ESPN College Football

Been a while. Great questions today. As always, thanks for the responses.

Ed from Minneapolis writes: What do you think of Jerry Kill's first full recruiting class? Most rate it at the bottom of the B1G, but if Kill is to follow the Alvarez model of building a program, isn't his unprecedented success with in-state recruiting noteworthy? If not, perhaps this question is wishful thinking

Adam Rittenberg: Ed, I definitely agree with you about the significance of Kill doing well within the state. It's vital Minnesota brings in the state's top recruits, even if they're not nationally elite prospects. Programs like Notre Dame and USC have raided Minnesota for national top prospects in recent years (Michael Floyd and Seantrel Henderson, to name two), and Minnesota needs to put itself in position to compete for the best players in every recruiting cycle. Although the overall class didn't receive high marks nationally, I know our recruiting guys liked some of the additions, such as wide receivers Andre McDonald and Jamel Harbison and quarterback Philip Nelson. McDonald and Nelson hail from the state.

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Some guy from Ann Arbor, Mich., writes: There have been rumors that Al Borges may be giving Deving Gardner some reps as a wide receiver. With our lack of depth at the position and DG's athleticism, would that be a good option?

Adam Rittenberg: I'm in favor of getting your best players on the field, and Gardner is a guy who can help Michigan even if he's not taking snaps. There's some risk involved as an injury would leave the Wolverines thin at quarterback and with a starter (Denard Robinson) who has been banged up for much of his career. A lot depends on how the other wide receivers develop this spring and in the start of fall camp. If Roy Roundtree recaptures his 2010 form, Jeremy Gallon builds off a solid 2011 season and some young players emerge, Michigan might not need to experiment with Gardner. But at this point, the receiver position looks thin.

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Ryan from Chicago writes: If Danny O'Brien picks PSU and becomes the starter for the next 2 seasons, what is likely to happen (redshirt or transfer wise) with McGloin, Bolden, Jones, Bench and Hackenberg?

Adam Rittenberg: Good question, Ryan. I was thinking about the same thing earlier today, and also in relation to Wisconsin's quarterbacks, especially heralded incoming freshman Bart Houston. I don't think McGloin is going anywhere. He loves Penn State and would compete like heck with O'Brien. It would be a surprise to see Bolden and/or Jones transfer if O'Brien came in and won the starting job. Bench would almost certainly redshirt this season if O'Brien came in -- quarterbacks coach Charlie Fisher loves Bench, by the way -- and Hackenburg doesn't arrive until next fall, so they wouldn't be overly impacted if O'Brien starts the next two seasons.

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Matthew from Dallas writes: Guys,Being a Husker fan I could care less about Mich St, but after reading your blog about the best week 1 game this week, don't you think Mich St is in a no win situation by playing Boise St?I mean if Mich St wins, everyone will just say its not the same Boise St team as the past few years so it doesn't matter. If they lose then they will look bad for getting beat by a Boise St team that is having to rebuild. What do you think?

Adam Rittenberg: Interesting points, Matthew. Some folks will spin it that way if Michigan State wins, but I would hope that after seeing so many Boise State teams beat major-conference programs on the road, especially in the season opener, people would give Michigan State credit for beating the Broncos. Boise State went 50-3 during the Kellen Moore era, but the Broncos also won 10 games or more seven times between 1999-2007. Bottom line: Boise State doesn't lose many games. Any win against the Broncos should resonate nationally, especially for a Michigan State team that loses its own starting quarterback (Kirk Cousins) and several other key players.

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Drew from Milwaukee writes: Hey Adam - Hope you enjoyed Istanbul. Absolutely one of my favorite cities in the world. You've said repeatedly that the key for the Big 10 to return to the elite in football is depth. The Big 10 is unquestionably the deepest conference in men's basketball this year. Wondering if there is anything Big 10 football programs can learn from the success of their basketball counterparts, especially in the areas of recruiting or coaching. Thanks!

Adam Rittenberg: Drew, it's a fabulous city, a unique mix of East and West. Also a fun sports town -- they love their hoops and futbol. As to your question, football depth and basketball depth are a little different because of the roster sizes. A recruiting class of three top-level prospects can get you over the hump in basketball, while football teams need more top-level prospects to compete at the national level.

One thing that sets Big Ten basketball apart from football is the number of programs that are either traditional powers, emerging powers and consistent winners. You have a traditional hoops power in Indiana that hasn't enjoyed much success in football. Illinois fits into this category as well, and in recent years, so does Purdue. You also have an Ohio State basketball program that has become nationally elite under Thad Matta. Tom Izzo has brought the type of consistent elite success to Michigan State basketball that we're only now seeing with the Spartans football program. You also have a consistent winner in Wisconsin under Bo Ryan. While the Badgers football program also has made strides in recent years, the hoops team has been a bit more consistent during the past decade. Big Ten football is no longer the Big Two and everyone else, but we haven't seen as many teams compete at the national level on the gridiron than on the hardcourt.

There are some factors that affect both football and basketball, such as Big Ten Network revenue and a school's investment in both programs (facilities, coaches' salaries, etc.). But I don't know if league-wide success in hoops can translate to football. Too many different variables.

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Brandon P. from Lincoln, Neb., writes: I have always been more of a Cam Meredith fan over Crick and i was wondering if you think he will be more of a staple for the Blackshirts defense than Crick was supposed to be? If not him, then who?

Adam Rittenberg: They play different positions and Crick could have had a nice year in 2011 if not for the injury, but I think Meredith is a key player to watch this fall. From talking with him a few weeks ago, he's excited about new D-line coach Rick Kaczenski and new coordinator John Papuchis. He also realizes the need to be more of a leader for a unit that admittedly underperformed in 2011. He'll enter his third year as the starter and has some natural pass-rushing skills, as he showed in 2011 with five sacks and nine quarterback hurries. Nebraska didn't generate nearly enough pressure in 2011 -- the team ranked 84th nationally in sacks and 112th in tackles for loss -- so Meredith will need to trigger the rush this coming season.

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Dave from Toledo, Ohio, writes: How hard will it be to implement a new offense at Ohio State? How well does the current personnel on the team fit? RichRod's new offense did terrible at michigan his first few years until he had the right players, though I feel like he didn't try to adapt his offense to the players he had, which I'm hoping Meyer and Herman don't make the same mistake. I'm most concerned about our offensive line adapting, as well as having some wide receivers emerge as play makers.Thanks

Adam Rittenberg: Dave, Rodriguez's offense had one bad year in 2008 and then got progressively better, setting some records in 2010. Offense wasn't the problem for Rodriguez at Michigan, and he did have some players recruited by the previous coaching staff who did well. One advantage Meyer has is he inherits a quarterback much more suited to his system (Braxton Miller) than the QBs Rodriguez inherited at Michigan (Steven Threet, Nick Sheridan). Miller likely will have an even higher ceiling under Meyer and Herman than he would have under the previous offensive staff, which drew a lot of criticism. How the offensive line develops will be an interesting subplot of the spring for sure, as Meyer has made some comments about the need for better conditioning, etc. Meyer also has been candid about the need for more difference-makers at wide receiver, a position that was a virtual nonfactor in 2011. I do think a more imaginative offensive game plan will help players blossom at several positions. It's not as if Ohio State lit it up on offense last year. While there could be some growing pains this fall, I think you'll like what you see from the Buckeyes offense.

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Ahmet from Rochester, N.Y., writes: Adam, I saw you traveled to Turkey, that is very nice. I would like you to to write soemthing about Turkish soccer since you saw Turkish soccer match

Adam Rittenberg: It was pretty wild, Ahmet. I dragged my wife to the match, and let's just say she was one of the few females in the crowd. We had heard the fans of the home team, Kar_1yaka, were known for being pretty rowdy. There were a ton of police around the stadium, and we had to be patted down by security as we entered. There also were high fences surrounding the pitch so no one could enter from the stands. Everyone stood for the entire game, and there were some designated cheering sections surrounded by security. The chanting during the game was pretty cool even though I had no idea what they were saying. Fans were very demonstrative about bad calls, and some of them went a little too far, like the guy in our row who broke three stadium seats with his foot and almost got in a fight with a guy in the next section over. There were several near-fights among fans and the security didn't do much to step in. It was definitely an experience, and the match we went to was second division, not Süper Lig. I'd definitely go again, though.

Urban Meyer's first coaching staff at Ohio State is complete, and the final hire has strong Michigan ties.

Veteran assistant Bill Sheridan has been tapped to become Meyer's defensive backs coach, according to reports. He replaces Taver Johnson, who left to go to Arkansas.

Sheridan has coached linebackers for the Miami Doplphins the past two years and was the New York Giants defensive coordinator in 2009.

The 53-year-old's last college coaching gig was at Michigan, where he served as linebackers and defensive line coach as well as recruiting coordinator for the Wolverines. His son, Nick, played quarterback for former coach Rich Rodriguez.

Sheridan has also coached at Notre Dame, Michigan State, Cincinnati, Army and Maine during his career.

These links are kelly green and soaked in Guinness.

• Plenty of links from Michigan's first spring workout: center David Molk and wideout Junior Hemingway are among the six players out for spring, annarbor.com's Dave Birkett writes. Former starting quarterback Nick Sheridan won't return for a fifth year, Birkett writes. Wideout Martavious Odoms is Michigan's fastest player. Mgoblog recaps Day 1.
• After three knee surgeries, Wisconsin's Aaron Henry takes a positive attitude toward his new position of safety, Tom Mulhern writes in the Wisconsin State Journal. The Capital Times' Jim Polzin breaks down the Badgers' first practice in pads.
• Iowa's defensive line could be one of the best in the country, Marc Morehouse writes in The (Cedar Rapids) Gazette.
• More details on Jim Tressel's contract extension from The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Doug Lesmerises.
• Penn State holds its annual pro day today, Bob Flounders writes in The (Harrisburg) Patriot-News. Nittany Lions tight end Mickey Shuler might have been overlooked in college, but he still has plans to play at the next level.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez kept to his word and played all three quarterbacks against Western Michigan, as junior Nick Sheridan took his first snaps of 2009.

Unlike freshmen Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson, Sheridan didn't fare as well, tossing an interception near the Western Michigan goal line. He did show improved mobility on a touchdown run that was called back on a penalty. This game is pretty much over, so don't be surprised if Rodriguez gets Sheridan some more work in the final 24 minutes.

Sheridan seems to be the third-string quarterback, but his experience will prove valuable at some point this season.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Junior Nick Sheridan likely will see the field at some point in this game, but Michigan appears to have found the right quarterback combination in Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson.

Forcier has taken the bulk of the work and tossed two touchdown passes, while Robinson is clearly the change-of-pace guy at this point. Robinson probably isn't ready to consistently lead drives, but he can be sprinkled in from time to time and change the game with his speed and shiftiness. He'll take on a bigger role in the offense as he becomes more accustomed to games.

Aside from carrying the ball too far from his body, Forcier has shown beyond-his-years poise so far. He's great on fakes -- I've lost track of the ball carrier several times already -- and usually spots the open man, as he did on a 7-yard touchdown toss to Greg Oden lookalike Kevin Koger. Both Forcier and Robinson give head coach Rich Rodriguez the chance to move the pocket, which is critical in the spread attack.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- With all due respect to Steven Threet and Nick Sheridan, they can't replicate what Tate Forcier just did on Michigan's first drive of the 2009 season.

The quarterback position means everything in Rich Rodriguez's offense, and mobility at that position is a requirement. Forcier showed quick feet and quicker decision-making skills on a 28-yard touchdown strike to Junior Hemingway. The true freshman picked up the rush, found some open space where he could run for a while and then spotted Hemingway streaking behind the defense.

It was excellent recognition from the freshman, who went 3-for-3 on the drive and had a nifty scramble for a first down on third-and-2.

The change of pace in the offense is obvious early on.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Sorry this is coming in late -- I've been driving to Ann Arbor -- but Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez named true freshman Tate Forcier as the starter for Saturday's season opener against Western Michigan (ABC, 3:30 p.m. ET).

Rodriguez made the announcement on his radio show Thursday night. He reiterated that junior Nick Sheridan and freshman Denard Robinson also will get time in the game.

"I met with them after practice today ... and said, 'I've never been in this situation before, but I feel fortunate and all three of you have done various things to earn the right to go out there first, so I don't want you to think you're not a starting quarterback,'" Rodriguez said. "But somebody has to take the first play and so I told them that Tate will take the first play, but the second play may be Denard or Nick or whoever. Those guys are so competitive, but they're such team guys I feel very, very good about it."

This is the right call for Rodriguez and the Wolverines. Sheridan might have the edge in experience, but Forcier was recruited to run Rodriguez's offense and has had a full spring and preseason camp to learn it. Michigan needs to show tangible signs of progress on offense, and Forcier provides the best chance to do so.

Wolverines running back Brandon Minor remains questionable for the game with an ankle injury. Senior Carlos Brown would start in Minor's place if he can't go.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The games are back, and so are the picks. Hold your applause. Every Thursday this fall, I'll forecast what will happen in the Big Ten.

Last year, I went 71-17 (80.7 percent) during the regular season. That's all you need to know.


THURSDAY


Indiana 27, Eastern Kentucky 17: The pistol offense gets off to a slow start, but Indiana's defense contains Eastern Kentucky and buys time for Ben Chappell and Co. to get going. Running backs Demetrius McCray and Darius Willis have a big night and the Hoosiers rack up five sacks as they open new-and-improved Memorial Stadium with a win.


SATURDAY


Ohio State 38, Navy 10: The Mids receive the greeting they deserve from Buckeye Nation, but the reception on the field will be different. Ohio State's defensive line is disciplined enough to stop the triple option, and Navy doesn't appear to be as strong as it has been in past years. Buckeyes quarterback Terrelle Pryor has a nice debut in the win, and Dan Herron has a big day on the ground.


Penn State 45, Akron 17: Joe Paterno returns to the sideline and enjoys the view as running back Evan Royster opens with a 150-yard effort in the opener. Akron quarterback Chris Jacquemain and his veteran wide receivers make some plays against an iffy Nittany Lions secondary, but Penn State pulls away in the second quarter and never looks back.


Northwestern 34, Towson 6: Those expecting a drop-off from Northwestern forget that defense carried this team in 2008 and will do the same this fall. Towson's offense has major question marks and manages just two field goals against the Wildcats, who start slow on offense but pick things up in the second half behind quarterback Mike Kafka and freshman running back Arby Fields. Towson allowed more than 230 rush yards a game last fall.


Michigan State 31, Montana State 13: The Bobcats from Bozeman aren't pushovers, having upset Colorado in 2006 and keeping things close for a while against Minnesota last year. Standout defensive end Dane Fletcher makes some plays early, but Kirk Cousins eventually gets on track and uses his many weapons at wide receiver and tight end. Spartans backup quarterback Keith Nichol also logs time and performs well, keeping the competition tight heading into Week 2.


Minnesota 31, Syracuse 21: One of the more intriguing Week 1 matchups goes to the Gophers, who struggle a bit early amid the hoopla over Doug Marrone's Syracuse debut and Greg Paulus' return to football. Paulus makes a play or two against the Minnesota defense, but Adam Weber and a dynamic group of Gophers wideouts steal the show. Eric Decker and Hayo Carpenter each catch two touchdowns as Minnesota pulls away in the third quarter.


Purdue 31, Toledo 24: Some tense moments in head coach Danny Hope's debut at Purdue, but the Boilermakers prevail thanks to a solid rushing attack led by Ralph Bolden and Jaycen Taylor. Toledo's offense returns plenty of veterans and moves the ball against an iffy Purdue front seven. Bolden turns the tide early in the fourth quarter with a long touchdown run.


Iowa 28, Northern Iowa 9: Iowa needs its defense to step up from the get-go, and the unit comes through against Northern Iowa, a formidable FCS opponent. Hawkeyes junior quarterback Ricky Stanzi displays obvious improvement and finds the rejuvenated Tony Moeaki for two touchdowns. The run game is so-so for Iowa, but it doesn't need much from Paki O'Meara and Adam Robinson in the win.


Michigan 28, Western Michigan 24: Popular opinion is going against the Wolverines after everything that happened this week in Ann Arbor, but Rich Rodriguez's crew finds a way to start 1-0. Tim Hiller and the Broncos have their way with Michigan's secondary in the first half, but Wolverines defensive end Brandon Graham turns the game with a sack and a forced fumble early in the third quarter. Quarterbacks Tate Forcier, Nick Sheridan and Denard Robinson make enough plays against a vulnerable WMU defense.


Illinois 44, Missouri 38: The Illinois-Missouri matchup usually oozes offense, and this year will be no exception. But Juice Williams gets the final say against Sean Weatherspoon and the Tigers, as he finds four different receivers for touchdowns. Sophomore running backs Jason Ford and Mikel LeShoure both show improvement as a dynamic Illini offense secures a big win in the Edward Jones Dome.


Wisconsin 30, Northern Illinois 23: The Huskies are on the rise under second-year coach Jerry Kill and boast a dangerous quarterback in sophomore Chandler Harnish. Wisconsin worries me a bit on both sides of the ball, but running backs Zach Brown and John Clay should have a big day against an NIU defense that lost star Larry English. It'll be tight for a while, but I can't see the Badgers losing a night game at home.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Every team in the Big Ten has one essential issue that will determine success or failure this fall. Let's take a look.


Illinois: The talent is there in Champaign, but the Illini can't afford the chemistry issues that doomed them last season. They need leadership from veterans Juice Williams and Arrelious Benn on offense and, more important, players like linebacker Martez Wilson on a questionable defense.


Indiana: Whether or not the pistol offense guns down opponents or blows up in smoke, Indiana's season hinges on its defense, a unit that has finished no better than 71st nationally this decade. If the Hoosiers' D can't get it done with players like Matt Mayberry, Jammie Kirlew and Greg Middleton, they never will.


Iowa: Few teams in America have a tougher conference road schedule than the Hawkeyes, who visit Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan State and Wisconsin. Iowa's performance away from Kinnick Stadium will determine whether it plays in another January bowl game or ends up fighting just to make the postseason.


Michigan: Recent events have created a few more distractions for the Wolverines this fall, but their biggest key remains the quarterback position. Michigan should be much improved everywhere else on offense, but Rich Rodriguez needs consistency, intelligence and play-making ability from Tate Forcier, Nick Sheridan or Denard Robinson.


Michigan State: Mark Dantonio has mentioned it many times, and I'll echo the head coach: The Spartans must show they can handle expectations. Recent history suggests otherwise, but the program appears to be on a different course under Dantonio and needs to take another step forward with a favorable schedule this fall.


Minnesota: The offensive line will be in the spotlight as Minnesota emloys a significantly different scheme after two years of the spread. With only one player (center Jeff Tow-Arnett) returning to the position where he started in 2008, the Gophers' front five has some major question marks entering the fall.


Northwestern: The Wildcats need to prove they can actually survive the losses of multiyear starters at both quarterback and running back. Few outsiders think they can. Defense should once again carry this team in 2009, but Northwestern needs playmakers on offense after losing almost all of its featured skill players.


Ohio State: This is Terrelle Pryor's team now, a much younger and potentially more explosive squad that needs to restore Ohio State's national reputation in big games. Pryor has to be the catalyst on offense and prove that he's a complete and consistent quarterback. If so, opposing defenses will be in big trouble.


Penn State: I've been asking the same question throughout the offseason -- can Penn State reload? The Lions have more stars at key positions than any team in the Big Ten, but they need to replenish the offensive line, identify several capable wide receivers for Daryll Clark and get a lot better in the secondary.


Purdue: A glance at Purdue's Week 1 depth chart shows that first-year coach Danny Hope will be relying on lots of young players this fall. For the Boilermakers to rebound, they need their freshmen and sophomores to make an immediate impact with minimal growing pains.


Wisconsin: The Badgers simply don't have the margin error to survive the disorganization and lack of discipline that plagued them last season. From the quarterback position on down, Wisconsin needs to be mentally sound for 60 minutes and limit dumb mistakes that led to too many losses in 2008.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Believe it or not, there was a bit of actual football news today at Michigan. Head coach Rich Rodriguez released his depth chart (page 14) for Saturday's season opener against Western Michigan, and as expected, three quarterbacks were listed as possible starters. For what it's worth, freshman Tate Forcier comes first, and then junior Nick Sheridan and freshman Denard Robinson.

"I anticipate playing all three of them," Rodriguez said Monday.

Other notable items on the Wolverines' two-deep:

• True freshman Vincent Smith is listed as a co-backup at running back with Carlos Brown, behind starter Brandon Minor. Sophomore Michael Shaw, who logged a lot of playing time last year, is the fourth-stringer.
• Sophomore wide receiver Kelvin Grady, a former Michigan basketball player, is listed as a backup behind Martavious Odoms in the slot. Junior Hemingway and Greg Mathews are the other projected starters at receiver.
• Brandon Herron is listed as the starter at "quick" end (linebacker-defensive end hybrid), with true freshman Craig Roh as his backup.
• True freshman William Campbell is listed as the third string nose tackle behind Mike Martin and Renaldo Sagesse. I thought he'd be higher.
• Youth will be served in the secondary this fall. Though the starting four consists of junior Donovan Warren and sophomore Boubacar Cissoko at cornerback and junior Troy Woolfolk and sophomore Mike Williams at safety, several freshmen are in position to play, including corners J.T. Turner, J.T. Floyd and Teric Jones, and safety Vladimir Emilien.
• Rodriguez said senior Jason Olesnavage is the frontrunner at kicker, though Olesnavage is listed as a co-starter with both Brendan Gibbons and Bryan Wright.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Big Ten football is here!

If you could see me right now, I'd be doing my happy dance. On second thought, it's probably better you don't see me.

Anyway, after this Sahara of an offseason, I'm excited to start blogging about actual games again.

Here's a quick rundown of what's on tap for the opening weekend in the Big Ten:

THURSDAY

Eastern Kentucky at Indiana, 8 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network

Indiana debuts the pistol offense against FCS Eastern Kentucky, a team that enjoyed good success under current Purdue head coach Danny Hope from 2003-07. Keep an eye on the Hoosiers' running back race, as three or four backs, including dynamic redshirt freshman Darius Willis, are expected to get carries. Coming off a 3-9 season, Indiana needs a strong start from its defense, who will face Colonels quarterback Cody Watts, a converted wide receiver who led the team in touchdown receptions (5) last season.

SATURDAY

Towson at Northwestern, noon ET, Big Ten Network

The Wildcats shouldn't have much trouble with Towson, a team that went 3-9 last season and still hasn't decided on its starting quarterback. But this will be a chance for Northwestern senior quarterback Mike Kafka and a new crop of starting skill players to get comfortable and gain confidence. Star defensive end Corey Wootton returns to the field after recovering from a torn ACL, and true freshman running back Arby Fields likely will see a lot of work.

Montana State at Michigan State, noon ET, Big Ten Network

All eyes will be on the Spartans' offensive backfield, where position battles at both quarterback and running back have intensified. Quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Keith Nichol both are expected to play a lot, but who creates separation will be key. Michigan State coaches told ESPN.com last week that running backs Caulton Ray, Larry Caper and Edwin Baker likely will enter the season as the top ball carriers. Montana State also remains unsettled at quarterback with Mark Iddins and Cody Kempt competing for the top spot.

Navy at No. 6 Ohio State, noon ET, ESPN

Before a much anticipated rematch with USC, Ohio State must get past Navy, which always provides a challenge but doesn't appear to be as strong as it is in most years. Terrelle Pryor's progress from Year 1 to Year 2 will be interesting to watch, and I'm also very curious about the left tackle position. Will Andrew Miller or J.B. Shugarts emerge as the answer to protect Pryor's blind side?

Akron at No. 9 Penn State, noon ET, Big Ten Network

Whether it's fair or not, everyone expects a blowout here, and Penn State needs to deliver. The Lions' schedule forces the team not only to win, but win in very impressive fashion. Penn State can build confidence at wide receiver and offensive line against Akron, which ranked 90th nationally in total defense last fall. Akron quarterback Chris Jacquemain is pretty solid and will provide a good test for a new-look Penn State secondary.

Minnesota at Syracuse, noon ET, ESPN2

What is it about Minnesota and dome stadiums? The Golden Gophers thought they had rid themselves of domes for good by moving out of the Metrodome last fall, but they head indoors again to face Syracuse. Emotions will be high in the Carrier Dome as the Doug Marrone era begins and former Duke basketball player Greg Paulus starts at quarterback. Minnesota is the better team here, and as long as the Gophers keep their composure and don't struggle too much with their new pro-style offense, they should be fine.

Toledo at Purdue, noon ET, Big Ten Network

The Danny Hope era begins in West Lafayette as Purdue takes on Toledo, which also welcomes in a new coach (Tim Beckman). It will be interesting to watch how much the Boilers offense has changed under coordinator Gary Nord. Running back is arguably Purdue's deepest position, and backs like Jaycen Taylor, Ralph Bolden and Frank Halliburton all should get work. Boilers quarterback Joey Elliott needs to be aware of Toledo star safety Barry Church, a Nagurski Award candidate.

Northern Iowa at No. 22 Iowa, noon ET, Big Ten Network

This isn't your run-of-the-mill FBS vs. FCS beatdown. It could turn out that way, but Northern Iowa is pretty good and Iowa has some issues at running back. Former walk-on Paki O'Meara likely will get the start at running back for the Hawkeyes. Former Wisconsin linebacker Elijah Hodge, whose brother Abdul starred for Iowa, is making his debut with Northern Iowa at Kinnick Stadium. Iowa has won the last 14 meetings in the series stretching back to 1898.

Western Michigan at Michigan, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC

There's plenty of intrigue here, and I'll be on hand to watch it. Michigan tries to win its first opener since 2006 and close the book on a disastrous 2008 season. The Wolverines could use three quarterbacks (Nick Sheridan, Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson) in the game, and they must try to contain a really good signal-caller (Tim Hiller) on the other side. Perhaps the biggest question is how Michigan will come out after the allegations from players about NCAA rule violations within the program. Can Michigan keep it together for a critical opener?

Illinois vs. Missouri (at St. Louis), 3:40 p.m. ET, ESPN

Easily the best matchup of a pretty bland opening weekend, Illinois and Missouri meet in what is usually an extremely entertaining game. Illinois returns more experience on offense and really needs a win to start a tough opening stretch. A key matchup pairs Illini quarterback Juice Williams and Missouri star linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, who recently Tweeted he'd "squeeze the pulp out of Juice." Williams set the total offense record at Edward Jones Dome in his last appearance against Missouri and needs a repeat performance.

Northern Illinois at Wisconsin, 7 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network

Week 1 wraps up with a night game at Camp Randall Stadium, where Wisconsin's surprise starting backfield of Scott Tolzien and Zach Brown takes on Northern Illinois. The Badgers likely will play both Tolzien and redshirt freshman Curt Phillips at quarterback, but Tolzien will have the first chance to create some separation. Versatile NIU quarterback Chandler Harnish provides a good challenge for a Wisconsin defense replacing five starters in the front seven.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- When Michigan quarterbacks coach Rod Smith went down to Florida and asked to speak with Denard Robinson, he quickly learned that his recruiting target went by a different name.

"His coach goes, 'Hey, Shoelace!'" Smith said.

Shoelace?

The story goes that Robinson hasn't tied his shoelaces since elementary school. Not for football games. Not for track competitions. Not for anything.

The odd practice seemingly would hinder an athlete's ability to stay on his feet. For Robinson, it's just the opposite.

Robinson's speed has become one of the top storylines during Michigan's preseason camp. After gaining attention in March for running a 10.44 in the 100-meter dash at a meet in Florida, the true freshman has amazed his Michigan teammates and coaches with his warp-speed, unlaced feet this month.

"Damndest thing I've ever seen," Smith said.

Like fellow quarterbacks Tate Forcier and Nick Sheridan, Robinson is practicing with the first-team offense in camp and likely will play in the season opener Sept. 5 against Western Michigan

True to form, Robinson showed up Sunday at football media day with his shoes untied. When Michigan opens the season, Robinson will go sans tied laces.

That is, unless the coaches make him lace up.

"I really don't know [if they will]," he said. "I don't think so."

Not if he continues to dazzle in camp.

He had a 58-yard touchdown run in Friday's practice and tossed a short touchdown pass to Je'Ron Stokes in Saturday's scrimmage. Robinson accounted for two plays of longer than 40 yards on Wednesday, including a 40-yard scoring strike to Greg Mathews.

Smith was asked Sunday if Robinson reminded him of a young Pat White, who thrived in Rich Rodriguez's spread offense at West Virginia.

"I don't want to blow [Robinson] up, but he's fast," Smith said. "It's fun to watch, and if he breaks through, I love Pat to death, but I'm not too sure this kid is faster. They're close."

Robinson's speed has helped him offset the natural struggles that come with learning a new offense as a freshman.

"I get away with a lot," he said. "I'll probably make a mistake and get back on it with my speed."

Robinson didn't really have an explanation for his shoelace habit. Despite the risk of tripping or having a teammate step on his laces, he'll plan to continue the practice.

Though he's making it easier on opposing defenders to make shoe-string tackles, they might not even get a chance.

"I just enjoy running," Robinson said. "When I get the ball, I think about not getting caught. If I'm in front of everybody, I feel I shouldn't be caught. Nobody's caught me from behind [in practice]."

Robinson's speed might be too valuable to keep off the field, even if he's not the starter at quarterback. There are lingering questions about his arm and accuracy, but offensive coordinator Calvin Magee said the freshman can "throw the heck out of the ball."

So he's not totally anti-laces.

"Everybody says I can't throw," he said, "but I'll show you different when you see me start and see us play."

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- If there was any doubt about Michigan's primary concern entering the 2009 season, it got put to rest at the start of head coach Rich Rodriguez's media day news conference.

Nearly 12 minutes passed before Rodriguez received a question that didn't have to do with his signal-callers. When a reporter finally asked how Michigan's talented group of running backs will assist the quarterback this fall, Rodriguez pumped his fists.

"Good," he said, smiling. "Eleven guys."

	AP Photo/Tony Ding
	Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez knows a lot of attention will be paid to his quarterbacks this season.

Whether Rodriguez likes it or not, the spotlight will remain on only one guy -- actually three candidates for one job -- who will have the biggest impact on bringing Michigan back from a 3-9 season in 2008. Freshmen Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson are competing with junior Nick Sheridan for the position, and no decision on a starter is imminent.

Here's a summary of what Rodriguez said about his quarterback situation:

• All three players are expected to appear in the season opener Sept. 5 against Western Michigan. All three have practiced and scrimmaged with the first-team offense, and all three have made explosive plays. "I don't want to say it's fun," Rodriguez said, "but most people say, 'Geez, they don't have a starter.' Maybe we'll have three starting quarterbacks. That would be neat."
• Sheridan isn't out of the running. Not even close. When Michigan scrimmaged Saturday, he took the first reps with the starting offense, followed by Forcier and Robinson, who made several big plays. Though many continue to link Sheridan with the problems of 2008, his familiarity with the system continues to help his cause. "Right now, mentally, I think Nick's ahead of me," Forcier said.
  
• More on this later in the blog, but Robinson has really turned heads so far this preseason, mostly because of his track-star speed. Forcier has been surprised at how quickly Robinson is progressing, which intensifies the competition. "He's making me play a lot better, because I see the competition," Forcier said. "During the spring, when Nick got hurt, I caught myself kind of just walking through it. Now that the competition's here, there's no more taking the easy way. You've got to work."
• Quarterbacks coach Rod Smith is purposely having all three quarterbacks work with the first-, second- and third-string units in practice. "I want to see who's going to have some leadership ability, who has the ability to make plays," Smith said. "I have them go with the [third string] because those guys aren't playing as [much] as the other guys, but I want to see them be able to take something on their shoulders and do it themselves."
• None of the three quarterbacks are physically imposing, which doesn't mean much in Rodriguez's system. But all three seem to welcome the spotlight and the pressure that will be placed on them all season. They might be short on experience, but not on swagger. "I enjoy the suspense," Robinson said. "Just waiting to see who's going to start. ... I don't feel pressure at all, not at all."

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

Home today, Purdue tomorrow. The beat goes on. 

• Michigan State's scrimmage stats seemed to favor Keith Nichol in the QB race, but the coaches don't read into it too much, Shannon Shelton writes in the Detroit Free Press.
  
• Jason Forcier won't be joining his little bro Tate at Michigan this fall, but he'll still be around to help out, Mark Snyder writes in the Detroit Free Press. Wolverines quarterback Nick Sheridan has been written off before and uses it to fuel him, annarbor.com's Michael Rothstein writes.
  
• Sophomore defensive end Jack Crawford is among the Penn State players generating preseason buzz, Dustin Hockensmith writes in The (Harrisburg) Patriot-News. Linebacker Sean Lee is back for the Nittany Lions, but where he plays remains a mystery, Ben Brigandi writes in The Altoona Mirror. 
  
• Minnesota coach Tim Brewster is in no rush to name his starting running back, Marcus Fuller writes in the (St. Paul) Pioneer Press.
  
• Iowa and Illinois will be sleeper teams in the Big Ten this fall, SI.com's Stewart Mandel writes.
  
• Defensive tackle is a question mark for the Hawkeyes, and starting end Christian Ballard has been getting some work inside, Marc Morehouse writes in The (Cedar Rapids) Gazette.
  
• Good news for Wisconsin, as left tackle Gabe Carimi wasn't on crutches as he watched practice Wednesday morning, Jeff Potrykus writes in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
• Purdue linebacker Jason Werner is taking no chances this year with his recurring back issues, Mike Carmin writes in The (Lafayette) Journal and Courier. 
• Indiana needs help at defensive tackle, so true freshman Adam Replogle will play right away, Hugh Kellenberger writes in The (Bloomington) Herald-Times. Florida transfer Jerimy Finch is still struggling to get major playing time with the Hoosiers, Terry Hutchens writes in The Indianapolis Star.