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Mark Dantonio has lost only two assistants during his tenure at Michigan State, and both men -- Dan Enos and Don Treadwell -- left for head-coaching positions elsewhere.

Like several Big Ten programs, Michigan State ties its recent success to continuity on the coaching staff. Dantonio would like to keep it that way heading into 2012.

"I hope so," Dantonio told ESPN.com on Friday. "You never know how things change as you go through January, but our staff has been a big part of our success here. Great people, great teachers, great relationships with their players. It's one of the main reasons we're having great success."

Spartans defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi appeared to be the likeliest candidate to move onto a head-coaching position. Narduzzi, who guided the No. 5 defense this season, had been mentioned for vacancies at both Illinois and Akron, which since have been filled. While the coaching carousel is still spinning, it's a decent bet Narduzzi remains in East Lansing for another year.

But he needs to get paid. So do Dantonio's other assistants after what the program has done the past few seasons.

Narduzzi reportedly earned $235,000 this year. Offensive coordinator Dan Roushar earned $232,000, while the other assistants pocketed between $165,500-$182,550.

Michigan State's salaries are in the middle of the pack in the Big Ten, although comparable programs such as Wisconsin and Iowa both have a higher-paid assistant than the Spartans (Paul Chryst and Ken O'Keefe, respectively). Narduzzi certainly would appear in line to be one of the league's highest-paid aides.

Michigan State has pledged its commitment to Dantonio, who in October received a new contract designed to keep him a "Spartan for life." Dantonio has voiced the need to recognize his assistants' contributions as well, and he has received favorable feedback from the school's administration.

"When you see the pay scales for assistants and coordinators and things of that nature, we have to be able to keep pace with other people or we're going to lose [assistants]," Dantonio said. "Inevitably, this is a job and you have to worry about the benefits to your family long-term. Michigan State's a football program that's won 10 games this year, 11 games last year. We're on the cusp of something great here, but we haven't done this alone. This hasn't been just the head coach. It's been the assistants as well.

"People will recognize that. [Athletic director] Mark Hollis recognizes that and is doing everything possible to put us on equal footing financially."

While State College will be the center of the college football world Saturday, another significant Big Ten game is taking place hundreds of miles away in Iowa City. Michigan State and Iowa meet at Kinnick Stadium in a matchup with enormous implications for the Legends division. Both teams control their own fate with only one division loss (in Michigan State's case, just one Big Ten loss).

Michigan State will try to do what few Big Ten teams have accomplished this season -- win a big game on the road. The Spartans are 1-2 away from East Lansing this season and got spanked 37-6 last year at Iowa, which handed Michigan State its first and only regular-season loss.

I caught up with Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio on Wednesday to discuss the matchup.

When did Iowa first come to mind as a program you wanted to model Michigan State after when you took over in East Lansing?

Mark Dantonio: When I was here before, toward the tail end of my time here as an assistant, Kirk Ferentz had just been hired [as Iowa's coach]. They were a football team that for the first couple years struggled a little bit, but over the course of time, when we played them when I was at Ohio State, and also when I was at Cincinnati, they made their way in this conference. They gradually continued to get better until they were at the top of the conference. And they've been there pretty traditionally since then. Always in contention.

So when I became the head football coach here, I looked at football programs that have some similarities to ours in terms of what challenges they may have, those types of things. And I thought, 'Here's Iowa, good defensive football team, built on toughness, built on stability, continuity on their coaching staff, good fan support, but not one of the programs that were set up for the ages, I guess.' So I felt like that was a program to try and emulate, and we went about our business to try and do those things.

Our coaching staff has remained intact for the most part, losing two guys who became head football coaches [Don Treadwell and Dan Enos]. We've gradually made our way. We've been able to compete for a championship, and we find ourselves in the thick of things now. We're working toward it. We're not there yet.

In terms of players, did you feel you had to recruit similar types of players as Iowa? They've done really well talking walk-ons and kids that might not be the most decorated recruits and have gotten them to the NFL.

MD: We put an emphasis on recruiting who's going to fit our program as a person, number one, and number two, who's going to fit our program's needs. I think Iowa does the same thing. They don't get caught up in how many stars are behind someone's name. A great example of that with us is Le'Veon Bell. It was us and Bowling Green, and we offered him and he came here and has become a tremendous player. We have some four-star players and that type of thing as well, but this program, we're trying to recruit to our needs as much as anything. We spend a lot of time looking at the player, evaluating that guy, not just on film but in person as well.

Iowa has been able to compete with the traditional power programs in the league. Where is Michigan State in that realm in your mind?

MD: We're coming. We've beaten Ohio State. We've beaten Michigan four straight years. We're competing on equal footing with Penn State, 2-2 in the four [previous] years since we've been here. We're 3-2 against Wisconsin. The one program we've not got is the one that we're trying to emulate. But we've had close games with them, other than last year. It'll be a great challenge for us, but we're excited about the opportunity, and we're excited about where we're at. We recruited a lot of these guys -- Kirk Cousins and others -- with the idea that we can get to this next step, we can get to a championship-type game and we can get to a Rose Bowl. Now we're in control of our own destiny, and we can see the light at the end of the tunnel in that respect. Now it's important we meet the challenge.

How big of a step is this game, then, in terms of taking that jump as a program?

MD: It's a statement game, I think, in terms of going away from home and winning on the road, especially after last year and things. It's a challenge game. And usually when you're challenged, you tend to take it personal. But a tough challenge, a good football team we're playing, well-coached. Their team is built on toughness and execution as well.

You've been open about how your season is going to be largely decided on the road. Obviously, you had a rough outing last time at Nebraska. How have guys handle the road environments so far?

MD: We've played three on the road, and some tough ones. We've gone down to Notre Dame, we've played at Ohio State and we've played at Nebraska. We're 1-2 right now, so we've got two more left, and both of them will be challenges. You evaluate that at the end, but we need to go more mentally prepared maybe than we were this past time at Nebraska. We have to create our momentum. Momentum won't be created by the crowd.

How do you feel about the offense coming out of the Minnesota game and into this one?

MD: I felt Kirk Cousins played very well. He only has five interceptions for the entire season. He makes great decisions. Have to continue to try and run the ball more effectively and keep balance so we can protect our quarterback, and then we have to just protect him, period. Which we've been able to do. Explosive plays are always very, very important. When we've gotten eight explosive plays or more [in a game], we're 35-5. So that's where it's at. We've got to find explosive plays, either running the football or passing it.

And defensively, we've played pretty well on the road. How do you feel about that group going against a potent offense in Iowa?

MD: It's another challenge for us. They do a great job running the football. They've got a great offensive line, a big, powerful back [Marcus Coker]. He leads the league in rushing. A big-play wide receiver [Marvin McNutt], a quarterback [James Vandenberg] who makes good decisions, can get out of the pocket. So it's a challenge for us. To play well on the road, we've got to play well in the red zone and come up with turnovers and try to take the crowd out of the game and be relentless.

Everyone's new to divisional play, but how do you address that with your players?

MD: They're very aware of what we have to do. We're in control, but all things are not lost if we lose. Our players understand that. It's exciting to look at all the possibilities because there are possibilities across the board on both sides of these divisions, and that's exciting for college football.

Hope you enjoy the games this weekend. I'm geared up for my first game in Lincoln!

Looks like a lot of folks are miffed by my Penn State prediction. Hey, did you expect me to copy Bennett's picks again?

Jojo from Johnstown, Pa., writes: Adam, Let me preface this comment by saying that I am a huge PSU loyalist. With that out of the way, how in the world can you possibly pick PSU over Iowa? Really? I just looked at PSU's schedule and other than Purdue, I'm not sure there is another winnable game. Did you make that pick the same way Jaypa and Galen Hall decide which plays to call? You know, with the help of a Ouiga Board?

Adam Rittenberg: Jojo, I know you're down about the Lions right now, and I totally understand why. The offense still has no quarterback, no direction and no identity. But the Penn State defense excites me. Defensive tackle Devon Still has been a beast, and the linebackers are playmakers. Iowa has struggled to run the ball consistently all season, and I expect Penn State to stuff the rushing attack Saturday. The Lions have been excellent against the pass -- sixth nationally in pass yards allowed, only three passing touchdowns allowed -- although Iowa's receivers provide a good test. I could be wrong (check my record, it happens a lot), but I see an ugly, low-scoring affair that Penn State somehow wins. We'll see.

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John from Eagan, Minn., writes: Adam, Seriously 10 points for the Hawkeyes on Saturday. I will bet you a bag of Garrett's Popcorn at Navy Pier that Iowa scores more then 10 points. With their top LB and one of the top DB players out for the game, it will be tough for PSU to keep it that low.

Adam Rittenberg: Mmmm, Garrett's. You're on, John. Although if I lose, you might receive a half-eaten bag. Good points about Penn State not having linebacker Michael Mauti and cornerback D'Anton Lynn, but the Lions are a much deeper defense this year, and it all starts up front with Mr. Still at DT.

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Joe from Columbus, Ohio, writes: Adam, It seems that Ohio State's offensive line is coming under intense scrutiny after the MSU game. I have to make the point that of the 9 sacks that MSU had, maybe two or three of them were actually the result of poor line play. The Oline is the least of Ohio State's concerns right now. Their biggest concern is the playing calling ability of Jim Bollman. Bottom line, they are not setting their qb's up for success. They are running plays that have limited creativity and there are no adjustments as the game goes on. OSU was running the same plays in the 4th quarter as they were in the 1st. Braxton Miller looks totally lost and I have to say, it isn't entirely his fault. Though he has had time, he cannot get off his first read.

Adam Rittenberg: Joe, while I agree there are problems with the overall play calling and the quarterbacks, you're letting the offensive line off way too easy. Michigan State manhandled Ohio State up front for stretches in the game, and even veteran players like center Mike Brewster struggled with the likes of Jerel Worthy. The line didn't look that bad in the Miami loss, but I saw something change last week against Michigan State, which, to be fair, boasts an excellent defense. It was a lousy performance up front, and as colleague Trevor Matich said Thursday on "College Football Live," Ohio State is having fundamental breakdowns everywhere, including the offensive line. I'd expect a better performance Saturday in Lincoln, and Mike Adams' return at left tackle should provide a boost.

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Toby from Smithland, La., writes: Hey Adam, I know the expansion talk is not wanted to be talked about but it is still out there. My question is this. With Missouri wanting to come to the Big Ten, why wouldn't we look at taking them and putting them in the leaders division. If we would need someone in the legends division, why wouldn't we go after a big east team to fill that spot. Someone like West Virginia or Louisville. Geographically, it would be a good choice.

Adam Rittenberg: Toby, of the three teams you mention, Missouri is the only one the Big Ten would seriously consider adding. West Virginia and Louisville simply don't fit the Big Ten's profile in several areas, namely academics. I know it's hard for fans to understand, but it's not only about geography. Also, I've talked with Big Ten ADs and a league administrator in the past week and there's still no movement on expansion. The Big Ten is happy at 12, and unless all heck breaks loose elsewhere -- which it might --- the league won't be forced to expand just to expand.

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Jon from Chicago writes: Adam, You seem surprised that my man Bob Asmussen picked the Illini in the Rose Bowl. This is pure speculation at this point, but I don't think that it's too far fetched. Wisconsin looks basically unbeatable, and an undefeated season would likely put them in the BCS National title game. The Illinois/Michigan game in Champaign looks like a toss-up at this point. The Illini will lose to Wisconsin. Now, if the Illini are able to get past Michigan, and - this is a HUGE and, given recent history - win the games they are supposed to, that leaves the Illini with one regular season loss. Whoever loses to Wisconsin in the B1G championship game (NU or Michigan) will likely have at least two losses, and I doubt would be ahead of Illinois in the BCS picture. I understand that there is a long way to go, but Bob's prediction certainly doesn't appear to be unfathomable. Especially, Adam, since you have the Illini way up on your power rankings, I'm surprised by your surprise!

Adam Rittenberg: Jon, you're right, I probably shouldn't have been so surprised. Just to see an Illinois team no one ranked in the preseason projected in the Rose Bowl after five home wins was a bit startling. Yes, Illinois could get there if everything falls right, and the schedule is so beneficial that 10 or 11 regular-season wins is realistic. I like the Illini a lot, but they've been fortunate the past three weeks on their home field. Now the road schedule is really, really easy, but the Penn State contest isn't a gimme. Neither is Ohio State next week in Champaign. The Buckeyes will be desperate, and while Illinois always plays Ohio State tough, the Illini will be in the unfamiliar position of being favored in that matchup. Could Illinois reach Pasadena? Sure. But a lot of things have to go its way.

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Mike from Boston writes: My fantasy team has been terrible the past few years so I decided to go with an all-Big Ten team this year. I had no expectations but all of a sudden I'm 3-1 and contending (thank you, Eric Decker). Mendenhall looks questionable this week and it's decision time: do I pick up a non-B1G replacement or stick with what's working and hope Pierre Thomas or Roy Helu finally gets some touches?

Adam Rittenberg: Mike, you're seriously asking me for fantasy football advice? Have you seen how my fantasy team has fared this year against Bennett's? I like Pierre Thomas a lot, but don't blame me if you struggle this week. My track record speaks for itself. Ugh.

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Ryan from Afghanistan writes: Hey Adam, first and foremost thanks to you and Brian for keeping us up to date over here on B1G news. I think by now we can say that MSU has one of the most impressive defenses in the country, especially considering their youth. That being said, their offense has had obvious struggles this year and most people point to the offensive line as the issue. I cannot watch the games here so I am just going by what I read, but it sure seems as though MSU's offensive woes could be coming from play calling. Coach D is a primarily defensive oriented coach, and maybe I am being too hard on Roushar... but what he is calling seems as though it is not working. Nobody has mentioned the departure of Don Treadwell as a possible cause for the lack of offensive production. He did orchestrate an impressive win against Wisconsin last year when coach D was in the hospital. What are your thoughts? Go Green!

Adam Rittenberg: Ryan, first of all, thanks for everything you're doing over there. We really appreciate it! Michigan State's offensive line still remains the primary area of concern as the team hasn't generated a consistent rushing attack. Some of the play calling concerns are warranted, too, and you bring up a good point about losing Treadwell, who did a heck of a job last season. It will be interesting to see what type of game plan Dan Roushar has for Michigan, especially with an extra week to prepare for the Wolverines. Again, there's only so much you can do when the run game is spotty, and Michigan State needs Kirk Cousins to be a bit better with his decision-making, but Roushar isn't immune from critiques.

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Jeff from Ann Arbor, Mich., writes: Rittenberg, how do you have a worse record than Brian in predictions? 42-10 vs. 39-13, you're 3 games back! In light of this, I did some digging and based on (A) your first post to The Blog [ed. http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/1/welcome-to-big-ten-football ] and (B) the welcome post for Brian [ed. http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/27523/big-ten-blog-gets-bigger-and-better ] you have over 1000 days more experience than he does. I'm starting to lose faith in you Old Timer... the cake games are over, we're in conference play now!

Adam Rittenberg: Jeff, he's killing me. I'm thinking of ways to eliminate him, including sending him back to the lowly Big East. On the bright side, I am 6-0 so far in Big Ten games after a perfect Week 5. The problem: Bennett went 6-0, too. The predictions differential upsets me more than the fantasy team deal. I'd still take my team, led by Russell Wilson, Marvin McNutt and others, over his one-dimensional quarterbacks.

Week 2 contained a few bumps in the road for the Big Ten. What does Week 3 hold? Glad you asked (all times ET):

No. 17 Ohio State (2-0) at Miami (0-1), 7 p.m., ESPN: The Ineligi-Bowl. A Florida (Wins) Vacation. Yes, the two teams' NCAA troubles will dominate the pregame storylines, but this is also a big test for a Buckeyes squad that struggled to get past Toledo at home Saturday.

No. 22 Arizona State (2-0) at Illinois (2-0) 7 p.m., Big Ten Network: After two blowout wins over lesser competition, the Illini try to prove they're for real. The Sun Devils slipped past Illinois rival Missouri in overtime last Friday.

Washington (2-0) at No. 10 Nebraska (2-0), 3:30 p.m., ABC: Rubber match? Nebraska blew out the Huskies early in the regular season last year and then got beat by Washington in the Holiday Bowl for a startling reversal of fortune. The Cornhuskers' defense will hope for a stronger performance than in Saturday's 42-29 win over Fresno State.

No. 15 Michigan State (2-0) at Notre Dame (0-2), 3:30 p.m., NBC: The Irish are staring down the barrel of an 0-3 start and figure to approach this game with heavy desperation. The Spartans get their first road challenge in a season full of them.

Penn State (1-1) at Temple (2-0), Noon, ESPN: The Nittany Lions look to bounce back from the Alabama loss by playing a team they have beaten 36 times in 40 meetings (with one tie in there). Temple outscored its first two opponents 83-10.

No. 7 Wisconsin (2-0) at Northern Illinois (1-1) 3:30 p.m., ESPN3.com: Jump Around at Soldier Field. Northern Illinois is technically the home team and is smarting after a last-second, 45-42 loss at Kansas on Saturday. NIU is coached by Dave Doeren, who was the Badgers' defensive coordinator last season.

Pittsburgh (2-0) at Iowa (1-1), Noon, ESPN2: Pitt is 2-0 under first-year coach Todd Graham but had to hold off Maine last week. Still, Iowa would sure like to be 2-0 right now.

Northwestern (2-0) at Army (0-2) 3:30 p.m., CBS Sports: Week 3 of the Dan Persa watch is in effect. Northwestern hasn't needed him yet and might not again this week.

Eastern Michigan (2-0) at Michigan (2-0) Noon, BTN: Eastern Michigan is 2-0 for the first time since 1989. Of course, those two wins came over a pair of FCS schools in Howard and Alabama State, the latter by just one touchdown. At least the Eagles don't have to travel far for this one.

Miami of Ohio (0-1) at Minnesota (0-2), 3:30 p.m., BTN: We still don't know who will coach Minnesota this week. The RedHawks are also winless so far under new head coach and former Michigan State assistant Don Treadwell.

Southeast Missouri State (0-1) at Purdue (1-1), Noon, BTN: If this game comes down to a blocked kick at the end, we'll know something really weird is going on with Purdue's season.

South Carolina State (1-1) at Indiana (0-2), 3:30 p.m., BTN: After two tough losses to start the Kevin Wilson era, the Hoosiers should finally put one in the victory column this week.

Kirk Cousins would have a right to be worried, or at least curious, about the state of Michigan State's offense entering his senior season.

When a team appoints a new offensive coordinator, no position is affected more than the quarterback, particularly a multiyear starter. Cousins evolved the past two seasons under Don Treadwell, leading the Spartans to their first Big Ten title since 1990 last fall. But Treadwell left in January to become head coach at Miami (Ohio), and Michigan State promoted line coach Dan Roushar to coordinator.

How did Cousins react to the move? He wasn't concerned nor anxious, not in the least. He didn't meet with Roushar for hours on end discussing the scheme. While he'll miss Treadwell, he has full faith that Roushar will get the job done.

After all, Roushar had faith in Cousins when few others did.

"When I came in, I was a two-star recruit," Cousins told me Thursday, "so I kind of had that feeling, 'Do I belong?' I was a late addition to the recruiting class, so you start to have those doubts. Can I play here? Am I good enough? Am I just a last guy on the roster, a leftover pick? You start to have those thoughts. It doesn't make you work any less harder; if anything, you work harder.

"But you're looking for somebody who believes in you, who sees something in you and who really thinks you can be somebody some day."

For Cousins, Roushar was that person. A former quarterback at Northern Illinois, Roushar coached signal-callers early in his career and had served as an offensive coordinator at several places, including Illinois in 2004.

"He'd come over, whether it was in practice, in a meeting, in the offseason just stopping by his office, and he would just let me know, 'Hey, you did a great job,'" Cousins recalled. "I remember my redshirt freshman year, when I played in backup duty behind Brian [Hoyer], he was very affirming of how I played. Back then, you're really looking for encouragement, for somebody to believe in you.

"That meant a lot at that time, and going forward, I have a lot of respect for him."

If Michigan State had hired a new coordinator from outside the program, Cousins imagines he would have had multiple meetings before the first practice to build a foundation of trust. While he and Roushar talked a bit before spring ball kicked off Tuesday, they already had a bond.

Roushar won't make wide-sweeping changes to the system, and Cousins is confident about the offense's future.

"He's been an offensive coordinator, he's coached just about every offensive position, so he has a wide-sweeping perspective," said Cousins, who completed 66.9 percent of his passes for 2,825 yards with 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2010. "The offensive line coach is a guy a lot of quarterbacks are going to talk to.

"We're definitely on the same page, and I feel great about the direction we're going."

Mark Dantonio and the Michigan State Spartans hit the practice field later Tuesday for the first of 15 spring workouts.

Let's take a quick look at the defending Big Ten co-champs this spring:

The big story: Taking the next step. Michigan State broke through by winning the Big Ten title for the first time in two decades. But with a chance to, as Dantonio put it, "measure up" in the Capital One Bowl, the Spartans got crushed by Alabama. The Big Ten should be wide open this fall, and if the Spartans repeat as champs, they'll cement themselves as an upper-tier program. The first step: upgrade play along both lines. Sure, Michigan State must replace two standout linebackers (Greg Jones and Eric Gordon), a gifted cornerback (Chris L. Rucker) and some valuable pass-catchers (Mark Dell and Charlie Gantt), but if the Spartans don't get to a Wisconsin/Iowa/Ohio State level with their lines, they'll hit a ceiling as a program.

Position in the spotlight: Offensive and defensive line. No surprises here as Michigan State tries to firm up both units. The offensive front loses both starting tackles (D.J. Young and J'Michael Deane) and its starting center (John Stipek), creating plenty of competition this spring to fill the gaps. Most of Michigan State's top defensive linemen return, including tackle Jerel Worthy, but the coaches will be looking for more pass rushers to emerge.

Coaching changes: Only one but it was significant. Offensive coordinator/receivers coach Don Treadwell departed to become head coach at Miami (Ohio). Dantonio promoted offensive line coach Dan Roushar to coordinator and hired Terrence Samuel from Central Michigan to work with the receivers. Mark Staten now will coach the line. Roushar will run a similar system as Dantonio wants to maintain continuity.

Keep an eye on: Le'Veon Bell. After a brilliant start to his college career, Bell seemed to hit the freshman wall in mid-October and had only 56 rushing yards in his final seven games. The Spartans want to emphasize the run more and will look to complement Edwin Baker with another dangerous back. Bell enters his second spring hoping to make big strides.

Spring game: April 30

Indiana's coaching staff has been finalized for 2011.

For real this time.

Kevin Wilson has filled his lone remaining staff vacancy with Miami (Ohio) assistant Deland McCullough, who will coach Indiana's running backs. McCullough served as an offensive/special-teams intern for Miami last season and remained on the RedHawks' staff after Don Treadwell took over as coach. Treadwell promoted McCullough to running backs coach.

McCullough starred at running back for Miami from 1992-95 while Wilson served as the team's offensive coordinator. He set the Mid-American Conference career rushing yards record before going on to play in the NFL, CFL and XFL.

“Deland was a great player, is a better person and is on track to be an excellent coach,” Wilson said in a prepared statement. “He is a guy that was on my radar from the start. We have a great relationship dating back to our days together at Miami and Deland is on board with what we want to accomplish.”

McCullough replaces Jemal Singleton, one of four assistants Wilson hired at Indiana who soon left for other jobs. He takes over a group that has struggled to produce in recent years but boasts some talent with players like Darius Willis, Antonio Banks and Matt Perez.

Here's Indiana's complete staff for 2011:

Defense

Doug Mallory: Assistant Head Coach/Co-Defensive Coordinator/Safeties
Mike Ekeler: Co-Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers
Mark Hagen: Defensive Tackles/Special Teams Coordinator
Brett Diersen: Defensive Ends/Recruiting Coordinator
Brandon Shelby: Cornerbacks

Offense

Kevin Johns: Co-Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers
Rod Smith: Co-Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
Greg Frey: Offensive Line
Deland McCullough: Running Backs

Michigan State made it official Friday and announced the hiring of Terrence Samuel as receivers coach.

Samuel, who comes from Central Michigan's staff, completes the replacement of Don Treadwell. Treadwell served as the team's offensive coordinator and also coached the receivers.

“We had a number of outstanding candidates apply for the position, but Terrence Samuel really emerged as the top candidate during the interview process,” Dantonio said in a prepared statement. “Terrence did a great job during a chalkboard session with the offensive staff, and he did equally well in a teaching session with some of our current players. I had the opportunity to first talk with Terrence at the American Football Coaches Association Convention and then again here on campus, so he went through an extensive interview process.

"He has coached a variety of positions on both sides of the ball plus he’s been both an offensive and special teams coordinator, so Terrence has well-rounded football knowledge. He also has had a chance to learn from some outstanding head coaches along the way, including two years as a graduate assistant with John Mackovic at Arizona."

Samuel played receiver at Purdue from 1991-94. He inherits a deep group of receivers in East Lansing led by B.J. Cunningham, Keshawn Martin and Keith Nichol.

Several Big Ten teams are still filling out their staffs for 2011, and we'll hear an official announcement or two later Monday.

Here's a roundup of what's been happening the last few days:

INDIANA

The Hoosiers on Friday announced the hiring of Brandon Shelby as cornerbacks coach. Shelby, who previously held the same position at Louisiana-Monroe, starred as a defensive back at Oklahoma during IU coach Kevin Wilson's time there and also served as a Sooners' defensive assistant in 2006. Shelby replaces Corey Raymond, who left Indiana to take a position at Nebraska. Although Nebraska hasn't made an official announcement about Raymond, he's expected to replace secondary coach Marvin Sanders, who resigned Thursday.

Indiana also last week hired Nebraska defensive assistant Brett Diersen as defensive tackles coach and Air Force running backs coach Jemal Singleton to the same position. Diersen replaces Jerry Montgomery, who Wilson said left for a position at Michigan.

These appointments complete Wilson's staff for 2011.

NEBRASKA

So far, Sanders' resignation is the only official announcement Bo Pelini has made about his staff. But Wilson said Raymond is on his way to Lincoln, and all signs point to offensive coordinator Shawn Watson and receivers coach Ted Gilmore being on their way out. Nebraska's offensive production dipped toward the end of the 2010 season, and the Huskers' receivers had an up-and-down year.

Multiple media reports from Nebraska state that Pelini might be targeting Oregon receivers coach Scott Frost, the former Huskers' star quarterback, and Notre Dame offensive line coach Ed Warinner as replacements. Warinner served as Kansas' offensive coordinator from 2007-09 and spent time in the Big Ten as Illinois' offensive line coach and run game coordinator from 2005-06.

The interesting part of this is Pelini reportedly will hand over play-calling duties to running backs coach Tim Beck. The Lincoln Journal Star and Omaha World-Herald both report that Frost might not leave Oregon unless it's for a job as a play-caller elsewhere.

Pelini seems to be reshaping his staff before Nebraska's jump to the Big Ten. It will be fascinating to see how things play out in Lincoln.

MICHIGAN

Coach Brady Hoke will finalize his staff Monday and announce the defensive assistants to join coordinator Greg Mattison.

Montgomery is on his way to Ann Arbor, and he'll reportedly be joined by Akron defensive coordinator Curt Mallory on the Michigan staff. Expect Mallory to coach the Wolverines' secondary, while Montgomery will work with the defensive line. Mallory played at Michigan and has spent his entire coaching career in the Midwest, serving as Illinois' secondary coach and co-defensive coordinator from 2007-09. Montgomery played at Iowa and most recently served as Wyoming's defensive line coach.

MICHIGAN STATE

After promoting Dan Roushar to offensive coordinator last week, Mark Dantonio reportedly has found the final member of his staff.

According to The (Mount Pleasant) Morning Sun, Central Michigan receivers coach Terry Samuel has left to take the same position on Michigan State's staff. Samuel, who played wide receiver at Purdue, worked his way up through the FCS ranks before joining former Dantonio assistant Dan Enos at Central Michigan last year.

He'll coach the position group that previous Michigan State offensive coordinator Don Treadwell oversaw. Samuel inherits a deep and talented receiving corps led by B.J. Cunningham and Keshawn Martin.

WISCONSIN

The Badgers lost a key assistant over the weekend as running backs coach John Settle departed for the same position with the Carolina Panthers. Settle did an outstanding job with Wisconsin's running backs, helping to mold standout players like P.J. Hill, John Clay, James White and Montee Ball.

Although Wisconsin always recruits talented backs, Settle leaves some big shoes to fill. It will be interesting to see who coach Bret Bielema hires as his replacement.

Here's the second half of my conversation with new Michigan State offensive coordinator Dan Roushar.

Also check out Part I.

It seems like in the Big Ten, it all starts with the offensive line. Where do you see that group going and what needs to happen for you guys to reach a higher level?

Dan Roushar: We're going to have to develop more consistency. We think we've got some young players who are very, very talented, who have the makeup we're looking for, but they haven't had an opportunity to go out and prove themselves. So they've kind of been waiting in the wings and at times, getting closer. I do know this: When you look at the Big Ten or anywhere, it starts up front on both sides, your offensive and defensive lines. It'll be important that we develop guys who have playing experience through the year. We have to find two tackles to start, we get both guards back and we have to find somebody to play center, but I think we have those types of kids in the program.

What will your involvement be with the offensive line?

DR: I'm going to be involved with the offensive line. Mark Staten and I worked together up front. He's been technically the tight ends/tackles coach and I've handled the offensive line. You'll see more of a role reversal so that I can be involved in the entire offense, including the passing game, and have the opportunity to have relationships with each guy at every position. Sometimes in that offensive line room, you can get consumed with those five guys you're coaching and the 16, 18, 20 guys on the team who play that position.

You've been a play-caller before, but what will be the adjustment going back to that role?

DR: I'm looking forward to it. Sometimes as a play-caller, you can get far too much credit and far too much criticism. From an offensive coordinator standpoint like [Don Treadwell] did, you become a leader. You use all your resources including your coaches and develop the single most important part: your plan, your plan of attack going in on Saturday and then implementing and practicing that plan throughout the week. I've been very fortunate to be a play-caller at every school I've worked at except for Cincinnati, so I'll draw on those experiences. Like having a bad play, you'll have a bad call, but at the end of the day, you've got to be able to move past that. The key is playing to your strengths and also recognizing where you aren't as strong and protecting your weaknesses.

What's your relationship like with Kirk [Cousins]? How much have you worked with him in the past?

DR: I never felt like I've been removed from our skill guys. The offensive line and the quarterbacks, [QBs coach] Dave Warner and myself, we've worked very, very closely together. I've had the opportunity to be around Kirk at his very best moments. He's got a lot of passion for football. Over the course of the last couple years, he and I have had a lot of opportunities to share thoughts and go back and forth. We've got a relationship, and I'm looking forward to having that relationship grow. We're very lucky to have coach Warner coaching the quarterbacks, very lucky to have Kirk returning and we've got a talented guy in there behind him in Andrew [Maxwell]. So that's a positive thing.

Michigan State's new offensive coordinator is a very familiar face.

Dan Roushar has been elevated from offensive line coach to the coordinator role, a position he held at four schools, including Illinois, before joining Mark Dantonio's staff at Cincinnati in 2005. Roushar takes over for Don Treadwell, who left for the top job at Miami (Ohio). He inherits an offense that showed decent promise in 2010, and the Spartans bring back two-year starting quarterback Kirk Cousins.

I caught up with Roushar earlier this week. Here's the first half of our conversation.

How did this come about? Did you approach coach Dantonio about the position or did he come to you?

Dan Roushar: Always in coaching, when you work for a guy like coach Dantonio, each and every year he asks what your goals are and I always aspire to have as much responsibility as I can. With the timing aspect of Treddy leaving and things are going pretty good, he wanted to stay within philosophies, so we talked about it and he talked with everybody on the staff. We had some strong candidates, and he made the decision to go in this direction.

How important was the familiarity factor for him and for you?

DR: That's the root, a large part of it. I've been with him six of his seven years as a head coach. I know he wants to be very balanced on offense but wants to be able to run the football effectively. That part is in place. Through some of his experience in his past coaching career, it certainly has had an effect on the decisions he's made and makes now. So this is an opportunity for him to stay within the organization, and I think he was able to look and see the job that was done with the entire staff and the football organization while he was gone this year [recovering from a heart attack]. I'm just thankful for the opportunity.

How similar is your philosophy on offense to what coach Treadwell did the last few years?

DR: I'd say it's pretty close. We all worked hand in hand in developing our philosophies, trying to play to our strengths, being able to try to have balance both in run and pass, feeling like we have some playmakers on the outside so trying to involve them. I'd say it's very similar.

So you're going to keep the pro-style offense? We're not going to see Oregon's scheme in East Lansing this season?

DR: I think we're suited to a certain style with our quarterback play, and as we've tried to evolve, we've tried to be physical. We think that complements our defense. I know you won't see Oregon's offense.

What were the strong points for the offense last year and where do you still need to get better?

DR: There were times where we ran the football pretty effectively and yet there were games like Northwestern, where we fell behind very quickly and we got away from the run game and yet we were able to keep Kirk and he was able to throw for a lot of yards and bring us back. When everybody in the stadium knows you have to run the football and you can, you're pretty effective. And when everybody in the stadium knows you have to throw it and you can throw it effectively, you're moving in the right direction.

When I look back on last year, there were moments when we were able to do both of those things when required, and yet we got whipped in Iowa City and we got whipped in the bowl game. We understand we've got an awful long way to go.

Staff continuity has been a hallmark of Mark Dantonio's success at Michigan State.

Dantonio has lost only two assistants during his MSU tenure, and both men (Dan Enos and Don Treadwell) have gone on to head-coaching positions. When it came time to replace Treadwell, the team's offensive coordinator who recently left for the top job at Miami (Ohio), you heard practically no buzz about possible replacements.

That's because Dantonio, not surprisingly, looked to within his staff for a replacement. Michigan State on Tuesday announced that offensive line coach Dan Roushar has been promoted to offensive coordinator.

Roushar, the Spartans' O-line coach for the past four seasons, has served as an offensive coordinator at four schools: Illinois (2004), Northern Illinois (1998-2002), Ball State (1994) and Butler (1989-92).

"He's done this at the Big Ten level," Dantonio said in a video posted on the team's website. "He's coached a multitude of positions: he's coached the offensive line, the tight ends, the quarterbacks, the running backs, so he's got an overall great sense of what we're trying to do. He's very well organized and I think there will continue to be good chemistry in that room, which is important."

Maintaining chemistry, continuity and familiarity with the offensive scheme and the personnel was paramount for Dantonio in finding a replacement.

"Knowing the kids, we've all got a real good idea of who they are, what they do very well and what they need to work on," Roushar said. "So it's going to move us forward quickly."

UPDATE: Mark Staten will take over as Spartans' offensive line coach, while running backs coach Brad Salem becomes the team's recruiting coordinator. Roushar will work with the tight ends, a group Staten previously managed. Michigan State will search for a new assistant to work with the wide receivers, a group Treadwell oversaw.

Michigan State's offense made some strides in 2010, ranking fourth in the league in scoring and third in passing. It'll be important for Roushar to get the run game going as the Spartans' rushing production dropped off during Big Ten play.

I like the hire. Michigan State might have wanted a bigger name, but it's hard to argue with experience and continuity, two qualities Roushar brings to the table.

It's time to look back at some of the top moments from the 2010 Big Ten season. I struggled to get this down to just 10, but here are the moments that made the cut.

1. JoePa wins No. 400: It took a little longer than expected, but Penn State gave coach Joe Paterno his 400th career victory in dramatic fashion. The Lions rallied from a 21-0 halftime deficit and mounted the biggest comeback of the Paterno era to beat Northwestern 35-21. Beaver Stadium remained full as almost everyone stuck around to witness an unforgettable postgame ceremony honoring JoePa.

2. Little Giants: Mark Dantonio made the call of the year to help Michigan State beat Notre Dame in overtime Sept. 18. Rather than attempt a potential game-tying field goal, the Spartans went with "Little Giants," a fake where punter/holder Aaron Bates passes to a (hopefully) open receiver. Tight end Charlie Gantt sneaked behind Notre Dame's defense, caught the ball and trotted in for the game-winning score.

3. Pryor's fourth-down scramble: Ohio State's run of five consecutive Big Ten titles was in serious jeopardy in a Nov. 20 game against Iowa. The Buckeyes trailed 17-13 late in the fourth quarter and receiver DeVier Posey had dropped a wide-open pass in the end zone, setting up fourth-and-10. But quarterback Terrelle Pryor scrambled 14 yards for a first down and Ohio State went on to record the game-winning score moments later.

4. Runaway Robinson: Michigan's Denard Robinson had a record-setting start to the season, and his signature play came Sept. 11 at Notre Dame. Late in the first half, Robinson shot through a gap and raced 87 yards for a Michigan touchdown. It marked the longest run in Notre Dame Stadium history as Robinson broke his own record for Big Ten quarterback rushing. Robinson also led Michigan's game-winning touchdown drive in the closing minutes.

5. Gilreath's opening statement: Special teams plays largely defined Wisconsin's run to the Rose Bowl, and Gilreath made a huge one to open an Oct. 16 game against No. 1 Ohio State. The senior receiver returned the opening kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown as Camp Randall Stadium quaked. The return set the tone for Wisconsin's 31-18 win, its first against a top-ranked team since 1981.

6. Divisions set, division names decried: The Big Ten revealed its new division alignment on the eve of the regular season, and for the most part the league received praise for its efforts. It was a very different story in December when the Big Ten revealed its new division names, Legends and Leaders, which failed to connect with fans and brought an onslaught of criticism.

7. Spartans win one for Dantonio: Dantonio was supposed to return to Spartan Stadium on Oct. 2 after recovering from a heart attack that took place following the Notre Dame win, but a blood clot forced him back to the hospital. Offensive coordinator Don Treadwell guided the Spartans to a huge win against Wisconsin, make several gutsy play calls along the way. After the game, Dantonio spoke to the team through a cell phone in the locker room. Michigan State showed incredible composure during Dantonio's absence.

8. Bittersweet end for Persa: Few players in the country meant more to their teams than quarterback Dan Persa did to Northwestern, a fact underscored Nov. 13 and in the weeks that followed. Persa led a furious fourth-quarter rally against Iowa and fired the go-ahead touchdown pass with 1:22 left. He also ruptured his Achilles' tendon on the play, ending his season. Although Northwestern held on to beat Iowa 21-17, the Wildcats weren't the same without Persa, dropping their final three games.

9. Bowl heroics from Hyde, Thomas: I'll combine two huge moments into one as Big Ten defenders made game-saving plays in bowls. Iowa's season appeared headed toward a fitting end before cornerback Micah Hyde picked off a pass and raced 72 yards for the winning touchdown against Missouri in the Insight Bowl. A week later, Ohio State defensive lineman Solomon Thomas, one of five suspended players allowed to play in the Sugar Bowl, recorded the first interception of his football career at any level to preserve a Buckeyes' win against Arkansas.

10. Wisconsin trounces Hoosiers: Wisconsin's 83-20 pasting of Indiana on Nov. 13 became one of the more talked-about games of the Big Ten season. Some contended that Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema ran up the score, a common criticism of Bielema this fall. Those who actually studied the game saw it more as a culmination for Wisconsin's record-setting offense, which produced three 1,000-yard running backs.

Michigan State will be sad to see Don Treadwell go, but few Big Ten assistants are more deserving of a head-coaching position than Treadwell.

(UPDATED: Statements below)

After four years as Spartans' offensive coordinator, Treadwell has accepted the head-coaching position at Miami (Ohio), his alma mater. He's the second Michigan State assistant to leave for a MAC job in as many seasons; running backs coach Dan Enos went to Central Michigan after last season. Nebraska offensive coordinator Shawn Watson and Ohio State co-defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Luke Fickell also were in the mix at Miami.

Treadwell's highlight as a Spartans' assistant came this season as he ran the program during Mark Dantonio's health-related absence. He made several gutsy play calls in Michigan State's biggest win of the season, a 34-24 triumph against Wisconsin on Oct. 2 that proved to be the Badgers' only loss.

Arguably no assistant in America played a bigger role in a signature win than Treadwell. He figured to land a top job soon, and Miami (Ohio) is a good spot for him.

Treadwell will coach his last game for Michigan State on Saturday in the Capital One Bowl before moving onto his new gig.

It will be interesting to see where Dantonio turns for a successor. Offensive assistants Dave Warner (quarterbacks), Dan Roushar (offensive line) and Mark Staten (tight ends, recruiting coordinator) all have been with Dantonio for a while, so there's certainly a chance he'll promote one to the coordinator spot.

Michigan State undoubtedly will stick with the pro-style offense that has worked well this season under Treadwell's leadership.

Staff continuity had been a hallmark for Dantonio, so Treadwell's departure presents a bit of a challenge. But I'm sure Dantonio is thrilled to see a top assistant get his shot to run a program.

Here are some statements regarding Treadwell heading to Miami.

Mark Dantonio

"Don Treadwell will be an outstanding head coach - he comes from a great background of coaches and he's ready for this position. He will serve his players well, not only as a coach but as someone they will look up to for the rest of their lives. To go back and do this at his alma mater makes it even more special to him. I know he's extremely excited for this next challenge in his life. We will miss Don and his family deeply here at Michigan State, and I will miss him personally, but this is his opportunity, his time.

"He did a phenomenal job stepping in while I was down, continuing to keep our system in place while showing incredible composure, which is one of his greatest attributes. So often, a team reflects its leader. At that point in time, leadership was thrust upon Don Treadwell. It was thrust upon our players, it was thrust upon all of our coaches, but in particular Coach Tread. They took on that persona of quiet confidence, assurance, and composure. You saw our team play like that, especially in the Wisconsin game, which was maybe our biggest win of the entire season. He was instrumental in helping us build a foundation with our program."

Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis

"Even prior to this year, there was no question Don Treadwell was prepared for a head coaching job. In the unfortunate situation with coach Dantonio, he just shined throughout that entire process, not only holding the team together but being the face to represent Michigan State football publicly. There's no doubt in my mind that he has both the football knowledge and the presence to bring a community together to make Miami's program continue to thrive and get better and better. He's been a head coach with us, and now he'll have his own program to run."

Don Treadwell

"It's a dream come true to return to my alma mater, Miami, as head football coach. Miami has always held a special place in my heart, and the opportunity to be a part of the 'Cradle of Coaches' is a privilege as well as a responsibility. I have a blueprint for success for our student-athletes: in the classroom, on the playing field and in the community. Everyone in the program plays an important role, and with all of us heading in the same direction, we can add a new chapter to the rich tradition of Miami football. I can't wait to roll up my sleeves and get started."

Here's the second half of my interview with Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio, whose team faces Alabama on Jan. 1 in the Capital One Bowl.

Check out Part I as well.

Linebackers Greg Jones and Eric Gordon have been so good for you over the years. How important is their performance in a game like this?

Mark Dantonio: Our great players have to play great. Our players who are outstanding in their own right need to play at that level for us to be successful in this game. We can't have a substandard or an average performance by Greg Jones or Eric Gordon and expect to win. So this is about offense vs. defense, this is about individual matchups at times, this is about us measuring up. It's about the focus and us being emotionally ready.

Kirk [Cousins] was dealing with some injury issues late in the season. How is he health wise and how has he looked in practice?

MD: He looks very crisp, very healthy. Our offense has had great preparation, just like our defense. He looks very confident, and our offense, we'll see if we're clicking when game time comes.

B.J. Cunningham is out at receiver. Who do you look to fill that void in the game?

MD: Receiver has been a position of depth for us. When Keshawn Martin was out at one point, Bennie Fowler came on and had an outstanding game against Northwestern and has played himself into a pretty important role on our football team. Bennie Fowler will be the guy who will pick up the slack there with Keith Nichol. Keshawn Martin is fully healthy and Mark Dell is fully healthy. Those four guys will really handle it, and then Donald Spencer's had an excellent bowl preparation. We'll still go three deep at that position, so we're fine there, although we will miss B.J.'s leadership and his ability to catch the ball at the high point and make big plays. You're going to miss that, but somebody else is going to have to step up. I think you'll see big-play ability from Bennie Fowler.

Special teams has been such a big part of your season. How big of a factor is the kicking game in the bowl?

MD: Any time you look at a bowl game, it's much like any first game of the season. Special teams can win it for you or lose it for you, so we've got to be fundamentally sound there. Tackling in space and those things show up on special teams as well as defense, so we've got to be perfect in all phases. When you look at it, I can think of four games where special teams have won it for us, with the fake field goal [against Notre Dame], the situation at Northwestern, the blocked punt [against Purdue], the punt return [against Wisconsin]. There's four games right there. A fifth game would be when [kicker] Dan Conroy's 4-for-4 [on field goals] against Illinois. So they've been very, very important to us. We put a premium on our special teams, and our guys are going to have to come and play because Alabama does much of the same.

Is there anything you can take away from being in this game a couple of years ago? You played pretty well but didn't get it done against Georgia.

MD: We probably have about 30 guys on our team that were from our '08 football season. That carried us in the Penn State game, the final game of this year. We played in a championship-type setting in '08 where if we win, we're co-champions. In 2010, we played much better [at Penn State] and we win the football game. A lot can be said for that experience breeding success. We've had the experience of being down here before. Many of our players being in positions of leadership have been here, played in this game. We played pretty well against Georgia, we had opportunities to win the football game but faded away a little bit in the fourth quarter. We can't afford to do that. We need to play this game close. Again, emotionally measure up, emotionally be ready, and physically, we're going to have to play at the height of our game.

What would it mean as a coach to finish this season off with a win?

MD: I don't really look at things as a coach, I look at things collectively. This has been a special football season for us. Whenever we've needed to play, someone different has stepped up. Whenever we've needed someone to step in when leadership was thrust upon someone else, an assistant coach would step up. Don Treadwell stepped up, Pat Narduzzi, whoever was asked. That's the kind of the season it's been. So collectively, we're an 11-1 group of people that will remember this season for the rest of their lives because of the way it's shaken out. This would certainly put the icing on the cake if we could win this football game. This has been a special season, and now we'll have an opportunity to compete with what I think is one of the finest football teams and most well-coached football teams in this country. It'll be a challenge, but again, it'll be an opportunity, too.