ESPN College Football

2011 record: 7-6
2011 conference record: 4-4 (third place, Leaders Division) Returning starters: Offense: 9; Defense: 9; kicker/punter: 1

Top returners
DT Kawann Short, CB Ricardo Allen, QB Caleb TerBush, QB Robert Marve, QB Rob Henry, RB Akeem Shavers, RB Ralph Bolden, DE Ryan Russell, WR Antavian Edison, DT Bruce Gaston, OT Trevor Foy

Key losses
LB Joe Holland, S Albert Evans, LT Dennis Kelly, OG Nick Mondek, WR Justin Siller, K Carson Wiggs

2011 statistical leaders (*returners)

Rushing: Ralph Bolden* (674 yards)
Passing: Caleb TerBush (1,905 yards)
Receiving: Antavian Edison* (584 yards) Tackles: Joe Holland (94) Sacks: Kawann Short* (6.5) Interceptions: Ricardo Allen* (3)

Spring answers

1. Healthy QBs: After two years of dealing with injuries and inexperienced signalcallers, Danny Hope finally had enviable depth at the position this spring. With Robert Marve healthy, last season's starter Caleb TerBush a year wiser, and Rob Henry on the mend from a torn ACL, Purdue has three former starters at quarterback. Hope said the depth made for much improved offensive execution this spring, which should carry over into the fall. Now he just has to figure out whom to play and when, as it's likely more than one will see the field in the same game.

2. Defensive front and back set: The Boilermakers have a chance to be very good up front defensively, and it all starts with defensive tackle Kawann Short. He passed up the NFL draft, and could work his way into first-round status with a big senior season. Bruce Gaston returns along side him in the middle, and sophomore defensive end Ryan Russell looks like a future star after coming on strong at the end of last season. The secondary is also in great shape, with returning cornerbacks Ricardo Allen and Josh Johnson possibly forming the best tandem in the league, according to Hope. Nickel back Normondo Harris had a big spring game, and Max Charlot returns at safety. Purdue should have the ability to generate a pass-rush and defend the ball in the air.

3. More confidence: There's little doubt that there's more confidence in the air around West Lafayette. That comes from the team making -- and winning -- its first bowl game under Hope last season, and returning 18 offensive and defensive starters. This is Hope's deepest team, and it should be his best. Some are picking Purdue as a potential Big Ten sleeper, and the players believe that talk is justified.

Fall questions

1. Linebacker Who? While the defense looks stout up front and in the secondary, questions remain at linebacker. Joe Holland, the team's leading tackler a year ago, graduated. Dwayne Beckford missed the bowl game after a DUI arrest, and his status for the fall remains in flux. Will Lucas is the only returning starter guaranteed to suit up in September. There's talk of using some 3-4 looks under new defensive coordinator Tim Tibesar, who implemented his system in practices closed to the media this spring. Does Purdue have enough linebackers to make it work?

2. Offensive line chemistry: The Boilers' offensive line didn't get a lot of hype last season, but it produced two NFL draft picks in Dennis Kelly and Nick Mondek. Trevor Foy is moving from right to left tackle, and Kevin Pamphile and Rick Schmeig worked at multiple positions this spring. Purdue will mix in some new faces and some veterans in new places this fall, and how well that unit comes together will have a large say in how the offense flows.

3. X-factors on offense: Some things we simply don't yet know include the following: Can Ralph Bolden successfully return from knee surgery? If not, is Akeem Shavers a capable every-down back? What will happen to leading receiver Antavian Edison after his arrest on weapons charges this week? Will fellow wideout O.J. Ross make it back from academic suspension? Can kick returning dynamo Raheem Mostert make an impact at receiver? Purdue has a lot more options on offense than in the recent past, but there also remains a lot of question marks.

Several Big Ten players who didn't hear their names called in New York during the weekend still received some good news about their football futures. As soon as the NFL draft concluded, the undrafted free agent scramble began.

Here's an initial list of Big Ten UFA signings. Every Big Ten squad except Indiana had a player signed through free agency. We'll be sure to post more as they become official.

ILLINOIS

• Derek Dimke, K, Detroit Lions
• Jason Ford, RB, Houston Texans
• Jack Cornell, OL, Baltimore Ravens

IOWA

• Broderick Binns, DE, Arizona Cardinals
• Tyler Nielsen, LB, Minnesota Vikings
• Brad Herman, TE, New England Patriots
• Markus Zusevics, OL, New England Patriots

MICHIGAN

• Ryan Van Bergen, DE, Carolina Panthers
• Troy Woolfolk, CB, Dallas Cowboys
• Michael Shaw, RB, Washington Redskins
• Brandon Herron, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

MICHIGAN STATE

• Brian Linthicum, TE, New York Jets
• Garrett Celek, TE, San Francisco 49ers
• Todd Anderson, FB, St. Louis Rams

MINNESOTA

• Eric Lair, TE, Green Bay Packers
• Duane Bennett, RB, Green Bay Packers

NEBRASKA

• Brandon Kinnie, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
• Yoshi Hardrick, OL, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

NORTHWESTERN

• Al Netter, OL, San Francisco 49ers

OHIO STATE

• Mike Brewster, C, Jacksonville Jaguars
• Andrew Sweat, LB, Cleveland Browns
• J.B. Shugarts, OL, Cleveland Browns

PENN STATE

• Quinn Barham, OL, Detroit Lions
• Derek Moye, WR, Miami Dolphins
• D'Anton Lynn, CB, New York Jets
• Andrew Szczerba, TE, Dallas Cowboys
• Eric Latimore, DE, Minnesota Vikings
• Nick Sukay, S, Buffalo Bills
• Chaz Powell, CB, Oakland Raiders

PURDUE

• Joe Holland, LB, San Francisco 49ers
• Carson Wiggs, K, Seattle Seahawks
• Albert Evans, Miami Dolphins
• Jared Crank, FB, Arizona Cardinals

WISCONSIN

• Louis Nzegwu, DE, Atlanta Falcons
• Antonio Fenelus, CB, Indianapolis Colts
• Jake Byrne, TE, New Orleans Saints
• Aaron Henry, S, Oakland Raiders
• Patrick Butrym, DT, San Francisco 49ers

Several players seem to be in good situations, whether it's playing for their hometown team (Kinnie, Netter) or near a family member (Lynn, whose dad, Anthony, coaches running backs for the Jets). It's still shocking to see Brewster on this list rather than the draft one. I'm also surprised Moye, Wiggs, Linthicum and Dimke didn't get drafted.

Other Big Ten players have tryouts with NFL squads, such as Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa (Tampa Bay), Minnesota wide receiver Da'Jon McKnight (Minnesota Vikings), Indiana offensive lineman Chris McDonald (Miami, Green Bay) and Minnesota safety Kim Royston (Minnesota Vikings).

Many Bothans died bringing us this information.

• Jim Delany will seek some input from players for their perspective on the Rose Bowl. More coverage of the BCS meetings here and here.
• Authorities say former Minnesota linebacker Gary Tinsely died of an enlarged heart.
• Iowa got a commitment from an Ohio defensive tackle, its third D-line recruit in the '13 class so far. Marvin McNutt may have to wait a while to hear his name called.
• Nebraska's Lavonte David may be undersized, but his production is awfully large. Sam McKewon recaps the Huskers' spring.
• Kyle Meinke breaks down all of Michigan's draft hopefuls. Junior Hemingway's draft stock is on the rise.
• Whether Bill O'Brien wants to win now or win later may help him decide who his starting quarterback will be. Matt McGloin may still be the last man standing.
• Ricky Wagner wants to follow in the line of greatness at left tackle for Wisconsin.
• Whitney Mercilus talks about his draft season.
• Ohio State's Mike Adams could be a "boom or bust" prospect.
• Jerel Worthy could break Michigan State's first-round drought. The Spartans' spring game draft said a lot about how some players are viewed.
• Damarlo Belcher is Indiana's best hope for a draftee.
• Purdue kicker Carson Wiggs wants to be Mr. Irrelevant.

Our series ranking each position group from the 2011 Big Ten season comes to a close today with the final group, and one that is often overlooked but is always important: special teams.

Special teams is a broad spectrum, so we're combining performances in punting, kickoffs and field goals to come up with each team's position on this list.

And away we go:

1. Nebraska: Boy, did we mess this up in the preseason by ranking the Huskers 11th out of 12. Though we wrote at the time that Nebraska would almost certainly outperform its low rankings, we thought replacing star punter/kicker Alex Henery would be tough. Not really, as Brett Maher was one of the best punters and kickers in the league and the country. Freshman Ameer Abdullah was a star in kick returns, finishing ninth nationally in that category. So just remove one of the ones from that preseason number, and then we've got it right.

2. Purdue: The Boilermakers were mostly mediocre on offense and defense but did some great work on special teams. Freshman Raheem Mostert led the nation in kickoff returns, while sophomore Cody Webster finished second in punting. The strong-legged Carson Wiggs tied Maher for most field goals made in the league, though he still needs to improve his accuracy. Blocked kicks helped secure wins over Middle Tennessee and Ohio State, but Purdue lost on a blocked field goal try at Rice.

3. Penn State: When Anthony Fera returned from suspension and took over field goal duties, the Nittany Lions' special teams became truly special. Fera hit 14 of 17 field goals after Penn State had looked very shaky in that area early in the year, and he was also one of the league's top punters. Chaz Powell and Justin Brown were dangerous return men.

4. Ohio State: The Buckeyes ranked among the top third of Big Ten teams in just about every special-teams category. Field goal kicker Drew Basil made a dozen in a row at one point, and Ben Buchanan was solid at punter. Jordan Hall added some big returns.

5. Michigan State: We ranked the Spartans No. 1 in the preseason, and they came up with some game-changing plays, particularly in the first game against Wisconsin and in the Outback Bowl win over Georgia. But statistically speaking, Michigan State was average in most aspects of the kicking game. But Mike Sadler had some big moments punting, and Keshawn Martin did excellent work on punt returns.

6. Wisconsin: A tough team to rank, as there was both good and bad here. Jared Abbrederis led the nation in punt return average at 15.8 yards per attempt. Brad Nortman was a very reliable punter, while Philip Welch made five of his six attempts at field goals, something the Badgers didn't need very much with Montee Ball assaulting the end zone. But we can't ignore the big special-teams breakdowns against Michigan State and Ohio State that had as much as anything to do with ruining a potential undefeated season.

7. Michigan: The Wolverines weren't outstanding at any one area on special teams, but they proved much better than the No. 12 ranking we saddled them with in the preseason. Brendan Gibbons solidified what looked like a scary place-kicker situation and played a large role (along with brunette girls) in the Sugar Bowl victory. Michigan was also strong in punt returns and kick coverage, though its punting and kickoff returns left much to be desired.

8. Iowa: The good news first: Iowa led the league in net punting, thanks to a strong showing by senior Eric Guthrie in his first year starting. Now the bad: The Hawkeyes ranked second-to-last in kickoff coverage, and Mike Meyer missed six of his 20 field goal attempts, including both tries in the humbling loss to Minnesota.

9. Minnesota: Even without premier return man Troy Stoudermire, who missed most of the year with an injury, the Gophers ranked fifth in the league in kickoff returns, and they led the league in kickoff coverage. But a team that punted as much as Minnesota did in 2011 needed to do better than 11th in the conference in that category. Bonus point for the perfectly executed onside kick in the Iowa win.

10. Northwestern: The Wildcats' defense got the brunt of the blame in Northwestern's losses, but special teams didn't hold up its end of the bargain, either. Northwestern made only six field goals all year and ranked near the bottom of the conference in most categories. The bright spot was a league-best punt return unit.

11. Indiana: Mitch Ewald went 13-of-16 on field goals, but the Hoosiers weren't very good in most other areas. They returned more kickoffs than anyone in the Big Ten -- a product of a crummy defense -- but didn't do enough with them in finishing 108th nationally in that stat.

12. Illinois: Ron Zook didn't help his case to be retained as head coach through the performance of his special teams, a part of the game that was supposed to be his field of expertise. Illinois was simply dreadful in creating advantageous field position, finishing last in the nation in kickoff returns and third-to-last in punt returns. The Illini also weren't very good at kickoff coverage, though at least Derek Dimke made 10 of 12 field goals. Even that was marred by his missed 42-yarder at the end of a 10-7 loss at Penn State.

Chatting right now. It's not too late to join.

• The Big Ten's playoff proposal might not get much support, Teddy Greenstein writes. The conference commissioners don't appear to be in any rush.
• Danny O'Brien received his release to Vanderbilt, which could take Wisconsin out of play for the QB transfer. Remembering Ron Dayne's brilliant 1999 season for the Badgers.
• No longer SEC rivals, Lane Kiffin says he and Urban Meyer are friendly these days.
• Bo Pelini enlisted help from an outside research firm to help Nebraska's recruiting efficiency, Steven M. Sipple writes. Huskers CB Alfonzo Dennard tries to boost his draft stock again.
• Quarterback remains a big priority for Penn State in recruiting. Bill O'Brien brings a new tone to Penn State's offseason workouts. Franco Harris continues to criticize the leadership at Penn State.
• Minnesota will be willing to pay for its next athletic director. A look at how Minnesota's AD search will work.
• Mike Hlas examines Iowa offensive coordinator candidate Greg Davis.
• Purdue's Carson Wiggs will be kickin' it at the combine this week. So will Illinois' Derek Dimke.
• Michigan State safety Trenton Robinson also is bound for Indy.
• Michigan is off to a fast start in recruiting but still has work to do. Brady Hoke's recruiting efforts have spiced up the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry.
• The latest from Kevin Wilson on Indiana's offseason.
• Northwestern QB Dan Persa wins an award for mental toughness.

The North team recorded a 23-13 win against the South in Saturday's Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., and several Big Ten players contributed to the victory.

Big Ten players factored in all the scoring for the North squad. Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson and Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins both fired touchdown passes, and Purdue kicker Carson Wiggs connected on three field goal attempts, including a 28-yarder that helped seal the win with 4:11 left. The North starting offensive line featured four of five players from the Big Ten.

Other than Illinois receiver A.J. Jenkins and Illinois left tackle Jeff Allen, all of the Big Ten players in the game competed for the North squad.

Wilson started for the North and led three offensive series, two of which resulted in points. He finished the game 4 of 7 passing for 45 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Cousins was the third quarterback from the North squad to see the field and fired a 41-yard touchdown pass to Arizona State's Gerell Robinson early in the third quarter. Cousins finished the game 5 of 11 passing for 115 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

Wiggs connected on field goal attempts of 27, 28 and 32 yards and missed a 37-yard try in the closing minutes.

Other Big Ten notables:

• Michigan State safety Trenton Robinson had two tackles and a fumble recovery
• Ohio State wide receiver DeVier Posey had a 33-yard reception
• Nebraska linebacker Lavonte David had four tackles
• Penn State defensive end Jack Crawford had three tackles
• Michigan defensive tackle Mike Martin had three tackles
• Illinois wideout A.J. Jenkins had a 26-yard reception
• Michigan State tight end Brian Linthicum had a 9-yard reception
• Penn State cornerback D'Anton Lynn had two tackles
• Wisconsin punter Brad Nortman averaged 43.7 yards on three attempts and also had one kickoff, while Wiggs had five kickoffs.
• Ohio State running back Dan Herron had six carries for 14 yards and two receptions for 4 yards
• Wisconsin long-snapper Kyle Wojta had one tackle
• Wisconsin fullback Bradie Ewing had one carry for 1 yard

North team starters included: Wilson, Ewing, Linthicum, Ohio State left tackle Mike Adams, Ohio State center Mike Brewster, Wisconsin guard Kevin Zeitler, Penn State guard Johnnie Troutman, Crawford, Martin and Robinson. Jenkins and Allen both came off the bench for the South squad.

National Signing Day is barely a week away, and Big Ten teams will be stockpiling for the future (and, in some cases, the present). Today we'll take a look at the recruiting needs of each Big Ten team, starting with those in the Leaders division. These needs are based on current rosters and anticipated departures in the near future. And to save you some email time, we do realize teams have already addressed needs in compiling their 2012 classes.

Let's get started ...

ILLINOIS

Wide receiver: The Illini lose A.J. Jenkins, who accounted for 90 of the team's 226 receptions in 2011. No other Illinois player had more than 26 catches, so there certainly are opportunities for young players to emerge and make an immediate impact for the new coaching staff.

Linemen: Illinois loses two starters from an offensive line that struggled down the stretch of the regular season. It's important to build depth there going forward. Despite Whitney Mercilus' early departure to the NFL draft, the defensive line returns some talented players. Still, defensive end Michael Buchanan is entering his senior year, and defensive tackle Akeem Spence is a bona fide NFL prospect who could enter the draft with a strong 2012 campaign.

Safety: The Illini defense didn't have many weaknesses in 2011, but safety was a liability at times. The team returns experience for 2012, but will lose some key players after the season. An impact defensive back or two in the 2012 class would really help.

INDIANA

Defensive back: This has been a primary recruiting need for the past few seasons, and it remains a pressing concern after Indiana surrendered a league-worst 8.5 yards per pass and a league-high 26 passing touchdowns in 2011. Indiana needs impact players and depth among the back four to be able to limit Big Ten offenses.

Defensive front seven: Sense a theme here? Indiana needs defenders in the worst way, and the front seven is a huge piece to the puzzle. The Hoosiers return some experience at defensive tackle, but lose top linebackers Jeff Thomas and Leon Beckum. The coaches showed in 2011 that they're not afraid to play young players, and they need more contributors on the defensive side.

Quarterback: Starter Tre Roberson returns, but Indiana needs bodies here after Dusty Kiel and Ed Wright-Baker both opted to transfer earlier this month.

OHIO STATE

Offensive line: Three multiyear starters depart at center, left tackle and right tackle, so Ohio State's offensive line will have a very different look in 2012. The Buckeyes could use some immediate-impact linemen, like center Mike Brewster in 2008, and they'll look to build depth here.

Defensive end: Ohio State appears loaded at defensive tackle for 2012 and beyond, but the team needs some more pure pass-rushers on the edge. John Simon, who had four more sacks than anyone on the squad in 2011, will be a senior this coming season.

Wide receiver: The Buckeyes lacked reliable receiver options in 2011 and had their best wideout, DeVier Posey, for only three games because of suspension. Posey departs and Ohio State needs to build depth and increase competition in what should be a more wide-open offense under Urban Meyer.

PENN STATE

Quarterback: New coach Bill O'Brien might be the quarterback whisperer Penn State has waited for, but he also needs to upgrade the talent on the roster. Matthew McGloin and Rob Bolden both must make significant strides, and while Paul Jones is an intriguing player, we've yet to see him in a game. Penn State needs more options here.

Wide receiver: Top target Derek Moye departs, and Penn State returns only two players with decent but not great production in Justin Brown and Devon Smith. Brown looks like a potential impact player in 2012, but Penn State needs more options in the passing game.

Defensive back: Penn State loses all four starters, although returning players like Stephon Morris, Malcolm Willis and Adrian Amos have logged playing time. Still, the Lions need some more players here to build depth and increase competition.

PURDUE

Offensive line: This is one of few areas where Purdue loses a decent amount of production from 2011, as tackle Dennis Kelly and Nick Mondek both depart. Two more starters exit after the 2012 season, and Purdue wants to be a run-based offense. It's important to build some depth up front with the 2012 class.

Kicker: Purdue loses the bionic-legged Carson Wiggs, who did more than make field goals from ridiculous distances. He also kicked off and served as a backup punter, attempting 45 punts over the past two seasons. The versatile Wiggs leaves a major void, and Purdue must address the specialist spot.

Defensive back: The Boilers say goodbye to both of their starting safeties from the 2011 team. They also will lose starting cornerback Josh Johnson after the 2012 season, while Ricardo Allen might be an early entry candidate with a big junior year. While this isn't a pressing need right now, it could soon become one.

WISCONSIN

Quarterback: Russell Wilson saved Wisconsin in more than one way in 2011, and his departure is significant. The team's most experienced signal callers, Jon Budmayr and Curt Phillips, both are coming off of major injuries. Wisconsin typically doesn't play younger quarterbacks, but needs more options after a season where Wilson showed what the offense could be.

Wide receiver: The Badgers typically get by with 1-2 good wideouts and an excellent tight end or two, but they could use more depth at the receiver position. Top target Nick Toon departs, and Wisconsin is pretty thin at receiver aside from Jared Abbrederis.

Defensive speed: Oregon makes a lot of teams look slow, but the Rose Bowl spelled out what the Badgers must do to take the next step as a program. Wisconsin needs to upgrade its speed at all three levels of the defense, particularly the back seven, to prevent explosion plays. Michigan State also exposed Wisconsin's defense, so the need for speed certainly is there.

Pre-draft season is right around the corner, and the nation's premier all-star game, the Senior Bowl, takes place Jan. 28 in Mobile, Ala.

The Senior Bowl on Wednesday announced the 24 Big Ten players who will be participating in this year's game. Eight Big Ten squads are sending players to Mobile.

Here's the full list (part of which had been revealed earlier):

IOWA

• DT Mike Daniels
• WR Marvin McNutt

MICHIGAN

• DT Mike Martin
• C David Molk*

MICHIGAN STATE

• QB Kirk Cousins
• TE Brian Linthicum
• S Trenton Robinson

NEBRASKA

• LB Lavonte David
• CB Alfonzo Dennard

OHIO STATE

• LT Mike Adams
• C Mike Brewster
• RB Dan Herron
• WR DeVier Posey

PENN STATE

• DE Jack Crawford
• CB D'Anton Lynn
• DT Devon Still
• G Johnnie Troutman

PURDUE

• K Carson Wiggs

WISCONSIN

• FB Bradie Ewing
• P Brad Nortman
• WR Nick Toon*
• QB Russell Wilson
• LS Kyle Wojta
• G Kevin Zeitler

*injured and will not participate in game

It's a strong contingent that features the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year (Still) and 21 all-conference selections.

My apologies for posting this a bit late, but the initial invitations list is out for the 2012 NFL scouting combine, which takes place next month in Indianapolis. This list does not include the five Big Ten juniors who have declared for the draft.

Let's check out which players made the initial list (a full list will come out later this month).

Quarterbacks

• Kirk Cousins, Michigan State
• Russell Wilson, Wisconsin

Running backs

• Dan Herron, Ohio State

Wide receivers

• B.J. Cunningham, Michigan State
• Junior Hemingway, Michigan
• A.J. Jenkins, Illinois
• Keshawn Martin, Michigan State
• Marvin McNutt, Iowa
• DeVier Posey, Ohio State
• Nick Toon, Wisconsin

Offensive linemen

• Mike Adams, Ohio State
• Jeff Allen, Illinois
• Mike Brewster, Ohio State
• Marcel Jones, Nebraska
• David Molk, Michigan
• Josh Oglesby, Wisconsin
• Markus Zusevics, Iowa

Defensive tackles

• Jared Crick, Nebraska
• Mike Daniels, Iowa
• Mike Martin, Michigan
• Devon Still, Penn State

Defensive ends

• Jack Crawford, Penn State

Outside linebackers

• Lavonte David, Nebraska
• Tyler Nielsen, Iowa

Cornerbacks

• Alfonzo Dennard, Nebraska
• Antonio Fenelus, Wisconsin
• D'Anton Lynn, Penn State
• Shaun Prater, Iowa

Safeties

• Trenton Robinson, Michigan State

Kickers

• Derek Dimke, Illinois
• Carson Wiggs, Purdue

Punters

• Brad Nortman, Wisconsin

There are no Big Ten tight ends, inside linebackers or long snappers on the initial list.

I'm a bit surprised not to see several names, including Penn State WR Derek Moye. Still, wide receiver was a position of strength for the Big Ten in 2011, along with defensive tackle.

Here's a look at three keys for Purdue during Tuesday's Little Caesars Pizza Bowl matchup against Western Michigan in Detroit.

1. Establish the run without Bolden: Boilers leading rusher Ralph Bolden is out (torn ACL), but the team has other backs capable of attacking a Western Michigan defense ranked 107th nationally against the run. Akeem Shavers will be Purdue's primary ball carrier, and Jared Crank and Reggie Pegram also should get some touches. Purdue needs to take the pressure off of its quarterbacks and consistently move the chains against the Broncos. One potential problem area is the red zone, where Western Michigan plays its best defense (sixth nationally at 70 percent scoring conversions). Purdue has scored touchdowns on 30 of its 47 red zone opportunities, so the Bolden-less backfield must cash in when opportunities arise.

2. Contain Jordan White: The Western Michigan senior receiver leads the nation in both receptions per game (10.58) and receiving yards per game (137.2). White will be a factor, and quarterback Alex Carder will get him the ball, but Purdue must prevent the Broncos star from taking over the game. Boilers sophomore cornerback Ricardo Allen has covered several other standout receivers this season -- Notre Dame's Michael Floyd, Iowa's Marvin McNutt and Illinois' A.J. Jenkins among them -- and will be assigned to White for most of the game. Allen's aggressive style could result in big plays for Purdue or for Western Michigan, but he's the type of corner you want against a talent like White.

3. Gain the edge on special teams: Purdue's season has been largely defined by special-teams plays, both the good and the bad. A blocked kick has both cost Purdue a chance at victory (against Rice) and preserved a chance for an eventual win (against Ohio State). The Boilers need strong performances from specialists Carson Wiggs and Cody Webster in kicker-friendly Ford Field, and they must avoid breakdowns against Western Michigan, which has been solid on both punt returns and kick returns this season. If Wiggs converts some lengthy field goals, Webster puts Western Michigan in tough field-position situations and Raheem Mostert breaks off a long return or two, Purdue will be in good shape in what should be a close game.

It's time to pass out season grades for the Purdue Boilers.

OFFENSE: C

After major injuries ravaged the offensive depth chart in 2010, Purdue found greater consistency this season but didn't put up many "wow" numbers. The Boilers ranked in the middle of the Big Ten in total offense (seventh), scoring offense (seventh), rushing offense (sixth) and pass offense (sixth). They kept a quarterback on the field for an entire season in Caleb TerBush and also used Robert Marve under center quite a bit, including in the signature home win against Ohio State. Coordinator Gary Nord used a lot of personnel as seven players recorded 20 or more rushes and eight players recorded 11 or more receptions. The unit really lacked star power but got the job done for the most part. Put simply, Purdue had an average offense, which is a step up from 2010.

DEFENSE: C-

The defense certainly missed star end Ryan Kerrigan, who showed how good he is this season with the NFL's Washington Redskins. Kawann Short stood out at defensive tackle with 17 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, but Purdue didn't get enough from the edges and recorded only 21 sacks, down from a league-high 33 last season. The run defense also was a bit of a disappointment. Purdue had more experience in the secondary and some veterans at linebacker but didn't show great playmaking ability, recording just 14 takeaways all season, the second-lowest total in the league. The unit had some good moments in wins against Illinois and Ohio State and had some nice individual pieces in Short and cornerback Ricardo Allen.

SPECIAL TEAMS: B-

Purdue was truly a mixed bag on special teams this season. The Boilers excelled in both punting and punt coverage. Freshman Raheem Mostert led the Big Ten in kick return average (31 ypr) and bionic-legged kicker Carson Wiggs booted 16 field goals, six from 40 yards or longer with a long of 53. But Wiggs also had a potential game-winning kick blocked at Rice, the Boilers struggled on kickoff coverage, and special teams miscues proved costly in a 23-18 loss at Penn State. Then again, a special teams play arguably saved Purdue's season as Bruce Gaston Jr. blocked an extra-point try by Ohio State that could have secured a Buckeyes victory. Overall, there was more good than bad here.

OVERALL: C

Purdue was an average football team this season, but average equals bowl berth, which the Boilers will gladly accept for the first time in four seasons. The offense didn't get derailed by Rob Henry's preseason injury, and the defense and special teams made some key plays at key times. It's fair to ask where Purdue football is headed under coach Danny Hope, and the team's performance against Western Michigan in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl will help determine the direction heading into a pivotal 2012 campaign.

The Big Ten announced its 2011 all-conference teams and individual awards Monday night. The winners for Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year and Coach of the Year will be announced Wednesday.

Here are the All-Big Ten teams ...

First-team offense thoughts: I'm a bit surprised Wisconsin running back Montee Ball is the only unanimous selection with the media and coaches. Both groups got the running backs and wide receivers right. It seems like the offensive tackle spot is a bit weak this season, but Reilly Reiff and Josh Oglesby are good players. Tough call at center between Wisconsin's Peter Konz and Michigan's David Molk, and I'm not surprised to see a split there.

First-team defense thoughts: The first-team defensive line selections are solid. I would have gone with Ohio State's John Simon ahead of Purdue's Kawann Short for the fourth spot, but both men had outstanding seasons. There's also a tough call at linebacker. Nebraska's Lavonte David has to be a first-team selection. So should Wisconsin's Mike Taylor. I would go with Penn State's Gerald Hodges over Wisconsin's Chris Borland, although Borland had a very good season.

There were some curious choices at defensive back. Michigan State cornerback Johnny Adams absolutely should be on both lists but was placed on the second team by the media. I'm very surprised the coaches didn't include Michigan State safety Trenton Robinson on the first or second team. Nebraska's Brett Maher is a consensus first-team selection as both a kicker and a punter.

Second-team offense thoughts: The coaches and media split on quarterback, as the coaches went with Michigan State's Kirk Cousins and the media picked Michigan's Denard Robinson. It's a tough call, but I would have gone with Cousins. I don't see how Wisconsin tight end Jacob Pedersen misses the coaches' second team. Same goes for Northwestern wide receiver Jeremy Ebert. Ohio State left tackle Mike Adams made the coaches' team despite missing the first five games because of a suspension.

Second-team defense thoughts: The media made a good call with Illinois linebacker Jonathan Brown. I'm glad to see defensive tackle Mike Martin and defensive ends William Gholston and Michael Buchanan make both teams. Both Purdue specialists -- kicker Carson Wiggs and punter Cody Webster -- made the coaches' list, while the media went with Penn State's Anthony Fera, who had a nice season, and Webster.

Here are the honorable mention selections:

COACHES

ILLINOIS: Jeff Allen, Jonathan Brown, Derek Dimke, Terry Hawthorne, Ian Thomas; INDIANA: Mitch Ewald, Jeff Thomas; IOWA: Broderick Binns, James Ferentz, Eric Guthrie, Micah Hyde, James Morris, Markus Zusevics; MICHIGAN: Kenny Demens, J.T. Floyd, Kevin Koger, Junior Hemingway, Denard Robinson, Fitzgerald Toussaint, Ryan Van Bergen; MICHIGAN STATE: Denicos Allen, Le’Veon Bell, Keshawn Martin, Trenton Robinson, Marcus Rush; MINNESOTA: Kim Royston; NEBRASKA: Will Compton, Ben Cotton, Spencer Long, Marcel Jones, Baker Steinkuhler; NORTHWESTERN: Jeremy Ebert, Jordan Mabin, Brian Mulroe, Al Netter, Dan Persa, Brian Peters; OHIO STATE: Johnathan Hankins, Dan Herron, Jack Mewhort, Jake Stoneburner; PENN STATE: Drew Astorino, Anthony Fera, Jordan Hill, D’Anton Lynn, Derek Moye, Chima Okoli, Chaz Powell, Johnnie Troutman; PURDUE: Dennis Kelly, Joe Holland; WISCONSIN: Jared Abbrederis, Patrick Butrym, Antonio Fenelus, Peter Konz, Brad Nortman, Jacob Pederson, Ricky Wagner.

MEDIA

ILLINOIS: Derek Dimke, Terry Hawthorne, Tavon Wilson; INDIANA: Mitch Ewald; IOWA: Mike Daniels, James Ferentz, Adam Gettis, Eric Guthrie, James Morris, Tyler Nielsen, Shaun Prater, Markus Zusevics; MICHIGAN: Kenny Demens, J.T. Floyd, Kevin Koger, Jordan Kovacs, Taylor Lewan, Craig Roh, Fitzgerald Toussaint, Ryan Van Bergen; MICHIGAN STATE: Le’Veon Bell, Max Bullough, Dan Conroy, Kirk Cousins, Darqueze Dennard, Brian Linthicum, Chris McDonald, Chris Norman, Kevin Pickelman, Marcus Rush; MINNESOTA: Chris Bunders, Kim Royston; NEBRASKA: Mike Caputo, Austin Cassidy, Will Compton, Ben Cotton, Marcel Jones, Cameron Meredith, Daimion Stafford, Baker Steinkuhler; NORTHWESTERN: Kain Colter, Jordan Mabin, Brian Mulroe, Al Netter, Dan Persa; OHIO STATE: C.J. Barnett, Mike Brewster, Johnathan Hankins, Jack Mewhort, Tyler Moeller, Andrew Norwell, Jake Stoneburner, Andrew Sweat; PENN STATE: Drew Astorino, Quinn Barham, Jack Crawford, Anthony Fera, Jordan Hill, D’Anton Lynn, Chima Okoli, Chaz Powell, Nate Stupar, Johnnie Troutman; PURDUE: Ricardo Allen, Dwayne Beckford, Joe Holland, Dennis Kelly, Carson Wiggs; WISCONSIN: Jared Abbrederis, Patrick Butrym, Aaron Henry, Brad Nortman, Nick Toon, Ricky Wagner, Philip Welch.

Finally, here are the individual award winners ...

Griese-Brees Quarterback of the Year: Russell Wilson, Wisconsin

Richter-Howard Receiver of the Year: Marvin McNutt, Iowa

Ameche-Dayne Running Back of the Year: Montee Ball, Wisconsin

Kwalick-Clark Tight End of the Year: Drake Dunsmore, Northwestern

Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year: David Molk, Michigan

Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year: Devon Still, Penn State

Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year: Lavonte David, Nebraska

Tatum-Woodson Defensive Back of the Year: Alfonzo Dennard, Nebraska

Bakken-Andersen Kicker of the Year: Brett Maher, Nebraska

Eddleman-Fields Punter of the Year: Brett Maher, Nebraska

For the final time in the 2011 regular season, let's press the rewind button:

Team of the week: Wisconsin. The Badgers had an uphill climb after losing back-to-back games against Michigan State and Ohio State to end October. But they battled back to win their final four games in impressive fashion, including Saturday's 45-7 blowout of Penn State in Madison. Now they're just one win away from their second straight Rose Bowl appearance.

Game of the week: Michigan 40, Ohio State 34. Five lead changes, more than 800 yards of offense, a duel between two super-athletic quarterbacks and a game that came down to the final two minutes in a huge rivalry. Yep, this one was a no-doubter this week. Best edition of The Game since 2006.

Biggest play: Josh Johnson's interception of Indiana quarterback Tre Roberson late in the fourth quarter. The Hoosiers had moved the ball well all day and only trailed Purdue by eight points as they started their final drive. Johnson and receiver Nick Stoner caught Roberson's pass simultaneously, but Johnson ripped the ball away when they hit the turf. That allowed the Boilermakers to run out the clock, get back the Old Oaken Bucket, clinch bowl eligibility and quite possibly save Danny Hope's job. Good thing for them the play was not reviewable by rule.

Best call: Nebraska's decision to let Rex Burkhead break the school record for carries with a kneel down for No. 38 against Iowa. Burkhead, who hadn't played for several minutes after scoring a touchdown on his 37th carry, was typically humble when asked to go in for the record, telling his teammates he didn't want to get it that way. But offensive lineman Marcel Jones convinced him to do it for the seniors. Burkhead wasn't anywhere near 100 percent for last week's game but has been one of the biggest warriors in the Big Ten all season. He deserves as many places in the Nebraska record book as he can get.

Big Men on Campus (Offense): Michigan's Denard Robinson and Wisconsin's Montee Ball. These two share the award for a second straight week, and with good cause. Robinson accounted for five touchdowns and more than 330 yards of total offense, becoming just the fourth player in NCAA history to gain 2,000 yards passing and 1,000 yards rushing in a season twice in his career. He ran for 170 yards in the 40-34 win over Ohio State. Ball just keeps on piling up the touchdowns, adding four more in the win over Penn State. He ran for 156 yards on 25 carries and set the NCAA record with multiple touchdowns in 12 straight games. He has 34 touchdowns on the season, second-most of any FBS player in history and just five short of Barry Sanders' record of 39.

Big Men on Campus (Defense): Minnesota's Kim Royston and Nebraska's Lavonte David. Royston had 13 tackles against Illinois, the eighth time this season he finished a game with 10 or more stops. He also had his first sack of the season and a pass breakup while finishing the season with 123 tackles, the most by a Gopher since 2001. David capped his spectacular regular season with eight tackles and a sack, along with two pass break-ups, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery, as the Huskers nearly shut out Iowa.

Big Man on Campus (Special teams): Purdue's Carson Wiggs. He made four field goals -- from 48, 43, 29 and 22 yards -- in the Boilers' bowl-clinching 33-25 win over Indiana.

Best moment: It wasn't quite "Rudy," but it was close at Camp Randall on Saturday.

Wisconsin senior defensive end Greg Russo served two tours in Iraq before walking on to the Badgers last spring. For almost the entire season, he'd been waiting for the NCAA to clear him to appear in a game.

He finally got on the field for the first time with about a minute left in the win over Penn State. He didn't record a tackle like Rudy, but he didn't care.

"We stand on the field every day for practice," Russo told the Wisconsin State Journal. "But tonight, standing in the middle of the field and looking around and seeing the fans there and knowing I was a part of something that big, a part of being the Leaders Division champs, it was a totally different feeling, like I was on a completely different field and I was in a completely different place."

Purdue has the Old Oaken Bucket back. More importantly, the Boilers have bowl eligibility.

It wasn't easy, as Purdue had to hold on for a 33-25 win on the road against rival Indiana. But the team looks likely to make the postseason for the first time since 2007 by getting its sixth win.

Fittingly in a season where special teams played such a big part in the outcomes (Middle Tennessee, Rice, Ohio State), the kicking game again played a huge role. Carson Wiggs kicked four field goals, Raheem Mostert had a huge kick return and a Cody Webster punt was downed at the Indiana 1 on the Hoosiers' final possession of the game.

The bad news for the Boilers was that running back Ralph Bolden appeared to injure his knee after rushing for 55 yards. Bolden has dealt with ACL problems his whole career, and we can only wish him the best with this latest injury. Akeem Hunt stepped up in Bolden's absence to produce 100 rushing yards on 10 carries, including a 50-yard gain that set up Purdue's final touchdown. Josh Johnson sealed the win with an interception of Tre Roberson with 4:38 left.

With Illinois losing its sixth straight game on Saturday, the Boilers should get the Big Ten's final bowl tie-in slot if the league gets two in the BCS. If not, another game with an open spot would likely scoop up this team since its fan base should be excited about the postseason. Danny Hope definitely bought himself some more time with the win, as a second straight loss to Indiana would have caused some serious questions to be raised in West Lafayette.

Indiana finishes 1-11 with no wins over FBS teams. There are some positives, because the Hoosiers pushed a lot of youngsters into duty and have solid building blocks in Roberson and running back Stephen Houston (seven rushes for 129 yards and a touchdown). But Kevin Wilson still has a serious rebuilding project ahead of him.

All Purdue has to do to get bowl eligible is to beat a 1-10 team that hasn't defeated an FBS opponent all year.

Ah, yes, but this is a rivalry game. And as we've seen already with some scores across the country Saturday, those are never as easy as they may seem.

Indiana is giving the Boilermakers everything it has in the Old Oaken Bucket game. The Hoosiers came out quite feisty, taking a 17-10 lead early while gashing Purdue's defense often. Stephen Houston had a 52-yard touchdown run and Danny Hope's team looked like it might be ripe for an upset in this rivalry for the second straight year.

But special teams -- which have been up and down for the Boilers all year -- played a big role in turning the tide in the half. Freshman Raheem Mostert, who's had a sensational season, returned a kickoff 80 yards to set up a touchdown. Carson Wiggs also drilled three field goals.

Defensive lineman Bruce Gaston also came up with a big sack of Tre Roberson in the red zone to hold IU to a field goal. Purdue's defense played better in the second quarter after giving up too many big plays right up the middle early on.

The Boilers aren't out of the woods yet by any means. But they withstood an early storm and now just have to hold on for 30 more minutes to go bowling for the first time since 2007.