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The lower half of the Legends Division -- Iowa, Northwestern and Minnesota -- performed well in Week 10.

I come in peace.

Adam left me strict orders not to stir it up on his blog while he's out sailing around the world (only the Big Ten blogger could afford such a vacation), so I'm here solely to help while he's away. There are no hidden agendas. In other words, you're not going to hear me asking if the Big Ten is ever going to win another national championship or hear me dredging up Ohio State's record versus the SEC in bowl games.

Nope, I'm merely here to provide a few links, and here goes:

• A Lincoln, Neb., boy is an inspiration to his favorite athletes, including members of the Nebraska football team.
• A Q&A with future Minnesota speedster Marcus Jones, who will start out on offense for the Gophers.
• Ken Gordon of The Columbus Dispatch provides a few observations from Ohio State's workout Monday morning.
• Former Ohio State tight end/offensive lineman Andrew Miller decides to call it a career in football.
• Former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr and former Michigan State players Lorenzo White and Gene Washington are on the College Football Hall of Fame ballot for the first time.
• Penn State, with just about everybody returning in the secondary, is looking to settle a couple of starting spots.
• A recap of Purdue's spring practice: Day 3.
• Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald is eager to adjust the Wildcats' attitude.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Five lessons from the week that was in the Big Ten:

1. Iowa is foolproof in the clutch -- After a long stretch of heartbreaking losses from 2006-2008, Iowa has won its last five games decided by five points or fewer. The Hawkeyes have fallen behind in both of their Big Ten games and rallied behind tremendous special teams play, opportunistic defense and a resilient quarterback in Ricky Stanzi. Since upsetting Penn State last November, Iowa has displayed a team-wide confidence when things get close. The Hawkeyes might not be able to live on the edge much longer given their schedule, but they're a good bet when the score gets close late in games.

2. Ohio State's defense is the Big Ten's best unit -- Jim Heacock's defense once again has made the Buckeyes the team to beat in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes rank seventh nationally in points allowed and 11th in total defense, and they're forcing more turnovers than they have in past years. No Big Ten offense comes close from a talent and execution standpoint, and while Iowa's defense has been solid, Michigan exposed some weaknesses Saturday at Kinnick Stadium. Despite losing several national award winners, Ohio State's defense repeatedly makes big plays and rescues an offense that still hasn't found its rhythm. Sure, the Buckeyes allowed yards to Wisconsin, but they forced major mistakes and didn't wear down despite being on the field for 42:47.

3. Minnesota can run the football -- Tim Brewster wants to restore Minnesota as a rushing powerhouse, and the Gophers took a big step Saturday. Eight players combined for 207 rush yards and four touchdowns in Saturday's victory against Purdue. Redshirt freshman Kevin Whaley provided a spark off the bench, and quarterback Adam Weber got more involved in the run game with nine carries and a touchdown. Weber only attempted nine passes in the victory, two of which were intercepted. Wide receiver Eric Decker might be the Big Ten's best offensive player, but Minnesota knows it needs to run the ball to win Big Ten games.

4. Big Ten getting defensive -- It's very clear midway through the season that the Big Ten won't be an offensive league in 2009. While veteran quarterbacks have struggled a bit and one potential juggernaut (Illinois) has totally crumbled, the league's defenses are once again the story. Both Ohio State and Penn State boast top-20 units, and Iowa has at times been the league's most impressive defense. Minnesota's linebackers have sparked an improved defense, while both Michigan State and Northwestern are starting to see their veteran-laden units step up. Both Michigan and Wisconsin showed good things on defense despite losses, while the league's bottom three (Purdue, Indiana, Illinois) are all struggling to stop anybody.

5. Michigan not a finished product -- Credit the Wolverines for never giving up and always finding ways to hang around in games, but it's clear that head coach Rich Rodriguez is still very much in the building stage. Michigan is still too prone to defensive breakdowns, and its special-teams play, aside from all-world punter Zoltan Mesko, left much to be desired against Iowa. Despite Tate Forcier's late-game magic earlier this season, Rodriguez didn't go back to the freshman quarterback in crunch time after some earlier struggles. The talent is there and Michigan will continue to improve, but things aren't falling into place just yet.

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller and Adam Rittenberg

Holy Rose Bowl! It's another Big Ten-Pac-10 weekend, with No. 8 California visiting Minnesota and Arizona headed to Iowa. All four teams are 2-0. Seems like a good time for another blogger debate.

Ted Miller: You again! Adam, we need to stop meeting like this. Or at least the Big Ten should stop meeting like Ohio State did with USC. Perhaps there will be some redemption on Saturday when California visits Minnesota and Arizona takes a gander at Iowa.

	Icon SMI/US Presswire
	Golden mascots square off in the Twin Cities on Saturday.

Let's start with your game Saturday in fancy pants TCF Bank Stadium. (Nice job, Minnesota.)

I look over Minnesota's particulars and I can't get a good vibe about what Cal should expect, particularly after the Gophers struggled to beat Syracuse and Air Force. Who are these guys ... and whose mascot is more golden?

Adam Rittenberg: Ted! Buddy! Good to be with you again. OK, full disclosure here. I grew up in Berkeley, attended pretty much every Cal home game between 1994 to 1999. Witnessed the one Mariucci season in '96 (still have nightmares about the Pat Barnes fumble at Washington State) and the insufferable Tom Holmoe era. But I was never a huge Oski the Bear fan. Too subdued of a mascot. Looked like a glum professor who hadn't had his sweater ironed in 50 years. And he doesn't wear pants, which is perfect for Berkeley (I grew up there, so I can say that!) So Goldy Gopher gets my vote. He's goldier.

As for Minnesota, they did struggle against the Cuse, but the Air Force win is pretty solid in my book. The defense has been the big plus so far, especially the three linebackers (Nate Triplett, Lee Campbell and Simoni Lawrence). Triplett has gone from special teams all-star to major playmaker. The offense has struggled quite a bit, as Minnesota incorporates a new pro-style system under Jedd Fisch. It's a pretty dramatic departure from what they did the last two seasons, and it has taken a bit of time to click. Quarterback Adam Weber has loads of experience and can be effective when he limits interceptions, and Eric Decker is a freaking stud. Might be the best wide receiver in America that no one talks about. The problem is Minnesota hasn't found many weapons other than Decker. The Gophers need to spark their rushing attack behind Duane Bennett and DeLeon Eskridge and hope a No. 2 wide receiver emerges, possibly speedster Troy Stoudermire.

I saw Cal is flying in Thursday for the game. Will the Bears be ready to play this time around for a 9 a.m. Pacific kickoff, and can anyone slow down Jahvid Best and Shane Vereen? How has Kevin Riley looked so far?

	Paul Jasienski-US PRESSWIRE
	Cal QB Kevin Riley ranks eighth in the nation in pass efficiency.

TM: Gosh, Cal coach Jeff Tedford HATES being asked about the 9 a.m. PT kickoff, because that was the prime excuse for the Bears' terrible effort last year at Maryland, an excuse, by the way, that Tedford has rejected from the get-go. Still, it's obvious he's doing everything he can to get his team ready for the early start, changing his previous plan and flying in on Thursday.

As for Best and Vereen, they are a great combination for sure. Best is going to make a play or two, mostly because he always does. The question is whether he can be such a bothersome threat that he forces Minnesota to load up the box. If that happens, a much-improved Kevin Riley and a receiving corps that has grown up could make big plays down field. Riley ranks eighth in the nation in pass efficiency and has yet to throw a pick, so he's started off as a completely different quarterback from the guy who was so inconsistent last last season.

The big issue for Cal is playing on the road: They've lost four in a row on the road. Moreover, they've not been challenged by a team so far that can approach them physically. Minnesota will be a far tougher test, and we just don't know whether Riley and the Bears can maintain their cool efficiency away from Berkley.

As for the other game: Iowa seems to have righted itself with the big win over Iowa State. But Arizona has a fast defense. Can quarterback Ricky Stanzi and running back Brandon Wegher lead an effective attack against the Wildcats?

AR: As I like to say, Stanzi is the Manzi. Actually, Stanzi has been inconsistent throughout his time as the starter, mixing big plays with too many picks. But he has more targets this year with Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, Tony Moeki, Trey Stross and Marvin McNutt. The running game has been a bit messy this year because of departures (Shonn Greene) and injuries (Jewel Hampton, Jeff Brinson). Brandon Wegher likely would have redshirted but stepped up big last week. He and another freshman, Adam Robinson, will get most of the carries Saturday. It's rare to see Kirk Ferentz play so many young players, but these guys seem up to the task. The offensive line could be without star left tackle Bryan Bulaga (illness) again, so those two speedy Arizona pass-rushers will have their ears pinned back for sure.

Let's talk about the Wildcats offense. How good is Nic Grigsby and does Arizona have a passing game to complement the nation's second leading rusher?

TM: Grigsby is off to a fast start, but the Iowa defense will offer a far tougher test than Central Michigan and Northern Arizona. Also, Grigsby had some fumbling problems a year ago -- he got benched a couple of times and capable back Keola Antolin took over -- but that has yet to be an issue in 2009. My guess is the Hawkeyes load the box, gang up on Grigsby and will dare Arizona's new quarterback, sophomore Matt Scott, to pass, which is never easy on the road.

Gronkowski

And therein lies a huge issue for this game. Arizona's best player, tight end Rob Gronkowski, is out with a back injury. Gronkowski is a beast. More than a few folks in the Pac-10 believe he's every bit the player that Oklahoma's Jermaine Gresham is. Think having a 6-foot-6, 265-pound safety valve would help a young QB? It also doesn't help that No. 1 receiver Delashaun Dean has been slowed by a hamstring injury, though he will play.

So, the Wildcats passing game, with Scott making his first road start, is a huge question.

Speaking of road games, seems like all the Big Ten owns home field advantage in all these matchups with the Pac-10 ... no fair. But, seriously, which place will be more difficult for a visitor from the West Coast? I love Minnesota's new digs but I've heard a lot about pink bathrooms and the nutty horde at Kinnick Stadium.

AR: Well, you guys do have this game called the Rose Bowl. If memory serves, it's in Pac-10 country. Like in USC's backyard. That reminds me, Ted, can you find a way to make sure the Trojans don't go to Pasadena this year? The Big Ten would like a break from the Trojans after all these years of punishment. I stayed on the same floor as Pete Carroll last week in Columbus but forgot to ask him myself. Let me know what they say over at Heritage Hall. Thanks, dude.

	AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall
	Ricky Stanzi has passed for 439 yards and five touchdowns so far this season.

TCF Bank Stadium is pretty freaking awesome, and I'm excited to see the finished product in person. But I'd have to go with Kinnick Stadium as a tougher place right now. Iowa always sells it out and the fans are right on top of the field. It's a tremendous atmosphere, one of my favorites in the league. The early start time at Minnesota could be tougher for a Pac-10 team, but Kinnick definitely is less hospitable.

OK, prediction time. Who you got in Minnesota-Cal? Arizona-Iowa?

TM: Rose Bowl in Detroit, which is beautiful in midwinter!

I don't think anyone wants to see USC in the Rose Bowl again -- even USC's fans and players. The Trojans, however, wouldn't mind being in Pasadena again this January, if you catch my drift (nudge, nudge).

As for the predictions: For folks who read the Pac-10 blog, they know I've been advocating Cal as the team that might challenge USC's seven-year run atop the conference. They also know that for weeks I've been ranting about how underrated Arizona is.

So I've got pick a road warrior weekend for the Pac-10.
Let's say: Cal 35-21
And: Arizona 24-21.
Now, for the pick you should take to Vegas ...

AR: Call me a homer, but I've got to go with Cal. Minnesota has really struggled to make plays on offense, and while the Gophers' defense looks much improved, it'll be hard to contain Best and Vereen for 60 minutes and keep Cal off the scoreboard. Minnesota will have its crowd going and should keep things relatively, close, but I have Cal winning by 11, 34-23.

We'll probably see a defensive struggle at Kinnick Stadium. Iowa's defense is always solid under Norm Parker, and the front seven should prevent Grigsby from going nuts. I think Iowa got its mojo back last week and pulls this one out, 21-17 Hawkeyes.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

We're less than a week away from the first game involving a Big Ten team (Eastern Kentucky at Indiana), so let's take a look at five things to keep an eye on this fall.


1. Quarterback play: The position backslid after Troy Smith won the Heisman Trophy in 2006, and it's no coincidence that the Big Ten has struggled on the big stage during the same span. Fortunately, the top six rated passers from last season all return, and hopes are high for signal callers like Daryll Clark, Terrelle Pryor, Ricky Stanzi and Juice Williams. Quarterback shouldn't be a major weak point this fall, and if things turn around there, the Big Ten likely will end its BCS bowl losing streak.


2. Finding a third challenger: Right now, the Big Ten looks like a two-team league with defending champs Penn State and Ohio State battling for the title again. But football seasons have a funny way of not going as planned, and some other team likely will challenge the top two. It could be Illinois, which boasts the league's most dynamic offense, led by Williams and Arrelious Benn. It could be Iowa, Michigan State or Northwestern, three teams that won nine games a year ago and return a bunch of starters on defense. Maybe Michigan overcomes its youth and makes a run in Year 2 of the Rodriguez regime, or perhaps an experienced Minnesota team puts it all together despite some scheme changes.


3. Ohio State's quest to topple Troy: No team has symbolized Big Ten football this decade like Ohio State, and no team has done more damage to the Big Ten this decade than USC. The two squads meet Sept. 12 in Columbus for a game that will largely define how the Big Ten is seen nationally, at least until the bowl season. Big Ten teams have had no success against the Trojans out West, but Ohio State gets Pete Carroll's team on its home soil. There's no gray area for the Scarlet and Gray. A win puts Ohio State in position for a possible BCS title run. A loss reinforces the belief that the Buckeyes can't win big games anymore. This will be a defining game for Pryor one way or the other.


4. Michigan's youth movement: The common view states that Michigan will be better this fall after a season where little else could have possibly went wrong. But it's still tough to know what to make of the Wolverines, who could be starting a
true freshman at quarterback and several young players on defense. Rich Rodriguez has a history of producing much better results in Year 2, but he's still working with inexperience at the most important position. After losing back-to-back openers, Michigan needs a strong start and plays its first four games at home before the schedule gets substantially tougher.


5. Searching for respect in December and January: The Big Ten has taken heat for its recent bowl performance, especially in BCS games, but a chance to turn things around arrives this winter. Perhaps Ohio State returns to Pasadena for the first time since 1997 and ends the Big Ten's six-game slide in the Rose Bowl. Penn State likely will have to wait until January to earn national respect, but the Nittany Lions boast strong leadership and want to avenge their Rose Bowl loss to USC. The Big Ten should be deeper than it was a year ago, and if the bowl matchups fall right, the league could take a big step toward regaining national respect.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

A few recruiting bits to digest at the end of the day.
Iowa bolstered its rushing attack for the future by landing a commitment from Marcus Coker, a running back from D.C.-area powerhouse DeMatha Catholic. Coker checks in at 6-1 and 225 pounds -- Shonn Greene Jr., anyone? -- and rushed for 19 touchdowns as a junior. There was some buzz back in May that Coker had committed to Minnesota, but he dismissed those rumors. Still, his pledge to archrival Iowa gives Hawkeye fans another reason to gloat.There's a rivalry quietly brewing between Stanford and Northwestern, two academically-oriented schools that chase many of the same recruits. Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh essentially called out Northwestern for its soft scheduling in comments made last month to colleague Bruce Feldman. Don't expect Wildcats head coach Pat Fitzgerald to fire back any time soon, but trust me, there's no love lost between these two staffs. Anyway, Northwestern probably feels a little extra satisfaction about its latest commit, defensive tackle Will Hampton, who decommitted from Stanford last month. Hampton picked Northwestern over Notre Dame and gives the Wildcats another body at defensive tackle.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Sick of the preseason yet? Me, too.

Quarterback Terrelle Pryor is a known commodity at Ohio State, but who are the Buckeyes' unknowns? Buckeyes starting defensive end Cam Heyward is wearing a walking boot but shouldn't be out too long, Doug Lesmerises writes in The Cleveland Plain Dealer.
A neck injury nearly ended Donsay Hardeman's career, but the Illinois safety is back and can't wait to hit somebody, Shannon Ryan writes in the Chicago Tribune. Illini senior quarterback Juice Williams wants to go out a winner, Herb Gould writes in the Chicago Sun-Times.
Defensive end Nickcaro Golding is among Purdue's top training camp performers, Mike Carmin writes in The (Lafayette) Journal and Courier.
Notes on Wisconsin's quarterback competition, injury updates and the coaching staff lighting up a few players during practice, courtesy of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Jeff Potrykus.
Minnesota freshman Ra'Shede Hageman could be a 60-minute man this fall, Marcus Fuller writes in the Pioneer Press.
Michigan needs everyone in the same boat to turn things around this fall, Bob Wojnowski writes in The Detroit News.
Freshman quarterback Edward Wright-Baker has moved up to the second-string offense, Chris Korman writes in The (Bloomington) Herald-Times.
The Lansing State Journal's Joe Rexrode breaks down the candidates still alive for starting spots at Michigan State.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg


Thomas from Dublin, Ohio, writes: Through reports and the one televised practice this summer, it's deduced that the defensive line of Ohio State may be the team's strength.In Saturday's jersey scrimmage, the defensive line seemed to have its way with the offense, leading to the defense keeping the Scarlet jerseys. At this point, is the defensive line so good that it's making the offensive line look bad? The offensive line seems to be having a lot of troubles and I personally cannot tell if it's OSU's defensive line that's causing these problems.


Adam Rittenberg: I'm extremely impressed with the Buckeyes' defensive line heading into the fall, but their strong play in Saturday's scrimmage shouldn't be overblown. The offensive line played without arguably its best piece, guard Justin Boren, who looks to be recovering well from a knee injury. Also, the left tackle position remains very much in flux, with Andrew Miller and J.B. Shugarts competing there. You've also got guys like Bryant Browning and Jim Cordle in different spots, so it's going to take a while for that group to jell.

Adam from Terre Haute, Ind., writes: I don't know what to make of the badgers running back situation. I know zach brown is a very good back but were talking about JOHN CLAY! He just flashed so much potenia last year. Why do you think they moved him back to back up? Is it to motivate him or to make him work harder? Because I can't see any other back starting other than JoHn Clay next season. What should I make of this?


Adam Rittenberg: It surprised me, too, but Wisconsin's decisions might have more to do with Brown's production than any regression from Clay. Brown was kind of the forgotten man last year behind P.J. Hill and Clay, but he clearly has elevated his play in camp. The coaches will play the best player, but you're right about the motivation factor for Clay. After being hyped as the team's No. 1 offensive option all summer, he's suddenly the backup. You can bet he'll be fired up for the season. Wisconsin should benefit from the variety Clay and Brown provide. They're obviously different physically and stylistically, so offensive coordinator Paul Chryst will be able to use them in different situations.

Nick from Tuscaloosa, Ala., writes: What do you think about Minnesota working in the Wildcat...or rather Wild Gopher package into their offense this season? Will it be successful in helping establish a running game?



Adam Rittenberg: Gopher fan in Bama country? Nice. Minnesota has so many athletes, especially on the offensive side, so the Wildcat package makes a lot of sense. You've got a guy like Troy Stoudermire, who was tremendous on kickoff returns last year and played some quarterback in high school. He hasn't played much wide receiver at the college level, but he's dangerous with the ball in his hands and seems like a perfect fit to run the Wildcat.

Matt from NYC writes: Adam,You and others have said the Big Ten needs to win the Rose Bowl to regain its reputation. I've also seen talk that our problems stem from the fact tha we constantly get two
teams in the BCS so all of our teams have to play up in competition. Really, I think our problems stem from USC getting screwed out of the championship game every year. Let someone else play them and the Big Ten can take on number two in the Pac 10. I think you'd see the Big Ten do just fine then. It's not like I see any SEC schools chomping at the bit to play the Trojans. Lord knows those guys will schedule anyone, where as Florida won't leave the state of Florida.



Adam Rittenberg: Good assessment, Matt. No team in the country wants to play USC in a meaningful game, and the Big Ten has seen the Trojans four times in the Rose Bowl this decade. I can't imagine the Big Ten's Rose Bowl losing streak would be what it is had the opponent been Oregon, Cal or Oregon State. Having only one BCS team would improve the league's overall bowl prospects, but the Big Ten wants its teams on the biggest stages with the biggest payouts. Two BCS victories after the 2005 season certainly helped, and the Big Ten could make a similar breakthrough this year, if the matchups fall right.


Craig from Peoria, Ill., writes: Adam:I'm a native from Peoria, IL. However, I am NOT a U of I fan in any shape or form. I developed a love for NU football during the mid 90s while I was playing football in highschool. I feel like the only guy in this area who is a NU fan. I know that NU football has been around a long time, so why is it that the citizens of Chicago do not fill Ryan Field with thousands of fans, yet the U of I can be packed on any given saturday?



Adam Rittenberg: There are several factors involved, namely the number of sporting options in Chicago. Northwestern isn't the only show in town like many Big Ten programs, and the team doesn't have that historical bond with the Chicago sports fan. Things could change with the program's decent run since 1995 and head coach Pat Fitzgerald's popularity, but not enough people in the Chicago area connect to the program. Northwestern's alumni base in Chicago pales in comparison to those of other Big Ten schools (Michigan, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin). So it's an uphill battle, but things should pick up if the team keeps winning and schedules better nonconference matchups.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg Rather than bogging down the daily lunch links with stories about the weekend scrimmages around the league, I'm giving you the scrimmage recaps first. Not every team scrimmaged, and not every team had media present, but here are a few links to get you caught up.  You can thank me later.  OHIO STATE Terrelle Pryor had a decent performance in Saturday's scrimmage, completing 17 of 27 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown. Other standouts included wideout DeVier Posey and running back Dan "Boom" Herron, though the shuffling at left tackle continued.  Buckeyes head coach Jim Tressel is pleased with his run game so far.  WISCONSIN The quarterbacks struggled in Saturday's 100-play scrimmage, but the running backs, led by junior Zach Brown, looked impressive.  MINNESOTA More than 15,000 fans attended Saturday's scrimmage in TCF Bank Stadium, and the Gophers' offense showed some promising signs at both running back and wide receiver. Still, much will depend on the offensive line's ability to adjust to a new system.   Quarterback Adam Weber had a mixed performance, with two touchdown passes and three interceptions. INDIANA The Hoosiers' coaches seem closer to announcing their depth chart for the opener, which means we'll soon learn who starts at running back. Redshirt freshman tailback Darius Willis had some nice moments in Saturday's 120-play scrimmage.   NORTHWESTERN Backup quarterback Dan Persa stood out in Northwestern's scrimmage. 

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg Rather than bogging down the daily lunch links with stories about the weekend scrimmages around the league, I'm giving you the scrimmage recaps first. Not every team scrimmaged, and not every team had media present, but here are a few links to get you caught up.  You can thank me later.  OHIO STATE Terrelle Pryor had a decent performance in Saturday's scrimmage, completing 17 of 27 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown. Other standouts included wideout DeVier Posey and running back Dan "Boom" Herron, though the shuffling at left tackle continued.  Buckeyes head coach Jim Tressel is pleased with his run game so far.  WISCONSIN The quarterbacks struggled in Saturday's 100-play scrimmage, but the running backs, led by junior Zach Brown, looked impressive.  MINNESOTA More than 15,000 fans attended Saturday's scrimmage in TCF Bank Stadium, and the Gophers' offense showed some promising signs at both running back and wide receiver. Still, much will depend on the offensive line's ability to adjust to a new system.   Quarterback Adam Weber had a mixed performance, with two touchdown passes and three interceptions. INDIANA The Hoosiers' coaches seem closer to announcing their depth chart for the opener, which means we'll soon learn who starts at running back. Redshirt freshman tailback Darius Willis had some nice moments in Saturday's 120-play scrimmage.   NORTHWESTERN Backup quarterback Dan Persa stood out in Northwestern's scrimmage. 

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Last season, Troy Stoudermire essentially had one job to do for Minnesota, and he did it awfully well.

Stoudermire led the Big Ten in kickoff returns with 1,083 yards, averaging 25.8 yards per runback for the Gophers. The 5-10, 183-pound Texan recorded seven returns of 35 yards or longer, including a 60-yarder against Kansas in the Insight Bowl.

Kick returns remain part of Stoudermire's repertoire this fall, but he's got a lot more on his plate.

Stoudermire also will handle punt returns and see more time as a wide receiver after recording only three receptions in 2008. And Minnesota plans to use his explosiveness in the ever-popular Wildcat formation, where Stoudermire will be the trigger man.

"We put in Wildcat as soon as we came back from the summer," Stoudermire said Friday. "That will be a great package. I'll be taking snaps from the shotgun."

The do-it-all role isn't foreign to Stoudermire, who contributed in multiple ways for two high schools in Dallas. Though he made his mark as a rusher, Stoudermire passed for 1,104 yards and seven scores in his final two prep seasons.

"In high school, I played quarterback all the time, so it's not really a big deal," he said. "It's just getting down the snaps and learning the Wildcat package."

Stoudermire emerged as a multi-dimensional player during spring ball and racked up 274 all-purpose yards, including 180 on returns, in the spring game. Minnesota's wide receiving corps looks fairly loaded as All-America candidate Eric Decker returns from playing baseball and heralded junior college transfer Hayo Carpenter joins the mix.

The Gophers return seven of their top eight receivers from last season but still need a legitimate No. 2 target to complement Decker. Stoudermire hopes to fill that role.

"It feels great to be working at receiver," Stoudermire said. "It's something I love to do, catch the ball and run routes. I just love to run. This summer, we worked really hard at learning everything, going over the techniques, doing drills.

"Now all I've got to do is get on the field and play fast. I know everything now, so it's getting real dangerous for our opponents."

Stoudermire surprised himself by leading the league in kick returns as a true freshman, but he didn't get complacent during the offseason.

"I watched a lot of film, learning where the cuts are, where the holes are," he said. "I saw a lot of things I missed last year that I will not miss this year. I watched a lot of film of [Chicago Bears wideout/returner] Devin Hester. All he does is hit the wedge full speed. I'll try to do that every single time I get the rock."

Open-field running is the easy part for Stoudermire, but like his teammates, he must master a new offensive scheme. The Gophers will run more of a pro-style offense under coordinator Jedd Fisch after operating in the spread the last two seasons.

For Stoudermire, all he sees is opportunity.

"They have me all over the place," he said. "It's been real fun for me, learning the offense, getting to move around in every position and learning everything."

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

It's been a while since we did one of these. Let's get started. 

Brett from Scranton, Pa., writes: Adam,It is well documented how big of a game the September 12th matchup is between OSU-USC for the Big Ten. My first question is, which is the second most important match-up for our conference and why? Purdue-Oregon (you never know after last year's squeaker), Minnesota-Cal (the new stadium will be a great atmosphere), Iowa-Arizona (Has little Stoops made strides?). And which big OOC game has the potential to do the most harm? If any more can be done to our reputation that is. Thanks, and Fight On State.

Adam Rittenberg: Excellent questions, Brett. As for the second most important non-league matchup, I'm going with Minnesota-Cal. Obviously, if Purdue pulled off the upset in Eugene, it would be huge for the Big Ten, but it looks like a long shot at this point. Iowa really should handle Arizona if the Hawkeyes are as good as they're supposed to be. Minnesota gets a top 15 team in its new stadium with a chance to make a national statement. A Gophers victory coupled with one from Ohio State would be huge for the Big Ten and prove that when these games with the Pac-10 are played on Big Ten soil, things turn out differently. An Illinois win against Missouri also would help the league. 

As far as the game that can do the most damage, any of the three games against Syracuse could hurt. Syracuse has been an awful program the last few years, and the Big Ten should be able to handle the Orange. But two of those games are in the Carrier Dome and Syracuse has the Greg Paulus factor now, so you don't want to take anything for granted. Losses by Minnesota, Penn State and Northwestern would hurt. Other potential stingers include Wisconsin-Fresno State, Iowa-Iowa State and Michigan-Western Michigan. I don't think the Notre Dame games hurt or help the Big Ten. 

---

Josh from Minneapolis writes: Adam, everybody at the U of M is pumped for the TCF Bank Stadium and our football team. However, we have a difficult opening stretch of games (Cal, Syracuse, Air Force). Do you see the Gophers getting through this stretch unscathed?

Adam Rittenberg: I don't see Minnesota starting 3-0, but 2-1 is certainly possible. The Gophers need to take care of business in the Carrier Dome and not get caught up in all the hoopla over Doug Marrone's first game and Paulus playing quarterback for the Orange. Minnesota then must manage its own emotions again for the opener of the new stadium against Air Force, a team that always tests your discipline. Cal will be a major test no matter what, but Minnesota should be pleased with a 2-1 start. 

(Read full post)

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Ron: What cologne are you gonna go with? London Gentlemen or ... wait ... no no no, hold on -- Black Beard's Delight.
Brian: No. She gets a special cologne. It's called Sex Panther, by Odeon. It's illegal in nine countries. Yep, it's made with bits of real panther, so you know it's good.
Ron: It's quite pungent.
Brian: Oh yeah.
Ron: It's a formidable scent ... stings the nostrils ... in a good way.  

Just like these links. 

• Drew Astorino might lack the measurables some colleges seek, but his knack for clutch plays hooked Penn State on the promising safety, Bernard Fernandez writes in the Philadelphia Daily News. Illinois could be the trap game for Penn State this fall, and Illini star wide receiver Arrelious Benn tops the list of players Penn State should worry about. 
• Michigan State quarterback Keith Nichol has impressed his teammates, while injuries nag the Spartans' offensive line, Shannon Shelton writes in the Detroit Free Press.
  
• With athletes like MarQueis Gray and Troy Stoudermire on the roster, it's no surprise Minnesota will use the Wildcat offense this fall, Marcus Fuller writes in the (St. Paul) Pioneer Press. 
• The big play should be a bigger part of Michigan's offense this fall, Angelique Chengelis writes in The Detroit News. Don't count out Nick Sheridan, who was first in the quarterback rotation at Thursday's practice, annarbor.com's Dave Birkett writes.
  
• With Jewel Hampton nursing a knee injury, redshirt freshman running back Jeff Brinson could take center stage for Iowa, Andy Hamilton writes in the Iowa City Press-Citizen. 
• Northwestern's "Brew" is refreshing, but not for the reasons you think, Teddy Greenstein writes in the Chicago Tribune.
  
• Jake Stoneburner isn't your typical Ohio State tight end, Doug Lemerises writes in The Cleveland Plain Dealer.
• Blowing off the Big Ten before the season starts is a big mistake, CBSsports.com's Dennis Dodd writes.
  
• Wisconsin expects all of its starting offensive linemen to return from injuries, but time is running out and young players must get prepared, Jeff Potrykus writes in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
  

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Study up. These will be on the test. 

• The attorney for the man alleged to have attacked Ohio State linebacker Tyler Moeller says his client acted in self defense, The Columbus Dispatch reports. 
• Surprise, surprise. J.B. Shugarts is getting a shot at left tackle for Ohio State, Doug Lesmerises writes in The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Buckeyes players have stiff-armed technology for some team bonding during camp.
• Illinois cornerback Miami Thomas might have suffered a torn ACL that will sideline him for the season, Bob Asmussen writes in The (Champaign) News-Gazette.
  
• ESPN analysts weigh in on Michigan's chances this fall, Angelique Chengelis writes in The Detroit News.
  
• Minnesota head coach Tim Brewster expects to have much more depth this year than either of his first two teams, Kent Youngblood writes in the Star Tribune. The Minnesota Twins praised Gophers wideout Eric Decker for being honest about his athletic intentions, Charley Walters writes in the (St. Paul) Pioneer Press. 
• Iowa fans are geared up for the Stanzi show this fall, Andy Hamilton writes in the Iowa City Press-Citizen.
  
• Yet another Wisconsin offensive lineman sat out practice Wednesday, Jim Polzin writes in The Capital Times. Badgers players are polled on several topics, including their favorite road stadiums.
  
• This townie is ready to get in his kicks for Penn State in 2009, Gordon Brunskill writes in the Centre Daily Times.
• Purdue's new coordinators like what they see so far in camp, Mike Carmin writes in The (Lafayette) Journal and Courier.
  

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Minnesota defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove doesn't need a refresher course on Greg Paulus.

Cosgrove held the same position at Nebraska five years ago when the Cornhuskers, like most major BCS football programs, tried to recruit Paulus out of Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse, N.Y. Video of Paulus throwing to wide receiver Lavar Lobdell remains fresh in Cosgrove's mind.

That's a good thing, since Cosgrove will get a live look at both Paulus and Lobdell on Sept. 5 when Minnesota opens the season at Syracuse. After a four-year run with the Duke basketball team, Paulus returned to football and this week was named Syracuse's starting quarterback for the opener.

"He was a heck of a player back then," Cosgrove said. "I expected him to definitely come in and compete. It doesn't surprise me that he's been named the starter. He's a very good athlete. To be a point guard at Duke, you have to be athletic, you have to be a leader.

"I know he must have those abilities, and he could throw the ball very well in high school."

Paulus' long absence from football creates a unique preparation situation for his first opponent. Few quarterbacks have such long gaps between meaningful competition, and it's hard to know which player will show up in the Carrier Dome

The Gophers defense hasn't started to scout Syracuse just yet, but Cosgrove knows his players need to be ready for just about anything.

"He has the abilities to run different types of offenses," Cosgrove said. "He can be a drop-back passer, he can be the zone-read quarterback. So you have to prepare for those things so you're ready."