ESPN College Football

2011 record: 7-6
2011 conference record: 4-4 (fourth, Legends Division)
Returning starters: offense: 6; defense: 5; kicker/punter: 1

Top returners

QB James Vandenberg, C James Ferentz, WR Keenan Davis, TE C.J. Fiedorowicz, CB Micah Hyde, LB James Morris, LB Christian Kirksey, S Tanner Miller

Key losses

RB Marcus Coker, WR Marvin McNutt, OT Riley Reff, G Adam Gettis, DT Mike Daniels, DE Broderick Binns, LB Tyler Nielsen, CB Shaun Prater

2011 statistical leaders (*returners)

Rushing: Marcus Coker (1,384 yards)
Passing: James Vandenberg* (3,022 yards)
Receiving: Marvin McNutt (1,315 yards)
Tackles: James Morris* and Christian Kirksey* (110)
Sacks: Mike Daniels (9)
Interceptions: Micah Hyde* and Tanner Miller (3)

Spring answers

1. Embracing change: Iowa is going through a historic number of changes, including the first new coordinators (Greg Davis and Phil Parker) in Kirk Ferentz's tenure as head coach. But for the most part, players and coaches seem to be embracing the new elements of the program, including an offense that will diverge a bit from what Iowa ran under Ken O'Keefe. The Hawkeyes will be a more up-tempo offense and mix in some no-huddle elements. "They've been extremely open to everything," Davis told ESPN.com. "Sometimes the same play said differently and explained differently creates excitement. And I sense an excitement."

2. Back seven emerging: There's no doubt Iowa will lean on its defensive back seven this season. Cornerback Micah Hyde has established himself as a premier playmaker and a team leader, and Ferentz likened the career paths of linebackers James Morris and Christian Kirksey to those of former stars Chad Greenway and Abdul Hodge. Linebacker play could be a major strength for Iowa this fall, while players like Hyde and Tanner Miller bring experience to the secondary.

3. C.J.'s time: Tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz arrived at Iowa with a lot of hype and attention. He appears poised for a breakout junior season in Davis' offense. "This is only 39 springs I've been in, and I've never had a tight end like C.J.," Davis told reporters. At 6-foot-7 and 265 pounds, Fiedorowicz can create a lot of problems for opposing defenses and should be an integral part of the Hawkeyes' passing attack this fall.

Fall questions

1. Defensive line: Iowa hasn't been this young up front in recent memory, and despite a strong track record at defensive line, there are major question marks entering the summer. The coaches are relying on Steve Bigach and Joe Gaglione, the only veteran linemen on the field this spring, as well as Dominic Alvis, who will return from a torn ACL this fall. But Iowa undoubtedly needs young players like Darian Cooper, Riley McMinn and Carl Davis to take steps and contribute.

2. Running back: Stop me if you've heard this before, but Iowa enters the summer with big questions at the running back position following Marcus Coker's transfer and Jordan Canzeri's ACL injury during spring ball. The good news is that despite an unfortunate stretch of bad luck and bad circumstances, Iowa has consistently developed good to great Big Ten backs. The Hawkeyes must do so again as unproven returnees Damon Bullock and De'Andre Johnson compete with decorated incoming freshmen Greg Garmon and Barkley Hill.

3. The search for No. 1 receiver: All-Big Ten selection Marvin McNutt leaves a significant void, and given Iowa's question marks at running back, the team really needs a No. 1 receiver to emerge. Keenan Davis seems like the obvious choice, but he had an "up and down" spring, according to Ferentz, with some injuries. Kevonte Martin-Manley played a lot last year and could be ready to make some strides, as could Don Shumpert. "We have some room there for guys to step up," Ferentz said.

Big Ten bloggers Adam Rittenberg and Brian Bennett will occasionally give their takes on a burning question facing the league. We'll both have strong opinions, but not necessarily the same view. We'll let you decide which blogger is right.

Today's Take Two topic is this: Last season, defensive tackle was clearly the strongest overall position group in the Big Ten. What position will be the best throughout the league in 2012?

Take 1: Brian Bennett

I'm tempted to go with linebacker, where some high-profile players and future stars are scattered throughout the conference. But my pick is running back.

There's some major star power at the position this year in the Big Ten, starting off with last year's Heisman Trophy finalist and record breaker, Wisconsin's Montee Ball. While Ball is the obvious choice for preseason offensive player of the year, he could get pushed by some other backs, including Nebraska's tough-as-nails Rex Burkhead, who ran for 1,357 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. Even with last year's No. 2 league rusher (Iowa's Marcus Coker) gone, the position is still stacked with guys like Penn State's Silas Redd, who we both think is primed for a huge season; Michigan's Fitz Toussaint, who ran for more than 1,000 yards despite not taking over lead rushing duties until the eighth game of the season; and Michigan State's Le'Veon Bell, who came on strong late last season and looks great this spring.

Purdue has some very capable runners in Akeem Shavers, Akeem Hunt and Doug Gentry, and Ralph Bolden is coming back from an ACL injury. Ohio State has a potentially strong group with Carlos Hyde, Jordan Hall, Rod Smith and freshman Bri'onte Dunn. Stephen Houston showed some good things for Indiana last year, and transfer Isaiah Roundtree had a big spring game. Minnesota is high on junior college import James Gillum. And don't forget James White at Wisconsin, who could start for most teams in the country.

Iowa, Illinois and Northwestern have some question marks at tailback. But overall, running back is where the Big Ten's bread will be buttered this season.

Take 2: Adam Rittenberg

A good choice, Bennett, as the Big Ten returns six of its top seven running backs and would have brought back all seven if not for Marcus Coker's transfer. But my experience covering this league has taught me to never overlook the defensive line. The D-line once again will be the Big Ten's strongest group in 2012.

Sure, the league loses standouts like Devon Still, Whitney Mercilus and Jerel Worthy. But you could substitute the names Aaron Maybin and Mitch King after the 2008 season, or Brandon Graham and Jared Odrick after 2009, or J.J. Watt and Corey Liuget after 2010. The Big Ten always finds ways to reload up front, and this year will be no different. There might not be as many familiar names as there are at running back, but that soon will change.

Let's start off with the top returning linemen, Ohio State's John Simon and Purdue's Kawann Short, both of whom earned first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2011. Both men will contend for All-America honors, and could be potential first-round picks in the 2013 class. Then you have a guy we're both excited about: Michigan State defensive end William Gholston. He's a physical freak, as you recently detailed, and has the potential to dominate games and become one of the nation's truly elite defenders in 2012. I'd also include Penn State defensive tackle Jordan Hill in this group of known commodities with the potential for very big things this season. Penn State's overall depth along the defensive line should be better this year.

Now for some lesser-known names who could have breakout seasons. Let's start at Illinois with defensive end Michael Buchanan and defensive tackle Akeem Spence. Buchanan is poised for a big year, as he showed in Illinois' spring game, while Spence is a next-level player who could follow Liuget's path this season. Speaking of defensive tackles, watch out for Ohio State's Johnathan Hankins, a very big man who can do very big things this season. The Buckeyes' heralded incoming freshmen should only bolster their line.

Michigan loses two standout linemen (Mike Martin and Ryan Van Bergen), but it's hard to imagine the Wolverines falling back much at all up front. Nebraska boasts good depth at the defensive end spot and could see a big year from a guy like Cameron Meredith.

While there are some question marks around the league, including an unproven line at Iowa, teams like Northwestern and Minnesota should be improved up front.

AIRBHG has reared his ugly head.

AIRBHG? You don't know him? Unfortunately, Iowa fans know him all too well. He's the Angry Iowa Running Back Hating God, and he has taken another victim.

Hawkeyes sophomore running back Jordan Canzeri has torn an ACL in his knee and likely will miss the 2012 season, according to multiple reports. Canzeri, listed as Iowa's top running back on the pre-spring depth chart, injured his knee in practice Wednesday, and an MRI performed Thursday revealed the tear.

Scout.com first reported the news and talked with Canzeri's father, Brian.

"Dr. [Ned] Amendola said it was the ACL but the good news is that the rest of the knee is solid," Brian Canzeri said. "He's going to have surgery next week and hopes to get back into practice in September."

Brian Canzeri said that he expects his son to ease into things when he's cleared to practice and will most likely redshirt for the 2012 season.

Sources tell The (Cedar Rapids) Gazette that Canzeri, who has a redshirt available, won't play this fall.

The team has yet to confirm Canzeri's injury.

The loss of Canzeri isn't as devastating as Marcus Coker's departure in January, it continues a baffling string of setbacks for Iowa's running backs. Although AIRBHG has been around since 2001, he has been particularly cruel since Doak Walker Award winner Shonn Greene departed following the 2008 season. Since Greene declared for the NFL draft, Iowa has had six running backs leave the program, culminating with Coker, who ranked second in the Big Ten with 1,384 yards in 2011.

Canzeri started in place of the suspended Coker for the 2011 Insight Bowl, and he would have been in the mix to start this coming season. He's a smaller back, and Iowa likely will use a rotation rather than identify a bell cow like Coker was in 2011.

Canzeri's injury leaves Damon Bullock and De'Andre Johnson as Iowa's primary running backs in spring practice. Fullback Brad Rogers could see some carries at running back, but the big hope is that incoming freshmen Greg Garmon and Barkley Hill can contribute. Garmon in particular drew high marks as a high school standout.

As The (Cedar Rapids) Gazette's Marc Morehouse points out, Iowa has used a true freshman at running back in each of the past five seasons.

"Both of them are a little bit bigger backs," Hawkeyes running backs coach Lester Erb told reporters Wednesday, before Canzeri injured his knee. "Greg is more of a slasher. but he shows he can get downhill and run tough. Very good speed. Then Barkley just had a tremendous high school career up there at Cedar Falls and we are excited to get him in here. Both guys have a passion for football and both guys are going to have a chance to come in here and compete."

Iowa wants to run the ball and have balance in its offense, but the running back position has been so unstable that the Hawkeyes might have to once again trend toward the pass in 2012. It would really help if Garmon and/or Hill can contribute immediately this fall.

In honor of the weather, these links were cooked under record-high temperatures.

• Wisconsin's quarterback competition this spring begins with the team's top two pass-catchers sidelined. Badgers coach Bret Bielema is geared up for spring ball.
• Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson knows he has to be more vocal as a senior. Craig Roh bulks up to play strong-side defensive end.
• Adrian Amos and Bill Belton are among Penn State's young players who could be difference-makers. Recently dismissed Lions DL Shawn Oakman faces charges from a February incident. A decorated D-line recruit visits State College this weekend.
• A look at Iowa's extremely young defensive line in spring ball. Former Hawkeyes RB Marcus Coker moves forward at Stony Brook.
• Urban Meyer's new home gives him a front-row seat when The Memorial golf tournament rolls through C-Bus.
• Minnesota QB MarQueis Gray is surrounded by a different group of challengers this spring. Gophers players are more comfortable with the practice pace this spring.
• Michigan State is making a recruiting push in America's dairyland.
• Purdue defensive end Robert Maci plays through pain as he competes for a starting job. Boilers running back Ralph Bolden once again battles back from an ACL injury.
• Some highlights from Week 2 of Indiana's spring session.

It has been a very busy day in the sports world, so if you missed my chat, I'll forgive you. Just this once.

And, as always, I've got you covered with the full Big Ten chat transcript. Please check it out.

Some highlights:

Edward from Maryland: If Penn State were land transfer QB Danny O'Brien, how do you think that would change PSU's season outlook? Would O'Brien make PSU the favorite to win the Leaders Division?

Adam Rittenberg: He might, Edward. The Leaders Division is so wide open because of Ohio State's bowl ban and Wisconsin's personnel/coaching issues. Penn State could have the best defense in the division, especially in the front seven. But the offense is such a question mark in State College, and the QB play hasn't been nearly as good as it needs to be. O'Brien certainly would change how we view PSU in 2012.

Waffles from B1G Blog Hangout: Wisconsin is becoming Transfer QB U, which can be a good thing in the short term. You think we've got greater than a 50% chance of getting Maryland's QB, or do you think it's less than 50%?

Adam Rittenberg: Hey Waffles, always a pleasure. I've always thought Vanderbilt would be the frontrunner given O'Brien's relationship with James Franklin, but transferring to the SEC is a little more complex than transferring to the Big Ten when you've graduated. Also, Wisconsin's success with Russell Wilson has to be appealing to a guy like DO. I'd put Wisconsin's chances below 50 percent, but only because there are so many other schools in play right now.

TerryT1974 from Cleveland, Tenn.: what is it that makes you feel michigan st. over michigan at this present time .Do they have a quaterback that can give them what they had last year

Adam Rittenberg: Probably not, Terry, but they have the Big Ten's best defense in my view, perhaps by a wide margin. Michigan State has difference-makers in all three levels of the defense. Line: William Gholston. Linebacker: Denicos Allen, Max Bullough. Secondary: Johnny Adams. No other Big Ten team can say that right now. Also, I think MSU will rush the ball a lot better in 2012 as the line comes together a little more. There are some question marks for sure, but no Big Ten team in my view has more difference-making defenders than the Spartans right now.

jpat0973 from Cleveland: seems like the B1G has gotten away from its roots a bit and doesn't have the assortment of feature RBs that it normally does. Who is out there as up-and-comers?

Adam Rittenberg: I don't know if I agree with you on this. The Big Ten looks pretty strong at running back entering 2012 and would have been even stronger had Marcus Coker stayed at Iowa (sorry, Hawks fans). But you've got Montee Ball at Wisconsin along with James White, Rex Burkhead at Nebraska, Silas Redd at Penn State, Fitz Toussaint at Michigan, Le'Veon Bell at Michigan State. I'd also throw in a guy like Stephen Houston at Indiana and Akeem Shavers at Purdue as potential up-and-comers. Ohio State's RB situation should be really interesting this spring. While you might not be seeing as many 230-pound, Eddie George types in the Big Ten, there are still quite a few quality backs.

Thanks again for all the questions, and my apologies to those whose questions weren't answered. It was good to be back in the chat mix this week.

Let's do it again next Wednesday.

If you think this is over, then you're wrong.

• Marcus Coker is looking for a fresh start at Stony Brook.
• Former Kansas quarterback Jordan Webb, who would be immediately eligible, is looking for a new school and says he plans to visit Wisconsin next month.
• Ryan Van Bergen and other Michigan players showed off at pro day. Brady Hoke gets the Q&A treatment from the Orlando Sentinel. A look at the Wolverines' special teams heading into spring practice.
• You can expect a lot of shuffling on the Minnesota offensive line this spring. Jerry Kill is optimistic the Gophers will improve this season.
• Nebraska's Alonzo Whaley, the top candidate to replace Lavonte David, has fought through some adversity to get to this point. Fullback is back as an important position for the Huskers, and transfer Mike Marrow is a candidate to see time there.
• There's word in this Bob Hunter column that longtime former Ohio State assistant coach Jim Heacock has retired.
• A poll shows that a majority of Pennsylvanians favor renaming Penn State's Beaver Stadium after Joe Paterno. Defensive end recruit Garrett Sickels talks about picking the Nittany Lions.
• Kyle Prater got a university waiver to participate in Northwestern's spring practice.
• Illinois picked up an offensive lineman for the 2013 class.

A vocal portion of the Iowa fan base longed to replace offensive coordinator Ken O'Keefe and bring in some new blood from outside the program. Those Hawkeyes fans got their wish but might be surprised at how similar the new playcaller is to the former one.

The 58-year-old O'Keefe resigned earlier this month after 13 years as Kirk Ferentz's offensive coordinator, moving on to an assistant's job with the Miami Dolphins. O'Keefe's conservative style was heavily criticized, though his offenses experienced major success behind star quarterbacks. Ferentz chose to replace him Monday with former Texas offensive coordinator Greg Davis -- a 60-year-old veteran assistant who spent 13 years calling plays for the Longhorns and who was criticized for being too conservative, though his offenses had major success behind star quarterbacks.

OK, it's far too simplistic to suggest O'Keefe and Davis are cut from the exact same cloth. But there are certainly some interesting parallels between the two.

Like O'Keefe, Davis probably weathered more criticism than he deserved. When he had it rolling, his offenses were some of the very best in the country. The 2005 Longhorns averaged more than 50 points per game on their way to the BCS title behind the singular talents of Vince Young at quarterback. He oversaw other prolific attacks led by quarterback Colt McCoy, as Texas beat Ohio State in 2009 Fiesta Bowl and earned a spot in the 2010 BCS title game. Davis also developed standout quarterbacks Major Applewhite and Chris Simms, not unlike how O'Keefe produced stars at the position like Brad Banks and Ricky Stanzi.

Yet for all of his successes in Austin, Davis never truly felt the love from the fan base. For the longest time, before Young blossomed into a superstar, the Longhorns stalled on offense against tough opponents, especially Oklahoma. After McCoy graduated, Texas struggled for two years to get back on track before Mack Brown finally showed his longtime trusted friend the door. The team struggled mightily to generate a strong rushing game once Jamaal Charles headed to the NFL after the 2007 season. To put it simply, Davis' offenses worked when he had a great quarterback and scuffled when they didn't.

While Texas used spread elements, particularly with Young and McCoy in charge, Davis often stuck to the basics and had a maddening tendency to play it safe in big spots. Sound familiar, Hawkeyes fans?

It must also be noted that Davis also benefited from some wildly impressive, blue-chip offensive talent that Brown recruited, like Young, McCoy, Charles, Roy Williams and Limas Sweed. While Iowa has done a great job under Ferentz of identifying and developing players, the Hawkeyes don't get the kind of five-star recruits that Texas brings in every year. Few teams do, so that's no knock on Iowa. Part of the problem in Texas the past couple years seems to be that the highly-rated recruits weren't as good as people thought. Can Davis succeed without top-notch talent?

Davis must also prove that he can design a consistent, competent running game, which has long been a hallmark of Ferentz's teams. He'll need to do so without any proven depth at the position after Marcus Coker's departure. The happiest man in Iowa City should be James Vandenberg, who should thrive under Davis in his second year of starting at quarterback.

Davis has been a coach for 33 years and has been a part of a lot of very successful teams. There is much to like about him and his résumé. There are also a lot of similarities between him and O'Keefe, for better and for worse. Ferentz has never had any other playcaller at Iowa besides O'Keefe, so it's little surprise that he stayed true to form with this pick.

The Big Ten postseason Top 25 player countdown keeps chugging along. As a reminder, we're basing these rankings on 2011 performance and impact and not other factors like NFL potential.

That said, it's time to spotlight an Iowa player who happens to have excellent NFL potential ...

No. 13: Riley Reiff, LT, Iowa, Jr., 6-6, 300

Preseason rank: No. 8

2011 numbers: Reiff started all 13 games at left tackle and ended his career with 34 consecutive starts and 37 overall.

Why he's here: Offensive linemen are usually spotlighted for bad things like penalties or sacks allowed, so the fact we didn't hear much about Reiff in 2011 underscores his steady play. Although Iowa's offense had its good moments and its struggles, Reiff provided a consistent presence at left tackle. He earned first-team All-Big Ten honors from both the coaches and the media, and appeared on several postseason All-America squads. Reiff protected the Big Ten's No. 3 passer in James Vandenberg and helped running back Marcus Coker rush for 1,384 yards.

A physical player with polished fundamentals, Reiff contained several of the nation's top pass-rushers in his career. With little to prove, he declared for the NFL draft in early January. Like his Iowa predecessor Bryan Bulaga, Reiff will forgo his final season, and he's expected to be the first Big Ten player selected in April.

Previously

No. 14: B.J. Cunningham, WR, Michigan State
No. 15: John Simon, DL, Ohio State
No. 16: Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan
No. 17: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin
No. 18: A.J. Jenkins, WR, Illinois
No. 19: Gerald Hodges, LB, Penn State
No. 20: Kevin Zeitler, G, Wisconsin
No. 21: Marcus Coker, RB, Iowa
No. 22: Silas Redd, RB, Penn State
No. 23: Kawann Short, DT, Purdue
No. 24: Mike Taylor, LB, Wisconsin
No. 25: Fitz Toussaint, RB, Michigan

The 2012 Big Ten season doesn't kick off for six-and-a-half months, but spring football is just around the corner. All 12 Big Ten squads will hit the field next month for the first of 15 spring practices. There are plenty of new faces, as the winter months brought an unprecedented number of coaching changes to the Big Ten. Should be a fun and exciting spring around the conference.

Let's take a quick look at the Leaders Division:

IOWA

Spring practice start date: March 24
Spring game: April 14

What to watch:

• New coaching flavor: For the first time in the Kirk Ferentz era, Iowa will welcome new coordinators on both sides of the ball. Phil Parker isn't exactly new, having served as Iowa's defensive backs coach throughout Ferentz's tenure, but he now takes charge of the defense for the first time. Will he continue running Norm Parker's scheme or shake things up? Iowa also will have a new offensive coordinator (yet to be named) and several new position coaches, including Reese Morgan, who moves from offensive line to defensive line.
• Running back auditions: Iowa once again needs to identify a featured back after Marcus Coker transferred to Stony Brook in January. Coker basically was the team's rushing attack in 2011, accounting for 77.3 percent of the rushing yards and 61.9 percent of the carries. Jordan Canzeri and Jason White will compete with several other unproven players this spring. The good news is Iowa has had little trouble developing backs. Keeping them is another story.
• Reloading the defensive line: The running backs might get more attention, but defensive line is Iowa's most pressing need entering the spring. The Hawkeyes lose three starters from last season's squad, including NFL prospect Mike Daniels at defensive tackle. While D-line historically has been a strength for Iowa, the Hawkeyes haven't had so much uncertainty in quite some time. Morgan, who hasn't coached on the defensive side, has his work cut out this spring.

MICHIGAN

Spring practice start date: March 17
Spring game: April 14

What to watch:

• Defensive line rotation: It's a good thing coach Brady Hoke and defensive coordinator Greg Mattison focus so much on the defensive line. The unit needs some extra attention this spring after losing standouts Mike Martin and Ryan Van Bergen. The defensive tackle spot will be particularly interesting. A lot of eyes will be on Will Campbell to see if the big man can finally blossom. Quinton Washington and others are in the mix.
• Receiving orders: Michigan needs to develop more options in the passing game this spring. The team loses top wideout Junior Hemingway, and Darryl Stonum was dismissed from the squad in January following another legal issue. Roy Roundtree needs a big spring as he looks to re-establish himself as the team's No. 1 wideout after a production drop-off last season. Tight end Kevin Koger also departs, creating an opportunity for others.
• Al Borges' offense, Take 2: The new offense had some highs and lows in Year 1, and Michigan will be looking to establish greater consistency this season. It'll be interesting to see how a full year in the system impacts quarterback Denard Robinson. Robinson must cut down on his interceptions after tossing 15 last season. The Wolverines also are looking for an offensive line anchor following the departure of All-American center David Molk.

MICHIGAN STATE

Spring practice start date: March 27
Spring game: April 28

What to watch:

• Take it to the Max: Andrew Maxwell's time has arrived as he steps in for three-year starter and three-time captain Kirk Cousins at quarterback. It's a tall order, but Maxwell has been groomed for this moment and has shown good potential in practices. He'll be working with a new set of leading receivers, including Tennessee transfer DeAnthony Arnett, who hopes to be cleared to play for the upcoming season. Maxwell must establish himself as a team leader this spring.
• We're not Worthy: All-American Jerel Worthy is gone, and Michigan State needs a replacement for the standout defensive tackle. While Anthony Rashad White returns at the other D-tackle spot, the Spartans don't have much overall depth at the position. It'll be interesting to see what the coaches do with Micajah Reynolds, who has bounced between defensive line and offensive line during his career. It's a big spring for Vanderbilt transfer James Kittredge and a host of players who redshirted last season, including Damon Knox.
• Receiving orders: Arnett seemingly would be Michigan State's No. 1 receiver if he's ruled eligible by the NCAA, but there are no guarantees and the Spartans must identify other options this spring. Bennie Fowler showed promise in 2010 before being slowed by a foot injury last season. He needs a strong spring. Michigan State also is moving Tony Lippett back to receiver from cornerback, where he started several games last season. Lippett is an excellent athlete who can provide a boost on the edge. The Spartans also will be looking for more from tight end Dion Sims.

MINNESOTA

Spring practice start date: March 22
Spring game: April 21

What to watch:

• The search for a pass rush: Minnesota should be improved on offense in Year 2 of the Jerry Kill era, but the team could sink or swim depending on the defense. It starts up front with a defensive line that hasn't generated much pressure for several years. Coordinator Tracy Claeys wants to be aggressive, but can he find difference-makers? The Gophers haven't had an elite pass-rusher since Willie VanDeSteeg in 2008.
• Supporting cast on offense: Although quarterback Marqueis Gray had his ups and downs last season, he accounted for most of Minnesota's offense, leading the team with 966 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. Gray needs more help if the Gophers intend to take the next step this season. Minnesota will be looking for a featured running back this spring, as Donnell Kirkwood and others are in the mix. The Gophers also need more options at receiver after losing Da'Jon McKnight.
• Troy Stoudermire: Stoudermire turned heads last spring with some big hits from the cornerback spot. After receiving an additional year of eligibility from the NCAA in January, he'll look to deliver more punishment. Minnesota desperately needs leaders and playmakers to emerge in the secondary, and Stoudermire's return could be huge after he missed most last season with a broken bone in his forearm.

NEBRASKA

Spring practice start date: March 10
Spring game: April 14

What to watch:

• Star search on defense: No Big Ten defense loses more star power than Nebraska, which must replace linebacker Lavonte David and cornerback Alfonzo Dennard, the league's top performers at their respective positions. David's departure is especially critical, as Nebraska lacked depth in its defensive midsection last season. Although Nebraska played most of the past season without defensive tackle Jared Crick, it needs some difference-makers to emerge in all three levels of the defense this spring.
• Papuchis takes over: Like Iowa, Nebraska promoted a position coach to defensive coordinator, as John Papuchis takes control of a unit that fell short of expectations last season. Papuchis is young and energetic, and his rapid rise mirrors that of his boss, Huskers head coach Bo Pelini. Although no system overhaul is expected, it will be interesting to see how Papuchis puts his imprint on the defense this spring.
• Taylor Martinez's maturation: Despite two years as the starter and the support of his coaches, Martinez enters a pivotal spring. Although Martinez remained healthy last season and showed improved decision-making at times, he also completed just 56.3 percent of his passes and didn't break off as many long runs. A full year in Tim Beck's offense could pay off for Martinez this spring, but he needs to continue to make strides. It will be interesting to see if the coaches even entertain the possibility of a competition, or if backup Brion Carnes gets more reps.

NORTHWESTERN

Spring practice start date: March 3
Spring game: April 14

What to watch:

• Colter and the QB race: Northwestern will have a quarterback competition this spring as it looks for Dan Persa's replacement, but the hope among many is for Kain Colter to take control. Colter stepped in for Persa last season and emerged as the team's best all-around offensive weapon. But he needs to improve his arm strength and his accuracy and show he can be a more complete quarterback at this level. Although Colter will be on the field no matter what in the fall, he has the opportunity in spring ball to solidify himself as the starting quarterback.
• Young defenders: The defense has been a big problem for the past year and a half, and Northwestern needs to identify more playmakers before September. The good news is the Wildcats played a lot of young players last season, particularly late in the season. Northwestern needs its youth to mature, beginning in the spring. Keep an eye on players such as defensive end Tyler Scott, safety Ibraheim Campbell, linebacker Collin Ellis and cornerback Daniel Jones. Northwestern needs several of them to take the next step.
• Spotlight on the secondary: Few Big Ten units struggled more than Northwestern's secondary did last season. Making matters worse, the Wildcats lose three starters, including All-Big Ten safety Brian Peters and cornerback Jordan Mabin, a four-year starter. If Northwestern ever intends to turn the corner as a program, it needs to build better depth in the secondary, whether it's through recruiting or from moving players from other positions. It'll be interesting to see how the group performs this spring.

The Big Ten postseason Top 25 player rankings march on with No. 21. As a reminder, these rankings are based on 2011 on-field performance only, not future potential or NFL projections.

No. 21: Marcus Coker, RB, Iowa, So., 6-foot, 230

Preseason rank: Not ranked

2011 numbers: Finished second in the Big Ten in both rushing yards (1,384) and rushing average (115.3 ypg), ranking 15th nationally in the latter category. He led the Big Ten in carries per game (23.4) and had seven 100-yard rushing performances. Coker scored 15 rush touchdowns and added 21 receptions for 157 yards.

Why he's here: After a breakthrough performance in the 2010 Insight Bowl, Coker thrived in a featured role for the Hawkeyes this fall. He was Iowa's sole ball-carrying option for most of the season and displayed both consistency and durability. Coker led the Big Ten in rushing for part of the fall and had four consecutive 100-yard rushing performances during Big Ten play, including a career-high 252-yard effort against Minnesota. He had only two games where he lost more than three yards and helped Iowa eclipse 40 points in four of its first seven games.

Coker scored two touchdowns or more in six of the Hawkeyes' first nine games. He accounted for 77.3 percent of Iowa's rushing yards and 61.9 percent of the team's carries despite being suspended for the Insight Bowl. Unfortunately, Coker's time at Iowa ended when he decided to leave the team in January and transfer to FCS Stony Brook.

Previously

No. 22: Silas Redd, RB, Penn State
No. 23: Kawann Short, DT, Purdue
No. 24: Mike Taylor, LB, Wisconsin
No. 25: Fitz Toussaint, RB, Michigan

Realizations are the worst!

• Brady Hoke calls Ohio State "Ohio" and now Urban Meyer will only refer to Michigan as "that team up north," like Woody Hayes did. The Buckeyes are still waiting for Stefon Diggs, who might not be ready to make a decision yet.
• Iowa's president said the school is simply obeying federal law by not disclosing information about investigations of students, including the Marcus Coker case. Hawkeyes AD Gary Barta talks about the hiring process, playoffs, Mika'il McCall and some other issues.
• A tight end recruit was shocked when a Michigan scholarship offer recently came his way. There wont be a night game at the Big House in 2012, but 2013 is a real possibility.
• Minnesota is discussing whether to move its opener against UNLV to a Thursday night.
• Illinois set its spring game date, and that will be the only chance for fans to see Tim Beckman's team before the fall.
• Joe Paterno's grave site has become a mecca for Penn State fans. The nation's top tight end recruit likes what he's heard from Bill O'Brien.
• The lawyer for a former Wisconsin athletic department staffer accused of making sexual advances to male students says his client is the victim of character assassination.

It's a progressive culture. Most of them travel by zipline.

• The Big Ten's playoff plan makes a lot of sense, David Haugh writes. It's not a perfect plan, but it's a good start.
• Pat Harty wonders whether Kirk Ferentz's second act at Iowa will be better than Hayden Fry's. Ferentz likes familiarity more than flashiness when hiring assistants, Mike Hlas writes. Running back Marcus Coker made the decision to leave Iowa.
• Urban Meyer reiterates that there's no gentlemen's agreement in the Big Ten. Ohio State recruiting target Stefon Diggs still hasn't made up his mind.
• Ross Els talks about his new duties as Nebraska's recruiting coordinator.
• Michigan's regents OK the Big House to be used for the NHL's Winter Classic. Michigan offensive line recruit Kyle Kalis boasts a bruising style of play.
• Running back recruit Akeel Lynch talks about signing with Penn State. The Joe Paterno memorial services cost Penn State $29,000. Jay Paterno thanks Penn Staters for their support.
• Check out how Russell Wilson learned Wisconsin's playbook so quickly last summer.
• Mountain West commish Craig Thompson is open to returning to Minnesota, his alma mater, as athletic director. If Minnesota signs off, its season opener at UNLV will kick off on Thursday night.
• Former Northwestern and Minnesota offensive coordinator Mike Dunbar lands at Northern Illinois.
• Indiana track recruit Cornelius Strickland hopes to play football for the Hoosiers as well.
• Illinois fans watching the end of Super Bowl XLVI might have been reminded of Lou Tepper's decision at Minnesota in 1996.
• Rivals.com names its top recruiters in the Big Ten.

National signing day is in the books, and it's time to evaluate the Big Ten teams and their classes. Although several potential Big Ten recruits are announcing their plans after signing day, most of the classes are complete.

Here's how ESPN Recruiting graded the Big Ten classes .

Let's take a look at how teams filled their big recruiting needs:

ILLINOIS

The Illini have had a nice run at defensive tackle with 2011 NFL first-round draft pick Corey Liuget and Akeem Spence, who enters 2012 as a legitimate pro prospect. They solidified the interior line for the future with recruits like Teko Powell and Vontrell Williams.

INDIANA

It's no secret Indiana needs to make significant upgrades on defense, and coach Kevin Wilson looked to the junior college ranks for help. Indiana added six juco defenders, including cornerback Tregg Waters and linebacker Jacarri Alexander. These players give the Hoosiers a chance to get better in a hurry.

IOWA

Running back has again become a pressing need for Iowa with the departures of Marcus Coker and Mika'il McCall. While Iowa has lost running backs at an alarming rate, it also has developed young backs very well in recent years. The coaches hope to work their magic with Greg Garmon, who could be the most significant recruit of the 2012 class.

MICHIGAN

Arguably no staff in the country makes defensive line a bigger priority than Michigan, which has three coaches, including head man Brady Hoke, focused on the front four. The Wolverines lose standouts Mike Martin and Ryan Van Bergen from the 2011 line, but they addressed the situation in recruiting with pickups like defensive tackle Ondre Pipkins and defensive end Chris Wormley.

MICHIGAN STATE

Michigan State is creating a nice recruiting pipeline at the wide receiver position. The Spartans lose their top two wideouts from 2011 (B.J. Cunningham and Keshawn Martin) but added several nice receiver pickups in the 2012, including Tennessee transfer DeAnthony Arnett and four-star prospects Monty Madaris and Aaron Burbridge.

MINNESOTA

Quarterback MarQueis Gray returns, and Minnesota needed to get him some help in the passing game after the departure of Da'Jon McKnight. The Gophers added some excellent pickups at the wide receiver position in Andre McDonald and Jamel Harbison.

NEBRASKA

The Huskers were thin at linebacker in 2011 and lose standout Lavonte David to graduation. Nebraska coaches also have discussed the need to add more traditional linebackers to face Big Ten offenses. Big Red filled the need in the 2012 recruiting classes with players such as Michael Rose and Jared Afalava.

NORTHWESTERN

Defense has been Northwestern's downfall in the past two years, and the Wildcats need more difference-makers on that side of the ball. They likely landed one in end/linebacker Ifeadi Odenigbo, an ESPNU 150 prospect who is Northwestern's most decorated defensive recruit in recent memory. Odenigbo could help immediately as a situational pass-rusher.

OHIO STATE

No Big Ten team made a bigger impact at one position than Ohio State did along the defensive line. The Buckeyes, who were a bit thin up front in 2011, got a lot better with this class, which is headlined by ESPNU 150 prospects Noah Spence, Adolphus Washington, Se'Von Pittman and Tommy Schutt.

PENN STATE

Skyler Mornhinweg's decommitment stings a bit, as Penn State needs more quarterbacks in the mix, but the Nittany Lions also need more difference-makers at wide receiver and tight end. They helped themselves in the 2012 class with wide receiver Eugene Lewis, ranked as the nation's No. 34 wideout by ESPN Recruiting. Tight end Jesse James is another nice pickup.

PURDUE

Offensive line has been a position of stability for Purdue the past few seasons, but the Boilers lose two starters from the 2011 squad (Dennis Kelly, Nick Mondek) and will say goodbye to several more after 2012. Purdue had to reload up front, and the two highest-rated players in the 2012 class, according to ESPN Recruiting -- Jordan Roos and Cameron Cermin -- all play offensive line.

WISCONSIN

Quarterback is undoubtedly Wisconsin's top priority as Russell Wilson departs and Jon Budmayr and Curt Phillips battle back from major injuries. The Badgers needed a signal-caller in a small class and landed a decorated one in Bart Houston, a four-star prospect from California powerhouse De La Salle High School.

'Tis the season to hand out awards in the movie industry. The Academy Awards is merely the last in a continuous stream of starlets to red carpet affairs where actors and actresses keep congratulating themselves.

Well, why should they have all the fun? Let's look back at the Big Ten 2011 season and recognize the Top 10 individual performances of the year. We will consider degree of difficulty here, so piling up stats against helpless opponents won't earn the top spots. Players who led their teams to victory get extra credit.

The envelopes, please:

1. Michigan's Denard Robinson vs. Ohio State: Not only was Robinson spectacular and unstoppable in this game, but he led his team to a much-needed win against the Buckeyes in the process. The eye-popping numbers for Shoelace: 14-of-17 passing for 167 yards, 26 rushes for 170 yards and five total touchdowns.

2. Wisconsin's Montee Ball vs. Illinois: The Big Ten's offensive player of the year put up amazing stats just about every week, but the hard-fought 28-17 win against Illinois might have been his best effort. Ball carried 38 times for a season-high 224 yards and added three touchdowns, as the Badgers climbed back from an early deficit.

3. Robinson vs. Notre Dame: No football player ever single-handedly does anything, much less win a game. But Robinson sure made it feel that way in the night win against the Irish. He compiled 446 total yards and five touchdowns, leading his team on a furious fourth-quarter comeback, tossing two touchdown passes in the final 1:12. The only reason this isn't higher is because Robinson stunk for most of the first three quarters and had three interceptions.



4. Illinois' A.J. Jenkins vs. Northwestern: Jenkins brutalized the Northwestern secondary in a 38-35 shootout. He broke a school record with 268 receiving yards on 12 catches and had three touchdowns, including a 50-yarder. The 268 receiving yards were the third-most ever in a Big Ten game.

5. Ball vs. Penn State: The showdown for the Leaders Division title quickly turned into a rout, and Ball was a big reason why. He rushed 25 times for 156 yards and four touchdowns against Penn State's normally stout defense, as Wisconsin punched its ticket to Indianapolis with a 45-7 victory.

6. Michigan State's Kirk Cousins vs. Wisconsin I: You remember the game-winning Hail Mary pass. But that was just the culmination of a terrific night for the senior, who went 22-of-31 for 290 yards and three touchdowns with no turnovers in the crucial win against the Badgers.

7. Nebraska's Rex Burkhead vs. Iowa: Burkhead had better days scoring and ripping off long runs, but he never put the team on his back quite as much as he did in the first Heroes Game. The running back set a Huskers record with 38 carries for 160 yards and added a touchdown, and he sat out most of the fourth quarter before coming back in to take the final, record-breaking carry.

8. Wisconsin's Russell Wilson vs. Minnesota: The Gophers made a lot of quarterbacks look good, but Wilson was as close to perfect as you can get in a 42-13 blowout. He completed all 13 of his passes in the first half and finished 16-of-17 for 178 yards and four touchdowns. That makes for a pretty good passer rating.

9. Penn State's Gerald Hodges vs. Illinois: We can't let offensive guys own this whole list. The Nittany Lions' linebacker was all over the place in the snowy, 10-7 slugfest against the Illini. He finished with 19 tackles, a sack, two pass breakups and a forced fumble to keep his team in the game.

10. Purdue's Kawann Short vs. Ohio State: The big defensive tackle dominated the interior in the upset of the Buckeyes. Short sacked quarterback Braxton Miller three times, earning national defensive player of the week recognition.

Honorable mention: Iowa's James Vandenberg vs. Pittsburgh; Iowa's Marvin McNutt vs. Indiana; Illinois' Jonathan Brown vs. Arizona State; Ohio State's Braxton Miller vs. Michigan; Iowa's Marcus Coker vs. Minnesota; Ball vs. Nebraska and Purdue; Wilson vs. Nebraska and Michigan State II; Michigan State's William Gholston vs. Georgia; Nebraska's Taylor Martinez vs. Ohio State; Northwestern's Jeremy Ebert vs. Rice; Michigan's Fitz Toussaint vs. Illinois

Former Iowa star running back Marcus Coker has found a new home, and it's in the FCS.

Coker has transferred to Stony Brook, according to Newsday. By moving to a lower level, he will not have to sit out a year, and can play the 2012 season.

As a sophomore, Coker ran for 1,384 yards and scored 15 touchdowns, finishing second in the Big Ten in rushing. But he was suspended for the Insight Bowl and left the team this month. Coker was investigated but was not charged in an alleged sexual assault incident on Oct. 28 in Iowa City. The alleged victim declined to press charges.

"There was an accusation made in Iowa City, but no criminal charges were brought against Marcus," Coker's lawyer, Leon Spies, told Newsday. "He chose to withdraw from the University of Iowa. He has had a great deal of support here within the university community and from family and friends. Everyone is heartened to know he is going to pursue his college career."

Stony Brook coach Chuck Priore told Newsday he felt comfortable accepting Coker into his program.

"I did due diligence with the resources I had to really look at his character and his family background," Priore said. "After the research I did into the allegations, I was comfortable he would be somebody that would be a positive role model moving forward at Stony Brook University."