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

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

ILLINOIS

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

IOWA

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

MICHIGAN

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

MICHIGAN STATE

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

MINNESOTA

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

NEBRASKA

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

NORTHWESTERN

• Al Netter, OL, San Francisco 49ers

OHIO STATE

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

PENN STATE

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

PURDUE

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

WISCONSIN

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

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

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

The folks at ESPN Recruiting stepped into the rewind machine Wednesday and looked back at the ESPNU 150 from 2008 to see which heralded recruits panned out and which did not.

From a Big Ten slant, this exercise is essentially a referendum on Ohio State's class, which ranked sixth nationally that year and featured eight ESPNU 150 prospects, headlined by quarterback Terrelle Pryor. Several other Big Ten squads had prospects in the 150 as well.

Overall, the results are mixed. Some players matched their hype, like Ohio State center Mike Brewster and, when healthy, Penn State linebacker Michael Mauti. Others did not or have not, once again proving that recruiting rankings should be viewed with caution.

Here's a look.

Prospects ranked from 1-25

No. 4: Terrelle Pryor, QB, Ohio State -- Helped Buckeyes win three Big Ten championships and two BCS bowls before departing in June because of multiple NCAA rules violations.

No. 18: Etienne Sabino, LB, Ohio State: -- Started the 2011 season after redshirting in 2010. Hasn't been a difference-maker for Buckeyes, but ended with a strong performance in the Gator Bowl and could be a key player in 2012.

Prospects ranked from 26-50

No. 42: Mike Brewster, C, Ohio State -- Four-year starter undoubtedly paid off for Ohio State. Brewster earned All-Big Ten honors and was an All-America candidate his final two seasons.

No. 48: Andrew Sweat, LB, Ohio State -- Sweat had a solid but unspectacular career for Ohio State. He was the team's top linebacker in 2011, and Ohio State missed him late in the season.

Prospects ranked between 51-75

No. 56: J.B. Shugarts, T, Ohio State -- Started the final three seasons at right tackle but never earned All-Big Ten honors.

No. 58: Michael Mauti, LB, Penn State -- Plagued by knee problems, but very effective when healthy. He turned in a strong 2010 season and entered 2011 as an All-America candidate before tearing his ACL in September. He'll be back in 2012.

No. 69: Dann O'Neill, T, Michigan -- Redshirted as a freshman before transferring to Western Michigan, saying Michigan wasn't the right fit. He earned third-team All-MAC honors in 2011.

No. 71: Darryl Stonum, WR, Michigan -- Turned in a nice year in 2010, but found himself in off-field troubles throughout his Michigan career. Wolverines coach Brady Hoke on Tuesday dismissed Stonum after his latest infraction that resulted in jail time.

Prospects ranked 76-100

No. 88: Mike Adams, T, Ohio State -- One of the Big Ten's top offensive linemen during his final two seasons, earning first-team all-conference honors in 2010 and second-team honors in 2011 despite playing in only seven games. He had some off-field issues with the Buckeyes and was part of the Tat-5 with Pryor.

Prospects ranked 101-125

No. 107: Jake Stoneburner, TE, Ohio State -- An excellent weapon when used in the Ohio State offense. He recorded a team-high seven touchdown receptions in 2011, but had only 14 overall receptions. He returns in 2012 and should have a bigger role in a more wide-open offense.

No. 115: Brandon Moore, TE, Michigan -- Moore has two receptions in three years as a reserve tight end for the Wolverines. He could see a bigger role in 2012 as Kevin Koger departs.

No. 119 Baker Steinkuhler, DT, Nebraska -- Started the past two seasons on the Huskers' defensive line and recorded 40 tackles, including five for loss and two sacks, during the 2011 season. He earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors and will be called upon to take a leading role for Big Red in 2012.

Prospects ranked 126-150

No. 128: Patrick Nixon-Youman, CB, Illinois -- Hip surgery a few years ago slowed Nixon-Youman's progression, but he appeared in 11 games in each of the past two seasons in a reserve role. He could play a bigger role in 2012.

No. 130: Keanon Cooper, LB, Minnesota -- Started in 2011 for Minnesota and recorded 77 tackles, including six for loss, as well as two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. He enters his third season as a starter in 2012 and will need to be a big contributor for the Gophers' defense.

No. 135: Travis Howard, CB, Ohio State -- Took on a bigger role in 2011 and recorded 44 tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and five pass breakups for the Buckeyes. He'll enter the 2012 season as a projected starter and could end his career with a flourish.

No. 141: J.B. Fitzgerald, LB, Michigan -- Started only three games in his career, but appeared in 50 contests and was a valuable reserve and special teams performer for Michigan in 2011.

No. 148: Tyler Westphal, DE, Wisconsin -- Had a serious shoulder injury following his redshirt year in Madison and eventually transferred to North Dakota State.

Minnesota linebacker Brendan Beal, who has yet to play for the Gophers after transferring from Florida, is No. 133 in the rankings.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A few pregame notes from Ohio Stadium, where Penn State and Ohio State will kick off in a bit.

• Penn State running back Silas Redd (collarbone) didn't look limited during warmups, but he wasn't getting hit. It'll be interesting to see if the Lions will give Stephfon Green more carries again since Redd has been banged up the last few weeks.
• Ohio State right tackle J.B. Shugarts warmed up with the first-team offensive line. How much will he play after dealing with a knee injury?
• Defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins and wide receiver Corey Brown, also injury question marks, warmed up for the Buckeyes. Linebacker Andrew Sweat isn't dressed for the game.
• Penn State acting athletic director Dave Joyner met with local media before the game. He said he and president Rodney Erickson will handle the coaching search and are forming a search committee. He also said he's open to becoming the school's permanent AD.
• Penn State stayed on the field long after Ohio State for warmups. The Buckeyes had to prepare for the Senior Day celebration, but the Lions got in some extra work.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Greetings from the Horseshoe, where this afternoon No. 21 Penn State and Ohio State meet in a game like none other in recent memory.

Both programs are dealing with controversy and uncertainty about the future.

Penn State, still shaken from the sex-abuse scandal, learned Friday that former coach Joe Paterno has been diagnosed with lung cancer. Paterno's son, Jay, the Nittany Lions' quarterbacks coach, discusses the news here and notes that his father's cancer is treatable. Penn State also received a letter Friday from NCAA president Mark Emmert, who wrote that the NCAA will look into whether there was a lack of institutional control at the school in its handling of the sex-abuse allegations against former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky. It's up to interim coach Tom Bradley, whose future with the program is unknown, to get his team focused for a huge Leaders Division matchup.

Speaking of coaches with uncertain futures, meet Luke Fickell. He has guided Ohio State through a turbulent season, but the team sits at 6-4 after last week's loss at Purdue. The Buckeyes' streak of six consecutive Big Ten titles (outright or shared) is on life support. Rumors are swirling that Ohio State has a coaching replacement in line for 2012, and Fickell could be leading the Buckeyes for the final time at Ohio Stadium today. It's Senior Day, and a class with a complicated legacy will be honored before the game. One of its members, wide receiver DeVier Posey, will make his season debut after serving two five-game suspensions for violating NCAA rules. Posey, by far the team's best receiver, could play a big role in the game.

There's no rain in the forecast and it's partly cloudy, but wind could be a factor.

On the injury front, Ohio State senior linebacker Andrew Sweat (concussion) is out. Other Buckeyes like defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, offensive tackle J.B. Shugarts and receiver Corey Brown are hobbled, but they all should play in limited fashion.

Penn State star running back Silas Redd also is expected to play despite practicing sparingly this week because of a collarbone injury. Redd, the Big Ten's No. 4 rusher at 105.9 yards a game, has been banged up for a few weeks.

The Lions have really struggled in Columbus, winning here just once since joining the Big Ten in 1993. Penn State has recorded only two touchdown passes at The Shoe as a Big Ten member, both from last year's game.

Much more to come from C-Bus, so don't go anywhere.

The first Big Ten coaches teleconference of the season was held Tuesday, while several teams also held their first game week news conferences. Here are some news and nuggets from each of the Leaders Division coaches:

Illinois

• Ron Zook praised quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase for his development. "He seems to be picking up more and more of the offense," Zooks said. "And the more he learns, the quicker he is. He's taken another step not only with his play but with the way he's led this team as well."

• Despite the loss of Mikel Leshoure to the NFL draft, Zook expects the Illini running game to keep on trucking and had positive words for starting tailback Jason Ford. "He had a great offseason and got his weight down to where he was as a freshman," Zook said. Zook also likes what he sees out of freshmen Donovonn Young and Josh Ferguson at the position. "One thing in the Big Ten is, you'd better have more than one running back," he said. "We feel very fortunate that we've got a few guys who should help us maintain what we've done in terms of rushing."

• Junior linebacker Ashante Williams, who was suspended following a DUI arrest, is back practicing with the team and working on the scout unit. Zook said he wants Williams, who is a semester away from graduation, to earn his degree. He hasn't made a decision on when or if Williams might play for the Illini.

Indiana

• Ticket sales have not exactly been robust so far, but Hoosiers coach Kevin Wilson says playing the opener against Ball State at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis should help both teams. "I'm interested to see if the fan bases come out to support both programs," he said. "Is it an advantage? I don't know. [But] I think it's a great opportunity for both teams to energize their teams."

• With less than a week before the opener, Wilson said the staff still hasn't decided on a starting quarterback between Dusty Kiel and Edward Wright-Baker. "Really, down the stretch, we're trying to decide which young man we think will manage the game, keep us out of turnovers and keep us in positive situations." He added that he's "really intrigued" by true freshman Tre Roberson. "He's very athletic, but at the same time he's a little overwhelmed," Wilson said. "I do think he can add to the mix as we go through the season."

Ohio State

• The Buckeyes won't have permanent captains this year. Instead, they will name game captains each week. Center Mike Brewster, right tackle J.B. Shugarts and defensive tackle John Simon will be captains for this week's Akron game. Luke Fickell said he decided to do it this way to show his senior leaders that "we need every single one of them."

• Fickell confirmed that offensive lineman Corey Linsley has been suspended for the first game and said Linsley may also miss Week 2 against Toledo. Starting linebacker Etienne Sabino is expected to play despite breaking his left hand during training camp.

Penn State

• While quarterback gets the most attention, the Nittany Lions haven't named a starter yet at right guard, either. John Urschel and Johnnie Troutman are still battling it out and Joe Paterno said he doesn't know who will get the call. Paterno called offensive line depth one of his main concerns, much more so than the quarterback situation.

• Paterno confirmed that punter/kicker Anthony Fera is suspended for an alcohol-related arrest earlier this month, but he didn't divulge how long the suspension would last.

• Paterno was asked about his former assistant, Al Golden, and the task that now faces him at scandal-ridden Miami. "Al's got a tough job on his hands right now," Paterno said. "I'm sure when everything settles down at Miami and he gets a hold of the problems and starts to resolve them and cure them, that he'll do well. But it's going to take a little while, if what people are saying is true. If it can be done, Al will get it done."

Purdue

• Head coach Danny Hope has named Caleb TerBush his starting quarterback for the Middle Tennessee game in the wake of Rob Henry's torn ACL. Hope says the team is confident in TerBush, a junior who has played in only one career game. "He's far along," Hope said. "He's tall, he puts a lot of velocity on the ball, he's accurate and he's competitive." Though TerBush is 6-foot-6, Hope said he can run the ball and could even mix in some option plays.

• Robert Marve still isn't practicing as he recovers from last year's knee surgery, but Hope said Marve should be ready in the next couple of weeks. "We're optimistic he can help our football team sometime soon this season," Hope said.

• In some much-needed good injury news, the Boilermakers are happy with the way running back Ralph Bolden has returned from two knee surgeries. "It's been a real blessing," Hope said. "I didn't know what to expect, really. ... It doesn't look like he's lost anything to me. He's very fast, very sharp, very sudden. He's making people miss, is very confident on his cuts and is finishing runs." Hope said Bolden consistently punched the ball into the end zone during some goal line drills against the No. 1 defense this month. " He looks like one of the best players on our team again right now," he said.

Wisconsin

• Redshirt freshman Kyle French will be pressed into field-goal duties on Thursday against UNLV, as regular kicker Philip Welch hasn't healed from a quadriceps injury. Head coach Bret Bielema said French is a "no-nonsense kid" who should be able to handle the situation. Bielema said he would rely on holder Brad Nortman to find out what French can do. "I usually lean on my holder," he said. "We'll come up with a number we feel he's good to kick from and hopefully just move forward."

• Bielema said he's never sensed this much hype around the Badgers during his time with the program. Wisconsin is ranked No. 10 in the coaches poll and is a favorite to win the Big Ten. He said he noticed it during training camp, when media requests for interviews poured in from around the country. "It's fun and I think it's a sign of respect," he said. "I tried to emphasize to our players that right now the story about Wisconsin is a good thing. There's not a lot of negativity around our program. A lot of things going around college football have stayed out of Madison. I like the character and the kids we have. Hopefully, it doesn't go to their heads."

• The series with UNLV comes to an end this year, but Bielema said the Badgers are interested in signing another deal with the Rebels. "Wisconsin people always need an excuse to run to Vegas," he said. "I think they love doing it."

The preseason position rankings march on with the offensive lines. Team rankings are below, and we'll take a look at the individual rankings for tackles, centers and guards early next week.

Looking at the league landscape, offensive line could be a major strength throughout the Big Ten this season. Although standout players such as Outland Trophy winner Gabe Carimi and All-American Stefen Wisniewski depart, I see improved depth for several teams as well as quite a few multiyear starters.

Honestly, there aren't any bad lines in the league; just some with more question marks than others.

Let's get to the rundown.

1. Wisconsin: Talk about an ability to reload. The Badgers lose All-Americans Carimi and John Moffitt, plus the versatile Bill Nagy, and they still shouldn't take any steps backward. Injuries have allowed Wisconsin to build depth the past few seasons, and four of the five spots look extremely solid. Tackle Ricky Wagner, center Peter Konz and guard Kevin Zeitler lead a group that will block for the league's top running back tandem. Wisconsin's track record up front is impossible to ignore, and this year's line should continue the trend.

2. Iowa: The line is undoubtedly Iowa's biggest strength and should be one of the nation's elite units in 2011. Iowa returns starting experience at all five positions and should have decent depth. Left tackle Riley Reiff, projected as a first-round pick in the 2012 NFL draft, will enter the fall as a leading candidate for the Outland Trophy. James Ferentz is one of the league's top centers, and Markus Zusevics is poised for a big year at right tackle.

3. Ohio State: Depth is the only reason the Buckeyes' line isn't higher in the rankings. Ohio State boasts arguably the nation's top center in Mike Brewster, and first-team All-Big Ten tackle Mike Adams will be back after a five-game suspension to begin the season. The Buckeyes need big things from tackle Andrew Norwell during Adams' absence, and tackle J.B. Shugarts must play like a veteran. After struggling to put two sets of capable linemen on the field this spring, Ohio State has to find more depth in preseason camp.

4. Michigan: This is another group that could climb up the rankings by season's end. Center David Molk is a terrific piece to build around, and if gifted players like Taylor Lewan and Patrick Omameh continue to develop, Michigan's line will be a major strength. The concerns are Molk's ability to stay healthy and an adjustment to a new offensive system under Al Borges. The line did an excellent job of protecting Denard Robinson in 2010, allowing a league-low 11 sacks.

5. Illinois: The Illini flat-out punished opponents at the line of scrimmage on several occasions last season, and I really like the potential for the front five in 2011. The biggest reason? Left tackle Jeff Allen, one of the Big Ten's most experienced linemen. Allen and center Graham Pocic will contend for All-Big Ten honors, and if Corey Lewis gets healthy, this should be one of the league's top offensive lines.

6. Purdue: Expectations are high for a line that coach Danny Hope thinks will be Purdue's strength in 2011. Left tackle Dennis Kelly is an All-Big Ten candidate with NFL potential who has started the past 24 games. Center Peters Drey and tackle Nick Mondek help anchor the group. The big question is whether mammoth guard Ken Plue, a multiyear starter, can get out of Hope's doghouse to help lead the way. Plue will be pushed by James Shepherd this summer. The combination of experience up front and the return of running back Ralph Bolden bode well for the Boilers.

7. Northwestern: The Wildcats boast the nation's second most experienced line (137 combined career starts), but experience must start translating to production. This group still must prove it can spark a decent rushing attack after several years of decline. Left tackle Al Netter is an All-Big Ten candidate and center Ben Burkett enters his fourth season as the starter. If Northwestern gets more consistent play from right tackle Patrick Ward and others, it should be a solid group.

8. Penn State: This is a big year for Penn State's O-line, which has heard the criticism and has vowed to erase it in 2011. The tackle spots look solid with Quinn Barham and Chima Okoli, but Penn State needs to shore up the interior after losing Wisniewski, a mainstay for the past four seasons. If veterans like Johnnie Troutman and DeOn'tae Pannell step up and turn in consistent performances, the line should hold up nicely.

9. Nebraska: The Huskers ranked ninth nationally in rushing last season but have quite a few question marks up front. Center Mike Caputo is a building block and sophomore tackle Jeremiah Sirles is a returning starter, but Nebraska has little proven experience. The Huskers will benefit from a healthy Marcel Jones at right tackle, and Yoshi Hardwick adds depth. This could turn out to be a decent group, but the experience issue combined with a scheme change creates some uncertainty.

10. Michigan State: Not to put too much pressure on the line, but arguably no position group will have more influence on Michigan State's season. The Spartans must replace both starting tackles and their starting center, never an easy task. All-Big Ten guard Joel Foreman returns to lead the group, but Michigan State needs immediate contributions from unproven players. The coaches feel they've upgraded the athleticism up front by moving players like Dan France and Blake Treadwell over from the defensive side.

11. Minnesota: The Gophers boast a mix of veterans and youth, and it'll be interesting to see whether the group comes together this fall. Hopes are high for young tackles Eric Olson and Jimmy Gjere, but they'll need help from seniors like Ryan Wynn and Chris Bunders on the interior. Minnesota needs to regain its swagger as an elite rushing offense, and it starts up front this fall. This is a group that certainly has a chance to make strides.

12. Indiana: I like some of Indiana's individual pieces, but as a group, the Hoosiers must show they can create space for the running backs. Indiana switched to the pistol offense in hopes of sparking the ground game but produced barely 100 rushing yards a game in 2010 (112th nationally). The line allowed only 12 sacks and must continue to protect its unproven quarterbacks this fall, but getting the run game going is paramount. Returning starters Will Matte, Justin Pagan and Andrew McDonald give Indiana hope.

The 2010 Big Ten postseason player rankings continue with ...

No. 24: Mike Adams, LT, Ohio State, Jr., 6-8, 300

2010 numbers: Started all 13 games at left tackle, earned first-team All-Big Ten honors from both coaches and media, named team's offensive lineman of the week four times

Preseason rank: Unranked

Why he's here: Adams finally backed up the hype this season and showed why he came to Ohio State amid such lofty expectations. Only three offensive linemen earned first-team All-Big Ten honors from both the coaches and the media: All-Americans Gabe Carimi and John Moffitt from Wisconsin, and Adams. After two underwhelming seasons, Adams responded well to the competition he faced during the spring and locked down the left tackle spot in preseason camp. The physical gifts always have been there, but Adams matured from a mental standpoint and began to put things together. He'll enter 2011 on the NFL radar, and though Ohio State will miss him during his suspension, he and classmates Mike Brewster and J.B. Shugarts will anchor the Buckeyes' line in Big Ten play.

• No. 25: Indiana QB Ben Chappell

You know how to reach me. And be sure to follow me on Twitter.

Adam from Baltimore writes: Hey Adam,Just a couple things about the MSU WR situation. It definitely is a blow to lose B.J. because I still think that MSU needs to play a perfect game to beat 'Bama and this hurts their chances and puts more pressure on their running game to succeed and the O-line to protect Cousins. But I think the one weapon that could be the difference is K-Mart. He has essentially been out since late October as a receiver, so while Bennie and Keith need to step up, I think if Martin steps up in the slot and down-field, it could more than make up for losing B.J. Otherwise the O-line is going to really protect Kirk because the receivers are going to need more time to get out of their routes which gives that 'Bama d-line more time to tee-off on Kirk. And if MSU loses Kirk, it'll be a repeat of last year's title game.

Adam Rittenberg: Good points here, Adam. Keshawn Martin is a huge key to the game for Michigan State, not only as a receiver but on special teams. He defies the SEC speed argument every time he touches the ball. I'd expect offensive coordinator Don Treadwell to get K-Mart the ball as much as possible in Orlando. Still, it's important for a guy like Keith Nichol to take on a bigger role. Some projected him to be Michigan State's No. 1 or No. 2 receiver entering the season, and the production just hasn't been there. Bennie Fowler is a guy who came on strong later in the season and could help.

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JF from Columbus, Ohio, writes: Adam: The Penn State folks were all worried about how the coaching carousel might deplete their coaching staff and then relieved when it didn't. But it seems to me that stealing assistant coaches is the biggest complement to a program and that nobody wants their program to be like Joe. What do you think? Do JoePa and his staff get respect or not?

Adam Rittenberg: Joe Paterno certainly has earned respected in the coaching circles, but I wonder about his assistants. The guys who have been on Joe's staff for so many years might always be looked at as assistant coach material, not head coach material. Don't get me wrong, being a Joe Paterno assistant is a fabulous gig in a profession where coaches rarely put down roots. But it seems like Paterno's guys aren't getting the top jobs as much any more. There still are a few jobs open, but I'm surprised that a coach like defensive coordinator Tom Bradley doesn't get an opportunity to lead a program.

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Bradley from Houston writes: Adam, I am witing you on the Big Ten Division names article you had on ESPN.com. I do not like the new names for they make no sense to me as a 14 year old sports fan. There is no reasoning to the names to me. They are in the Great Lakes area, the MidWest. I saw many responses to your request for names in a Nov. 4, 2010 article. This is the same reason I am contacting you now. I liked many of the suggestions you posted. My favorites were Iron and Fist, Tradition and Prestige and the best was Beta and Delta. The reason I like Beta and Delta is that Beta is Big in Latin and Delta is 10 in Latin. Makes sense to me - very simple. It also relates to the College Campus traditions of the Greek Fraternities and Sororities that you see when you visit/attend a college. Thank you for your time on this subject. I am writing you for a Boy Scout Merit Badge I am working on and I would appreciate it if you would send me back a response.Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Adam Rittenberg: Same to you, Bradley! And I'm very impressed with your writing. Some of my older readers could learn a thing or two about sentence structure. I agree that the Big Ten missed the mark with the division names. The league fell victim to over-thinking and was so concerned about alienating parts of its membership that it alienated all of its fan base. Beta and Delta could work, although some folks might not get it for a while. Anyway, good luck on that merit badge.

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Greg from Pennsburg, Pa., writes: Adam, I think someone the other day was scolding you for bashing the Big12's bowl schedule. But let's face it, you were right, their bowls are weak! On the other hand, year in and year out the Big Ten sends 2 teams to BCS games to face BCS caliber competition (and we're not talking UConn here...). Not only that, but the Big Ten routinely plays in enemy territory. I think it was 2006 when all but 1 Big Ten team played in the opposing team's home state or even home city. That's ridiculous! Big 12 teams hide in Texas, SEC/ACC teams hide in Florida, and Pac10 teams hide in California and Arizona. Let's see these conferences play some bowl games at all the great pro venues in Big Ten territory and then they can talk!

Adam Rittenberg: Greg, the bowl system is what it is, and no one wants to come to Big Ten country for games in late December or early January. So the Big Ten always will have a disadvantage in terms of location. The difficulty of the bowl schedule is all Jim Delany. The commish likes to play the best leagues in the biggest bowls, and he wants to feature the Big Ten on the biggest stages as much as possible. It's a bold approach, for sure. Me? I'd sprinkle in an ACC or Big East team, but the Big Ten always will face a bit of an uphill climb compared with other leagues.

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Michael S. from Columbus, Ohio, writes: Hey Adam, I'm a regular reader, and wanted to get your take on the PFW list. As a Buckeye fan, I've thought for a while that Mike Brewster, a three year starter, was by far the biggest flight risk on the OSU team. It seems PFW agrees. What do you think? Furthermore, where is the OSU O-Line left if they lose a three year starter? It seems like things finally came together for the line this year (with the exception of the Wisconsin game, perhaps). I'd hate to see losing an anchor throw things into disarray again.

Adam Rittenberg: Michael, I'll bet Brewster is one of the five players Jim Tressel mentioned who are seeking draft evaluations from the NFL. Brewster certainly projects well to the next level and as a three-year starter, he has more experience than most true juniors who play offensive line. That said, not many centers leave school early for the draft, and I could see Brewster sticking around for another season, especially if his pals J.B. Shugarts and Mike Adams also stay. He'll have a tough decision potentially, and he would be a big loss if he goes. Adams also could have a decision to make.

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Adam from Iowa City, Iowa, writes: With the MNF game being played at the new Minnesota stadium tonight, do you think that this could be used by Jim Delaney and the Big Ten office as a "preview" to what a Big Ten Championship game would be like in an outdoor stadium? I for one would love it to happen on a rotational basis with Green Bay, Chicago, Pittsburg, and even Cleveland mixed in with Detroit and Indianapolis. What are your thoughts on how Delaney looks at this or even if he does at all?

Adam Rittenberg: Adam, I'm sure the thought crossed Delany's mind as he watched the game Monday night. The good thing is that the outdoor venues the Big Ten would use for a title game are all NFL facilities a bit better equipped to handle bad weather. The folks at Minnesota did as well as they could have under tough circumstances, but the field safety concern likely would be a lot less for a Big Ten title game played in early December. The big question in my mind is whether an outdoor title game would hurt the Big Ten's chances in BCS bowls, all of which are played in milder climates.

Mike Adams doesn't just pass the eye test. He aces it.

Long and relatively lean at 6-foot-8 and 300 pounds, Adams has a body that makes line coaches salivate. Some 300-pound offensive linemen carry their weight poorly. Adams looks fit and boasts tremendous athleticism.

And in a strange way, that's his biggest problem.

You look at Mike Adams and you immediately think four-year starter, All-Big Ten performer, All-America selection and first-round NFL draft pick. He came to Ohio State as a decorated high school prospect, rated as the nation's No. 1 tackle by one national recruiting service and the No. 8 tackle by ESPN Recruiting in 2008.

Adams still could earn All-Big Ten and All-America honors, and he has time to climb the NFL draft boards. But in many ways, his college career is just getting started.

It took two seasons for Adams to overcome injuries, maturity issues both on and off the field, and the expectations to finally claim the starting left tackle spot for the Buckeyes. He was named Ohio State's Offensive Lineman of the Week following his performance in last Saturday's win against Ohio.

"The game's slowing down for me," Adams told ESPN.com this week. "It’s been a nice little battle I’ve got going, trying to get the mental part of the game together. A lot of guys, when they come in, they either pick it up quick or it might take a little bit longer."

From the moment Adams set foot on campus, he was pegged as a guy who would pick it up quick. Just look at him!

But his development was delayed, partly by injuries. He needed shoulder surgery before his freshman season, played four games that fall and then dealt with a foot injury. Adams missed three games last season because of a knee problem.

The homegrown product from nearby Dublin, Ohio, also had some off-field issues. In March 2009, Adams had a possession of drug paraphernalia charge against him dropped for insufficient evidence after police found a pipe in his car during a traffic stop. Adams also was suspended for Ohio State's first two games in 2009 for undisclosed reasons.

The Buckeyes junior has put those issues behind him and grown up on the field as well.

"He gets better and better all the time," Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said. "He's got a lot of ability and he really seems to have grown to understand what it takes to play that left tackle [position]."

Adams was one of three elite offensive line prospects in Ohio State's 2008 class, joining J.B. Shugarts and Michael Brewster. The three met fairly early in high school and have remained close in Columbus.

Brewster became Ohio State's staring center as a true freshman, and Shugarts solidified himself as a starter last year. Adams' status wasn't clear until preseason camp, when he took control and claimed the starting left tackle spot.

"It’s something that really helped me out in the long run," Adams said of the competition. "When you come to college, there are high expectations and you have people coming at you from all angles, saying this, saying that. I'm just trying to live up to it now and get better and take this thing to the next level."

The physical tools are there, and if Adams continues to win the mind game, quarterback Terrelle Pryor should stay clean and the Buckeyes should go a long way this season.

"The more sure you are of everything in and around you, the better you’re going to be," Tressel said. "He's got height, weight, speed, he's got good feet, he's got good technique. He's got some outstanding challenges in front of him here, but I think he can be very good."

The position rankings move to the offensive side of the ball, and the offensive lines are first up. Several Big Ten offensive lines are among the nation's best, while other units boast experience but must step up.

1. Wisconsin: If this group stays healthy, I don't believe there's a better offensive line in college football this season. Left tackle Gabe Carimi is a bona fide NFL prospect who enters his fourth year as a starter. The Badgers boast another All-Big Ten selection at guard in senior John Moffitt, who can play both guard and tackle. Josh Oglesby should be ready to take the next step at right tackle. All the injuries last season forced Wisconsin to use a lot of linemen, and Peter Konz's return makes this one of the league's deepest units.

2. Ohio State: The talent always has been there, and the physical play finally showed up late last fall. Ohio State's line finished 2009 on a very strong note and returns pretty much everyone for 2010. First-team All-Big Ten guard Justin Boren leads the group along with fellow guard Bryant Browning. Center Michael Brewster enters his third season as a starter, and right tackle J.B. Shugarts came along last year. If gifted left tackle Mike Adams effectively protects Terrelle Pryor's blind side, the Buckeyes will be extremely tough to stop.

3. Michigan: The Wolverines boast one of the Big Ten's best interior line tandems in guard Stephen Schilling and center David Molk, who returns from an ACL injury. When Molk was healthy in 2009, Michigan consistently moved the football. His return is a major boost. The Wolverines need to solidify the tackle spots but have experienced options in Perry Dorrestein and Mark Huyge. Michigan's offensive line recruiting also should pay off as redshirt freshmen like Taylor Lewan solidify the depth.

4. Penn State: The line had an average performance in 2009 and struggled against elite defensive fronts, but things should improve this fall. Stefen Wisniewski, who moves back to guard from center, is one of the nation's most experienced and polished offensive linemen. He leads a group that also features veterans Lou Eliades and Johnnie Troutman. Penn State needs big things from new starting left tackle Quinn Barham.

5. Northwestern: All five starters return from 2009, but there's competition at three spots in camp. I see this as a testament to Northwestern's strong O-line recruiting the past four seasons. While experience is great, the Wildcats need to be more physical in run blocking and could benefit from some new faces (or some old ones hardened by competition). Left tackle Al Netter and center Ben Burkett are All-Big Ten candidates, and watch out for Patrick Ward, a heralded 2009 recruit who steps into the spotlight at right tackle this season.

Up next: Running back/fullback

More rankings ...

• Defensive line
• Linebacker
• Secondary

2009 overall record: 11-2

2009 conference record: 7-1 (1st)

Returning starters

Offense: 10, defense: 5, kicker/punter: 0

Top returners

QB Terrelle Pryor, RB Brandon Saine, RB Dan Herron, WR DeVier Posey, LG Justin Boren, C Michael Brewster, DL Cameron Heyward, LB Ross Homan, LB Brian Rolle, DE John Simon

Key losses

OL Jim Cordle, DE Thaddeus Gibson, DT Doug Worthington, LB Austin Spitler, S Kurt Coleman, S Anderson Russell, PK Aaron Pettrey, P Jon Thoma

2009 statistical leaders (*-returners)

Rushing: Pryor* (779 yards)

Passing: Pryor* (2,094 yards)

Receiving: Posey* (828 yards)

Tackles: Ross Homan* (108)

Sacks: Cameron Heyward* (6.5)

Interceptions: Ross Homan* and Kurt Coleman (5)

Spring answers

1. Pryor ready for expanded offense: Ohio State fans have wanted the offense to open up, and they finally should get their wish this fall. Pryor built on his Rose Bowl performance with a solid spring, displaying improved footwork and rebounding nicely from some struggles in the jersey scrimmage to complete 8 of 12 passes for 108 yards and a touchdown in the spring game.

2. Sabino steps up: Ohio State returns two All-Big Ten linebackers in Ross Homan and Brian Rolle, but it needed a third player to step up and Etienne Sabino answered the call this spring. He spent the entire session with the first-team defense and finished things off with a game-high seven tackles and a forced fumble in the spring game.

3. Guiton provides insurance at QB: Pryor played through pain toward the end of last season and has proven to be durable at quarterback, but every team needs a backup plan and Ohio State might have found one with Kenny Guiton. He wasn't the Buckeyes' first choice for the 2009 recruiting class, but Guiton showed some promise in the spring game by tossing two touchdowns. Guiton certainly will push Joe Bauserman for the backup quarterback spot.

Fall questions

1. The kicking game: It seems sacrilegious to question the specialists on a Jim Tressel-coached team, but Ohio State has some legitimate concerns here. Devin Barclay couldn't separate from freshman Drew Basil, and the place-kicker competition will continue in fall camp. Ben Buchanan should lock up the starting punter spot, but he struggled a bit in the spring game.

2. Left tackle: Ohio State opened up the competition this spring and seemed to narrow it down to Mike Adams and Andrew Miller, with Adams as the frontrunner entering the summer. The competition will continue for some time, but the hope is the gifted Adams can finally step up and lock down a starting spot. Ohio State returns its other four starters up front and likely would rather have J.B. Shugarts stay at right tackle.

3. No. 3 pass-catching option: Some folks don't think this is a big deal in Tressel's offense, but if Ohio State really wants to open things up, Pryor needs a third target after Posey and Dane Sanzenbacher. Wideout Taurian Washington made a good case in the spring game with 83 receiving yards and a touchdown, and he'll compete with Chris Fields and most likely Duron Carter this summer. Tight end Jake Stoneburner also should be a much bigger part of the passing attack this season.

4. Running back rotation: I couldn't resist and had to toss in a fourth question for the fall. Brandon Saine and Boom Herron are two proven options, but Ohio State has plenty of depth and only one football to go around. Can Jaamal Berry, Jordan Hall or Carlos Hyde challenge the top two?

Before the Rose Bowl, Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor and head coach Jim Tressel met and discussed how the game marked the halfway point of Pryor's career.

It was a midterm exam, in front of 92,000 proctors. And Pryor aced it.

But Pryor isn't the only member of Ohio State's decorated 2008 recruiting class to reach halftime in Columbus.

As Pryor delayed his college decision on national signing day in 2008, much of the buzz at Ohio State swirled around three decorated offensive line prospects: Michael Brewster, Mike Adams and J.B. Shugarts. All three players were ESPNU 150 selections. ESPN recruiting ranked Brewster and Shugarts as the nation's No. 2 and No. 3 offensive tackle prospects, while Adams ranked No. 8.

All three are now preparing for their junior seasons at Ohio State.

"They're at the midpoint of their careers, not unlike Terrelle," head coach Jim Tressel said. "You'd like to think that they can be real good leaders and good veterans."

Pryor's development in the second half of his career likely will determine whether Ohio State wins a national title for the first time since 2002, but equally as important, if not more so, is the progression of his classmates on the offensive line.

"Adams, Brewster and Shugarts have now all gotten their feet more than wet now for a couple years," offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Jim Bollman said. "Going into their third year, now it's time for them to really start kicking it in."

Brewster certainly has done so, having started the last 23 games at center for the Buckeyes. The 6-5, 293-pound junior from Orlando will contend for the Rimington Trophy this fall and serve as one of the line's leaders along with guards Justin Boren and Bryant Browning.

Shugarts also saw the field as a true freshman but missed six games with a shoulder injury that required surgery. He earned the starting right tackle spot in 2009 and will start at either right tackle or left tackle this season.

Adams has battled injuries and spotty play his first two seasons, but enters the summer with a decent to strong chance of landing the starting left tackle spot.

"Those guys work extremely hard, those three," Browning said. "They've got kind of a brotherhood. You see those guys in the weight room together, watching extra film together, and I feel like they're close on and off the field. They're doing anything they can to be great offensive linemen."

Since Brewster is a proven player at center and Shugarts took a step in that direction last fall, Adams found himself in the spotlight this spring. Adams failed to grab the starting left tackle spot last year, forcing Ohio State to shift versatile veteran Jim Cordle to protect Pryor's blind side.

The Dublin, Ohio, native has been an enigma early in his college career. One look at the 6-8, 300-pound Adams reveals the obvious physical gifts he possesses, but entering spring practice, he had yet to produce consistent results on the field. Adams missed Ohio State's first two games last year -- sources said he was suspended for a violation of team rules, though Tressel never confirmed it -- and didn't see much action during Big Ten Play.

"There's competition at his position right now," Browning said, "but he's working hard, doing whatever it takes so he can get a chance to get out there."

This spring, the Buckeyes opened the competition at left tackle, as Adams, Andrew Miller, Marcus Hall and Shugarts all saw time. Adams seemed to make strides toward the end of the session and drew praise for his performance in Saturday's spring game.

Ohio State star defensive lineman Cameron Heyward is doing all he can to help linemen like Adams, Shugarts and Brewster take the next step.

"It's a work in progress, it's not going to happen right away," Heyward said. "They'll have good days, and they'll also have bad days. And our guys are pushing them. We're not just going to let them sit back and enjoy it because it's going to be a rough battle.

"They were highly touted offensive linemen coming in, and they really want to step up and be great this year."

LOS ANGELES -- Oregon head coach Chip Kelly and his Ohio State counterpart, Jim Tressel, had their final meeting with the media Thursday morning at the Los Angeles Downtown Marriott.

Here are some notable nuggets from what they had to say:

• LeGarrette Blount remains Oregon's third-string running back entering the Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi (ABC, 4:30 p.m. ET), slotted behind starter LaMichael James and backup Kenjon Barner. Blount, who requested not to meet with the media this week, saw his first action since the season opener against Oregon State on Dec. 3, carrying nine times for 51 yards and a touchdown. Kelly said he doesn't have anything scripted for Blount, who will get more opportunities if James gets banged-up. "We've ridden No. 21 [James] for the whole season, and we're going to continue to do that," Kelly said. "But you'll see LG [Blount]."
• Ohio State enters the game as healthy as it's been all season, particularly on offense. Tressel said quarterback Terrelle Pryor (knee) is fine -- the coach didn't sound thrilled about Pryor's injury revelation Monday -- and the offensive line has gotten some continuity down the stretch. Ohio State will stick to its same starting lineup for the line: LT Jim Cordle, LG Justin Boren, C Michael Brewster, RG Bryant Browning, RT J.B. Shugarts. Marcus Hall and Mike Adams will be the first subs at right tackle and left tackle, respectively. Andrew Moses would be Ohio State's eighth lineman if they need him.
• As they posed behind the Rose Bowl trophy, Kelly and Tressel briefly discussed their common roots in the FCS. Just three years ago, Kelly served as the offensive coordinator at New Hampshire, his alma mater. Tressel built his reputation as a head coach at Youngstown State, where he won four national championships. "We were laughing over there that we didn't have that many flashbulbs when we played in the I-AA playoffs," Tressel said. Kelly stressed that "the big time is where you're at" and that it's important to enjoy coaching at any level. But he doesn't take his meteoric rise for granted. "I had absolutely no idea three years ago that I'd be sitting in front of a press conference at the Rose Bowl," he said.
• Two of Ohio State's last three losses -- Sept. 12 against USC and the 2009 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl against Texas -- came in games where the defense allowed a late score and lost a lead. Fatigue likely played a role in both games, as USC ran 17 more plays than Ohio State (72-55) and Texas ran 23 more plays (87-64). Ohio State should win the time-of-possession battle against Oregon, but the Ducks' offensive pace could be tough to match. "When you leave your defense on the field that long against good football teams, there is going to be a wearing factor," Tressel said. "I know this: chasing Oregon around will make them tired, too, so it's going to be a great challenge."
• Asked if Oregon is the nation's best comeback story after its disastrous opener against Boise State, Kelly took the opportunity to defend his players and trumpet Boise State's success. "Mark Twain once said, 'The news of my death was greatly exaggerated,'" Kelly said. "We lost 19-8 to the No. 6 team in the country, which hasn't lost a game in a long time. Chris Petersen and Boise State is an outstanding football team. The one thing about that night that bothers me is they got slighted."
• And, finally, some words from each coach on the stakes on Friday.
  Kelly: "I want our players to savor the moment. That's what it's all about. They've earned this opportunity, and they're going to create memories. ... We have fun. Our staff has fun. This is what it's all about. It's not worrying about what's next. There is no next. This is it."
  Tressel: "Our seniors know that this is the last time out. But how deeply do you know that? Maybe not until that clock ticks to zero does it become very real. ... That's the beauty of the game of football. It's really what happens that day, not what you're capable of or what you could have done, what happens that day."

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Just got back from the field after watching warm-ups, and a few things stood out.

• There are a ton of Ohio State fans here, certainly more than normal. It looks like a good number of Michigan fans sold their tickets to the enemy and made some cash.
• As expected, Michigan fans were all over Buckeyes guard Justin Boren when he came out for warm-ups. The former Wolverine heard taunts of, "Watch your knees!" and some unprintable comments about his conditioning. Boren, to his credit, seemed extremely fired up and was animated as he talked to the other linemen.
• Michigan's Troy Woolfolk is working as a safety today after switching to cornerback midway through the season. J.T. Floyd worked with the first-team defense at corner. Mike Williams, the team's normal starting safety, is out.
• I don't mind Ohio State's throwback jerseys. The helmets take a little while to get used to, but the socks are awesome and the jerseys don't bother me. Several Ohio State offensive linemen are wearing their regular cleats instead of the new ones from Nike. Tackle Jim Cordle voiced some concerns about the new cleats earlier this week. Cordle and J.B. Shugarts worked as the first-team offensive tackles.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- College football's greatest rivalry resumes today as No. 10 Ohio State and Michigan meet for the 106th time at Michigan Stadium.

What it means: Ohio State already has locked up the Big Ten's automatic BCS bowl berth, but the Buckeyes can win the league title outright for the third time in four seasons with a win today. The Buckeyes also can extend their win streak against Michigan to six games. Michigan needs a win to avoid missing the postseason for the second consecutive season. There's a lot of heat on second-year head coach Rich Rodriguez, so a win today would be huge. You shouldn't need to get excited for this game, but just in case, check this out.

Weather: The forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies, light winds and temperatures in the upper 40s and lower 50s.

Injuries: Michigan's official injury report can be found here. The Wolverines will be without leading rusher Brandon Minor (shoulder) and most likely starting safety Mike Williams (ankle). Minor's absence could really sting against Ohio State's stout defense. The Buckeyes are as healthy as they've been in a while. Jim Cordle and J.B. Shugarts are expected to start at left tackle and right tackle.

THREE KEYS FOR OHIO STATE

1. Block Brandon Graham -- Sounds pretty straightforward, but few teams have been able to successfully keep the Michigan star defensive end out of the backfield. Ohio State must keep Graham away from quarterback Terrelle Pryor and find running room elsewhere. The Buckeyes' offensive line is coming off of its best game.

2. Throw downfield a few times -- This isn't exactly the Iowa secondary, which leads the Big Ten in interceptions. Michigan's back four have really struggled this season, and head coach Jim Tressel should let Pryor take some shots downfield with big-play wideouts DeVier Posey and Dane Sanzenbacher. Ohio State shouldn't and won't get away from its bread-and-butter rushing attack. Michigan can't stop the run, either.

3. Keep Tate Forcier in the pocket -- The Michigan freshman quarterback creates big plays with his feet but can struggle when kept between the tackles. Ohio State's defensive ends and linebackers must keep contain on Foricer and make him complete passes within the pocket.

THREE KEYS FOR MICHIGAN

1. Force Pryor into mistakes -- Pryor has been very careful with the football since his four-turnover disaster against Purdue, but Michigan needs to force errors from the Buckeyes' sophomore. The Wolverines have to win the turnover battle and put pressure on Pryor with Graham and their other linemen.

2. Play 60 minutes -- Michigan's problems have come after halftime in recent weeks, as the Wolverines couldn't hold leads against Purdue, Illinois and Wisconsin. Ohio State has outscored teams 83-31 in the third quarter this season, so Michigan can't stumble out of the locker room after the break.

3. Make Ohio State defense chase -- Forcier has freelanced his way into good situations this fall, and Michigan boasts a decent number of big-play threats. Without power back Brandon Minor, Michigan must force Ohio State to play in space and hope to gash the Buckeyes for big plays.