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The position rankings finish with the special-teams units. For this list, I examine kickers, punters, return men and coverage units and look at each team's overall picture in the all-important third phase. The Big Ten loses several elite specialists, including punter Zoltan Mesko and kicker Brett Swenson. It's a little odd not to see Ohio State near the top, but if there's a hole on Jim Tressel's team this year, it might be on special teams.

Here are my top five:

1. Iowa: The Hawkeyes boast one of the league's top punters in Ryan Donahue, who has averaged more than 40 yards per punt in each of his first three seasons. Iowa also brings back Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, who ranked second in the Big Ten in kick return average (31.5 ypr) in 2009. There's competition at kicker (big surprise), but Daniel Murray and Trent Mossbrucker both boast experience. Colin Sandeman quietly ranked second in the league in punt return average last year.

2. Michigan State: Swenson is undoubtedly a major loss, but Michigan State should improve in the other phases of special teams. Punter Aaron Bates was extremely solid in 2009, averaging 41.6 yards despite a league-high 63 attempts. Look out for Keshawn Martin, who averaged 28.9 yards on kick returns last fall. Martin could be the league's top return man by season's end. The Spartans need to upgrade their kickoff coverage unit.

3. Ohio State: Despite question marks at both specialist spots, Ohio State's history as an elite special-teams squad under Tressel can't be overlooked. Hopes are high for Ben Buchanan at punter, and Devin Barclay has a very big kick on his résumé against Iowa last year. The Buckeyes must replace return man Ray Small, but there's enough talent there. The coverage teams are always good in Columbus.

4. Minnesota: The Gophers' strengths are their return teams, led by Troy Stoudermire and Bryant Allen. Minnesota led the Big Ten in punt return average, although it had only nine runbacks all year, and finished fifth in kick return average. Eric Ellestad was perfect on PATs and had a decent year on field goals. The Gophers need Dan Orseske to step in at punter for Blake Haudan.

5. Wisconsin: There are some concerns about the Badgers' special-teams units, but everyone is back and should be better. Punter Brad Nortman averaged 42 yards per punt last year, and while kicker Philip Welch took a mini step back, he still booted 17 field goals. David Gilreath is one of the league's most experienced return men, and linebacker Chris Borland proved to be a difference-maker on special teams last year.

More rankings ...

• Defensive line
• Linebacker
• Secondary
• Offensive line
• Running backs
• Wide receivers/tight ends
• Quarterbacks

2009 overall record: 11-2

2009 conference record: 6-2 (T-2nd)

Returning starters

Offense: 6, defense: 8, kicker/punter: 2

Top returners

QB Ricky Stanzi, WR Marvin McNutt, WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, RB Adam Robinson, OT Riley Reiff, DE Adrian Clayborn, DT Karl Klug, DE Broderick Binns, S Tyler Sash

Key losses

LT Bryan Bulaga, RT Kyle Calloway, TE Tony Moeaki, G Dace Richardson, C Rafael Eubanks, LB Pat Angerer, LB A.J. Edds, CB Amari Spievey

2009 statistical leaders (*returners)

Rushing: Adam Robinson* (834 yards)

Passing: Ricky Stanzi* (2,417 yards)

Receiving: Derrell Johnson-Koulianos* (750 yards)

Tackles: Pat Angerer (145)

Sacks: Adrian Clayborn* (11.5)

Interceptions: Tyler Sash* (6)

Spring answers

1. Man in the middle: Jeff Tarpinian emerged from spring ball as Iowa's starting middle linebacker, taking over for first-team All-Big Ten selection Pat Angerer. Tarpinian has big shoes to fill but boasts some experience and stepped up his play this spring. "I'm really pleased with his progress," head coach Kirk Ferentz said of Tarpinian.

2. Separation along O-line: Iowa's offensive line remains its No. 1 area of concern, but six players separated themselves this spring, which is a good sign. Along with returning starters Riley Reiff and Julian Vandervelde, right tackle Markus Zusevics and right guard Adam Gettis emerged as front-runners at their positions. Josh Koeppel and James Ferentz are neck-and-neck at the center spot, and the competition will continue in August.

3. Klug steps up: Adrian Clayborn is the defense's undisputed leader, but defensive tackle Karl Klug established himself as Clayborn's right-hand man this spring. Klug admits he's not the most vocal player, but his experience and attitude command respect on the field. "Karl played well in the fall," Kirk Ferentz said, "but if you surveyed any 10 of our players now, at least nine of them would tell you, maybe 10, that Karl Klug is one of our best leaders and one of our best players."

Fall questions

1. Running back: Iowa boasts depth at running back, but the No. 1 spot is very much up for grabs entering the summer. Robinson missed spring ball following shoulder surgery, Brandon Wegher sprained his shoulder during the spring and Jewel Hampton was held out of contact as he recovers from his knee injury. Iowa needs to keep these guys healthy in camp and figure out how the carries will work this fall.

2. O-line chemistry: The offensive line will be a major area to watch until the season opener and likely beyond. Iowa loses four players with starting experience and will lean heavily on Reiff and Vandervelde to lead the group. Just because the Hawkeyes have a strong record up front doesn't guarantee the line will reload, and Iowa knows it needs to keep Stanzi on the field after last season.

3. Kicking it: Ferentz said the kickers were inconsistent this spring, and Daniel Murray and Trent Mossbrucker will continue to compete throughout fall camp. Murray connected on 19 of 26 field goal attempts last season but missed some chip shots, and Mossbrucker, the team's top kicker for most of 2008, has worked his way back into the mix.

Before we get ready for a six-pack of spring games Saturday, let's take a quick look back at the final Big Ten scrimmage from a week ago.

Iowa wrapped up spring drills at Kinnick Stadium, and while it was more of a regular practice than the other spring games, the Hawkeyes did a bit of scrimmaging.

Iowa's top three running backs -- Adam Robinson, Brandon Wegher and Jewel Hampton -- missed the scrimmage as they recover from injuries, but quarterback Ricky Stanzi played and completed 7 of 11 passes for 72 yards. Backup James Vandenberg completed 13 of 22 passes for 144 yards. True freshman A.J. Derby twice was picked off by safety Nick Nielsen in limited work.

The Hawkeyes spread the ball around to several receivers. Starter Derrell Johnson-Koulianos recorded a 32-yard reception, while walk-on Don Nordmann had five catches for 49 yards.

Linebacker Troy Johnson stood out for the defense with a sack and a 48-yard touchdown return following a fumbled snap between Vandenberg and center James Ferentz.

Other Iowa nuggets:

• The kicking game is a bit of a question mark after starter Daniel Murray converted only 3 of 7 attempts in the scrimmage. Trent Mossbrucker fared better, hitting on 4 of 5 attempts. "It's kind of been underwhelming this spring, quite frankly," Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said. "We've been very inconsistent. We've flashed, but we've been very inconsistent." Mossbrucker was the team's top kicker for most of the 2008 season and will push Murray for the starting job in preseason camp.
• Another Iowa running back got a bit banged up, as Brad Rogers left the field with a left ankle injury that head coach Kirk Ferentz called a mild sprain. Wegher and Paki O'Meara got banged up during spring drills, although Hampton was fine and held out of contact only as a precaution. Still, running back health is a concern entering the fall.
• The top offensive line consisted of left tackle Riley Reiff, left guard Julian Vandervelde, center James Ferentz, right guard Adam Gettis and right tackle Markus Zusevics. Josh Koeppel remains in the mix at center.

Iowa opened spring practice today, and head coach Kirk Ferentz met with reporters to preview the next few weeks.

A few takeaways from Ferentz's news conference and Iowa's spring two-deep:

• Health update: safeties Tyler Sash and Brett Greenwood will miss spring ball following shoulder surgeries; running back Adam Robinson also will sit out following shoulder surgery; linemen Steve Bigach (knee) and Kyle Haganman (shoulder) also are out following surgeries. Running back Jewel Hampton (knee) has been cleared to practice this spring and will be involved in some contact drills (won't be tackled). Wide receiver Paul Chaney Jr. (knee) will be very limited in spring ball but should be back to full strength by June. Defensive end Dominic Alvis (groin) will be very limited. Nolan MacMillan could be in the mix at offensive line, but he's still working back from sports hernia surgery.
• Not surprisingly, Ferentz fielded several questions about the offensive line, which loses four players who started part or all of last season. Iowa's spring depth chart shows the starting offense line as Riley Reiff at left tackle, Julian Vandervelde at left guard, Josh Koeppel or James Ferentz at center, Adam Gettis at right guard and Markus Zusevics at right tackle. But don't read into that too much, as Ferentz likened filling out the first string, after Reiff and Vandervelde, to throwing darts or flipping coins. "We probably have eight or nine guys competing for the top spots," Ferentz said. "We have a lot of guys on pretty equal footing as far as the competition goes."
• As expected, Shaun Prater is listed as the starter at right cornerback, while Micah Hyde appears as the starter at left corner ahead of both William Lowe and Jordan Bernstine, who comes back from an ankle injury that sidelined him all of last season. Amari Spievey was a huge loss, and it will be interesting to see who steps in for him.
• Ferentz gave a very Ferentz-like answer when asked about the expectations Iowa will face heading into 2010. "We have some very good players back and that will drive expectations," he said. "Preseason polls are a lot like recruiting rankings. They are all speculative. Recruiting rankings are based on what guys did in high school, which is the only way you can rank them. I think preseason rankings are based on your experience level, your success level and then maybe the name of your school, too. So those three things factor in. ... Outside of maybe the name-brand schools, the preseason polls are usually not real accurate."
• Ferentz called the competition at kicker wide open between Daniel Murray and Trent Mossbrucker. "We can do better at that position," he said.
• Ferentz praised the development of linebackers Jeff Tarpinian, Troy Johnson and Tyler Nielsen, who will compete for the two vacant starting spots alongside Jeremiha Hunter. "Quite frankly I'm almost more worried about a year from now at our linebacker spot," he said. "Sounds kind of funny, our two pretty good seniors graduating, but we are top heavy age-wise."
• Ferentz is optimistic about the competition at running backs and would like to have three healthy options on game days this fall.
• The coach also gave an update on his NCAA tournament bracket, which, like many of ours, is busted. One of his daughters, meanwhile, picked Northern Iowa's upset of Kansas. "She knows nothing about basketball," Ferentz said. "Her other picks were -- she was leading after the first two days. I guess she's still leading. She's beating the president, right now, on her brackets. Whatever. Mine are awful."

I'm man enough to admit mistakes, so here's one: I haven't given special teams nearly enough attention in the blog. As we saw throughout the 2009 regular season and bowl season, the kicking game often makes the difference in the final outcome.

Consider this a fresh start.

Let's take a look at who's back, who's gone and how the special-teams units look for each Big Ten squad in 2010. We'll start with the first six teams (by alphabetical order) and examine the other five later Tuesday.

ILLINOIS

• Kicker: Derek Dimke and Matt Eller both return. Dimke went 5-for-5 on field-goal attempts (all beyond 30 yards) after taking over for Eller, who struggled in his second year, connecting on only 4 of 11 attempts.
• Punter: Senior Anthony Santella returns after ranking sixth in the league in punting average (41.3 ypp).
• Kick return: Troy Pollard is back, but Arrelious Benn and A.J. Jenkins both depart. Illinois finished ninth in the league last fall in this category (19.3 ypr).
• Punt return: Jarred Fayson and Jack Ramsey both come back. Illinois ranked last in the league in punt returns in 2009 (4.2 ypr)
• Quick thoughts: Illinois needs to upgrade its kicking game to have any shot at turning things around in 2010. The return game really struggled (114th nationally in punt returns, 105th in kick returns), and kickoff coverage wasn't good, either (90th). Dimke provided a nice spark late in the season, but Illinois has too much talent not to make a bigger splash in returns.

INDIANA

• Kicker: Sophomore Nick Freeland returns after connecting on 14 of 25 attempts in 2009. Redshirt freshman Mitch Ewald and senior Nick Ford also are in the mix here.
• Punter: Junior Chris Hagerup is back after finishing eighth in the league in punting average (40.5 ypp).
• Kick return: Ray Fisher, who led the Big Ten in kick return average (37.4 ypr), is gone. Wide receiver Tandon Doss, who led IU with 25 runbacks, returns for his junior season.
• Punt return: Indiana loses Fisher but brings back Doss. The Hoosiers finished second in the Big Ten in punt returns last fall (10.3 ypr).
• Quick thoughts: Fisher is a major loss in the return game, but Doss certainly has the ability to fill the void. Indiana must figure things out on field goals, as it ranked last in the Big Ten in percentage last fall (.560). The offense should be pretty dynamic in 2010, so any help the kicking game provides would be huge. Indiana covered punts well but needs to improve on kickoffs after finishing 93rd nationally (23.2 ypr).

IOWA

• Kicker: Daniel Murray handled all of Iowa's field goals in 2009, connecting on 19 of 26 attempts. Junior Trent Mossbrucker also returns.
• Punter: Senior Ryan Donahue will contend for All-Big Ten honors this fall after averaging 40.9 yards per punt in 2009.
• Kick return: Senior Derrell Johnson-Koulianos is back after finishing second in the league in kick return average (31.5 ypr). Running back Brandon Wegher and wideout Paul Chaney Jr. also are back.
• Punt return: Senior Colin Sandeman is back, and he'll compete with Chaney and possibly others for the top job.
• Quick thoughts: Special teams should be a major strength for the Hawkeyes in 2010. Johnson-Koulianos showed against Ohio State how dangerous he can be on kickoff returns. Donahue and Murray are two of the league's more experienced specialists. Iowa's coverage units fared well in 2009, ranking ninth nationally in kick coverage (18.4 ypr) and 21st in punt coverage (5.7 ypr).

MICHIGAN

• Kicker: The Wolverines must replace Jason Olesnavage, who connected on 11 of 15 attempts in 2009.
• Punter: Michigan suffers a big loss here as Ray Guy Award finalist Zoltan Mesko departs. Mesko led the Big Ten in punting average (44.5 ypp).
• Kick return: Wideout Darryl Stonum is back after averaging 25.7 yards per runback with a touchdown in 2009. Michigan's No. 2 option, Martavious Odoms, also returns for 2010. The Wolverines ranked third in the Big Ten in kick returns last fall (23.8 ypr).
• Punt return: Junior Hemingway is back after leading U-M in punt returns (8.6 ypr). Odoms had six punt returns last fall, though Michigan could look to its younger players here.
• Quick thoughts: Replacing Mesko won't be easy, and Olesnavage quietly turned in a strong season, especially from long range. Incoming punter recruit Will Hagerup will step into the fire right away for the Wolverines. Kick returns should be a strength, and Michigan did a decent job on coverage last year, ranking 20th in punt coverage and third in the Big Ten in net kickoff coverage.

MICHIGAN STATE

• Kicker: The Spartans suffer a big loss here, as first-team All-Big Ten selection Brett Swenson departs. Swenson went 19-for-22 on field goals last fall and led the Big Ten in kick scoring (101 points).
• Punter: Senior Aaron Bates returns after finishing fifth in the league in punting average (41.6 ypp).
• Kick return: Wide receiver Keshawn Martin is back after becoming arguably the Big Ten's most dangerous return man last fall. Michigan State needs a No. 2 option here.
• Punt return: Martin did a nice job on punt returns in 2009, averaging 7.4 yards per runback.
• Quick thoughts: Swenson leaves a major void at kicker, as Dan Conroy and Kevin Muma compete to replace the back-to-back All-Big Ten selection. Martin really blossomed on returns during Big Ten play and could be a huge X-factor for Michigan State this fall. The Spartans' coverage teams were average in 2009. If Conroy and/or Muma can hold their own on field goals, special teams could be a real strength for Mark Dantonio's team.

MINNESOTA

• Kicker: Eric Ellestad is back for his senior year after connecting on 13 of 17 field-goal attempts, with all the makes coming from within 40 yards.
• Punter: Minnesota loses Blake Haudan, who had a very solid 2009 season, ranking third in the league in average (42.6 ypp). Sophomore Dan Orseske will step in this fall.
• Kick return: Wideout Troy Stoudermire is back after once again getting a ton of action on returns, recording 43 runbacks for 1,057 yards (24.6 ypr). Duane Bennett and Hayo Carpenter are possible No. 2 options.
• Punt return: Sophomore wideout Bryant Allen is back after averaging 12.2 yards on six runbacks last fall. Minnesota led the Big Ten in punt return average (14.7 ypr), although the Gophers also had the fewest opportunities (9).
• Quick thoughts: Haudan was a very solid punter in 2009, so Orseske will have some big shoes to fill. Stoudermire and Allen are fine options on returns, and Ellestad did a nice job on the kicks he should make. Minnesota really struggled on kickoff coverage, ranking 102nd nationally (24.1 ypr). If the offense starts slow again this fall, Minnesota will need to be sharp in the kicking game.

Who's the Kalin Lucas of Big Ten football? That guy is money down the stretch.

• New Minnesota offensive coordinator Jeff Horton signed a two-year contract worth $590,000, Kent Youngblood writes in the Star Tribune.
• Purdue wins the Bruce Gaston sweepstakes, ESPNChicago.com's Scott Powers writes.
• The Glenville High School-Ohio State pipeline is still alive, thanks to a commitment from cornerback Christian Bryant on Tuesday, Tim May writes in The Columbus Dispatch.
• O'Brien Schofield's ill-timed knee injury won't stop him from pursuing an NFL career, Tom Oates writes in the Wisconsin State Journal.
• Illinois head coach Ron Zook isn't worried about 2010 being a make-or-break season, Rivals.com's Tom Dienhart writes.
• Ohio State and Wisconsin make The Sporting News' early top 10 for 2010, but Iowa gets left out.
• An interesting look back at Penn State's recruiting since 1984 from statecollege.com's Mike Poorman. Penn State adds its first defensive back recruit for the 2010 class, Bob Flounders writes in The (Harrisburg) Patriot-News.
• Daniel Murray remains the frontrunner at Iowa, but there could be a competition at kicker heading into 2010, Marc Morehouse writes in The (Cedar Rapids) Gazette.

The decade recap marches on as it's time to examine the top 10 games involving Big Ten teams from 2000-09. As with all of these categories, the games list easily could include 25-30 items, so getting it down to 10 wasn't easy. Especially with games. I could probably identify 10 great ones just from my two years of Big Ten blogging.

What makes a great game? Good teams, good players, lots at stake and lots of drama, particularly in the closing minutes.

I put a special emphasis on games that helped to decide Big Ten championships, bowl championships and national championships.

Without further ado ...

1. Ohio State vs. Miami, 2003 Fiesta Bowl: When the national championship game goes to two overtimes and a Big Ten team wins, it'll be at the top of the list. Ohio State nearly won in regulation, nearly lost in the first overtime and then finally prevailed 31-24 against a talent-stocked Miami team that had won 34 consecutive games.

2. Michigan at Ohio State, 2006: This game had it all: No. 1 vs. No. 2, the sport's top rivalry, national championship implications, unparalleled buildup, the drama of Bo Schembechler's death a day before the game. Ohio State and Michigan combined for 81 points before the Buckeyes prevailed to reach the title game.

3. Michigan at Northwestern, 2000: As regular-season games go, this is about the best you can find. The teams combined for 105 points and 1,189 yards of offense in a contest that saw tons of plot twists. Star running backs Damien Anderson and Anthony Thomas both committed an error in the closing minutes -- dropped touchdown for Anderson, lost fumble for Thomas -- before Northwestern emerged with a 54-51 win. Both teams went on to share the Big Ten title with Purdue.

4. Texas vs. Michigan, 2005 Rose Bowl: It didn't go the Big Ten's way in the end, but Michigan and Texas certainly gave us a game to remember. The Wolverines received great play from quarterback Chad Henne and wide receivers Braylon Edwards and Steve Breaston, but Vince Young proved to be too much as Texas won 38-37 on a field goal as time expired.

5. Iowa at Ohio State, 2009: This game essentially decided the Big Ten championship, as the teams met with a Rose Bowl berth at stake. Iowa came in as a major underdog after losing starting quarterback Ricky Stanzi to injury the previous week against Northwestern. Redshirt freshman James Vandenberg displayed incredible poise in his first career start, but Ohio State eventually prevailed in overtime after a 39-yard field goal from backup kicker Devin Barclay, a 26-year-old former Major League Soccer player.

6. Iowa vs. LSU, 2005 Capital One Bowl: You'll never see a more exciting end to a bowl game, and the first 59 plus minutes weren't bad, either. Iowa built a 24-12 fourth-quarter lead behind quarterback Drew Tate, only to watch it disappear down the stretch. It set the stage for Tate's 56-yard touchdown strike to Warren Halloway as time expired as Iowa won 30-25.

7. Michigan State at Michigan, 2004: Michigan State's losing streak at the Big House appeared over as the Spartans led 27-10 with 8:43 left. But Michigan rallied to tie the game as Braylon Edwards hauled in two touchdowns from Chad Henne. Henne and Edwards hooked up again in the third overtime as Michigan won 45-37 and went on to share the Big Ten title with Iowa.

8. Penn State vs. Florida State, 2006 Orange Bowl: Joe Paterno and Bobby Bowden generated tons of buildup before kickoff, and the game itself didn't disappoint. It was hardly a masterpiece on either side, but the game generated plenty of excitement as the teams went to three overtimes before Penn State won 26-23 on a Kevin Kelly field goal.

9. Michigan at Minnesota, 2003: Michigan's Big Ten title in 2003 could be directly linked to the greatest comeback in team history against Minnesota at the Metrodome. The Wolverines trailed 28-7 in the third quarter before rallying to win 38-35 on a Garrett Rivas field goal in the final minute. Minnesota was 6-0 before the loss.

10. Penn State at Iowa, 2008: Penn State came to Iowa City with national title aspirations and jumped ahead of Iowa 23-14 late in the third quarter. But Ricky Stanzi stepped up in the fourth quarter and led a dramatic comeback that ended with Daniel Murray's field goal. It marked Penn State's only loss, though the Lions still won a Big Ten title and went to the Rose Bowl.

My look back at the best case-worst case series continues with ... Penn State.

In case you missed it: Penn State's best case-worst case.

Best-case synopsis: Penn State proves it can reload and receives repeat performances from its stars, as well as several breakout showings from younger players. ... Quarterback Daryll Clark and running back Evan Royster lead the charge on offense, while wideout Derek Moye emerges as a star. ... Penn State's defense steps up big in wins against Iowa and Illinois, setting up a showdown between two top 5 teams when Ohio State visits Happy Valley on Nov. 7. ... The Lions beat the Buckeyes in a defensive struggle and advance to the national title game, where they fall to Florida. ... Royster and linebacker Navorro Bowman stay in Happy Valley for their senior seasons, and Joe Paterno sets up a succession plan for D-coordinator Tom Bradley.

Worst-case synopsis: The Nittany Lions are out of sync from the get-go and fall to Iowa after three unimpressive wins against subpar competition. ... Clark suffers a season-ending injury in the Iowa game, turning things over to freshman quarterback Kevin Newsome, who experiences expected growing pains. ... Illinois' Juice Williams lights up Penn State in a big win, and Michigan hands the Lions another loss at the Big House. ... Penn State finishes 7-5 despite a cushy schedule. ... Bowman and Royster declare for the draft, and Paterno retires.

You can't handle the truth: (quotes from the original post) "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." ... "[The Lions] 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." ... "Penn State brings in the Big Ten's top recruiting class."

Lies, lies, lies: "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." ... "Illinois punishes the Penn State secondary the next week, as Williams channels his inner Mark Sanchez and tosses five touchdown passes." ... "With a chance to finally gain some national respect, the Lions edge the Buckeyes in a defensive struggle, as [Sean] Lee picks off Terrelle Pryor late in the fourth quarter to seal the win." ... "Penn State clinches its second straight Big Ten title and establishes itself as the league's third powerhouse." ... "As the only undefeated BCS team, Penn State heads back to Pasadena and faces Florida."

Reality check: Penn State ended up closer to the best-case scenario in wins, and the Lions will play in a New Year's Day bowl game for the second straight year. But given the soft schedule, Penn State could have done better. The Lions faced only two ranked teams (Iowa and Ohio State) and lost both games, with each loss coming in Happy Valley and each featuring mostly inept offense. The defense stood tall behind Big Ten co-Defensive Player of the Year Jared Odrick and standout linebackers Bowman, Lee and Josh Hull. Clark had a solid season and Royster rushed for 1,104 yards behind an offensive line that took some time to jell. As predicted in the best-case argument, Penn State beat Michigan 35-10. The Capital One Bowl will go a long way toward determining the ultimate success of Penn State's season. A win sends Clark, Lee, Odrick and the seniors out on a good note. A loss would have many labeling the season as a disappointment.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The text messages rolled in all week, as the questions about plays and reads and assignments filled Derrell Johnson-Koulianos' cell phone inbox.

"This week, he prepared around the clock," Johnson-Koulianos said of Iowa quarterback James Vandenberg. "There was not a moment that went by that he wasn't thinking about how to help us. He sent me text messages all week, 'What am I doing on this play?' He was in the [football] building late all night. His moped was the last moped there.

"He invested."

Vandenberg's tireless efforts nearly paid major dividends for Iowa, as the redshirt freshman exceeded all outside expectations in his first career start. Facing the Big Ten's most dominant defense, Vandenberg completed 20 of 33 passes for 233 yards and two touchdowns to go along with three interceptions, one of which was a Hail Mary in overtime.

Like it had done all season behind regular starter Ricky Stanzi, Iowa mounted another fourth-quarter comeback, rallying from 14 points down to tie the game. But the rally fell short as No. 11 Ohio State locked down in overtime to prevail 27-24, sending No. 10 Iowa to its first road loss of the season.

"He couldn't have walked into a tougher situation," Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz said of Vandenberg. "He really handled it well. He showed good poise out there, showed good leadership traits and he certainly showed better mental and physical toughness."

At preseason media day, Ferentz talked about how Iowa would need great stories to emerge for the team to do special things. Several of those plotlines turned up Saturday at Ohio Stadium.

Running back Adam Robinson, just three weeks removed from a high-ankle sprain, replaced the injured Brandon Wegher and rushed for 74 yards on 20 carries as the team's featured back. Wide receiver Marvin McNutt, a former quarterback, caught two touchdown passes. Johnson-Koulianos, rumored to have fallen out of favor with the coaches this spring, continued his stellar Big Ten season with 71 receiving yards and a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

But the best story, the one that would have been told for decades, was Vandenberg. The magnitude of the moment wasn't lost on the freshman during game week.

"I don't sleep in very much, so I'm in there early," Vandenberg said. "I'm calling guys, I'm calling [Stanzi, saying], 'Wake up.' They did a great job with me all week, preparing me. ... All these snaps are good. When you get all of them, it changes. There's a lot more pressure, people are counting on you, and you've got to do your job."

Whether Ferentz let Vandenberg do his job at the end of regulation will be debated for some time in Hawkeye Nation.

Iowa had regained momentum and the football, taking possession at its own 33-yard line with 53 seconds left and one timeout in the bank. Kicker Daniel Murray had made four field goals of longer than 40 yards.

But after a Robinson rush up the middle netted nothing, Ferentz decided to run out the clock.

"I've done enough stupid things this year, so why do something stupid at that point?" Ferentz explained. "Had we gotten a [punt] return, had there been a shanked punt where we had better field position, or had we popped that first play, then we would have pressed forward.

"At second-and-10, second-and-9, the percentages weren't with us at that point."

Vandenberg had just capped a 70-yard touchdown drive with a scoring strike to McNutt. Ferentz said the freshman's presence didn't affect his decision-making at the end.

"If we had Joe Namath in there, I think we would have done the same thing," Ferentz said.

Vandenberg has watched Stanzi work his late-game magic from the sideline. He nearly pulled off a copy-cat act.

"The heart in our guys is just incredible," Vandenberg said. "To be able to fight back like that with all those guys, it's an experience."

Iowa won't be going to Pasadena and has dropped consecutive games, but the team's performance Saturday certainly helped its cause for a BCS at-large berth. The Hawkeyes came in as 17-point underdogs but took Ohio State to the brink.

With USC falling out of the at-large mix, Iowa will have the strongest résumé of the Big Ten hopefuls if it beats Minnesota next week. The Fiesta Bowl could be very interested in the Hawkeyes if it loses Texas to the BCS title game.

"Nobody wants to play us," Johnson-Koulianos said. "We'll play anybody in the nation right now. We're not afraid of anybody, and we can beat anybody.

"We're worthy, and we've proved this year that when you give us the opportunity to play the best opponent, and we'll make it a hell of a ballgame."

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin might set an NCAA record for tackles for loss in a defeat, as Iowa continues to overcome long-yardage situations.

The Hawkeyes latest gem took place on third-and-13, as Ricky Stanzi and tight end Tony Moeaki hooked up yet again for a 27-yard completion despite pass interference by Wisconsin. Moeaki has been a huge factor in the second half (3 catches 55 yards, TD) as Iowa has scored 20 unanswered points to lead 20-10.

Even after facing second-and-22, Iowa inched close enough for a long field-goal attempt, which Daniel Murray drilled. Murray is looking like the most confident kicker in the Big Ten right now.

If things hold up, Iowa will be the Big Ten's top team and in the driver's seat for the Rose Bowl and possibly more.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Hit on all three choices last week. Let's see how I do this time around.

OFFENSE -- Iowa TE Tony Moeaki

Tight ends rarely qualify for this honor, but Moeaki's performance Saturday night against Michigan certainly merits the award. After missing the previous three games with an ankle injury and barely practicing, Moeaki recorded six receptions for 105 yards and two touchdowns. He hauled in scoring passes of 34 and 42 yards in Iowa's 30-28 win.

DEFENSE -- Minnesota LB Lee Campbell

The Gophers' linebackers have been tremendous this season, and Campbell turned in another masterpiece against Purdue. He recorded a game-high 11 tackles, including 1.5 for loss, and changed the game with an interception midway through the second quarter and returned the ball to the Purdue 2-yard line, setting up the go-ahead touchdown. Campbell also blocked a field goal attempt that teammate Traye Simmons returned to the end zone. Simmons, Wisconsin's O'Brien Schofield and Ohio State's Ross Homan and Kurt Coleman also merit mentions.

CO-SPECIAL TEAMS -- Ohio State WR Ray Small and Iowa K Daniel Murray

After Wisconsin closed to within eight points, Small gave Ohio State a comfortable cushion with a 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the third quarter. It marked Ohio State's first kickoff returned for a touchdown since Ted Ginn in the 2007 BCS title game.

Murray connected on a career-high three field goals in the win over Michigan and likely would have hit a fourth if not for an Iowa penalty. After a chip shot in the first quarter, Murray connected from 40 and 41 yards out.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Maybe everything changed for Iowa when Daniel Murray's toe struck the football on that frigid November night against No. 3 Penn State.

	AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall
	Iowa's Ricky Stanzi bounced back from an early interception to finish with 284 yards and two touchdowns.

Before Murray's kick sailed through the uprights, Iowa couldn't buy a close win. The Hawkeyes had lost 11 of their previous 13 games decided by five points or fewer, including four contests during the 2008 season. The sour streak stretched all the way back to the 2005 Capital One Bowl, the final game of a magical three-year run for Kirk Ferentz's team.

But since the Penn State upset on Nov. 8, Iowa has been fail-safe in tight games. The Hawkeyes have won four straight games decided by five points or fewer, including Saturday night's 30-28 triumph against Michigan.

Suddenly, clutch is spelled I-O-W-A.

"We know we can do it," Murray said. "That's the main thing, is believing in yourself. Until you can get that elusive first one, it's harder to believe in yourself. For a while, we knew we'd get close and I don't know if people thought we'd screw it up somehow, but we're finally getting to the point where we can actually be comfortable in those tight situations."

The clutch play has sparked Iowa to its first 6-0 start since 1985. The Hawkeyes own a 10-game win streak, the second longest in the country and the team's longest in Ferentz's 11-year tenure.

Iowa should be sniffing the top 10 on Sunday, and as the Big Ten's only unbeaten team, there are lofty goals on the table. Things don't get much easier with upcoming trips to rival Wisconsin and surging Michigan State, but the Hawkeyes are starting to believe.

"It's just guys growing up, playing in the games they didn't win, being sick of that," quarterback Ricky Stanzi said. "You've been there before and you don't want to lose the close ones. There's nothing fun about it. There's no such thing as a moral victory when you lose a close game."

The feeling comes from a formula for success rooted in solid fundamental play, excellent special teams, opportunistic defense, just enough offense and tremendous mental toughness.

Iowa needed two blocked field goals to survive a scare in the season opener against Northern Iowa. It needed dominant play from the defensive line to rally past Penn State in Happy Valley. It needed some late-game poise to avoid disaster against Arkansas State, and it needed all those qualities to beat Michigan.

The Hawkeyes forced five turnovers, executed extremely well on special teams, hit on big pass plays when they needed them and received another resilient performance from their Jekyll-and-Hyde quarterback.

"You expect every game to be close," Stanzi said. "You don't expect to blow out any team. ... When you have that mindset, you don't let anything, thinking it's going to be a blowout, slip into your head. When you're not thinking that way, it helps you fight harder in those close games."

After the game, Ferentz and his coaches joked that the team might set a record for onside kick returns this season. But he knows that good teams find ways to win tight contests.

Asked if this year's team reminded him of others that had stepped up in the clutch, Ferentz replied, "In 2004, we were masters of the close game because we weren't fast enough to pull away from anybody. ... Some years are like that, some games are like that."

This appears to be one of those years for Iowa.

It didn't start that way, the Hawkeyes endured a rough preseason. They lost running back Jewel Hampton, the projected successor to Doak Walker Award winner Shonn Greene, to a season-ending knee injury. Then star left tackle Bryan Bulaga had to be hospitalized with a thyroid condition. Then tight end Tony Moeaki suffered yet another injury.

But things seem to be falling into place. Moeaki caught two long touchdowns against Michigan after missing three games with an ankle injury and barely practicing last week. Bulaga played his second straight game and anchored the line.

There are bigger challenges ahead, especially on the road, but the Hawkeyes have earned the right to dream a little.

"Whenever you get off to this good of a start, you start to think what this might turn into," running back Adam Robinson said. "We can't get ahead of ourselves, but it's always in the back of your mind, what's going to happen next?

"There's really that special feeling."

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Tight end Tony Moeaki is showing how valuable he can be when healthy, and Iowa has a two-score lead on Michigan in the fourth quarter.

Moeaki caught his second long touchdown pass of the game, but the story for Iowa has been special teams and opportunistic defense. The Hawkeyes have totally outplayed Michigan on special teams, from covering kicks and punts to returning the ball to Daniel Murray's career-high three field goals. The Wolverines have been pretty bad in the third phase, culminating with Greg Mathews' muffed punt on the same play Michigan was flagged for roughing Ryan Donahue.

Field position totally set up Moeaki's 42-yard touchdown, as Michigan's Zoltan Mesko had to punt from his end zone two plays earlier. Michigan's offense really hasn't been that bad, but turnovers are completely killing the Wolverines tonight.

Michigan entered Kinnick Stadium having committed eight turnovers in five games. The Wolverines already have four.

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 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.