ESPN College Football

2009 overall record: 11-2

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

Returning starters

Offense: 7, defense: 5, kicker/punter: 1

Top returners

RB Evan Royster, WR Derek Moye, WR Graham Zug, G Stefen Wisniewski, DE Jack Crawford, DT Ollie Ogbu, S Nick Sukay

Key losses

QB Daryll Clark, TE Andrew Quarless, LT Dennis Landolt, DT Jared Odrick, LB Navorro Bowman, LB Sean Lee, LB Josh Hull, P Jeremy Boone

2009 statistical leaders (*-returners)

Rushing: Evan Royster* (1,169 yards)

Passing: Daryll Clark (3,003 yards)

Receiving: Derek Moye* (785 yards)

Tackles: Josh Hull (116)

Sacks: Jared Odrick (7)

Interceptions: A.J. Wallace (3)

Spring answers

1. Linebacker depth should be OK: It's never easy to replace three starters at one spot, but Penn State is called Linebacker U. for a reason. Nate Stupar, Mike Yancich and Gerald Hodges all did some nice things in the Blue-White Game, and fan favorite Michael Mauti returns from an ACL injury this summer. Penn State can't expect the same production it received in 2009, but linebacker shouldn't be the team's chief concern this fall.

2. Defensive line looks fine: The D-line has been Penn State's most consistent unit in recent years, as coach Larry Johnson mass-produces elite players. First-round draft pick Jared Odrick leaves a major void inside, but Ollie Ogbu and Devon Still both boast some good experience there. The coaches had to like what they saw from defensive ends Eric Latimore and Kevion Latham in the spring game, and don't forget about Jack Crawford, who could have a monster 2010 season.

3. Jones is a factor at quarterback: Joe Paterno might want you to believe that freshmen don't exist, but you can bet he noticed Paul Jones in the Blue-White Game. Jones, an early enrollee, was the Nittany Lions' top quarterback in the game, tossing two touchdown passes to Shawney Kersey. If Kevin Newsome and Matt McGloin don't separate themselves early in fall camp, Jones deserves a longer look.

Fall questions

1. Quarterback questions: Newsome and McGloin didn't do much to ease the anxiety of Penn State fans in the spring game. McGloin had two interceptions and nearly had a third, and Newsome completed only 5 of 12 pass attempts. There's a long way to go before the season, but Penn State needs to see more progress from these two or the prospect of starting a true freshman quarterback will become a likelihood.

2. Finding an O-line combo: Penn State did some shuffling along the offensive line this spring, and it showed in the Blue-White Game. The line struggled to protect the quarterbacks or open holes for the running backs. All-Big Ten selection Stefen Wisniewski should be fine at right guard after switching back from center, but the coaches need to settle on the other four spots so the group can build some chemistry before September.

3. Punting situation: You know there's a potential problem when a wide receiver (Graham Zug) is working as the second-team punter. Penn State's punting situation could be resolved when Anthony Fera gets out of the doghouse and back on the practice field, but the Nittany Lions can't afford a major dropoff following the departure of standout Jeremy Boone. A good punter can be a young quarterback's best friend, and Penn State needs one in 2010.

Here's the second half of my look at special teams in the Big Ten in 2010. For Part I, click here.

NORTHWESTERN

• Kicker: Second-team All-Big Ten selection Stefan Demos returns after connecting on 18 of 25 field goal attempts in 2009.
• Punter: Demos also has handled the punting duties for Northwestern the last two seasons, although it's not his strong suit.
• Kick return: Primary return men Stephen Simmons and Jeravin Matthews both are back. Northwestern ranked ninth in the league last year (20.6 ypr).
• Punt return: Brendan Smith and Andrew Brewer both depart.
• Quick thoughts: Special teams have cost Northwestern key games in recent years and continue to be a priority for head coach Pat Fitzgerald. Despite Demos' Outback Bowl struggles, he remains a very solid option on field goals. Northwestern would be well served by identifying a punter to lighten Demos' load, and redshirt freshman Brandon Williams is an option. Simmons provides a good threat on kick returns when healthy, but NU must identify a few options for punt returns. Incoming freshman Venric Mark could be a factor there. The punt and kickoff coverage teams were average in 2009 and could use a boost.

OHIO STATE

• Kicker: Aaron Pettrey departs, but Devin Barclay, whose kick against Iowa sent Ohio State to the Rose Bowl, will be back.
• Punter: Jon Thoma departs after finishing 10th in the league in average (37.9 ypp) last fall. Sophomore Ben Buchanan has a big leg and will step in.
• Kick return: Primary return men Lamaar Thomas and Ray Small both depart. Ohio State ranked sixth in the league last fall (22.3 ypr).
• Punt return: Small leaves a pretty big void here after averaging 8.3 yards on a league-high 33 attempts last season.
• Quick thoughts: Jim Tressel's teams always will be strong in the kicking game, although there are some key spots to fill in 2010. Barclay did a really nice job in relief of Pettrey last fall, but whether he can provide the same long-range threat as Pettrey remains to be seen. Small is a big loss on both return teams, and it will be interesting to see who steps into his spot. Running back Brandon Saine and wideout DeVier Posey both are possibilities. Ohio State covered punts well last fall but finished a surprising 51st nationally in kickoff coverage (21.2 ypr) with a touchdown allowed against Iowa.

PENN STATE

• Kicker: Collin Wagner is back after an excellent Capital One Bowl performance. He connected on 15 of 22 field goal attempts last fall.
• Punter: Second-team All-Big Ten selection Jeremy Boone departs after averaging 43.3 yards per punt in 2009. Ryan Breen's decision to leave the team creates some uncertainty here.
• Kick return: Chaz Powell, Devon Smith and Stephfon Green all are back for 2010. Powell averaged 23.2 yards per runback in 2009.
• Punt return: Graham Zug, Justin Brown, Evan Royster and Drew Astorino shared duties in 2009, and all are back.
• Quick thoughts: Penn State was surprisingly mediocre on special teams in 2009, and the kicking game should be a focal point this spring. Boone's graduation and Breen's departure leaves no true punter on the roster. The Lions finished 10th in the league in punt returns (5 ypr) last fall and need a true starter to emerge there. Punt coverage was a mess in 2009, as Penn State finished 117th nationally (15.4 ypr) out of 120 FBS teams. With several key personnel losses on both sides of the ball, Penn State can't afford to have the kicking game be a liability this fall.

PURDUE

• Kicker: Carson Wiggs has the strongest leg in the Big Ten and connected on 14 of 21 field goal attempts last fall. He's back for 2010.
• Punter: Chris Summers departs after averaging 39.5 yards per punt last fall. Wiggs had four punts in 2009, averaging 36.5 yards.
• Kick return: Al-Terek McBurse is back after averaging an impressive 24.6 yards per runback as a true freshman. Purdue must find a No. 2 option because Aaron Valentin departs.
• Punt return: Valentin was the primary return man, but wideout Waynelle Gravesande recorded 11 attempts last fall.
• Quick thoughts: Purdue made plenty of special-teams blunders in 2009, and for the Boilers to take the next step this fall, their kicking game must get better. Wiggs can boom field goals from anywhere on the field, giving Danny Hope a valuable weapon. McBurse could be a weapon on kick returns, although Purdue must address the punt return team. Kickoff coverage was miserable in 2009, as the Boilers ranked 112th nationally (24.7 ypr). The Boilers also must address their punter position.

WISCONSIN

• Kicker: Philip Welch is back after connecting on 17 of 24 field goal attempts as a sophomore.
• Punter: Brad Nortman returns after finishing fourth in the Big Ten in punting average last fall (42 ypp).
• Kick return: David Gilreath has been the man on returns for Wisconsin, and he's back. Isaac Anderson also could be an option here.
• Punt return: Gilreath averaged 5.6 yards and had a 68-yard touchdown as the primary punt returner.
• Quick thoughts: Welch and Nortman boast plenty of experience as the primary specialists. It'll be interesting to see if Wisconsin sticks with Gilreath as its top return man or opens things up to other players this spring. Bret Bielema likely will spend much more time worrying about the kickoff coverage team, which ranked 119th nationally out of 120 FBS teams last fall (26.4 ypr). Punt coverage was decent, but you can bet Wisconsin will spend a lot of time on special teams in spring ball.

It seemed only fitting that Saturday's East-West Shrine Game was decided on a touchdown connection between two Big Ten players.

The Big Ten contingent represented extremely well in Orlando, particularly in crunch time.

Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka capped an impressive two-minute drill by finding Penn State tight end Andrew Quarless for a 2-yard touchdown with six seconds left in the game. The score lifted the East team to a 13-10 victory.

Kafka and Quarless were two of several Big Ten NFL hopefuls who played big roles in the win. Wisconsin's O'Brien Schofield, a defensive end-turned linebacker, had an interception in the first half and Penn State quarterback Daryll Clark led two scoring drives for the East team.

Quarless, Clark and Penn State punter Jeremy Boone won at Orlando's Citrus Bowl Stadium for the second time in three weeks. Thankfully for all of the players in the Shrine Game, the field conditions were a lot better this time around.

Kafka, who earned Offensive MVP honors, completed 18 of 27 pass attempts for 150 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions. Clark was extremely efficient as a passer, completing 7 of 10 attempts for 75 yards.

Michigan State's Blair White recorded game highs in both receptions (7) and receiving yards (93), while Quarless had three receptions for 20-yards, including an exceptional one-handed grab on the final drive. Boone averaged 46 yards on five punts, placing one inside the 20-yard line.

ESPN's Scouts Inc. singled out Kafka and Indiana offensive lineman Rodger Saffold for their strong performances in the game.

Needless to say, several players improved their draft stock on Saturday. It'll be interesting to see if the Big Ten can keep its postseason momentum going this week at the Senior Bowl.

Daryll Clark clearly can't get enough of Orlando.

After leading Penn State to a Capital One Bowl win, Clark is heading back to Orlando for the East-West Shrine Game on Saturday (ESPN2, 3 p.m. ET). The quarterback will join Nittany Lions teammates Andrew Quarless and Jeremy Boone on the East squad.

Here's hoping Clark will get better luck with the field at Citrus Bowl Stadium.

Clark becomes the 12th Big Ten player to participate in the game.

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.

The Big Ten gave us plenty to remember in 2009, and here are 10 moments that stood out to me.

Stanzi to McNutt with 0:00 on the clock: Iowa's perfect record was on the line as the Hawkeyes offense lined up for one final play, trailing Michigan State 13-9 with two seconds left in an Oct. 24 game at Spartan Stadium. On fourth-and-goal from the 7-yard line, quarterback Ricky Stanzi found wide receiver Marvin McNutt in the end zone for the win as Iowa improved to 8-0.

Barclay kick comes up roses: The pseudo Big Ten championship between Ohio State and Iowa went to overtime before Buckeyes backup kicker Devin Barclay, a 26-year-old former Major League Soccer player, drilled a 39-yard field goal for a 27-24 win. Barclay's kick gave Ohio State the outright Big Ten title and its first berth in the Rose Bowl in 13 years.

Expansion on the table: Arguably the Big Ten's biggest news story of 2009 didn't take place on the field, but in a meeting of league presidents and athletics directors in early December. The suits agreed to put league expansion on the front burner and explore the possibility of adding a new member or members. Though the Big Ten typically explores expansion every five years, the league's decision to go public about it is significant.

Decker gets decked but hangs on: Minnesota wide receiver Eric Decker made a national name for himself against Cal, and one play stands out. Early in the second quarter, Decker caught a 26-yard touchdown pass and held on despite taking a vicious shot from Bears safety Sean Cattouse. He needed stitches in his chin but didn't miss a play and caught another touchdown just before halftime.

Rodriguez on the defensive: After allegations of NCAA rule violations rocked Michigan a week before the season, an emotional Rich Rodriguez defended his compliance record and his approach with players at a Sept. 1 news conference. "We know the rules," Rodriguez said, "and we follow the rules." The NCAA launched an investigation into the allegations that has yet to conclude.

Bowl bliss for the Big Ten: OK, so this isn't one moment, but four of them. Two took place in Orlando, one in Miami and one in Pasadena. They marked four bowl victories for Big Ten teams, all against top-15 opponents. These moments signified that the Big Ten hadn't fallen as far as many believed, and that the league will be a major player in the national title race in 2010.

Wootton sacks Stanzi: It's rare when one play has as strong of an impact on two teams' seasons as Corey Wootton's sack of Stanzi did in a Nov. 7 game at Kinnick Stadium. It resulted in a Northwestern touchdown as the Wildcats went on to upset Iowa and go 3-0 in November to reach a New Year's Day bowl. Stanzi suffered a severe ankle sprain and missed the rest of the regular season, as Iowa saw its hopes for a perfect season and the Big Ten title disappear.

Fearless Forcier rallies Michigan past Irish: The Michigan-Notre Dame game turned out to be an entertaining matchup between two very mediocre teams, but it also put Tate Forcier on the national radar. Forcier led the game-winning drive in the final minutes and found Greg Mathews in the end zone with 11 seconds left. The freshman accounted for three touchdowns (2 pass, 1 rush) and 310 total yards.

Illini season ends with a thud: Illinois would like to forget the 2009 season, but it's easy to remember how the miserable campaign ended for Ron Zook's squad. Illinois led 52-51 as Fresno State went for a two-point conversion and the win. Ryan Colburn's desperation pass deflected to Devan Cunningham, a 350-pound offensive tackle, who rumbled into the end zone to give Fresno a 53-52 win.

Penn State punt team gets punk'd: At a rain-soaked Beaver Stadium, Penn State led Iowa 10-5 early in the fourth quarter when Hawkeyes defensive end Adrian Clayborn trucked Nick Sukay, blocked Jeremy Boone's punt and raced 53 yards to the end zone. The play turned around the game, launched Iowa's magical run and handed Penn State a painful loss.

CO-OFFENSE -- Penn State QB Daryll Clark and Purdue QB Joey Elliott

They could be your All-Big Ten quarterbacks come Monday night, and they showed why on Saturday. Clark and Elliott combined to go 40-of-56 passing for 515 yards and eight touchdowns with no interceptions in big victories against Michigan State and Indiana. Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka also deserves a mention.

DEFENSE -- Ohio State S Kurt Coleman

Coleman strengthened his case for Big Ten defensive player of the year honors with two interceptions, both in Ohio State territory, to go along with two pass breakups in the Buckeyes' 21-10 win at Michigan. Honorable mentions go to Ohio State linebacker Brian Rolle, Purdue safety Torri Williams, Iowa linebacker Troy Johnson, Michigan defensive end Brandon Graham, Michigan State linebacker Greg Jones and Penn State linebacker Navorro Bowman.

SPECIAL TEAMS -- Purdue RB Al-Terek McBurse

After Indiana had regained some momentum at the end of the first half, McBurse took it right back with an 87-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to open the third quarter. It marked McBurse's first career touchdown and Purdue's first kickoff return for a score since 2007. Honorable mentions go to Northwestern kicker Stefan Demos, Northwestern kickoff return man Stephen Simmons, Michigan punter Zoltan Mesko and Penn State punter Jeremy Boone.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The Big Ten was well represented on the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District teams, presented today by the College Sports Information Directors of America (COSIDA). It's especially nice to see several of the league's star players succeeding in the classroom.

Here's the breakdown by school of who made the teams, as well as their GPAs and majors:

Illinois

• G Jon Asamoah, 3.82, community health

Iowa

• G Julian Vandervelde, 3.47, religious studies/English

Indiana

• QB Ben Chappell, 3.7, accounting
• RB Trea Burgess, 3.47, telecommunications
• LS Brandon Bugg, 3.62, Master's of business administration

Michigan

• P Zoltan Mesko, 3.65, business administration (marketing & finance)
• WR Jon Conover, 3.54, political science

Michigan State

• WR Blair White, 3.89, human biology
• RB Andrew Hawken, 3.44, supply chain management
• LB Adam Decker, 3.62, finance

Minnesota

• WR Eric Decker, 3.41, business and marketing education
• C Jeff Tow-Arnett, 3.79, business and marketing education

Northwestern

• WR Zeke Markshausen, 3.46, mechanical engineering and design & innovation
• G Doug Bartels, 3.45, anthropology (pre-med)
• K Stefan Demos, 3.49, communication studies

Ohio State

• RB Marcus Williams, 3.86, physical therapy
• OL Bryant Browning, 3.33, marketing
• OL Andrew Moses, 3.86, political science
• DT Todd Denlinger, 3.3, construction systems management

Penn State

• OL Andrew Pitz, 3.93, journalism/telecommunications
• LB Josh Hull, 3.56, environmental systems engineering
• C Stefen Wisniewski, 3.89, secondary education
• P Jeremy Boone, 3.33, elementary education

Purdue

• LB Joe Holland, 4.0, movement & sports science
• DE Ryan Kerrigan, 3.38, math education

Wisconsin

• P Brad Nortman, 3.64, finance

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

I went 3-for-3 on my POTW picks this week, though the league was a little indecisive on the special teams honor (Penn State's Jeremy Boone is very deserving).

OFFENSE -- Wisconsin RB John Clay

Clay set career highs with 184 rushing yards and three touchdowns while matching a career best with 32 carries to lead Wisconsin to a road triumph at Minnesota. The sophomore running back surpassed his previous career high of 143 yards set earlier this year against Fresno State and recorded his third career game of 100 yards or more. After the Gophers took a 13-10 lead at halftime, Clay took over in the second half, gaining 159 of his 184 yards with a pair of one-yard scoring runs. The Wisconsin native leads the Big Ten with 116.4 rushing yards per game and earns player of the week accolades for the first time in his career.

DEFENSE -- Wisconsin DE O'Brien Schofield

Schofield filled the stat sheet with six tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, a career-best two sacks and a pass breakup while also forcing a fumble to end Minnesota’s last-chance drive and secure a three-point road victory. The senior defensive end pushed the Gophers’ offense back 26 yards on his 3.5 tackles for loss, including 19 yards of loss on his two sacks. The Illinois native leads the Big Ten with 4.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss and nabs his first career weekly honor.

CO-SPECIAL TEAMS -- Northwestern K Stefan Demos and Penn State P Jeremy Boone

Handling both punting and kicking duties, Demos connected on all four of his field goal attempts and added an extra point for a career-best 13 points to help Northwestern rally from a 21-3 deficit and earn a road triumph at Purdue. The junior kicker also recorded four punts for 125 yards for an average of 31.3 yards per boot, including placing one inside the 20-yard line. The Arizona native is now a perfect 8-of-8 on field goals this year and collects his second career weekly laurel after being honored as a punter on Sept. 1, 2008.

Boone averaged nearly 50 yards per punt and pinned Illinois inside the five-yard line on two kicks to help Penn State win the field position battle and pick up a road victory. The senior punter recorded four punts for 198 yards, an average of 49.5 yards per attempt, including a long of 66 yards. The 66-yard boot was the third-longest kick of Boone’s career and was downed at the Illinois three-yard line to help change the field position in the first quarter.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- You're not supposed to get a block in punt safe.

The very nature of the coverage scheme calls for the receiving team to set up its blocking and ensure a quality return. The punter doesn't get all day back there, and a handful of players are sent blitzing toward him, but no one ever expects a block.

Fortunately for the Iowa Hawkeyes, Adrian Clayborn doesn't think this way.

	Don McPeak/US Presswire
	Iowa's Adrian Clayborn blocked a punt and returned it 53 yards for a touchdown.

"They teach us to go hard every play because you never know what's going to happen," the Iowa junior defensive end said. "If I didn't go hard that play, who knows the outcome?"

If Clayborn doesn't go hard, Iowa might not secure a 21-10 win against Penn State. If Clayborn doesn't go hard, the Hawkeyes might not be a legit Big Ten title contender.

If Clayborn doesn't go hard, Iowa might not notch a defining road win against a top-5 team, the program's first since 1990 against Illinois.

"For some reason, I was confused," Hawkeyes wide receiver Derrell Johnson-Koulianos said. "I'm like, 'Is this happening?' It didn't seem like it was supposed to happen."

It wasn't, but it did, and Clayborn's punt block early in the fourth quarter totally changed the complexion of the game. For the second time in this young season, special teams helped secure a victory.

But unlike the season opener, in which Iowa needed two blocked field goals to survive a scare from FCS Northern Iowa, Clayborn's block made a national statement that these Hawkeyes are for real.

"It was just a great play," running back Adam Robinson said. "From that point, our team was a different team."

Iowa's coaches teach their players to go "six seconds of Hell on every snap." As Clayborn lined up for the Penn State punt, he decided to make things hellish for Nittany Lions safety Nick Sukay.

Darrell Wilson, Iowa's linebackers and co-special teams coach, told Clayborn that Sukay lined up deep, giving the rushers a chance to penetrate. Clayborn capitalized and bulldozed Sukay, leaving punter Jeremy Boone like an unprotected king on the chessboard.

The only thing better than the block was the bounce, which went right to Clayborn.

"I honestly don't remember catching it," he said. "I remember being in the end zone with people trying to tackle me."

Clayborn's 53-yard path to the end zone felt like a blur. Looked like one, too.

"I've never seen a play like that by a big guy," head coach Kirk Ferentz said.

"He's a monster," linebacker Jeremiha Hunter said.

Clayborn blocked a field goal as a redshirt freshman in 2007, but he hadn't scored a touchdown since his high school days in St. Louis, when he played both linebacker and tight end.

"That was 40 pounds ago," Clayborn joked.

The extra bulk has served the 282-pound Clayborn well, especially in big games. He set the tone for last year's win against Penn State by sacking quarterback Daryll Clark near the goal line and forcing a fumble on the third play of the game. Clayborn had six tackles, two for loss, in the win.

After a slow start against Northern Iowa, he picked things up last week with a forced fumble, a sack and three quarterback hurries in a win over Arizona.

"He's our undisputed leader right now," defensive tackle Christian Ballard said. "We all rally around him. He's the general for the D-line. We look for him to get us going when we're down."

Clayborn provided the lift Iowa needed, though the magnitude of the moment didn't hit him after the game ended.

"Me, I'm still soaking it in," he said. "It's a huge win for our team, the state of Iowa, everybody. We're enjoying it. We're just a little shocked, and glad we pulled it out."

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Instant analysis from Iowa's 21-10 win against No. 5 Penn State at Beaver Stadium.

How the game was won: After allowing a 79-yard touchdown pass on Penn State's first play from scrimmage, Iowa's defense flustered Daryll Clark and the Spread HD attack all night long. The Hawkeyes defensive line put steady pressure on Clark, recording a safety that changed momentum in the second quarter. Linebacker Pat Angerer forced two interceptions down the stretch, and linemen Adrian Clayborn and Broderick Binns turned in huge games.

Turning point: With Iowa's offense stalling in Penn State territory, Clayborn took things into his own hands on special teams. He bulldozed Nick Sukay, blocked a Jeremy Boone punt and raced 53 yards to the end zone, giving Iowa its first lead at 11-10. From there, Iowa's defense took its play to another level, forcing three fourth-quarter turnovers.

Player of the game: This could go to Clayborn, Angerer or Binns, but Clayborn gets the nod. Iowa needed someone to make a game-changing play, especially with the offense repeatedly failing after it crossed the midfield stripe. Clayborn's punt block gave Iowa the belief it could pull the upset, and Angerer reinforced the faith with his interception and forced fumble.

What it means: Iowa joins Ohio State as a front-runner for the Big Ten title and begins a brutal conference road schedule with a huge victory. The Hawkeyes won in arguably the toughest setting in the league and will be prepared for future trips to Michigan State, Wisconsin and Ohio State. Penn State once again falls victim to an Iowa team, and the problems on the offensive line are exposed. Clark and the offense need to rebound against Illinois next week. The Lions are out of the national title picture.

What Iowa learned: Trust a veteran-laden defense, even after a rocky start. Penn State stunned Iowa on the first play from scrimmage, but the Hawkeyes defense didn't get down and kept the team in the game. Iowa's ability to generate turnovers has showed up time and time again. Both defense and special teams proved once again to be the formula for success on the road.

What Penn State learned: An energetic home crowd and a hot start don't mean much if you can't build throughout the game. Clark never looked comfortable against Iowa's defense, and four turnovers will doom even the best of teams. The soft opening slate didn't prepare Penn State for a test like Iowa, which exposed the obvious weaknesses in the Lions' offensive line.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- You just knew Adrian Clayborn would put his mark on this game one way or another.

The Iowa defensive end had a huge game in last year's win against Penn State, and he came off a dominant performance against Arizona a week ago. But for three quarters, Iowa's other defensive end, Broderick Binns, had stolen the show.

Thank goodness for special teams. Clayborn blew up Nick Sukay, blocked Jeremy Boone's punt, collected the ball on two hops and raced 52 yards to the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown. It marked Iowa's first blocked punt for a touchdown since the 2005 Capital One Bowl against LSU. Boone never had a punt blocked before, while Clayborn blocked a field goal attempt as a freshman.

Sukay has had a rough night on special teams. He also had a roughing the punter penalty that prolonged an Iowa drive in the first half.

Iowa's offense has done absolutely nothing to deserve the win, but Norm Parker's defense has carried the day. Ricky Stanzi should take Clayborn, Binns and the defensive line out to dinner if the Hawkeyes hold on.

You know this score (11-10) reminds Penn State fans of the 6-4 Iowa win in 2004.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Thought the position rankings were over? Think again.

We don't forget the specialists on the Big Ten blog, so after a lengthy lull -- blame training camp -- it's time to examine the kicking game around the league. The rankings are based on kickers and punters, return men and coverage units.

Let's begin.

1. Michigan State -- The Spartans return two second-team All-Big Ten picks in kicker Brett Swenson and punter Aaron Bates, who averaged 42 yards on 71 punts. The return game looks a little suspect but a healthy Mark Dell should help.

2. Michigan -- It helps to have the best punter in the league in senior Zoltan Mesko, a leading candidate for the Ray Guy Award. Michigan should be more dynamic on returns with Martavious Odoms and others. The big question here is at kicker.

3. Penn State -- Punter Jeremy Boone didn't get many chances last fall but executed well when called upon. There are questions at kicker after the loss of first-team All-Big Ten performer Kevin Kelly, and Derrick Williams will be missed on returns. Penn State is always good on coverage teams.

4. Ohio State -- A few more question marks here than normal, but Ohio State's special teams track record under Jim Tressel can't be denied. Aaron Pettrey should be fine at kicker and has a strong leg. Ohio State brings back the league's top punt return man in Ray Small. The Buckeyes need to upgrade their kick return unit after finishing 108th nationally in 2008.

5. Iowa -- Punter Ryan Donahue is a stud and likely will set school records by the time he's done. Daniel Murray showed he could make a clutch kick against Penn State, though he remains in competition with Trent Mossbrucker. Andy Brodell is a big loss at punt returner, and Jewel Hampton might not be available to return kicks.

6. Wisconsin -- I really like Wisconsin's young specialists, kicker Phillip Welch and punter Brad Nortman. But you can't rank last nationally in kickoff returns and expect to be high on this list. Wisconsin needs to jump start its returns with David Gilreath.

7. Indiana -- Chris Hagerup is a terrific young punter after nailing 13 punts for more than 50 yards last fall. Demetrius McCray looks solid on kickoff returns. Indiana must replace former All-Big Ten kicker Austin Starr, but Starr really struggled last fall (10-for-17). Heralded freshman kicker Mitch Ewald joins the mix.

8. Purdue -- Carson Wiggs did a nice job at kicker after taking over for Chris Summers, who will handle the punting duties this fall. Purdue needs to improve its punting after finishing last in the league in 2008, but the return game looks solid with Aaron Valentin and Royce Adams.

9. Minnesota -- The Gophers are starting over after losing both of their top specialists. They'll be relying on junior Eric Ellestad and freshman Dan Orseske to step up. It helps to have the league's most dynamic return man in Troy Stoudermire.

10. Northwestern -- All too often, the kicking game has cost Northwestern, most notably in the Alamo Bowl against Missouri. Stefan Demos is finally healthy and could handle both the kicking and punting duties this fall. The Wildcats could use a boost in the return game from Stephen Simmons or Andrew Brewer.

11. Illinois -- I really like sophomore kicker Matt Eller, who beat Iowa with a field goal last November. But it's no secret the Illini need significant upgrades on their punt teams after finishing 10th in punting and last in returns. Florida transfer Jarred Fayson should boost the return game. The Illini must improve their kickoff and punt coverage.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Three Big Ten teams finished among the top 11 nationally in net punting last season, and punter once again figures to be a strong position in the league. 

More evidence arrived Tuesday as Michigan's Zoltan Mesko and Iowa's Ryan Donahue were named to the watch list for the Ray Guy Award, given to the nation's top punter. Mesko led the Big Ten and ranked 20th nationally in punting average (42.95 ypp) despite a whopping 80 attempts for the Wolverines. Donahue has averaged 41.3 yards per punt in his career.

Both men were semifinalists for the Ray Guy Award last season, when the hardware went to Oklahoma State's Matt Fodge. 

I was a little surprised not to see Michigan State's Aaron Bates or Penn State's Jeremy Boone on the nine-man Guy Award watch list. Boone averaged 43 yards a punt in very limited action last year (Penn State's offense didn't need him much), while Bates was a workhorse for the Spartans.

Keep an eye on two younger punters, Indiana's Chris Hagerup and Wisconsin's Brad Nortman, who will contend for the Guy Award in future seasons.  

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Thanks to several of you for reminding me about special teams, a subject I had planned to tackle during spring ball but got bogged down with too many other things.

Here's a quick look at where each Big Ten team stands on special teams heading into the summer. A more comprehensive position-by-position ranking will come your way a little closer to the season.

GOOD SHAPE

Michigan State -- The Spartans return Lou Groza Award candidate Brett Swenson along with punter Aaron Bates, who averaged 42 yards per boot last season. Punt return man Otis Wiley is gone, but Mark Dell should step in nicely and the Spartans boast some exciting, young talent in Keshawn Martin, Jairus Jones and others.

Ohio State -- The Buckeyes don't have as many special teams certainties as most years, but history doesn't lie. Ohio State will always be strong on special teams under head coach Jim Tressel. Punter is a question mark, but Aaron Pettrey should be fine on field goals. Ray Small is one of the nation's best punt return men, and the kickoff return unit should be much more dynamic than it was last year.

Illinois -- The Illini return both of their starting specialists, and kicker Matt Eller looks like a keeper after connecting on 8 of 10 field goal attempts from beyond 40 yards last year. Illinois' return game also should be much improved as Florida transfer Jarred Fayson enters a mix that includes Arrelious Benn.

SO-SO

Penn State -- Jeremy Boone is one of the league's best punters, and odds are Penn State will be fine on special teams by the end of the season. But Kevin Kelly is a big loss at kicker, and the Nittany Lions will miss the dynamic Derrick Williams on punt and kickoff returns. Penn State will look to Chaz Powell to provide a spark on returns.

Iowa -- Ryan Donahue has established himself as a solid Big Ten punter, and the Hawkeyes have two options at kicker in Daniel Murray, the hero of the Penn State victory, and Trent Mossbrucker. The big loss comes at punt returner, as Andy Brodell was one of the best around. Iowa also might need a primary kick returner if Jewel Hampton moves into a starting spot at running back.

Minnesota -- The Gophers have the Big Ten's most dangerous return man in Troy Stoudermire, who averaged 25.8 yards on kickoff returns and racked up more than 1,000 return yards last year. Marcus Sherels is a very solid punt return man, but the Gophers must replace both of their starting specialists. Hopes are high for heralded freshman punter Dan Orseske.

Michigan -- Bad seasons usually equal a lot of work for the punter, and Zoltan Mesko came through in a big way for Michigan last fall. The Big Ten's best punter is back, and Michigan also boasts return men Martavious Odoms and Boubacar Cissoko. The situation at kicker looks a bit messy, and Rich Rodriguez will need some of his incoming freshmen to contribute right away.

Wisconsin -- Kicker Phillip Welch comes off a stellar freshman season in which he connected on 17 of 20 field goal attempts. Punter Brad Nortman also comes back, and David Gilreath remains a dangerous man on punt and kickoff returns.

A LITTLE SHAKY

Purdue -- From field goals to punt coverage, Purdue had its adventures on special teams last fall. But if Carson Wiggs continues to perform well on makeable kicks, the Boilers should be fine. Purdue loses Desmond Tardy, who led the Big Ten in kickoff returns (28.8 yards per return), as well as Kory Sheets. Hopes are high for Aaron Valentin on kickoff returns after the wideout averaged 25.7 yards per runback in 2008.

Indiana -- Austin Starr didn't have the senior season he envisioned, but the All-Big Ten kicker most certainly will be missed in Bloomington. Indiana also loses Marcus Thigpen, who made his mark as a kickoff returner. Punter Chris Hagerup looks like a keeper but comes off knee surgery, and the Hoosiers are looking for help on returns.

Northwestern -- The Wildcats need to reach a point where special teams no longer costs them games. It happened again in the Alamo Bowl, a game Northwestern should have won. Punter Stefan Demos did a lot of nice things last season but can't afford critical mistakes like the one he made in the bowl (kicking to Jeremy Maclin). The Wildcats bring in a scholarship kicker in Jeff Budzien, and they need some help on returns.