ESPN College Football

MADISON, Wis. -- Even in video games, Montee Ball piles up the touchdowns.

During a friendly game of "Madden" on Friday, the Wisconsin running back uses the New York Giants to race out to a 21-0 lead over Badgers teammate Darius Feaster before the first quarter ends. Feaster quits in despair, saying he has to go to class, although he sticks around to watch Ball take on roommate Devin Smith in another game.

Ball's Giants then pour on 21 more first-half points against Smith's Pittsburgh Steelers, almost all on passing plays. Smith throws his controller in the air in disgust after giving up another long completion.

"Surprisingly, he can't run in this game," says Smith, a senior cornerback.

It's a scene probably playing out on hundreds of campuses the same way: three friends wasting away an afternoon talking trash over an Xbox game. The decor in the three-bedroom apartment Ball shares with Smith and another student looks like a typical college residence, too. A Wisconsin flag hangs on the living room wall above a decidedly dated, low-def RCA TV. "Hey, it was in my parents' garage," Ball says sheepishly.

Ball has few worries on this spring afternoon, but things could have been a lot different. The NFL draft is just a week away, and most people expected him to skip his senior season after he tied Barry Sanders' FBS record with 39 overall touchdowns and led the nation with 1,923 rushing yards last season. Instead, he became the only draft-eligible 2011 Heisman Trophy finalist to return to school.

Already, he has heard some media pundits say he made a mistake, that he could have been the second back taken after Alabama's Trent Richardson. Yet he remains content with his decision and happy to be a college student, zipping around campus on his scooter, enjoying the views of Lake Mendota at Memorial Union and walking down Madison's famous State Street on the way to his apartment.

"I'm savoring a lot," he said between bites of a turkey sandwich at Memorial Union. "I've been catching myself going and visiting the library, which I'd only been to a couple of times since we have our own [football academic] center. I'm making an effort to step out of my comfort zone and really explore the campus and mingle with people."

Ball made the call to return a few days before the Rose Bowl, after receiving his evaluation from the NFL draft advisory board. Although he produced one of the greatest offensive seasons in college football history, pro scouts shrugged and pegged him as a third-rounder.

"That shocked me a little bit," Ball said. "I didn't understand it, honestly. I was first in every single [rushing] stat last year."

So he huddled with his parents, who supported his decision to come back. Montee Sr. and Melissa Ball moved from Wentzville, Mo., to just outside of Madison shortly after their son enrolled to be around for his college days, and they wanted to see him earn a degree. Ball -- who's 35 credit hours short of graduating -- recently took out an insurance policy through the NCAA in case of an injury this year.

The word from NFL personnel was that Ball looked too light to play running back at the next level, which was a bit ironic because he dropped from 230 pounds as a sophomore to a playing weight of 203 last year. Standing next to the freakishly strong Richardson during the Heisman ceremony did make Ball feel a little too small, though. He's experimenting with his weight this spring and is up to about 213 now.

He may be a little heavier, but he's just as quick as ever during spring practice. Maybe even quicker.

"He's definitely gotten faster," Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema said. "It's hard to imagine. But I really think his explosiveness has increased."

Ball didn't believe that until he saw it on film. He said experience and a better understanding of the game are allowing him to make faster decisions on his cuts and moves, and hitting the hole decisively was already one of his strengths. He's also working hard this spring on improving his pass-protection skills that were lacking at times last year, most obviously in the first Michigan State game. And Wisconsin is finding new ways to use him as a pass-catcher out of the backfield.

So Ball could be a more complete running back this season. But will he be less appreciated?

He'll enter the season as a Heisman Trophy favorite, and expectations will be huge after his record-breaking 2011 season. After he scored 39 touchdowns last season, some will wonder what went wrong if he doesn't have 40 in 2012.

"The thing that's extremely unfortunate is, in a way I can only do worse than last year if you look at it statswise," Ball said. "If I come out this year and have 23 touchdowns and 1,400 yards, it's a really good season but nowhere near what I had last season.

"So I'm not as focused on stats. I'm just focused on being a better football player."

Wisconsin has had the luxury of holding Ball out of most contact work this spring. The Badgers have two very capable backups in James White and redshirt freshman Melvin Gordon, who is turning heads during practice. But coaches say Ball has set the tone for the whole team with how hard he is working every day despite his superstar status.

"He could have rested on his laurels," first-year offensive coordinator Matt Canada said. "I've been impressed with the way he attacks every job, every drill."

Unlike some of his Heisman finalist counterparts, Ball is getting ready for Wisconsin's spring game this weekend instead of the NFL draft. He became friends with Richardson, Robert Griffin III and Andrew Luck during the Heisman festivities in New York and texts with them often about their draft prospects.

Sure, part of him wishes he were in their shoes this week. But he has some goals left to accomplish in college. Ball needs just 18 rushing touchdowns and 23 total scores to tie the FBS career records held by Travis Prentice, who played at Miami (Ohio). He could challenge Ron Dayne for the title of best back in Wisconsin history. He'd also like another crack at a certain statue.

"I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to get back to New York," he said. "I want to win the Heisman. I want to win as many awards as I can, personally. As a team, though, I want us to go undefeated and make it to the national championship game."

Ball is excited to watch the draft this weekend, but he's perfectly happy waiting another year to get there himself. For now, his NFL experience will involve only playing "Madden" with his friends on a lazy afternoon.

This week's Big Ten chat came a day later than normal, but it was worth the wait. Thanks to those who participated, and my apologies if your question wasn't answered.

In case you missed out on all the fun, here's a full transcript.

Some highlights:

Tim from Ann Arbor: Hey first timer wanted to pick your brain about Spartans. Now I've read a lot about this an that, all I'm hoping isn't media hype leading into a disappointing season this year. Do you see state with the ability to beat the competition and have a true shot at the legends division championship again? Or is it more likely that Michigan will take the legends?

Adam Rittenberg: Tim, think the Legends race will be captivating as MSU, Michigan and Nebraska all are leading contenders to reach Indy. Michigan State will need to be a defense-driven team, and I still love the talent on that side of the ball. Spartans boast a bunch of difference-makers. Michigan State also will need to be more run-driven on offense behind Le'Veon Bell, Larry Caper and a more seasoned offensive line. Michigan likely will be the popular pick to win the Legends, but right now, MSU has a slight edge in my book.

Nate from Jacksonville, N.C.: How do you think James Vandenberg will compare to other QB nationally? He is probably one of the better ones in the big ten agree? And how does the LB and secondary look for Iowa?

Adam Rittenberg: James has the ability to put up big numbers, and he did at times last year. But to become nationally elite, he needs to be a lot better on the road and against elite defenses. He really struggled against Nebraska and OU at the end of the season. But he works very hard and some nice skills. LB should be a strength for Iowa this year. More questions in the secondary, and the Hawkeyes need a big year from CB Micah Hyde.

Josh from Galesburg, Ill.: I think Delany has done an awesome job with the development of the conference title game, Big Ten Network, and his infusion of ideas about a college football playoff. However, the Big Ten needs to adopt a playoff policy which will benefit all conferences (including the Big Ten)!

Adam Rittenberg: Josh, I agree with everything you wrote. Delany has done a lot of great things for the Big Ten and put the programs in position to succeed, despite the dearth of national titles. But his stance on the playoff and his affection for the Rose Bowl have undoubtedly hurt him publicly.

Patrick from Chicago: Adam, how important is a Heisman to a college players legacy? Let's say Montee Ball duplicates 2011, but doesn't win the award. Does that mean he wasn't one of the greatest college players of all time?

Adam Rittenberg: That's a really interesting question. What if another Wisconsin back, Ron Dayne, hadn't captured the Heisman as a senior after putting up big numbers the previous seasons? He's regarded as one of the game's greatest backs, but the Heisman undoubtedly helped his legacy. I don't know if Montee can reach that level because he shared carries in 2010 before breaking out last year. But if he replicates his 2011 production, I'd think he'll have a great chance at hoisting the trophy.

Thanks again for joining me.

On Monday, I unveiled the start of our own little March Madness: A Big Ten Champions Tournament.

In case you missed it, I selected an eight-team field of champions from the past 15 years. Your votes will determine who wins each matchup. Voting in the first game of our first round is open until 9 a.m. ET Wednesday, though No. 1 seed 2002 Ohio State appears to be running away from No. 8 seed 2007 Ohio State, as expected.

Now it's time to reveal the second matchup of our first round:

No. 2 seed 1997 Nebraska vs. No. 7 seed 1999 Wisconsin

The 1997 Cornhuskers were one of the best teams in school history, romping through an undefeated season and whipping Tennessee in the Orange Bowl to earn a share of the national title. This team was nearly unstoppable on the ground, rushing for an amazing 72 touchdowns in 13 games. Nebraska had the Outland Trophy winner in Aaron Taylor and the Lombardi Award winner in Grant Wistrom, along with All-Americans Jason Peter and Ahman Green. However, there are those who'll still insist the Huskers should have lost to Missouri in the famous "Flea Kicker" game.

The 1999 Wisconsin team had two losses, including one to Cincinnati. But these Badgers won their final eight games and beat Stanford in their second straight Rose Bowl appearance. They had the Heisman Trophy winner in Ron Dayne and a strong young quarterback in Brooks Bollinger. Barry Alvarez would have a chance to coach against his alma mater in this theoretical matchup. But would Wisconsin have the speed to slow down a high-octane Nebraska rushing attack?

Vote in the poll to determine the winner of this game, and send me your reasons for why you voted the way you did. The best responses will be included in the post announcing who moves onto the semifinals.

Chatting right now. It's not too late to join.

• The Big Ten's playoff proposal might not get much support, Teddy Greenstein writes. The conference commissioners don't appear to be in any rush.
• Danny O'Brien received his release to Vanderbilt, which could take Wisconsin out of play for the QB transfer. Remembering Ron Dayne's brilliant 1999 season for the Badgers.
• No longer SEC rivals, Lane Kiffin says he and Urban Meyer are friendly these days.
• Bo Pelini enlisted help from an outside research firm to help Nebraska's recruiting efficiency, Steven M. Sipple writes. Huskers CB Alfonzo Dennard tries to boost his draft stock again.
• Quarterback remains a big priority for Penn State in recruiting. Bill O'Brien brings a new tone to Penn State's offseason workouts. Franco Harris continues to criticize the leadership at Penn State.
• Minnesota will be willing to pay for its next athletic director. A look at how Minnesota's AD search will work.
• Mike Hlas examines Iowa offensive coordinator candidate Greg Davis.
• Purdue's Carson Wiggs will be kickin' it at the combine this week. So will Illinois' Derek Dimke.
• Michigan State safety Trenton Robinson also is bound for Indy.
• Michigan is off to a fast start in recruiting but still has work to do. Brady Hoke's recruiting efforts have spiced up the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry.
• The latest from Kevin Wilson on Indiana's offseason.
• Northwestern QB Dan Persa wins an award for mental toughness.

It has been a rough few days for the Wisconsin Badgers, who lost their second consecutive Rose Bowl on Monday and lost two more assistant coaches Wednesday.

But the week is ending on a very good note: "MoneyBall" is waiting to cash in.

Translation: Montee Ball will remain at Wisconsin for his senior season.

Ball, the Badgers' star running back, announced his decision to stay at a Thursday afternoon news conference. Badgers fans have to be thrilled and also a bit surprised by Ball's choice.

While the Big Ten's NFL draft decisions so far have been as expected -- Illinois' Whitney Mercilus, Iowa's Riley Reiff and Michigan State's Jerel Worthy all were expected to forgo their senior seasons and did -- Ball raised a few eyebrows by opting to stay.

The biggest reason? His position. Running backs typically bolt for the NFL when their stock is high, and Ball's stock rose after a season when he led the nation in rushing (1,923 yards), matched Barry Sanders' NCAA single-season touchdowns record (39) and earned consensus All-America honors. Given the short span of pro careers for most running backs, Ball's choice to delay his NFL entry makes him unique.

On the other hand, Ball isn't projected to be a first-round pick, unlike the Big Ten's three early entrants. In fact, he received a third-round grade from the NFL draft advisory committee, which "really disappointed" him.

There have been concerns about his pass-blocking and even his size after he slimmed down considerably after the 2010 season. Ball said he plans to increase his weight to 215 on the recommendation of the NFL draft advisory committee.

"That's what I’m going to do this spring, see if my body can handle 215," he said.

It's hard to expect Ball to duplicate his 2011 performance in the fall, as star quarterback Russell Wilson departs and the team has major questions under center. The offense also will operate with a new coordinator and two new assistants after Paul Chryst, Bob Bostad and DelVaughn Alexander all departed for positions elsewhere.

"Obviously I’m taking a pretty huge gamble coming back," he said.

His decision is great news for Wisconsin and for those who love college football. He'll be the Big Ten's top Heisman Trophy candidate entering the 2011 season and one of the national front-runners. Ball's decision also solidifies Wisconsin as the Leaders division favorite in 2012, especially because Ohio State is ineligible to reach the Big Ten title game.

Ball also puts himself in position to finish as one of the greatest running backs in Big Ten history. He ranks fifth in the Big Ten in career rushing touchdowns with 51, 20 behind former Wisconsin star Ron Dayne, the 1999 Heisman Trophy winner. Although Ball won't catch Dayne on the career rushing list, he could move into the top five in the Big Ten with a strong senior season. He has 3,310 career rush yards -- former Michigan State star Lorenzo White is fifth with 4,887. And unlike most of the backs on the Big Ten's career chart, Ball won't be a four-year starter.

"These four years that I'll be here, I want to make sure I put a huge stamp on this university," he said.

It will take some time to know whether "MoneyBall" made a good business decision.

But Wisconsin fans have to be stoked. The rest of the Big Ten? Not so much.

LOS ANGELES -- Montee Ball had hoped to meet LaMichael James at "The Home Depot College Football Awards" show on Dec. 8. Alas, James had finals and couldn't attend.

It's no wonder Ball wanted to size up maybe the only running back in the country with numbers as impressive as his own. The two will save their meeting for Monday at the Rose Bowl, which seems like a worthy summit for these two stars.

Oregon's James leads the nation in rushing yards per game (149.6) and yards per carry (7.4). Meanwhile, Wisconsin's Ball has the most total rushing yards (1,759) and has scored more touchdowns in a season than every FBS player not named Barry Sanders (38).

They're both juniors who will likely jump to the NFL after this game. The similarities pretty much end there, however, as each is a different kind of runner, playing in a vastly different type of offense from his counterpart.

"What he brings to the table is speed, and I believe what I bring to the table is obviously a lot of power, strength and a little bit of speed as well," Ball said.

"You know, he's probably 215 pounds and I'm like 190," James said. "He runs in the I [formation]. I run in the spread. I don't really think there's a comparison between the two."

But they will be compared, both this week and beyond. When both are poked and prodded during the NFL evaluation process, scouts and others are likely to ask whether they succeeded because of the systems they play in.

In Ball's case, such questions are inevitable. Badgers running backs benefit from the program's traditionally strong offensive line and a run-first mentality. Few Wisconsin running backs have made a dent in the pros. This year, Ball became the first Badgers' Heisman Trophy finalist since Ron Dayne won the award in 1999, and Dayne -- who was inducted into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame this week -- is often held up as an example of a college star who was an NFL bust.

Of course, Ball isn't built anything like the rumbling Dayne. You'd be hard-pressed to find many flaws in his game right now.

"He's a bigger guy, but he has really great feet," James said. "And the physicality is pretty nifty, too."

James will face a different set of skepticism. He's a smaller back at 5-foot-9. He also plays in a spread offense and gets a lot of his yards out of the zone option, though Oregon has run that less this year than in the past. But he doesn't average nearly 7.5 yards per carry on the system alone.

"He's tough for a littler guy," Wisconsin defensive coordinator Chris Ash said. "He'll run between the tackles, and people will not get him down. He'll run through you, around you, beat you with speed, whatever he's got to do. Very rarely do you see one individual getting him down on the tape."

Which back is better? It's nearly impossible to say since they play such different styles. But it would be fun to imagine how each would do in the other's shoes.

Ball grew up outside of St. Louis but wasn't interested in going to Missouri because of the spread offense there. He wanted to play for a power-run team, which is why he looked hardest at Iowa and Wisconsin.

"I've thought about it a couple times, taking a lot of carries from the [shot]gun and stuff like that," Ball said. "It would be a lot of fun, obviously, getting the ball into open space."

Wisconsin has usually liked big backs. But can you imagine James hiding behind the Badgers' enormous front wall before exploding through the gaps?

"I know I would be successful in their offense," James said. "No. 67 [Wisconsin left tackle Josh Oglesby], I can just sit behind him all day."

Are James and Ball "system guys"? Well, aren't all football players indebted to the type of players and play calling that surround them?

"I think with any team, the running back obviously is a product of the system," Ball said. "But they do a great job of staying on his strengths, basically putting him in open space with the football. And the same with us. We do a great job of keeping me protected behind the big offensive linemen so I can weave my way around them and score a touchdown."

How much the system contributes to each player's success really doesn't matter. All we know is, no one has developed a defensive system to stop them yet.

"I think Montee Ball would flourish in a spread offense," Oregon coach Chip Kelly said. "He'd flourish in an I-offense. He'd flourish in a Wildcat offense. And I think LaMichael would be the same way."

Wisconsin's Montee Ball might be struggling to get his due nationally, but his accomplishments aren't being overlooked in Big Ten country.

Ball has been named the winner of the 2011 Chicago Tribune Silver Football Award, given to the Big Ten's best player. The league's coaches vote on the award. Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson and Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins were the other finalists.

Coaches cannot vote for players on their own teams, but Ball appeared on all 11 other ballots, receiving four first-place votes and seven second-place votes, good for 15 total points. Players receive two points for first-place votes and one for second-place votes.

Here's the final tally:

1. Montee Ball: 15 points (four first-place votes, seven second-place votes)
2. Russell Wilson: 8 points (four first-place votes, zero second place votes)
3. Kirk Cousins: 5 points (two first-place votes, one second-place vote)

Illinois receiver A.J. Jenkins and Penn State defensive tackle Devon Still also each received a first-place vote.

The Silver Football has been handed out since 1924. Ball is the first Badgers player to win since former star running back Ron Dayne in 1999. Dayne also won the Heisman Trophy that year. Ball is one of five finalists for the Heisman, which will be awarded Saturday night.

And then my herbalist took this weird bee pollen paste, rubbed it around my gums, and now my mouth feels like a spaceship.

• Penn State fans need to ask why certain candidates would want the Lions' vacancy, David Jones writes. Some good updates on PSU's search here and here. Neil Rudel writes that Penn State players should be thankful a bowl game wanted them.
• ABC news reports all eight accusers will testify against former Penn State assistant Jerry Sandusky.
• Wisconsin running back Montee Ball received quite the birthday present Monday. One Wisconsin writer had Ball behind one of his teammates on the Heisman ballot. Speaking of Badgers' Heisman Trophy winners, Ron Dayne will be inducted into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame this year.
• Michigan State might have to wait a bit for its next shot at the Rose Bowl, Joe Rexrode writes. The Spartans leave the bowl bitterness to their fans and focus on winning.
• Nebraska's Bo Pelini should try to make a big splash by hiring Mike Stoops to run the defense. The Huskers' offense, meanwhile, faces a tough test in South Carolina.
• Former Minnesota quarterback Sandy Stephens receives a long overdue honor, Patrick Reusse writes.
• Michigan AD Dave Brandon didn't need a strong sales pitch to get an Allstate Sugar Bowl berth. The award nominations roll in for the Wolverines.
• Urban Meyer isn't the only common thread tying Ohio State to Florida, Tim May writes.
• Iowa is the biggest underdog of all the bowl teams. The Hawkeyes' graduation rate rates eighth among bowl teams.
• Speaking of grad rates, if they determined the national champion, Northwestern would play Notre Dame.
• Illinois acting head coach Vic Koenning needs to see more effort from some of his players.
• Purdue players might be frustrated about their bowl destination, but they should seize the opportunity to win. Loren Tate wonders whether Illinois should stick with Vic as its permanent head coach.

My apologies for posting this late, but the three finalists are set for the Chicago Tribune's Silver Football award, given to the Big Ten's most valuable player.

The league's coaches determine the winner and cast their ballots before the inaugural Big Ten championship game.

The finalists are:

• Wisconsin running back Montee Ball
• Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins
• Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson

All three players are worthy candidates, and it's not surprising to see them on this list. Other deserving candidates include Penn State defensive tackle Devon Still and Nebraska linebacker Lavonte David.

Coaches aren't allowed to vote for their own players for the award. Five Big Ten players received first-place votes, and nine players appeared on ballots, including three defensive players.

The winner will be announced Saturday.

A quarterback or running back has won or shared the award for the past six seasons and for 12 of the past 13 seasons. Running back Ron Dayne was the last Wisconsin player to win the award in 1999, the same year he claimed the Heisman Trophy. Michigan State hasn't had a Silver Football winner since running back Lorenzo White in 1987.

Some notes and nuggets to hopefully make you smarter as you watch Big Ten football on Saturday. Thanks to the fine folks at ESPN Stats & Information for some of these.

• Michigan State is looking to defeat three ranked opponents in consecutive games for the first time in school history. The Spartans have beaten three ranked opponents in one season six times in program history (last time: 2001).
• Since the start of last season, Nebraska QB Taylor Martinez has 18 rushes of 25-plus yards, including nine touchdowns. Both numbers rank in the top three of the FBS during that period. The Cornhuskers are 9-0 when Martinez has at least one run of 25-plus yards.
• Purdue's ground game has been a true team effort as seven different players have double-digit carries, four have rushed for more than 100 yards for the year and six different rushers have scored touchdowns.
• Iowa has been solid in the red zone on both sides of the ball this season. The Hawkeyes are tied for third nationally in red zone offense (96 percent scoring conversions) and tied for ninth nationally in red zone defense (71 percent scoring allowed).
• Running back Duane Bennett has cracked Minnesota’s top 20 list for career rushing yardage (1,792). Last week’s total of 55 yards pushed him to the No. 18 spot on the chart. At his current pace, Bennett would finish his career with 2,010 yards and would rank No. 13 in school history.
• Since the beginning of the 2005 season, the Ohio State defense has allowed only 13 100-yard rushers during a span of 85 games and only nine since the start of the 2007 season. Both of those marks are the third best among FBS schools during those spans (behind Alabama and Boston College).
• Northwestern has converted 23 of 37 third-down chances in the last two games to bring its season rate to 48.5 percent (49-of-101), tied for 19th nationally. Northwestern has finished in the top 20 nationally in third-down conversion percentage in each of the last two years.
• Illinois WR A.J. Jenkins has 12 catches of 25-plus yards, tied for second most in the FBS. Jenkins has 34 catches for 622 yards and five touchdowns in four Big Ten games. His 155.5 yards-per-game average during conference games is more than 40 yards per game better than his closest competitor (Iowa's Marvin McNutt, 114.7 ypg).
• Michigan QB Denard Robinson has completed 31.8 percent (7-22) of his passes from outside the pocket, and completed 58 percent from inside the pocket. Robinson leads the FBS with 81 rushes of 10-plus yards since the start of last season. Robinson has had at least one such run every game over the past two seasons.
• Penn State is 5-0 in games decided by 10 points or less this year, its most wins in such games since going 5-1 during the 2005 season.
• Indiana true freshmen quarterback Tre Roberson and cornerback Michael Hunter made their first career starts at Iowa. Indiana has started nine true freshmen and played 16 overall, which is tied for the third most nationally. Roberson became the first true freshman quarterback in IU history to start a game.
• Wisconsin Junior RB Montee Ball leads the nation with 19 touchdowns. That is eight more than any other Big Ten player. Only two players in school history have scored more than 19 touchdowns in a season. Ron Dayne scored 21 in 1996 and 20 in 1999. Brian Calhoun holds the school record with 24 TDs in 2005.

Rose Bowl regrets? Wisconsin's Montee Ball has a few.

On the very first play from scrimmage against TCU, Ball raced 40 yards before being tracked down by safety Tejay Johnson. Most saw the run as an emphatic opening statement against the nation's No. 1 defense.

Ball saw it as a missed opportunity.

"Now," he said, "I'd probably take it to the house."

He had another opening on a run in the third quarter, but was tripped up when a TCU defender swiped at his legs. TCU went on to win 21-19.

"I felt like I left a lot of yards on the field," Ball told ESPN.com. "I had a bunch of shoestring tackles because I was top-heavy. I would just tumble right over."

Arguably no running back in America finished the season hotter than Ball. He recorded 777 rush yards and 14 touchdowns in his final five games. He racked up 127 rush yards or more in each of the last five contests and reached the end zone multiple times in all but one game -- the Rose Bowl, where he scored once.

Despite all the success, Ball knew he needed to change. After topping out at 233 pounds, Ball transformed his body. He cut his weight considerably and went through preseason camp in the 207-208 range.

"I feel so much better," he said. "It's a complete difference. I just didn't feel comfortable being that big, a big back. I love to make faster cuts and all that stuff, and be a lot faster."

No one asked Ball to lose weight. Wisconsin is a haven for bigger backs, from former Heisman Trophy winner Ron Dayne to former Big Ten Freshman of the Year P.J. Hill to 2009 Big Ten Offensive Player John Clay.

And after the way Ball finished the 2010 season, he didn't exactly need to be fixed.

"I saw him as a guy who was in shape," Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema said. "[Head strength and conditioning coach Ben Herbert] had some discussions with him, and he just took the initiative upon himself. He knew what he could be.

"Sometimes the elite athletes can feel what their body needs before anybody else."

Ball's premonition seems to be paying off. He performed well throughout the offseason, showing better burst on his runs without losing his power.

The junior will showcase his new physique Thursday night when No. 11 Wisconsin opens the season against UNLV at Camp Randall Stadium.

Ball and sophomore James White are listed as co-starters on the Week 1 depth chart. Bielema plans to "pick one, flip a coin" as games evolve, but Ball looks like he could have a slight edge to be the featured back.

"I feel a lot stronger than last year," he said. "I still have the power, and now I have a lot more speed. Just put both of them together and make it happen."

Opposing defenders should get a sense of the new Ball starting Thursday. Wisconsin linebacker Chris Borland provides this preview.

"The angles you have to take on Montee have changed in the last year," Borland said. "He's a step faster for sure, hits the hole, and more so than just physically, it's been a mental boost for him, knowing that he's probably a bit more elusive, a little more explosive."

White's emergence last season also motivates Ball.

It was White, after all, who leapfrogged Ball in the preseason to become Wisconsin's No. 2 running back behind Clay. White brought a new element to Wisconsin's rushing attack with his speed and elusiveness and went on to earn Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors after racking up 1,052 yards on the ground with 14 touchdowns. Only after Clay and White suffered injuries against Iowa did Ball get an opportunity, which he seized.

"My personal goal is to be the starter and to keep James off the field as much as possible," Ball said. "I want more carries than him, he wants more carries than me. That's the healthy competition we have."

Like Ball, White didn't accept the status quo during the offseason and worked on improving his lower-body strength. But White knows he's competing with a different type of player.

"He can do a little bit of everything," White said. "He still has the power, and now he's able to make those cuts in the open field to make people miss.

"There's a big difference between Montee Ball last year and Montee Ball this year."

If Ball and the Badgers exceed what they did last year, they could return to the Rose Bowl with a chance for redemption.

The preseason award watch lists wrap up today with the Walter Camp Award, given annually to the nation's top football player. Past Big Ten winners include Ohio State QB Troy Smith (2006), Penn State RB Larry Johnson (2002), Wisconsin RB Ron Dayne (1999) and Michigan CB Charles Woodson (1997). Twelve players from Big Ten teams, including three from Nebraska, have won the Walter Camp Award.

Five Big Ten players made the 2011 preseason watch list.

They are:

• Michigan State QB Kirk Cousins
• Nebraska DT Jared Crick
• Northwestern QB Dan Persa
• Michigan QB Denard Robinson
• Wisconsin RB James White

Not too many surprises here, as the list includes my top rated Big Ten defensive lineman, top rated running back and top three quarterbacks. Any snubs? Maybe Nebraska LB Lavonte David and Michigan State RB Edwin Baker, but nothing major.

The list will be trimmed to 10 semifinalists in mid November, and the winner will be announced Dec. 8 on ESPN's "SportsCenter."

You can find all of the watch lists here.

Five lessons from the 2010-11 Big Ten bowl season.

1. The Big Ten lacks depth. Not a real revelation here, but the Big Ten lacked the depth it displayed in the previous postseason. Although both Ohio State and Wisconsin held their own in BCS games, the Michigan schools melted down against the SEC and neither Penn State nor Northwestern could beat so-so opponents. If not for mini upsets by both Iowa and Illinois, the bowls would have been a total disaster.

2. The new bowl lineup might be tougher. The Big Ten does itself no favors in the bowls, and the new lineup isn't helping matters. Big Ten teams went 1-2 in the new bowls, winning the Texas Bowl but falling in both the Gator and the TicketCity. Placing two teams in BCS games every season means everyone moves up a slot, so it's unrealistic to expect the Big Ten to post too many winning records in postseason play.

3. Terrelle Pryor is a big-time bowl performer. It's certainly debatable whether Pryor and four Ohio State teammates should have been allowed to play in the Sugar Bowl, but Pryor stepped up his game for the second consecutive season. The Buckeyes junior quarterback blocked out the distractions and turned in an impressive performance, passing for 221 yards and two touchdowns and adding 115 rush yards. He earned MVP honors in a BCS bowl for the second straight year.

4. Michigan State isn't there yet. These aren't your same old Spartans. They proved otherwise during an unforgettable regular season. But with a chance to "measure up" against defending national champ Alabama, Michigan State crumbled in a humbling Capital One Bowl defeat. Although 'Bama wasn't your typical 9-3 squad this season, Michigan State learned it still has some steps to take to become an elite program.

5. Iowa's run game will be just fine. Adam Robinson's suspension and subsequent dismissal appeared to be the latest blow for Iowa's depth-deprived run game. But true freshman Marcus Coker made the concerns disappear and, in the process, raised hope for next season with a historic performance in the Insight Bowl. Coker rushed for 219 yards and two touchdowns -- the second-highest total by a Big Ten freshman in a bowl behind Wisconsin's Ron Dayne in the 1996 Copper Bowl -- as Iowa rallied past Missouri. The Hawkeyes know who they want carrying the load in 2011.

Running back topped Iowa's list of concerns heading into Tuesday night's Insight Bowl matchup against Missouri.

Marcus Coker made all the worries go away in barely a quarter of play.

The true freshman who entered the bowl as Iowa's only decent option at running back provided all the rushing production Iowa needed -- and then some. Coker rushed for 219 yards and two touchdowns on 33 carries, setting Iowa bowl records in both categories. It marked Iowa's first 200-yard rushing performance in a bowl and the team's first since former Doak Walker Award winner Shonn Greene went for 211 against Purdue in 2008.

"I already knew before the game that the O-line was going to do a great job. I was pretty comfortable after the first couple plays," Coker said. "I was pretty comfortable after the first couple plays."

How good was Coker's bowl debut? He recorded the second-highest rushing total for a Big Ten freshman in a bowl -- Heisman Trophy winner Ron Dayne went for 246 yards for Wisconsin in the 1996 Copper Bowl.

"We said back in August we thought Marcus would be a great player for us," coach Kirk Ferentz said. "Unfortunately, he got hurt [broken collarbone in preseason]. He has been playing catchup through the season. When he had opportunities during the fall, he really did a good job.

"[Tuesday night] was certainly his best outing, his best performance, and he is a tremendous young man. So just really proud of him."

We'll have to see what happens with Adam Robinson, but Coker certainly gives Iowa's run game a jolt heading into 2011.

It was Harold, and I ate all of him. Even the face, in case of a tie. I ate him, sir! I ate my father pig!

• Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany says the NCAA missed an opportunity to come down harder on Cam Newton, Pete Thamel writes in The New York Times.
• Big Ten awards from AOL FanHouse's Mark Hasty, who thinks Jim Tressel is the league's coach of the year.
• Congrats to those selected to the Big Ten's fall academic All-Conference team.
• Former Michigan star Jamie Morris says the school must make a decision on Rich Rodriguez now, Drew Sharp writes in the Detroit Free Press. Michigan will receive a $4.7 million guarantee for playing Alabama, Angelique Chengelis writes in The Detroit News. AD Dave Brandon hints Michigan could play in a Jan. 1 bowl, Mark Snyder writes in the Free Press.
• Ron Dayne thinks Wisconsin's John Clay should stay in school for his senior year, Adam Mertz writes in the Wisconsin State Journal. Bret Bielema is providing reasons to believe in him, Andy Baggot writes in the Wisconsin State Journal.
• Indiana isn't the job for an elite football coach, Ben Smith writes in The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette.
• Iowa's athletic director is disappointed in the team's poor finish, Marc Morehouse writes in The (Cedar Rapids) Gazette. Iowa could soon pop the bubble and upgrade its practice facilities.
• There's a lot on the line for Illinois tonight at Fresno State, Herb Gould writes in the Chicago Sun-Times.
• FoxSports.com looks at the Great Rose Bowl Debate.
• Tim Brewster left Minnesota's program in better shape than the one he inherited from Glen Mason, Marcus Fuller writes in the (St. Paul) Pioneer Press. It looks like you can scratch Al Golden's name off of Minnesota's wish list, Phil Miller writes in the Star Tribune.
• A closer look at Penn State's 2011 recruiting class from the Centre Daily Times' Jeff Rice.