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These days, MarQueis Gray spends his free time studying tape from Northern Illinois' 2010 season, trying to soak in the offense he'll run at Minnesota this fall.

Gray likes the scheme, which suits his skill set well. But Minnesota's coaches could have told him they'd be running the wishbone or the run 'n' shoot, as long as he would be the man calling signals.

Once Gray heard he was returning to the quarterback spot, nothing else really mattered.

"That's basically what I wanted to hear," Gray told me this week. "It put a smile on my face."

Gray came to Minnesota as a heralded dual-threat quarterback but started at wide receiver last season because the coaches didn't want to waste his talent on clipboard duty. The 6-4, 230-pound Gray finished second on the team in receptions (42), receiving yards (587) and receiving touchdowns (5), while adding 110 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

Although the departure of four-year starting quarterback Adam Weber suggested Gray would return to quarterback, he didn't take anything for granted.

"I had no idea what they were going to do with me," Gray said. "But when [the new staff] first got here, I talked with coach [Jerry] Kill and he told me I was going to be his quarterback. I've played quarterback all my life. I just like being the general on the field, being the man that the team looks to to help them win games."

Gray knows he must re-establish himself as a leader and has taken steps to do so this offseason. He has pushed himself to be more vocal in winter workouts and gathers receivers to go through pass routes after weightlifting sessions.

"I'm getting back into the rhythm of it," he said. "I haven’t being doing it since I left high school, but they believe in me and I believe in them, so I'm pretty sure it’s going to work out."

Gray also has spent time with his new quarterbacks coach, Jim Zebrowski, going over the new scheme. Zebrowski told Gray that the system blends the offenses from Rose Bowl participants TCU and Wisconsin, although Gray sees more plays run from the shotgun and pistol formations than from under center.

Dual-threat quarterback Chandler Harnish excelled in the offense at Northern Illinois, accounting for 28 touchdowns (21 pass, 7 rush) and 3,366 yards of total offense (2,530 pass, 836 rush) in 2010. The Gophers' staff knows Gray will need time to grow in the system, but they like what they're inheriting.

"We were watching the [Minnesota-Iowa] game and he goes back there in the quasi-Wildcat as the quarterback and he lasers one," offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover said. "We kind of looked at each other and said, 'OK, we can work with that.' You think, 'OK, wonderful athlete, can run, can do things with the ball in his hands, All-Big Ten caliber wide receiver,' that's awesome. But then you watch him drop back and throw the ball.

"Then you go, 'This kid's more than just an athlete we're going to put back there. He's a quarterback.'"

Last week, Minnesota's theme was opportunity.

This week, it's urgency.

The Gophers are in desperate need of a win Saturday night against Northern Illinois (Big Ten Network, 8:30 p.m. ET). Teams that go 1-3 in nonconference play usually see their postseason window slammed shut, and a Minnesota team that has been to bowl games in each of the last two years doesn't want to see it happen.

Despite a much better overall performance last Saturday against No. 20 USC, Minnesota still stings from its Week 2 loss to South Dakota. Had the Gophers handled their business against an FCS team at home, there would be a much different feeling about the USC game and perhaps about the program's direction under Tim Brewster.

At 1-2, Minnesota and its embattled coach need a win in the worst way Saturday night.

"It's obviously huge," Brewster said. "I was really pleased with how our players responded to playing I think one of the most talented football teams in the country in USC. That'll give us some momentum going into this game."

The Gophers won't overlook anyone after the Dakota Debacle, and Northern Illinois certainly is on their radar. Although the preseason MAC West favorites have been a bit disappointing so far this season, the Huskies led last week at Illinois and opened the season two years ago at the Metrodome in a game the Gophers won 31-27 on a fourth-down touchdown run with 22 seconds left.

"They play everybody down to the wire, and they beat a lot of teams," Brewster said. "It's not hard for them to get our attention."

The good news for Minnesota is running back Duane Bennett, who scored the game-winning touchdown against NIU in 2008, should be 100 percent for Saturday after being slowed by a sprained ankle against USC. Northern Illinois was vulnerable against the run in losses to both Illinois and Iowa State, and the Gophers will try to re-establish their power game Saturday.

Minnesota also is focused on finishing better after losing a third-quarter lead against USC.

"What we're all about is finishing games and finishing situations, and we didn't do that against USC," Brewster said. "That was disappointing. But I felt really good about a lot of things I saw in that game, and I think it's really going to help us as we move forward."

Iowa is coming back to the Windy City.

For the second time in a six-year span, the Hawkeyes will open a season against Northern Illinois at Chicago's Soldier Field. Iowa and NIU have agreed in principle to play on Sept. 1, 2012, and the Hawkeyes have listed the game in their spring football prospectus.

The two schools also met to open the 2007 season, and Iowa came away with a 16-3 victory.

The 2007 contest was announced as a sellout, although there were thousands of empty seats at Soldier Field. Not surprisingly, Iowa fans dominated the crowd and will do so again in 2012.

This appears to be a great deal for Iowa, which would still have seven home games at Kinnick Stadium in 2012. Iowa fans travel extremely well and will jump at the chance to spend the weekend in Chicago at the optimal weather time of the year.

My only hope: a much better game than the 2007 contest, which was pretty brutal to watch live, despite a perfect day on the lakefront.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The Big Ten has suspended its second football player in six days, providing more evidence of the league's hardline stance on player conduct this season.

Purdue offensive lineman Zach Reckman received a one-game suspension from the league for a late hit on Northern Illinois' Sean Progar last week at Ross-Ade Stadium. Reckman lowered his shoulder and speared a sliding Progar after Progar had secured a Purdue lateral attempt on the final play of Northern Illinois' 28-21 victory.

Reckman, the Boilermakers' starting left guard, will sit out Saturday's game against Notre Dame (ESPN, 8 p.m. ET). The Big Ten ruled that Reckman violated a league agreement prohibiting "striking or attempting to strike or otherwise physically abusing an official, opposing coach, spectator or athlete," and issued him a public reprimand.

“We appreciate Purdue’s and head coach Danny Hope’s attention to this issue and feel a one-game suspension is appropriate,” Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany said in a statement. "The behavior of Zach Reckman at the end of the Northern Illinois game is unacceptable and could have triggered a larger incident."

Purdue athletic director Morgan Burke contacted the Big Ten about the play Sunday after talking with Hope, and Hope decided to suspend Reckman for the first quarter of the Notre Dame game.

But the Big Ten went with a harsher penalty.

“We talked with our guys before the game about maintaining their composure, and Zach made a mistake,” Hope said in a statement released Thursday. “But I know Zach and firmly believe that he would not attempt anything of a malicious nature. Morgan and I agreed that a one-quarter suspension would be appropriate in this case, and that is what we presented to the Big Ten. They saw it differently, and we have to live with their decision.”

Asked about the play on Sunday, Hope said he didn't think Reckman's play was "all that vicious."

"I don't think Zach Reckman should've jumped in there on that guy at the end of the play but maybe he was hoping the ball would come out," Hope said Sunday. "He was trying to find a way to win."

The Big Ten suspended Michigan linebacker Jonas Mouton for last week's game after he punched Notre Dame center Eric Olsen on Sept. 12. Like Reckman, Mouton didn't draw a penalty.

Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez, who wasn't going to suspend Mouton before the league stepped in, said he would be watching every Big Ten closely to find similar instances of non-football acts. Rodriguez said Monday that he had seen an example during last weekend's games but didn't specify the play.

Junior Justin Pierce is listed as Reckman's backup at left guard on Purdue's depth chart.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

I called Purdue the Big Ten's mystery team entering the season, and it's still hard to get a great read on the Boilers.

After pounding Toledo and giving away a game at Oregon, Purdue finds itself down 14 points at halftime to Northern Illinois at home. The Boilers offense has yet to score -- Purdue's lone touchdown came on an Aaron Valentin punt return -- and sophomore running back Ralph Bolden has been held in check (7 carries, 30 yards).

Purdue finished with just 74 first-half yards after scoring at will in its first two games. Northern Illinois has controlled the line of scrimmage with its run game, something the Boilers need to get turned around in a hurry.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Minnesota head coach Tim Brewster and athletic director Joel Maturi have revamped the school's scheduling philosophy, adding games with powerhouse teams like Cal, USC and (most likely) Texas.

I'm not sure how a road game against a Sun Belt school will go over in the Twin Cities, but at least it's something different.

The Golden Gophers will open the 2010 season with a Thursday night game at Middle Tennessee on Sept. 2. Minnesota already has home games scheduled against South Dakota (Sept. 11) and USC (Sept. 18), and it just finalized the non-league slate with a home contest against Northern Illinois on Sept. 25.

Middle Tennessee will return the game to Minnesota in 2017. The Gophers and Blue Raiders have never played.

Minnesota opened the 2008 season with a 31-27 win against Northern Illinois, which also will visit Illinois on Sept. 18, 2010.

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

Excuse the Mark Morrison reference, but it's time to take a peek at the Mid-American Conference heading into the 2009 season. Whether you want to admit it or not, Big Ten fans should have some interest in the MAC because of the scheduling relationship the two leagues share. 

Big Ten teams play 14 games against the MAC this fall, including two for Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State, Northwestern, Penn State and Purdue. No league appears on the schedule more often than the 13-team MAC, which notched four victories against Big Ten squads in 2008. 

The MAC held its media sessions last week in Detroit, and Central Michigan once again got the nod as the league's preseason favorite. Colleague Graham Watson has all the details.

Let's take a look at the MAC preseason poll. 

West Division
1. Central Michigan (154 points)
2. Western Michigan (126)
3. Northern Illinois (103)
4. Toledo (71)
5. Ball State (58)
6. Eastern Michigan (34)

East Division
1. Buffalo (155 points)
2. Temple (144)
3. Akron (128)
4. Ohio (116)
5. Bowling Green (101)
6. Kent State (51)
7. Miami (33)

MAC Championship Game
Central Michigan (18), Western Michigan (4), Buffalo (2), Temple (2)

Of all the Big Ten teams, Michigan State gets the toughest draw against the MAC and will host both Central Michigan (Sept. 12) and Western Michigan (Nov. 7).

Penn State's soft schedule is well documented, but the Lions do face two of the higher rated MAC East teams in Akron (Sept. 5) and Temple (Sept. 19). The MAC West division looks much stronger to me, and teams like Purdue and Wisconsin should watch out for Northern Illinois. Northwestern gets off very easy, facing the two teams picked to finish last in their divisions (Eastern Michigan and Miami).

An interesting note: Five MAC teams welcome new head coaches this year.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The blog has been a bit Michigan-MSU heavy today, so I'm going to shuffle around the predictions order and look at the Purdue Boilermakers.

1. The defense will be better than you think -- Purdue's defense was better than the numbers showed last year, and the unit brings back several key pieces. Safety Torri Williams leads one of the league's most experienced secondaries, and the line should be solid with end Ryan Kerrigan and tackle Mike Neal. The big questions come at linebacker and whether several young linemen (Kawann Short, Gerald Gooden, Nickardo Golding, Robert Maci) can grow up fast.

2. Caleb TerBush starts at least one game at quarterback -- Joey Elliott will enter the season as the starter, but he lacks experience in that role and comes off a serious shoulder injury. With a new-look receiving corps, Purdue figures to have some growing pains in the passing game. Offensive coordinator Gary Nord will take a look at TerBush, a strong-armed redshirt freshman. Elliott could keep the job all year long, but the odds say TerBush will get a chance at least one Saturday.

3. Purdue misses a bowl for the second straight year -- Danny Hope has his work cut out for him in Year 1, and the schedule does him no favors. Purdue must visit Oregon, play an improved Northern Illinois team and host Notre Dame, a preseason Top 25 squad. There are questions at quarterback and wide receiver, and the Boilers have two new coordinators. We'll definitely see some signs of progress, but not enough wins to reach a bowl game.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

If you haven't noticed, scheduling is the theme around ESPN.com this week. My colleagues have examined the decline of marquee nonleague games and the money-driven formula that goes into scheduling.

Now it's time to get more specific and look at the nonconference schedules for each Big Ten team. The Big Ten has taken a lot of heat for softening its nonleague slates, though other BCS conferences, namely the SEC, are also guilty of the practice.

Here's how they stack up, from toughest to easiest.

1. ILLINOIS -- vs. Missouri (at St. Louis), Illinois State, at Cincinnati, Fresno State

It's not just the opponents that make the slate tough, but also unusual dates of the games. Illinois must finish with two tough nonleague foes in late November and early December, when a bowl berth likely will be on the line. The Illini have lost their last five games against Missouri in St. Louis.

2. PURDUE -- Toledo, at Oregon, Northern Illinois, Notre Dame

First-year head coach Danny Hope has his work cut out for him early on this fall. Oregon is the toughest nonconference road game for a Big Ten team this season, and Notre Dame has been pegged as a BCS bowl contender (jury's still out for me) and lit up the Boilermakers' defense last year in South Bend. Northern Illinois also could be a very tough game for Purdue.

3. MINNESOTA -- at Syracuse, Air Force, California, South Dakota State

Arguably no Big Ten team has a tougher opening stretch than the Gophers. Sure, Syracuse is down, but Doug Marrone's first game and the possible debut of Greg Paulus at quarterback should get the Carrier Dome cranked. Air Force and especially Cal provide major tests at the new TCF Bank stadium.

4. OHIO STATE -- Navy, USC, vs. Toledo (at Cleveland), New Mexico State

The USC factor simply can't be overlooked on what is otherwise a soft slate for the Buckeyes. Ohio State's matchup with USC once again serves as the league's premier nonconference matchup and a chance for the Buckeyes and the Big Ten to gain some redemption. Navy is never an easy game, especially in the opener.

5. IOWA -- Northern Iowa, at Iowa State, Arizona, Arkansas State

The Hawkeyes are consistently solid in scheduling, and this slate shouldn't generate too many complaints. If you're going to play an FCS team, Northern Iowa is a darn good one. Mike Stoops returns to Iowa City with an Arizona team coming off of a bowl victory in 2008. Iowa shouldn't have much trouble going 4-0 -- rival Iowa State remains a disaster -- but the competition isn't terrible.

6. MICHIGAN STATE -- Montana State, Central Michigan, at Notre Dame, Western Michigan

The Spartans' slate isn't as challenging as it was last season, but a trip to what should be an improved Notre Dame team could be tough. Michigan State has won three straight against the Irish, who crumbled on offense last year in East Lansing. Two tough MAC opponents with talented quarterbacks (Western Michigan's Tim Hiller and Central Michigan's Dan LeFevour) should test Michigan State's defense.

7. INDIANA -- Eastern Kentucky, Western Michigan, at Akron, at Virginia

The Hoosiers are the only Big Ten team to play two true nonconference road games, which stands for something even though both Akron and Virginia have struggled recently. Western Michigan also provides a big test in Week 2 for a Hoosiers defense hoping to turn a corner behind Jammie Kirlew, Greg Middleton and Matt Mayberry.

8. MICHIGAN -- Western Michigan, Notre Dame, Eastern Michigan, Delaware State

Michigan doesn't deserve to be ranked this high, but the Wolverines' schedule looks like a gauntlet compared to the sorry slates belonging to some other Big Ten teams. Western Michigan presents a sizable challenge in the opener, as Greg Robinson's defense faces off against Hiller. A transitioning Michigan offense might need to keep pace on the scoreboard. Notre Dame also will test the Wolverines with its high-powered passing attack.

9. WISCONSIN -- Northern Illinois, Fresno State, Wofford, at Hawaii

Soft scheduling has been a hot topic in Badger Nation, and this year's rundown won't do much to quench the fire. Northern Illinois and Fresno State are decent teams, but the lack of a BCS opponent drags down the quality of the schedule. Hawaii has been tough to beat at home in recent years, and Wisconsin could be fighting for bowl position when it heads to Oahu.

10. NORTHWESTERN -- Towson, Eastern Michigan, at Syracuse, Miami (Ohio)

Northwestern is trying to make bowl games on a more consistent basis, and another visit to Cupcake City should help. All four of these teams have new head coaches, and the lone "test," a trip to Syracuse, certainly isn't what it used to be. The watered-down slate certainly won't remedy Northwestern's attendance problems, and the school should (and will) take a more aggressive approach to scheduling in the future.

11. PENN STATE -- Akron, Syracuse, Temple, Eastern Illinois

This is the hard truth for Penn State: A desire to fill Beaver Stadium eight times could very well keep the Nittany Lions out of the national title game. We won't get a true read on Penn State until Iowa visits Happy Valley on Sept. 26, and anything less than an undefeated season will prevent the Lions from reaching the BCS championship in Pasadena. Sure, Penn State had no idea Syracuse would be this bad, but the absence of a road game against a decent opponent could really hurt the national profile of the team and its individual stars this fall.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Purdue's Sept. 12 game at Oregon will kick off at 10:15 p.m. ET (7:15 p.m. local time), the Pac-10 has announced. Fox Sports Net will televise the game.

It marks the second night game for the Boilermakers in 2009. They will host Notre Dame on Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. ET, in a game televised by ABC or ESPN.

Purdue expects kickoff times for games against Toledo (Sept. 5), Northern Illinois (Sept. 19), Northwestern (Oct. 3) and Minnesota (Oct. 10) to be announced by July 1. 

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The schedule snapshots finish up with Wisconsin, which will end the regular season later than any other Big Ten team. 

NONCONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Sept. 5 Northern Illinois

Sept. 12 Fresno State

Sept. 19 Wofford

Dec. 5 at Hawaii

My take: Wisconsin's decision to move back its series with Virginia Tech took something away from a nonconference slate that still features a few challenges. The Badgers' win at Fresno State last year lost some luster after the Bulldogs struggled down the stretch, but Pat Hill's squad is usually solid and a Wisconsin victory this fall should mean more. Northern Illinois is on the rise under head coach Jerry Kill and will provide Wisconsin's new starting quarterback with a decent opening test. Hawaii is always tough at home, as Big East champ Cincinnati found out last year, and Wisconsin will need to put up points to beat the Warriors in Honolulu. 

BIG TEN SCHEDULE

Sept. 26 Michigan State

Oct. 3 at Minnesota

Oct. 10 at Ohio State

Oct. 17 Iowa

Oct. 24 Open

Oct. 31 Purdue

Nov. 7 at Indiana

Nov. 14 Michigan

Nov. 21 at Northwestern

Byes: Penn State, Illinois

My take: The Badgers are the only team with a bye in the middle of the Big Ten schedule -- Illinois likely will have one before league play opens -- and it comes at a good time. The opening stretch is brutal with trips to rival Minnesota and Ohio State bookended by tough home contests against Michigan State and Iowa. Wisconsin can do some damage during the second half of the conference slate, but it needs to avoid another slow start after dropping its first four league games in 2008. Road games at Northwestern and Hawaii could go a long way toward determining Wisconsin's postseason fate or bowl destination.   

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Here's what Danny Hope has to look forward to in his first season as Purdue's head coach.

NONCONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Sept. 5 Toledo

Sept. 12 at Oregon

Sept. 19 Northern Illinois

Sept. 26 Notre Dame

My take: After playing arguably the Big Ten's toughest non-league slate last fall, Purdue once again gets a few difficult draws. Oregon should be a preseason top-15 team with a dynamic offense to test the Boilers, who did a decent job containing the Ducks last year at Ross-Ade Stadium. A win in Eugene will be a long shot, and then Purdue returns home to face an improving Northern Illinois team and Notre Dame, which should also be better on both sides of the ball. Given the head coaching change, two new coordinators (Gary Nord and Donn Landholm) and a lot of new personnel on both sides of the ball, Purdue should be pleased with a 2-2 split in non-league play.

BIG TEN SCHEDULE

Oct. 3 Northwestern

Oct. 10 at Minnesota

Oct. 17 Ohio State

Oct. 24 Illinois

Oct. 31 at Wisconsin

Nov. 7 at Michigan

Nov. 14 Michigan State

Nov. 21 at Indiana

Byes: Penn State, Iowa

My take: A young Boilers team benefits from getting three of the first four league games at home (six of the first eight overall) and not playing league title contenders Penn State and Iowa. If Purdue can build confidence and start establishing its identity in non-league play, it could pull a surprise or two early in the Big Ten slate. The road schedule isn't too difficult, though both Wisconsin and Michigan could be on stable footing once the Boilers come to town. A slow start to league play could equal a very long season for Hope and his crew.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Don't miss the awards show tonight (ESPN, 8 p.m. ET). I'm guessing the Big Ten takes home some hardware. 

Time to read up. 

• College football's love affair with quarterbacks and the spread offense has made it nearly impossible for elite running backs like Ohio State's Chris "Beanie" Wells -- or Iowa's Shonn Green, for that matter -- to take home the Heisman Trophy, Doug Lesmerises writes in The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Big backs have struggled to get in the Heisman mix since Ron Dayne. 

"The Heisman campaign of Ohio State running back Beanie Wells didn't end when he hurt his right foot in the second half of the season opener against Youngstown State. It ended when quarterbacks at Oklahoma, Texas and Florida lined up under center and put defenses under attack. When it comes to the Heisman these days, you've got to throw for show. That's why anointing Wells as the preseason favorite, which was a popular opinion that I shared, was faulty logic from the start. "Genial quarterback with mind-blowing numbers for successful team" was the real favorite all along."

• Delaware might be Pat Devlin's next stop after deciding to transfer from Penn State, Don McKee writes in the Philadelphia Inquirer. Seemed to work out well for that Flacco guy. 
  
• Finding a replacement for offensive coordinator Mike Locksley is only one of several key decisions facing Illinois head coach Ron Zook this offseason, Loren Tate writes in The (Champaign) News-Gazette. Illinois will host Northern Illinois in September 2010, Terry Bannon writes in the Chicago Tribune. 
• Hard-hitting Wisconsin safety Jay Valai has become a YouTube sensation, Tom Mulhern writes in the Wisconsin State Journal. 
• Shonn Greene's name made it onto the Heisman ballots of two voters, Mike Hlas and Marc Morehouse of The (Cedar Rapids) Gazette.
  
• SEC teams are making a push for offensive lineman William Campbell, a Detroit native who still has Michigan in the mix, Sam Webb writes in The Detroit News. 

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

A few news items from the afternoon for you. 

• Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith has signed a contract extension through June of 2016, Ken Gordon writes in The Columbus Dispatch. Smith quickly extinguished rumors earlier this year that he would be a candidate for the AD vacancy at Notre Dame, his alma mater.
  
• Wisconsin has finalized its 2009 schedule and moved a road game with Northern Illinois to Soldier Field in Chicago in 2011, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Jeff Potrykus writes in the Badgers Blog. Northern Illinois played a similar game against Iowa to kick off the 2007 season.