy candidate Jahvid Best leads Cal into the Twin Cities on Sept. 19, but Minnesota running backs Duane Bennett, DeLeon Eskridge and Kevin Whaley end up stealing the show, piling up 285 rush yards against the Bears. Best turns in a typical performance, but the Gophers catch Cal's defense napping and win a shootout, 41-38. Entering the Top 25 for the first time, Minnesota visits Northwestern, a team that has dealt it back-to-back heartwrenching losses. This time, Minnesota prevails in dramatic fashion, as a Decker touchdown pass from Weber wins the game in overtime.

Minnesota reclaims Paul Bunyan's Axe the next week, as safety Kim Royston, a transfer from Wisconsin, knocks the 'W' decal off John Clay's helmet on a big hit. The Gophers improve to 6-0 with a homecoming blowout of Purdue before stumbling on the road against Penn State and Ohio State.

Heading into the home stretch, Minnesota splits against Michigan State and Illinois but crushes South Dakota State to improve to 8-3. The Gophers then head to Iowa City and avenge a 55-0 loss as Decker has a big day at Kinnick Stadium. The loss drops Iowa to 6-6.

At 9-3 and ranked in the Top 25, Minnesota moves on to the Outback Bowl, builds a huge lead against Georgia and doesn't blow it for its first Jan. 1 bowl victory since 1962. Decker wins the Biletnikoff Award, cornerback Traye Simmons is a finalist for the Thorpe Award and head coach Tim Brewster receives a lengthy contract extension.

WORST CASE

The offense stalls, the defense struggles, the stadium buzz vanishes and Minnesota endures another irrelevant season.

Despite returning more experience than any Big Ten team, Minnesota struggles with the scheme changes and the bad habits that hurt the team last season resurfaces. Jedd Fisch's pro-style system doesn't click with the offensive linemen, who struggle to create room for the running backs or buy enough time for Weber to attack downfield. The defense records its share of takeaways, but it struggles to contain the pass and doesn't generate much pressure up front without defensive end Willie VanDeSteeg.

Minnesota starts the season in the wrong place -- a domed stadium -- and suffers a mental meltdown against an inferior Syracuse team. The buzz around head coach Doug Marrone's first game and Paulus' first start at quarterback spurs the Orange, while the Gophers repeatedly hurt themselves with mistakes. Paulus throws for three touchdowns and runs in the game-winning score, dunking the ball over the goalpost to secure a 30-24 victory. The Gophers look a bit rattled the next week amid the hoopla over TCF Bank Stadium, but they survive against Air Force.

Reality returns as Best runs wild against the Minnesota defense and Cal rolls to a 48-14 victory. A week later, Northwestern hands Minnesota another brutal loss, this time by blocking a 25-yard field goal attempt as time expires to prevail 24-23. Wisconsin retains the axe as Clay and Zach Brown combine for 310 rush yards, dropping Minnesota to 1-4.

After beating Purdue, Minnesota suffers back-to-back blowouts against Penn State and Ohio State. Weber is under constant duress and has to leave the Ohio State game with an injury. Gray doesn't fare much better as the Buckeyes roll. The heat begins to rise on Brewster as the Gophers begin a three-game homestand. They find a way to go 2-1 but end the season on a down note against Iowa, which posts another shutout against its archrival.

The Gophers miss a bowl for the second time in two years under Brewster, who suddenly uses far fewer exclamation points in his tweets. Athletic director Joel Maturi decides to give Brewster one more year, but it's clear that a winning record must be posted. The team's recruiting takes a step back and Brewster does some more staff shuffling. Iowa wins the Big Ten and the Rose Bowl, and Wisconsin reaches a Jan. 1 bowl.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The fifth installment in a series examining the best and worst outcomes, within reason, for each Big Ten squad.



BEST CASE

A young offensive backfield blossoms, Greg Jones headlines a deeper defense and the Spartans actually exceed expectations and take another step in their evolution.

High expectations have been the kiss of death before in East Lansing, but Michigan State proves it has turned a corner under head coach Mark Dantonio. Michigan State relies on its seasoned defense early as the competitions get settled at both running back and quarterback. Kirk Cousins and Keith Nichol both perform well in a shared role before one -- we'll go with Nichol -- takes the reins for the Notre Dame game. Redshirt freshman Caulton Ray leads the way at running back and gets plenty of help from true frosh Larry Caper and Edwin "The Rock" Baker. Nichol capitalizes on an improved receiving corps and the Big Ten's deepest crop of tight ends, while Jones wins the league's defensive player of the year award.

Michigan State has no trouble in the opener, and the defense steps up big against Central Michigan and dangerous quarterback Dan LeFevour, who throws only one touchdown pass in a 38-13 loss. The team then heads to Spartan Stadium South and beats Notre Dame there for the seventh consecutive time. Entering the Top 25 rankings for the first time this season, Michigan State travels to Madison and gets a big performance from its stable of running backs against the Badgers.

The team improves to 5-0 and further shows the tide has turned in the state by beating archrival Michigan 31-10. Nichol exploits a weak Wolverines secondary for three touchdown passes, while Jones introduces himself to freshmen quarterbacks Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson. With back-to-back wins against Michigan, Spartan Nation takes the high road and avoids putting celebratory billboards all over the state.

Michigan State's toughest stretch of the season follows with games against Illinois, Northwestern, Iowa and Minnesota. The team stumbles once, most likely at Illinois, but maintains a top-20 ranking heading into November. Western Michigan provides a big test for the Spartans' deep secondary, but Chris L. Rucker and Trenton Robinson both record interceptions in a 38-24 win. After handling Purdue, the Spartans host Penn State with a share of the Big Ten title on the line. Veteran kicker Brett Swenson secures his soon-to-be Lou Groza Award by nailing the game-winning 52-yard field goal as Michigan State prevails.

Ohio State reaches the Rose Bowl, but Michigan State lands a second BCS bowl berth and heads to the Fiesta Bowl, where it faces undefeated Boise State. The Spartans' secondary plays its
best game of the season as the team survives to finish 12-1. Jones elects to remain in East Lansing for his senior year. The recruits continue to file in. Dantonio says he'll coach MSU forever.


WORST CASE

A young backfield falters behind a flimsy line, mediocre statistics translate to mediocre results and cries of "Same Old Sparty" return as Michigan State falls short of expectations.

The quarterback competition never truly gets resolved as neither Cousins nor Nichol show enough consistency at the helm of the offense. Michigan State discovers that life without Javon Ringer stinks. An offensive line that looks a little shaky right now becomes a major weakness, and the defensive front doesn't fare much better in stopping the run. Opponents gear their blocking schemes toward Jones and no one else steps up. Despite more bodies in the secondary, the Spartans miss All-Big Ten safety Otis Wiley.

After a ho-hum win against Montana State, the Spartans find themselves on the ropes against LeFevour and Central Michigan before prevailing in overtime. Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen and a veteran Fighting Irish offensive line dominate the Spartans the next week in South Bend, as Notre Dame ends its home losing streak to Michigan State in convincing fashion. In a true swing game, Michigan State blows a 21-point lead at Wisconsin and falls on a last-minute field goal set up by an interception and an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

More mistakes follow at home against Michigan, as Swenson has a field goal attempt blocked just before halftime and the Wolverines take it 80 yards the other way for a touchdown. Dantonio rips his coaches in his pre-halftime interview and then is seen slapping himself as he runs to the locker room. Michigan blows out the Spartans in the second half, sending fans to the exits midway through the fourth quarter.

The Spartans drop their fourth straight at Illinois, unable to keep pace with the Illini and their dynamic offense. Michigan State splits its next two home games before stumbling again at Minnesota. Wins against Western Michigan and Purdue give Michigan State a chance at salvaging a minor bowl game, but the Spartans stumble badly against Penn State for the second straight year. Evan Royster runs for 200 yards and the Spartans allow six sacks in a 45-7 loss.

Jones leaves early for the NFL draft. For the first time at Michigan State, Dantonio says goodbye to a key assistant (actually three of them). Several top in-state recruits switch their commitments from Michigan State to Michigan, which finishes the season 10-2 and wins the Capital One Bowl.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The fourth installment in a series examining the best and worst outcomes, within reason, for each Big Ten squad.


BEST CASE

Tate the Great and "Shoelace" Robinson flummox opponents, the defense rebounds under Greg Robinson and Rich Rodriguez's history of Year 2 turnarounds continues.

Rodriguez's spread offense starts to take shape around the freshmen quarterbacks, who are suited to the system. The veterans at running back, wide receiver and offensive line ease the transition early before Tate Forcier and/or Denard Robinson takes control by the start of Big Ten play. Senior Brandon Minor headlines a strong stable of running backs and earns first-team All-Big Ten honors by rushing for 1,400 yards. The receiving corps also steps up, buoyed by the return of Junior Hemingway and former Michigan hoopster Kelvin Gray. Michigan's defense overcomes inexperience up front and in the secondary, and plays as a cohesive unit. Brandon Graham leads the league in sacks while linebacker Obi Ezeh tops the tackles chart. Punter Zoltan Mesko gets a lot less work but still wins the Ray Guy Award.

Michigan begins by doing something it last accomplished in 2006 -- win the season opener. The defense holds off Tim Hiller and Western Michigan, setting up a matchup against Notre Dame. Graham and Mike Martin bulldoze the overhyped Fighting Irish line and punish Jimmy Clausen all afternoon as Michigan pulls a mini upset and prevails 24-14. Loaded with confidence, the Wolverines stomp all over both Eastern Michigan and Indiana to complete a 4-0 start.

The team hits the road for the first time and regains in-state bragging rights by rallying to beat Michigan State in the fourth quarter. Michigan vaults into the top 20. After a loss at Iowa, Michigan handles Delaware State easily. The Wolverines split their next two games against Penn State and Illinois but pound Purdue on Nov. 7, as Robinson rushes for three touchdowns.

The last two regular-season games won't be easy, as Michigan visits Madison before hosting archrival Ohio State. But by now, the offense has started to ro
ll and the young defenders have settled in around Graham, Ezeh and Donovan Warren. Michigan wins a close one at Wisconsin before taking Ohio State to the brink on Nov. 21. It'd take a lot to see the Wolverines upset the Buckeyes, but hey, this is a best-case scenario, so what the heck. The streak ends at five games as Terrelle Pryor throws three picks.

At 10-2, Michigan heads to the Capital One Bowl and beats Mississippi in a shootout. Fans finally embrace Rodriguez and his style, forgetting 2008 and all the player departures during the transition. Minor finishes as a finalist for the Doak Walker Award, and Graham wins Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors. Michigan is back.


WORST CASE

A 2008 redux at quarterback, more mistakes crop up on defense, Mesko leads the nation in punt attempts and Michigan misses a bowl for the second straight year.

Despite more experience elsewhere on offense, the quarterback position dooms the Wolverines again. Rodriguez plays all three candidates and none settles into a rhythm, allowing defenses to load up to stop the running game. Opponents double-team Graham and wipe away the pass rush, allowing their quarterbacks to exploit the obvious weaknesses in the secondary. Mesko leads the nation in punting and Michigan stumbles out of the gate again.

Another season opener, another loss, as Michigan falls to Western Michigan and Hiller, who tosses four touchdown passes. Clausen takes note the next week and eclipses Hiller's touchdowns total by one as Golden Tate and Michael Floyd make Michigan's secondary look silly. The Wolverines get booed as they head to halftime down 28-7 and never get within 14 points of the Irish. After an underwhelming win against Eastern Michigan that evokes memories of last year's Miami (Ohio) triumph, Michigan evens its record at 2-2 by outlasting Indiana.

The problems on offense can't be masked for long, and Michigan's first road trip results in a long afternoon for Forcier and Robinson. Michigan State further establishes itself as the team to beat in the state with a 31-17 victory. Things only get worse the next week in Iowa City, as Michigan fails to get on the scoreboard against the talented Hawkeyes defense. After taking care of Delaware State, the Wolverines see their home win streak against Penn State end at five games.

Another loss follows at Illinois, as Juice Williams and Arrelious Benn hook up for three touchdowns. Needing a perfect finish to keep its bowl hopes alive, Michigan survives against Purdue but drops its final two games against Wisconsin and Ohio State. The Buckeyes roll once again, extending their win streak to six games as Pryor accounts for six touchdowns (4 pass, 2 rush).

At 4-8, Rodriguez's future seems very much in doubt. After some extensive deliberation, AD Bill Martin decides to keep the coach, but says a significant improvement must be made in 2010. Several key players leave the team, including one of the freshman quarterbacks, which puts Rodriguez and his staff in a negative light yet again. Mesko winds up as Michigan's only first-team All-Big Ten representative. Ohio State wins its fifth straight league title and the Rose Bowl.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The third installment in a series examining the best and worst outcomes, within reason, for each Big Ten squad.



BEST CASE

The Hawkeyes pave the road in black and gold, the defensive line holds together and "Stanzi is the Manzi" T-shirts are worn all across the state.

No Shonn Greene? No problem for Iowa, which continues its momentum from 2008. Junior quarterback Ricky Stanzi blossoms after a season of trial-and-error, and running backs Jewel Hampton and Jeff Brinson find plenty of daylight behind the Big Ten's best offensive line. Wide receiver Derrell Johnson-Koulianos gets the message after his depth-chart demotion and earns All-Big Ten honors. The defense misses tackles Mitch King and Matt Kroul, but an improved pass rush combined with more playmaking from linebacker Pat Angerer, safety Tyler Sash, cornerback Amari Spievey and others more than makes up for it.

The Hawkeyes easily handle Northern Iowa in the opener before heading to a place they hate -- Jack Trice Stadium. Wins are never easy in Ames, but Stanzi steps up and delivers big as the visitors roll 31-7. Iowa then ruins Mike Stoops' homecoming and takes care of Arizona, setting up the matchup the two most vocal fan bases on this blog have waited for -- Sept. 26 at Penn State. The sight of 185-pound kicker Daniel Murray makes Penn State fans tremble, and Iowa doesn't flinch in front of the "Whiteout" crowd, upsetting the Nittany Lions by a touchdown. The Big Ten blog server crashes after being flooded with celebratory Hawkeye fans.

Stanzi makes sure the team avoids a letdown against Arkansas State, and the defense shuts out Michigan as Adrian Clayborn introduces himself to the Wolverines' quarterbacks. Iowa splits its next two road games, against Michigan State and Wisconsin, before posting another shutout against Indiana on Halloween. Now ranked in the top 15, Iowa overcomes its recent demons against Northwestern as Angerer knocks one of the Wildcats' running backs from the game in a convincing win.

Can't see Iowa winning in Columbus, but the team finishes with a very respectable 3-2 road record. To celebrate, the Hawkeyes beat Minnesota 55-0 for the second straight year. At 10-2, Iowa heads back to Florida for the Capital One Bowl and Stanzi does his best Drew Tate impression, throwing the game-winning touchdown pass against LSU. The Hawkeyes finish No. 8 nationally, left tackle Bryan Bulaga returns for his senior season
and NFL teams leave head coach Kirk Ferentz alone for a change.


WORST CASE

Iowa is left seeing red without Greene, Stanzi records double digits in picks and the run defense crumbles without King and Kroul.

Hampton's knee never fully heals, and the offensive line doesn't jell without several key pieces early in the season. The Hawkeyes are forced into third-and-long situations, and Stanzi continues to take the risks that plagued him at times last season. There's friction with DJK and converted quarterback Marvin McNutt struggles to be a No. 1 wideout. Opponents quickly spot the holes in Iowa's defense, and the young tackles pegged to replace King and Kroul inside simply aren't up to the task. The secondary struggles to replicate its playmaking prowess from 2008, and Iowa's bad habits in close games resurface. Injuries crop up on both sides of the ball, and the program gets more bad press for off-field issues.

The season begins with a too-close-for-comfort win against Northern Iowa, a strong FCS program. Then disaster strikes once again in Ames, as a horrible Iowa State team upsets the Hawkeyes 10-9 in a rainstorm. It marks Iowa's fifth loss in its last six trips to Jack Trice Stadium. After squeaking by Arizona, Iowa heads to Happy Valley and pays the price for last year's upset at Kinnick Stadium. Penn State rolls the Hawkeyes by 20 points, giving Nittany Nation bragging rights on the Big Ten blog.

After pounding Arkansas State, the Hawkeyes survive a scare against Michigan. The team hits the road again and struggles, as Bret Bielema gets revenge for last year's drubbing and Michigan State wins another close one in East Lansing. Iowa recovers against Indiana but drops its third consecutive home game to Northwestern. Needing to split its final two games to make the postseason, Iowa can't keep pace with Ohio State. A bowl-bound Minnesota team then comes to Kinnick Stadium and rolls to a win, as wideout Eric Decker hauls in four touchdowns and two Gophers fans are arrested doing naughty things in a bathroom.

The 5-7 clunker raises doubts about Ferentz's leadership, Bulaga and Spievey bolt for the NFL and the program wastes the momentum it generated last fall.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The second installment in a series examining the best and worst outcomes, within reason, for each Big Ten squad.


BEST CASE

Better depth and better health has the folks in Bloomington asking, "Kellen, who?"

After a season where Indiana couldn't catch a break, the team gets luck back on its side and maximizes what head coach Bill Lynch feels is a deeper and more talented roster. Lynch's confidence in quarterback Ben Chappell pays off, and the junior executes the pistol offense to perfection. The pistol formation energizes Indiana's rushing attack, and heralded recruit Darius Willis blossoms to become the team's featured back. Left tackle Rodger Saffold anchors an improved offensive line, and young wideouts Damarlo Belcher and Tandon Doss torch opposing secondaries. The biggest changes come on defense, which turns the page on its dreadful past to finish in the top half of the league. Defensive ends Jammie Kirlew and Greg Middleton each reach double-digits in sacks, and linebacker Matt Mayberry stuffs the run. Cornerback Ray Fisher, a converted wide receiver, rediscovers himself in the secondary and records four interceptions.

The Hoosiers send an early warning shot to new Purdue head coach Danny Hope by thumping Hope's former team, Eastern Kentucky, by 30 points in the opener. A much improved defense then shuts down Tim Hiller and Western Michigan in Week 2, gaining confidence before a tricky trip to Akron. Indiana improves to 3-0 by zipping through the Zips, and shocks Michigan in the Big Ten opener for its first win at the Big House since 1967.

After keeping things close for a half against Ohio State, a 4-1 Hoosiers team heads to Charlottesville and knocks off a beatable Virginia team, pushing head coach Al Groh further out the door. Indiana then enters its toughest stretch of the season, against five teams all projected to have winning records.

Things start well,
as Mayberry sacks good friend Juice Williams four times in an upset of Illinois. Indiana drops three of its next four but secures bowl eligibility, not to mention Lynch's immediate future at the school. In the regular-season finale, the Hoosiers avenge their 52-point loss last year at rival Purdue and pound the Boilers 40-10 before a large crowd at Memorial Stadium. Several fans hold up a makeshift signs reading: "We Love Bill Lynch." Indiana continues its strong recruiting push from the summer -- the team already has 21 commits for the 2010 class -- and top players marvel at Indiana's new end zone facility.

Indiana caps a surprising season by beating Colorado in the Insight Bowl. The Hoosiers win nine games for the first time since 1967, when they captured a Big Ten title under John Pont.


WORST CASE

The injury bug bites again, the pistol misfires and Indiana is searching for yet another coach by November.

Indiana isn't nearly as deep as Lynch thinks and Chappell struggles as the full-time starting quarterback, completing just 50 percent of his passes. Without Kellen Lewis, the Hoosiers lack a dynamic playmaker who defenses have to respect, and Chappell spends most games with his face in the turf. The run game stalls and injuries once again crop up on the O-line. Despite a veteran presence on defense, Indiana's holes on the interior line and in the secondary doom the unit, which once again finishes last in the league.

Indiana survives its opener against Eastern Kentucky but needs overtime to do so. Much like last season, the Hoosiers' downhill slide begins against a solid MAC team, and this time Western Michigan exposes the flaws in IU's defense. Hiller passes for 375 yards and four touchdowns as the Broncos roll. After a win at Akron, Indiana heads to Ann Arbor and can't keep pace with speedy Wolverines quarterbacks Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson. Things only get worse the next week as Terrelle Pryor runs wild.

The Ohio State loss lingers the next week as Indiana falls behind Virginia early and never recovers. Williams and the dynamic Illini offense hang 50 on Indiana, and the sparse crowd at Memorial Stadium filters out, leaving only a smattering of boo-birds. Lynch's future becomes a major question for athletic director Fred Glass, who says a decision will be made at the end of the season.

Indiana drops its final five games, including a 31-28 overtime decision to Purdue. With a 2-10 mark, Lynch's fate is sealed. Attendance steadily declines and Glass begins the search for the team's fifth head coach since 2001.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Best case/worst case is the fabulous brainchild of Pac-10 blogger Ted Miller, and I'm swiping the idea for the Big Ten. Here's the first in a series exploring the best and worst outcomes, within reason, for each Big Ten squad.

Illinois is a suitable place to start because the Fighting Illini always seem to be a team of extremes.

BEST CASE

The team jells and makes Jell-O out of opposing defenses.

Juice Williams performs like the Big Ten's most experienced quarterbacks and continues to break stadium records without the mistakes that plagued him late last fall. Wide receiver Arrelious Benn adds touchdown catches to his already impressive résumé and headlines one of the nation's best receiving corps with Florida transfer Jarred Fayson and Jeff Cumberland, who breaks an opposing cornerback's jaw with a stiff arm. The running game resurfaces. A focused Martez Wilson finally fulfills his potential and earns first-team All-Big Ten honors as the team's middle linebacker, and the defense works out its issues against the run and finds the next Vontae Davis in cornerback Tavon Wilson.

Illinois starts things off by finally beating Missouri. Williams breaks his own total offense record in the Edward Jones Dome and makes pulp out of Tigers linebacker Sean Weatherspoon. The Illini hang 50 on Mizzou and enter Big Ten play riding high. Can't see the Illini winning in Columbus again, but Benn and Fayson exploit a young Penn State secondary in Week 4.

The upset of Penn State sparks a winning streak, as Illinois' offense overwhelms Michigan State and steamrolls Indiana and Purdue. The Illini enter the top 20 as they welcome nemesis Michigan to Memorial Stadium on Halloween. Tez Wilson destroys Michigan's young quarterbacks and Williams picks apart the secondary for a big win. Illini fans hold an orange-out in the stadium and pack the place.

Illinois stumbles once more before the finish, most likely against Cincinnati the day after Thanksgiving, but the team rebounds to beat Fresno State and finish 10-2. Head coach Ron Zook answers his critics by maximizing his talent, and the team sees a major drop in off-field incidents. Zook gets more revenge in the Capital One Bowl when Illinois beats a Florida team that falls way short of expectations. Illinois finishes No. 12 in the final polls. Despite winning the Biletnikoff Award, Benn decides he loves Champaign too much and shocks everyone by staying for his senior season.

WORST CASE

The inconsistency that has plagued the program throughout its history surfaces again, and the team fragments.

Williams puts up big numbers but throws more interceptions than touchdowns. Opposing defenses constantly double-team Benn and keep him out of the end zone, allowing their front four to shut down Jason Ford and the rushing attack. Wilson too often gets out of position at middle linebacker, and an iffy defensive line generates no pass rush and struggles against the run for the second straight season. Special teams continue to hurt Illinois and opponents constantly capitalize on favorable field position.

Missouri beats the Illini in yet another St. Louis shootout, setting the tone for a shaky season. Weatherspoon twice intercepts Williams and then downs a carton of orange juice on the field after the game. Illinois then begins Big Ten play with three consecutive losses against upper-tier teams, dropping the team to 1-4 and turning up the heat on Zook. After handling the Indiana schools on the road, Illinois falls to Michigan for the ninth consecutive time at Memorial Stadium.

Needing a strong finish to reach the postseason, Illinois fails to win consecutive games, something it did just once last season. A 2-2 split down the stretch leaves the Illini at 5-7 for the second consecutive season. Rival Iowa wins the Big Ten. Zook energizes his critics who say he's simply a recruiter, and he enters 2010 on the hot seat. Benn goes bye bye.