ESPN College Football

Mitchell: You do love pink.
Cam: No, pink loves me.

As we move closer to the season, I'll be ranking the Big Ten, position by position. After some deliberation, I've decided to change things up and rank only the top 5 units from around the league. While I know you love to rag on the lower-ranked teams and send me spirited e-mails if your team comes in at No. 11, I don't really see much difference between the units ranked in the bottom half of the league.

No intelligent fan base should be celebrating, "We're No. 6!" Truth: your team's unit is probably a lot closer to No. 11 than No. 1. If a certain position group is stacked at the top, I'm open to including multiple teams tied for the No. 5 spot.

The criteria: past performance, 2010 potential, game-changing players and overall depth.

Let's get it started with the defensive line.

1. Iowa: The Hawkeyes' front four is not only the best in the Big Ten, but quite possibly the country (Rivals.com thinks so). Everyone knows about beastly defensive end Adrian Clayborn, but Broderick Binns can be just as effective on the other edge. Veterans Karl Klug and Christian Ballard solidify the middle. This group can flat out dominate games, as it showed last season against Penn State and Georgia Tech, and should be even better in 2010. My lone concern: depth.

2. Ohio State: You know a position group will be fine when three key contributors (Thaddeus Gibson, Doug Worthington, Todd Denlinger) depart and there's talk of even better days ahead. Cameron Heyward could be the Big Ten's most disruptive defensive player, as USC and Penn State learned last season, and there's a lot of optimism about young players like John Simon, Melvin Fellows and Garrett Goebel. Dexter Larimore brings experience to the interior line.

3. Penn State: Like Ohio State, Penn State can lose key players like Jared Odrick up front and not miss a beat. We should know better than to doubt veteran line coach Larry Johnson, who recruits and develops players better than just about anyone. Penn State has high hopes for defensive end Jack Crawford, and veteran tackle Ollie Ogbu also returns. Odrick leaves a major void in the middle, but the Lions expect big things from Devon Still if he can stay healthy.

4. Purdue: I'm taking a little leap of faith here, as Purdue has to get a lot better against the run. But the Boilers have a bona fide star in end Ryan Kerrigan, some experience with Gerald Gooden and Kawann Short, and they should benefit from coach Gary Emanuel's return to West Lafayette. Purdue is thin at defensive tackle after Mike Neal's departure to the NFL, but Kerrigan leads what should be a formidable pass rush after finishing third nationally in sacks in 2009.

5. Wisconsin: Here's a case where I feel great about one line position and nervous about another. Emerging star J.J. Watt leads a talented group of defensive ends -- ends, not tackles!-- that also features Louis Nzegwu and David Gilbert. The situation at tackle is a bit shakier because Wisconsin lost both starters from 2009, but Patrick Butrym boasts experience, and hopes are high for Jordan Kohout.

Up next: Linebackers

The Big Ten preseason player rankings, based on past performance and 2010 potential, continue with ...

No. 23: Karl Klug, Sr., DT, Iowa, Sr., 6-4, 258

2009 numbers: Led Big Ten defensive tackles in tackles with 65 (ranked 49th overall in the league); finished second on the Hawkeyes in tackles for loss (13) and recorded four sacks, two forced fumbles and five pass breakups.

Most recent ranking: Unranked in the 2009 postseason player rankings.

Making the case for Klug: Adrian Clayborn gets most of the hype on Iowa's defensive line, but Klug is the glue guy. He has started only one season but has been a part of the defensive line rotation since 2008. Much like former Iowa standout Mitch King, Klug is an undersized defensive tackle who consistently makes his way into the offensive backfield, recording 18 tackles for loss and six sacks in his career. As several standout defensive tackles (Jared Odrick, Mike Neal, Doug Worthington) depart the Big Ten and others move into primarily pass-rushing spots (J.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward), Klug has a chance to be the league's top interior defensive lineman. Head coach Kirk Ferentz singled out Klug this spring, telling me, "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."

The rundown

• No. 25: Wisconsin DE J.J. Watt
• No. 24: Illinois RB Mikel LeShoure

The Big Ten emerged from the bowl season having earned the right to celebrate and the right to dream bigger.

First, the celebration. For a league that had become the national punch line -- not to mention the national punching bag -- for nearly three years, a strong postseason performance regained some degree of respect. The SEC further solidified its position as the nation's top conference with another national title, but the Big Ten proved it isn't too far behind.

The league's many critics had little ammunition after the bowl season. It's hard to knock a 2-0 mark in BCS games, four wins against top 15 opponents, the Big Ten's first winning bowl record (4-3) since 2002 and the league's first Rose Bowl championship since 2000.

"We all realize the only way you change perception is to change reality," said Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema, whose Badgers got things rolling by upsetting Miami in the Champs Sports Bowl.

"We knew we were playing for the Big Ten, and a lot of teams knew that," Ohio State star defensive lineman Cameron Heyward said. "We hear so much about how we're one of the weakest conferences, but we had one of the best records coming out of [the bowls]. It was really nice seeing that each team stepped up and produced."

The next step is clear: compete at a championship level. The Big Ten has gone seven years without winning a national title, the true barometer for every conference. To completely restore respect, the league must win it all.

(Here's where the dream bigger part comes in.)

Three of the four Big Ten bowl champions -- Ohio State, Iowa and Wisconsin -- return plenty from the 2009 teams. Both Ohio State and Iowa bring back 14 starters, while Wisconsin has 16 starters from a 10-3 squad. Reigning Capital One Bowl champ Penn State loses five All-Big Ten performers, including co-Defensive Player of the Year Jared Odrick, but the Nittany Lions get running back Evan Royster for another year and welcome the league's top recruiting class.

The Big Ten's midsection also could be better. Purdue comes off a strong finish, while Michigan State has reached three consecutive bowl games and boasts a talented young nucleus. Northwestern has won 17 games the last two seasons and is showing a consistency unmatched for decades. Michigan enters a pivotal 2010 campaign, but the league might not need major strides from the Maize and Blue to make a splash.

The Big Ten will set the bar higher in 2010, and the league could have the personnel to hit its mark.

"A lot of perception gets blown out of proportion," Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz said. "Personally, I never felt like it was a crisis situation [for the league]. Certainly last year was a healthy year for bowl competition, and hopefully next year will be the same. But there's a lot of work to do between now and then."

The work begins in spring football, which kicks off in the Big Ten on March 13 in Madison, Wis.

The Big Ten's top three teams appear to have more answers than questions entering spring ball, but there are always areas to improve.

Ohio State isn't trying to hide its mission for 2010. The team took several important steps last fall, none more important than ending its BCS bowl losing streak at three, but 2010 was always going to be The Year in Columbus.

"You want that national championship," Heyward said. "Every day, we’re preaching it to our guys. You only get it once, and it's not guaranteed to you. It's definitely going to be an uphill battle, but we'll be ready for it."

Ohio State played suffocating defense in 2009, and the Buckeyes want maintain their effectiveness without key contributors like Kurt Coleman, Thaddeus Gibson, Doug Worthington and Austin Spitler. They'll look to solidify their front and add depth in the secondary this spring.

"We’re letting our guys know who haven't played that it’s time to step up," Heyward said. "We're not trying to regress."

Neither is Iowa, which returns arguably the nation's best defensive line, most of its offensive skill players and a game-changing safety in Tyler Sash. The squad remains stocked with leaders, and an inherently modest team won't rest on its 2009 success.

Besides, there are holes to fill, namely along the offensive line and at linebacker. Iowa loses two standout underclassmen, left tackle Bryan Bulaga and cornerback Amari Spievey, as well as Pat Angerer, who turned in two outstanding seasons at middle linebacker.

"We don’t reload here," Ferentz said. "We’re not one of those schools. We’ve got some very good players coming back, and that’s exciting, but we also have a lot of areas we’re going to need to get better in if we’re going to have a chance to be competing well next fall."

Wisconsin might have the fewest question marks of the Big Ten title contenders, but many Badgers players remember the last time they entered a season with loads of hype, in 2008. After cracking the top 10, Wisconsin melted in Big Ten play and stumbled to a 7-6 finish.

Bielema welcomes expectations but not entitlement, and his message sunk in for his players when he met with them individually during the winter.

"The upperclassmen identified that it’s not the goal-setting," he said. "There’s a certain amount of that, but it’s not so much where you’re trying to get but how you’re trying to get there."

The first phase of the journey begins this spring.

Perhaps more than any other Ohio State player, Cameron Heyward rose to the occasion in 2009.

In two of the Buckeyes' biggest games -- against USC and Penn State -- Heyward looked like the best player on the field.

He manhandled USC's celebrated offensive line in a Sept. 12 contest, recording seven tackles, two for a loss and a sack, while playing both defensive line positions. Ohio State lost the game, but Heyward played brilliantly. Two months later at Penn State, Heyward once again had his way with an opposing offensive line, recording 11 tackles, including three for a loss and two sacks, en route to winning National Defensive Player of the Week honors.

Big games in big moments put Heyward on the map in 2010. But when he steps on the field this fall, he doesn't plan to wait for the spotlight to shine his way.

"One thing I want to become is more consistent," Heyward said. "I can have some breakout games, but I want it to be every game. I want to dominate games from the get-go. Any defensive lineman can have a great performance, but if you can have a consistent base and build up a name for yourself and show you can be dominant against any offensive lineman, that’s one of the goals for me."

Fortunately for Ohio State, Heyward will aim for consistency at the college level. The 6-6, 287-pound lineman could have entered the NFL draft and never looked back, as he projects extremely well to the pro game.

Instead, he'll return to Columbus for his senior season as a bona fide national award candidate. While former teammates like Thaddeus Gibson, Doug Worthington and Kurt Coleman gear up for the NFL combine, Heyward is looking toward 2010.

"I wish them the best with everything, and I think they’re going to do big things in the future," Heyward said. "But I’m happy with my decision. Guys kind of tease me about it, but I think I made the right decision, and hopefully next year, I'm in that same position."

If Heyward builds on his 2009 performance, he'll be in an excellent position to make the jump.

Heyward leads a defensive line that loses three starters -- Gibson, Worthington and Todd Denlinger -- but gets Dexter Larimore back from injury and boasts some exciting young players in John Simon, Solomon Thomas and Nathan Williams. Heyward identified Melvin Fellows and Keith Wells as two players ready for bigger roles this spring.

"We learned a lot last year, and it can only help us to our advantage," he said. "We’re worried about getting the W's and hopefully getting the national championship. If it means us sacrificing whatever it takes, we’ll do it, because we’re all dedicated and all on the right path."

The official list of invitees to the NFL scouting combine is out, and the Big Ten will send 41 former players to Indianapolis later this month. The combine takes place Feb. 24-March 2, and all 11 Big Ten schools will be represented. Iowa leads the way with seven invitees, followed Penn State with six invitees and four teams (Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio State) each with four invitees.

You've already seen an early list, which didn't include underclassmen and some seniors who were named later.

Here's the full roster of Big Ten participants, sorted by team:

ILLINOIS: G Jon Asamoah, WR Arrelious Benn, TE Michael Hoomanawanui

INDIANA: DE Jammie Kirlew, DE Greg Middleton, S Nick Polk, OT Rodger Saffold

IOWA: LB Pat Angerer, OT Bryan Bulaga, OT Kyle Calloway, LB A.J. Edds, TE Tony Moeaki, G Dace Richardson, CB Amari Spievey

MICHIGAN: DE Brandon Graham, P Zoltan Mesko, RB Brandon Minor, CB Donovan Warren

MICHIGAN STATE: K Brett Swenson, WR Blair White

MINNESOTA: LB Lee Campbell, WR Eric Decker, LB Simoni Lawrence, LB Nate Triplett

NORTHWESTERN: QB Mike Kafka, CB Sherrick McManis, DE Corey Wootton

OHIO STATE: S Kurt Coleman, DE Thaddeus Gibson, K Aaron Pettrey, DT Doug Worthington

PENN STATE: LB Navorro Bowman, QB Daryll Clark, LB Josh Hull, LB Sean Lee, DT Jared Odrick, TE Andrew Quarless

PURDUE: DT Mike Neal, CB David Pender

WISCONSIN: TE Garrett Graham, LB O'Brien Schofield (injured)

As AI famously said, "We talkin' about practice."

East-West Shrine Game practice, that is.

If you haven't done so already, check out Scouts Inc.'s coverage of the Shrine Game preparations this week in Florida. Todd McShay and the other experts are weighing in about all of the players in Orlando, including Big Ten NFL hopefuls on the East squad.

Scouts Inc. has been blogging on Day 2 of practice, and McShay recapped Day 1.

Here are some comments about the Big Ten contingent:

Penn State QB Daryll Clark: "Clark appears to be much more comfortable in the early part of this practice. He is throwing with better confidence and accuracy. He did overthrew 6-10 Army TE Ali Villanueva once, but so far he has looked much more confident and comfortable today."

Northwestern QB Mike Kafka: "Kafka, on the other hand, was by far the most accurate East quarterback on Monday and he put great touch on his passes. The concern with him is his drops. Kafka is trying to transition from playing in a shotgun-heavy attack to a pro-style system and his footwork appeared awkward at times." ..."He's looking poised in the pocket and he's moving around well. One concern of ours that showed up again today is his arm strength. The ball does not explode off his hand and there's not enough velocity on his downfield passes.

Wisconsin LB/DE O'Brien Schofield: "Quickness and straight-line speed do not appear to be an issue." ... "On the other hand, Schofield stumbled once when asked to change directions during bag work and looked stiff in space during the team period. In fact, the East coaching staff lined him up on the inside at times. Additionally, he's clearly a raw linebacker." ... "He's switching from DE to LB this week -- and it's a traditional LB, not just a pass rusher -- so we give him credit because he's flying around, mixing it up and showing he's very coachable. Players come here to showcase their skills, but he's learning on the job and it must be a very frustrating experience."

Purdue DT Mike Neal: "Neal is a bit undersized by most teams' standards, but he will fit well as a three-technique in a Tampa 2 type scheme (Colts, Bears, etc.)."

Michigan State WR Blair White: "One of the most underrated receivers in attendance is Michigan State WR Blair White. While he isn't the fastest receiver on the field, he makes up for it with sudden route running."

Penn State TE Andrew Quarless: "Penn State's Andrew Quarless might be the most physically gifted tight end here -- and that's including BYU's Dennis Pitta -- but he looks annoyed that he's having to practice. He's not dogging it or anything, but there's no extra effort, the attention to detail kind of wanes and you see it in his play and technique. Something's missing with him."

Ohio State OL Jim Cordle: "OL Jim Cordle was very slow off the ball, heavy footed and lacked the initial quickness off the ball needed to make the block. Against Virginia's Nate Collins, he didn't get out of his stance quick enough, had his head down and Collins exploded out, used his hands and beat Cordle to the side."

Ohio State DT Doug Worthington: "Worthington lacked explosion and pop off the ball. He's kind of a one-speed guy and not changing it up. He's high out of his stance as well. We'll look for more from him during the team period."

Indiana LT Rodger Saffold: "Watching 1-on-1 pass rush drills and Indiana OL Rodger Saffold stole the show. He showed great feet and stoned LSU's Rahim Alem twice, the second time putting him on the ground." ... "On a later turn, Saffold kept in front of Ole Miss' Greg Hardy off the edge."

The Big Ten once again will be well represented at the East-West Shrine Game, which will take place Jan. 23 at, gulp, Citrus Bowl Stadium in Orlando. I'm not sure I'd risk my $5 knees on that joke of a field, so here's hoping the players stay injury free.

The Big Ten has 11 players on the East team, and they are:

• Rodger Saffold, OT, Indiana
• Kyle Calloway, OT, Iowa
• Blair White, WR, Michigan State
• Mike Kafka, QB, Northwestern
• Sherrick McManis, CB, Northwestern
• Jim Cordle, OL, Ohio State
• Doug Worthington, DT, Ohio State
• Jeremy Boone, P, Penn State
• Andrew Quarless, TE, Penn State
• Mike Neal, DT, Purdue
• O'Brien Schofield, DE, Wisconsin

It's important to note that Cordle is listed as a center and Schofield as an outside linebacker on the Shrine Game's official roster. Those are the spots where they are auditioning for the next level.

A strong Big Ten bowl season leaves me with some tough choices for the All-Bowl team. We can certainly debate some of these, especially the O-linemen, but here are my selections.

OFFENSE

QB: Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State
He came of age in the Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi, delivering a complete performance as both a passer and a runner. Pryor accounted for 338 total yards; Oregon had 260.

RB: John Clay, Wisconsin
Clay gave Miami a taste of Big Ten football by bulldozing the Hurricanes for 121 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries in the Champs Sports Bowl.

RB: Brandon Wegher, Iowa
It seemed like no running back could stay healthy for Iowa this year, but Wegher came up huge in the FedEx Orange Bowl. The true freshman had 113 rush yards on 16 carries, including the clinching 32-yard touchdown run with 1:16 left.

WR: DeVier Posey, Ohio State
I saw a future NFL receiver when I watched Posey in the Rose Bowl. He had eight receptions for 101 yards, including a leaping 17-yard touchdown that all but sealed Ohio State's victory.

WR: Andrew Brewer, Northwestern
Brewer saved his best game for last, hauling in eight receptions for 133 yards and scoring on receptions of 35 and 39 yards in the Outback Bowl.

TE: Drake Dunsmore, Northwestern and Lance Kendricks, Wisconsin
Dunsmore had nine receptions for 120 yards, including an electrifying 66-yard touchdown dash through the Auburn defense. Garrett Graham might be the first-team All-Big Ten selection, but Kendricks stole the show in the Champs Sports Bowl with seven receptions for 128 yards.

C: John Moffitt, Wisconsin
Moffitt moved back to center because of a teammate's injury and helped the Badgers overpower Miami in the Champs Sports Bowl. Wisconsin racked up 430 total yards and held the ball for 39:15.

G: Justin Boren, Ohio State
Boren led a big and nasty Buckeyes line that generated push for the run game and helped Pryor attempt a career high 37 passes in the win against Oregon.

G: Joel Foreman, Michigan State
The Spartans' offensive line stepped up nicely in the Valero Alamo Bowl, helping to generate 148 rush yards and allowing only one sack against a Texas Tech team that rushes the passer extremely well. Foreman, an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection, deserves some props.

OT: Bryan Bulaga, Iowa
Bulaga showed why he's jumping to the NFL draft with a terrific performance against Georgia Tech star defensive end Derrick Morgan in the FedEx Orange Bowl.

OT: Dennis Landolt, Penn State
Landolt and his linemates did a good job against LSU's blitz and protected Daryll Clark on a muddy field in Orlando. Penn State allowed only one sack and rushed for 124 yards.

DEFENSE

DL: Adrian Clayborn, Iowa
Clayborn was an absolute beast in the Orange Bowl, recording nine tackles (all solo) and two sacks as he disrupted Georgia Tech's triple option attack.

DL: J.J. Watt, Wisconsin
Watt led an aggressive Badgers defensive front with a sack, two tackles for loss, two pass breakups, a quarterback hurry and a fumble recovery against Miami.

DL: O'Brien Schofield, Wisconsin
Schofield was disruptive all season and showed it in the bowl game, recording two sacks and forcing a fumble that led to a crucial field goal in the fourth quarter.

DL: Thaddeus Gibson, Ohio State
The Buckeyes defensive front made life miserable for Oregon quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, and Gibson stepped up with two tackles for loss in what proved to be his final collegiate game.

LB: Navorro Bowman, Penn State
Bowman had a game-high nine tackles, including 1.5 for loss, and forced LSU into a critical penalty in the final minute as the Lions preserved a Capital One Bowl win.

LB: Ross Homan, Ohio State
Homan ended the season as one of the Big Ten's top linebackers and turned in a terrific performance in Pasadena with 12 tackles and an interception that set up a field goal just before halftime.

LB: Pat Angerer, Iowa
The triple option will test a middle linebacker, but Angerer stepped up for Iowa with a game-high 10 tackles, including one for loss, against Georgia Tech.

DB: Kyle Theret, Minnesota
Theret was the Gophers' MVP in the Insight Bowl, recording seven tackles (all solo), two interceptions, a tackle for loss and a 40-yard reception on a fake punt that set up the team's first touchdown.

DB: Ross Weaver, Michigan State
The Spartans' secondary struggled against Texas Tech, but Weaver recorded a team-high seven solo tackles and had a forced fumble and an interception that led to 10 Michigan State points in the second half.

DB: Kim Royston, Minnesota
Royston recorded a career-high 15 tackles, tying the Insight Bowl record, including 14 solo stops against Iowa State. He also forced a fumble that turned into a Minnesota field goal.

DB: Sherrick McManis, Northwestern
McManis made plays throughout his career and finished it in typical fashion with an interception and a fumble recovery, both occurring in Northwestern's end of the field.

SPECIALISTS

K: Collin Wagner, Penn State
The horrible field conditions didn't bother Wagner, who went 4-for-4 on field-goal attempts and drilled the game winner with 57 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

P: Blake Haudan, Minnesota
Haudan averaged 49.6 yards on five punts and completed a 40-yard pass to Theret on a well-timed fake in the third quarter.

Returner: Keshawn Martin, Michigan State
Martin blossomed as the Big Ten's most dangerous kick return man this fall and averaged 24.8 yards per runback with a long of 36 against Texas Tech.

Honorable mention -- WISCONSIN: QB Scott Tolzien, RB Montee Ball, P Brad Nortman, LB Chris Borland, TE Garrett Graham, starting offensive line. MINNESOTA: WR Da'Jon McKnight, LB Lee Campbell. NORTHWESTERN: QB Mike Kafka, WR Zeke Markshausen, WR Sidney Stewart, CB Jordan Mabin, LB Quentin Davie. PENN STATE: QB Daryll Clark, RB Stephfon Green, TE Andrew Quarless, LB Sean Lee, DT Jared Odrick, CB A.J. Wallace, starting offensive line. OHIO STATE: DE Cameron Heyward, DT Doug Worthington, RB Brandon Saine, WR Dane Sanzenbacher, K Devin Barclay, K Aaron Pettrey, P Jon Thoma, starting offensive line. MICHIGAN STATE: RB Edwin Baker, WR Blair White, P Aaron Bates, LB Greg Jones, starting offensive line. IOWA: QB Ricky Stanzi, TE Tony Moeaki, P Ryan Donahue, DT Karl Klug, LB A.J. Edds, DE Broderick Binns, starting offensive line.

The official list of invitees to the NFL scouting combine should be available soon, but Sporting News has compiled a preliminary roster, which includes 33 players from the Big Ten. This list DOES NOT include juniors who have declared for the draft and will be updated with underclassmen and other seniors.

The combine takes place Feb. 24 through March 2 in Indianapolis.

ILLINOIS: G Jon Asamoah, TE Michael Hoomanawanui

INDIANA: DE Jammie Kirlew, DE Greg Middleton, S Nick Polk, OT Rodger Saffold

IOWA: LB Pat Angerer, OT Kyle Calloway, LB A.J. Edds, TE Tony Moeaki, G Dace Richardson

MICHIGAN: DE Brandon Graham, P Zoltan Mesko, RB Brandon Minor

MICHIGAN STATE: K Brett Swenson, WR Blair White

MINNESOTA: WR Eric Decker, LB Simoni Lawrence, LB Nate Triplett

NORTHWESTERN: QB Mike Kafka, CB Sherrick McManis, DE Corey Wootton

OHIO STATE: S Kurt Coleman, K Aaron Pettrey, DT Doug Worthington

PENN STATE: QB Daryll Clark, LB Sean Lee, DT Jared Odrick, TE Andrew Quarless

PURDUE: DT Mike Neal, CB David Pender

WISCONSIN: TE Garrett Graham, DE O'Brien Schofield

Ohio State will be sorry to see Thad Gibson depart, but the real big loss on the defensive line would have been Cameron Heyward.

Buckeye fans can breathe easy tonight as both Heyward and cornerback Chimdi Chekwa announced they will return to Ohio State for their senior seasons. It means a defense that shut down Oregon's high-powered offense in the Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi will return most of its core players for a possible national title run in 2010.

Heyward's return is huge for Ohio State, as he'll anchor the defensive front next fall. As left tackle Jim Cordle told me last week, Heyward could be a top 5 pick in the 2011 draft.

“I learned a lot from seniors like Doug [Worthington] and Kurt [Coleman] and all they were able to accomplish during their senior year," Heyward said in a statement issued through Ohio State. "I would love to be a part of Buckeye tradition like that. I think the upside is very positive. I want to help our team achieve the goals of winning another Big Ten title and possibly accomplishing a national championship. If I could win some recognition, that would be great as well. I think I can be a leader for our team, and I know another season will help me become a better player."

Heyward said last week in California that he expected to return in 2010. He'll be an All-America candidate and a contender for Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Chekwa, who recorded an interception and eight passes defended this fall, said he wasn't ready to leave Ohio State.

"I will graduate next fall, and I am looking forward to being a leader on what can be a very special defense for the Buckeyes," Chekwa said in a statement. "After the Rose Bowl win, we are working toward accomplishing more great things, including another Big Ten title and a run at the national championship."

Barring a surprise from safety Jermale Hines or another player, Gibson looks like Ohio State's only early entry into the draft. Coming off of a Rose Bowl championship, that's a very good thing.

PASADENA, Calif. -- They form one of the most decorated classes in Ohio State history, but their accomplishments always seemed to come with an asterisk.

A 43-8 record. Four Big Ten championships (three outright, one shared). Four wins against archrival Michigan. Four trips to BCS bowl games, including two national title games.

But without a bowl victory, Ohio State's seniors had an incomplete legacy.

Problem solved.

Ohio State's 19 seniors went out as winners following Friday's 26-17 win against No. 7 Oregon in the Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi. They helped to end the Buckeyes' three-game losing streak in BCS bowls and the Big Ten's six-game losing streak at the Rose.

The Buckeyes' seniors end their careers with 44 wins, one more than the previous high for a class set by three groups (1995-98, 2002-05, 2005-08).

"It makes up for a lot of misfortune and shortcomings," tight end Jake Ballard said.

"We needed to come out and win for these seniors," sophomore quarterback Terrelle Pryor said.

Ballard made the biggest catch of his career in his final game, a leaping 24-yarder on third-and-13 that set up Ohio State's decisive touchdown.

The Buckeyes also received contributions from seniors like kicker Aaron Pettrey (45-yard field goal), defensive tackle Doug Worthington (tackle for loss, tipped pass that led to interception), punter Jon Thoma (43.7-yard average), left tackle Jim Cordle and safeties Anderson Russell (six tackles) and Kurt Coleman (four tackles).

"Every loss that we've had at the end of every bowl has been a learning experience," said Coleman, who turned down the NFL draft after his junior season in large part to win a bowl game. "Last year [against Texas], we were so close to winning, and that was one of our biggest motivation factors going into the offseason.

"We put in the hard work, and it paid off."

Big Ten blogger Adam Rittenberg talks to Ohio State’s Doug Worthington about facing Oregon’s up-tempo offense.

Because of three Big Ten bowl games Friday, I'm going to move the regularly scheduled mailblog to Thursday. So get your questions in before then.

T.J. from Lake Geneva, Wis., writes: Could you let us know when you'll be finishing the "Best/Worst Case Recap" series? After the championship game? After the Rose Bowl? Never finishing it, leaving Northwestern fans (and possible others) to pass out from over-holding our breath?

Adam Rittenberg: T.J., thanks to you and others for asking about this. I'll finish the best case-worst case rewind series next week, after I get back from Los Angeles. There's just too much going on here and around the Big Ten this week, but I'll be sure to finish up with the final few teams, including Northwestern. One other thing: Don't hold your breath over a blog post. There are more worthwhile causes in the world.

---

Josh from Columbus, Ohio, writes: Adam,You said you would follow up Monday morning on why Pryor did not attend dinner at Lawry's with the rest of the team. I never saw anything further. Where you able to find out why he did not attend?Thanks,Josh

Adam Rittenberg: Thanks for reminding me, Josh. Terrelle Pryor and a handful of other players, including co-captain Doug Worthington, didn't bring the proper attire to attend the Lawry's Beef Bowl event. Head coach Jim Tressel wanted them to wear dress pants, but they didn't have any with them in California. Pryor had some pretty funny comments Monday about the situation, saying he brought some nice jeans but that Tressel is a "pretty classy guy" and didn't sign off on them. Pryor added: "Some of my teammates said it wasn't as classy as it was supposed to be. But coach Tress is a classy guy, and what he wants we have to do. We just forgot our pants. Nothing against the team or anything like that. I apologize to the team ... I'm kind of mad we missed a good meal, a free meal at that." No argument there. Who doesn't love free food?

---

Ryan from Bellevue, Ohio, writes: I just wanted to let you know that you may not want to visit Ohio any time soon. Digging up what knee is injured and what the injury is on TP just before the biggest game of the season is just uncalled for. What is your motive? To get him hurt or just for the Bucks to lose? You disgust me! This time of year ALL big ten fans should be pulling for ALL big ten teams, not trying to help them lose. Stick to writing about things you know about, like chess or stamp collecting. Leave football to those who have played the game.

Adam Rittenberg: Ryan, Ryan, Ryan. Let me 'splain something to you. Pryor was asked by a reporter (not me) about his health Monday, and he offered up the fact that he had the slight PCL tear. Ohio State had never mentioned a knee injury, and Pryor was asked generally about his health, not the knee specifically. Trust me, there was no "digging up" anything, just reporting a bit of somewhat significant news from the starting quarterback. Bottom line is Pryor continues to practice and shouldn't be limited Friday. Let me know when you decide to lift my Ohio ban. I'd love to be able to visit my 86-year-old grandmother in Cincinnati sometime soon.

---

Adam from Ann Arbor, Mich., writes: Adam,Happy holidays and I hope this is brief enough to get a response!I believe expansion to 12 teams seems too shortsighted and has problems that expansion to 14 would eliminate. I believe it's shortsighted because I see the ACC, Big 12, or SEC expanding to 14 in the future, possibly in response to Big Ten expansion, and this may be the best opportunity to secure strong programs before they are taken in the mega-conference shuffle. As for adding just one team, while many agree Missouri or Nebraska would be top-tier choices (along with Pitt), they have too many rivalries with each other and Kansas to leave the Big 12. So tell me, why not go for Nebraska, Kansas, and Mizzou? They would be great fits geographically, in football and basketball, and wouldn't be terrible academic additions. I would say the same about three teams from the East (Pitt, 'Cuse, and BC/Rutgers), but the point of going East is to get the NYC TV market and I think NYC is just a pro sports town. What do you think?

Adam Rittenberg: While I still think it's more likely the Big Ten adds just one team, the fact that besides Notre Dame, there isn't an obvious choice, enhances your argument for 14 teams. None of the potential candidates would add as much to the league as Notre Dame, so why not grab three of them? TV plays a huge role in this process, and I doubt a school like Rutgers can sell the New York market by itself. But if you brought in Syracuse and Boston College, you'd have a stronger overall presence in the East Coast. Same with the Kansas/Nebraska/Missouri bloc you mention. It would certainly be a bold move from the Big Ten, and anything is possible.

---

Craig from Braintree, Mass., writes: Tell me, (and everyone else), in your opinion what would the Gophers had finished if Decker had played a full healthy season? I know the Gophers have to play with what ever the fates allow but this is what makes blogging fun. I think they end up 5-3 in the conference instead of 3-5 and they move up 1 maybe 2 slots in the bowl choices.

Adam Rittenberg: Craig, does the "T" Red Line still end in Braintree? I remember that from living in Boston as a kid. OK, onto your question. Minnesota certainly would have been in a better position to beat Illinois with Eric Decker. The Illini weren't great in the secondary and would have struggled to keep Decker in check. But I don't see Minnesota beating Ohio State or Iowa with Decker on the field. He might have been good for one more win, but not two. Still, a 7-5 (4-4 Big Ten) record looks better than the 6-6 (3-5) Minnesota fans are tired of seeing.

LOS ANGELES -- Oregon players aren't into revisionist history.

They're fully aware their program is best known for its Nike connection, its superior facilities, its ever-changing uniforms and its dynamic offense. When it comes to comparing team tradition with Rose Bowl opponent Ohio State, the Ducks plead no contest.

"One of the jokes our O-line's always had is our tradition is no tradition," Ducks left tackle Bo Thran said. "We're always changing things up, new uniforms. I don't know really what that means. It doesn't mean we're less of a program.

"We want to make our own [tradition]. Coach [Chip] Kelly's preached that the season is the 2009-2010 chapter, and we're writing it."

And where would a Rose Bowl victory fit into Oregon's story?

"It's huge," Thran said. "It's how you tie up the whole chapter."

Ohio State finds itself in a totally different position when it comes to tradition.

The Buckeyes own 34 Big Ten titles (outright or shared) and 13 national championships. Though they haven't been to the Rose Bowl since 1997, they've won in Pasadena six times. While Oregon players talked uniform combos Tuesday, Ohio State defensive tackle Doug Worthington name-dropped team legends when asked about the Buckeye tradition.

Worthington also respects where Oregon players are coming from.

"Everybody has to start their tradition," Worthington said. "[At Ohio State] there was [Howard] Hopalong Cassady, Archie Griffin, Eddie George laid this foundation. Who's to say that [Jeremiah] Masoli and [LaMichael] James and [LeGarrette] Blount are not going to be the guys who make Oregon's program skyrocket? Those guys want to be the first to etch [their names] in stone. Those guys are writing their tradition right now.

"Their tradition is in the making."

Players on both sides grasp the differences in tradition, which shows up during the recruiting process.

"We do attract a lot of young recruits by seeing our facilities," Masoli said. "We're just showing them the truth, where we train and the jerseys we wear. That's why we get a lot of recruits. Ohio State gets their recruits because their kids like the tradition and what kind of school they have."

At Ohio State, football tradition has been molded for decades. And after three consecutive BCS bowl losses, these Buckeyes know they need to restore it Friday.

So while Ohio State players admire Oregon's wardrobe, the fun atmosphere that surrounds the Ducks program and the tremendous athletes Oregon has, they're serious about the task at hand.

"We're young adults," Worthington said. "We see Oregon and we like their jerseys, we like what they do over there and we respect it. But we understand the guys before us are setting this foundation, and what we need to uphold for our fans.

"This is bigger than us. This is The Ohio State University, and we're very proud to wear that Scarlet and Gray."