ESPN College Football

As promised, the best case-worst case rewind will resume with ... Illinois.

In case you missed it: Illinois' best case-worst case.

Best-case synopsis: The Illini avoid the chemistry issues that plagued them in 2008 and ride a high-powered offense to a 10-win season. Quarterback Juice Williams reclaims the form he showed early last season and capitalizes on the nation's best wide receiving corps, led by Arrelious Benn. Illinois surges into the top 20 midway through the season and finishes 10-2 before beating Ron Zook's old team, Florida, in the Capital One Bowl.

Worst-case synopsis: The team falls apart again, starting with Williams at quarterback. Benn is a nonfactor, and the defense once again can't stop the run. Special teams remains a a major weakness and linebacker Martez Wilson doesn't blossom into a star. Illinois stumbles to a 1-4 start and misses the postseason for the second straight year despite a talented roster.

You can't handle the truth: (quotes from the original post) "The inconsistency that has plagued the program throughout its history surfaces again." ... "Opposing defenses constantly double-team Benn and keep him out of the end zone." ... "An iffy defensive line generates no pass rush and struggles against the run for the second straight season. Special teams continue to hurt Illinois." ... "Missouri beats the Illini in yet another St. Louis shootout, setting the tone for a shaky season." ... "Zook energizes his critics who say he's simply a recruiter, and he enters 2010 on the hot seat. Benn goes bye bye."

Lies, lies, lies: "Wide receiver Arrelious Benn adds touchdown catches to his already impressive résumé and headlines one of the nation's best receiving corps." ... "Illinois starts things off by finally beating Missouri. Williams breaks his own total offense record in the Edward Jones Dome and makes pulp out of Tigers linebacker Sean Weatherspoon. The Illini hang 50 on Mizzou and enter Big Ten play riding high." ... "The upset of Penn State sparks a winning streak, as Illinois' offense overwhelms Michigan State and steamrolls Indiana and Purdue." ... "Head coach Ron Zook answers his critics by maximizing his talent." ... "Illinois finishes No. 12 in the final polls." ... "Despite winning the Biletnikoff Award, Benn decides he loves Champaign too much and shocks everyone by staying for his senior season."

Reality check: How bad did it get for Illinois this fall? Reality (3-9) was worse than the worst-scenario (5-7) by two games. After an encouraging preseason, things went downhill for the Illini from the get-go. A miserable performance against Missouri in the season opener set the tone. Williams struggled for much of the year, losing his starting job midway through Big Ten play. Wilson suffered a season-ending neck injury after appearing in only one game. The offense took too long to click, and by that point the defense had fallen apart down the stretch. Illinois ended up retaining Zook, but the coach dismissed four assistants and demoted two others, creating a win-or-you're-done mandate for 2010. Benn bolted for the NFL, and recruiting took a hit.

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

Let the games begin. Here are 10 things to watch as Big Ten football kicks off in 2009.


1. Michigan's response -- Head coach Rich Rodriguez and the program have been in the cross-hairs all week, but Michigan can ease some of the pressure by beating Western Michigan and showing tangible improvement. Team chemistry is a question mark after current players spoke publicly about possible NCAA rule violations involving time limits, but the Wolverines need a united effort Saturday. Michigan simply isn't good enough to win if the team is splintered.


2. Juice vs. Weatherspoon -- Missouri star linebacker Sean Weatherspoon targeted Illinois quarterback Juice Williams in some Twitter trash talk last month. Williams gets a chance to answer in the Edward Jones Dome, where he set a total offense record (461 yards) last year against Mizzou. This is a pivotal game for Williams and the Illini, who have the more experienced team and need to get over the hump against the Tigers.


3. Defending Paulus -- Minnesota co-defensive coordinators Kevin Cosgrove and Ron Lee face an unusual scouting challenge against Syracuse, as they prepare their players for a quarterback who spent the last four years shooting baskets on Tobacco Road. Greg Paulus plays a meaningful football game for the first time in four years, and it's up to cornerback Traye Simmons and the Gophers to make sure he doesn't find a rhythm.


4. New Hope at Purdue -- The Danny Hope era begins as Purdue opens the season against Toledo. Outside expectations are low for the Boilermakers, but Hope has brought plenty of energy and a faster pace to just about everything in the program. The Big Ten's mystery team will use plenty of freshmen and other newcomers right away, while heady quarterback Joey Elliott finally gets a chance to be the starter.


5. Paterno back where he belongs -- You can probably switch off the Penn State-Akron game shortly after the opening kickoff, but it's worth tuning in to see Joe Paterno run on the field for his 44th season as Nittany Lions head coach. Paterno hasn't coached from the sidelines since Sept. 27, but he'll be back as Penn State begins its Big Ten title defense at Beaver Stadium.


6. Captain Kirk at the controls -- Michigan State's quarterback competition isn't over, but sophomore Kirk Cousins gets the first shot in the opener against Montana State. Named just the second sophomore captain in team history last week, Cousins has the intangibles and the polished passing skills to be a star in this league. But he needs a strong debut Saturday since Keith Nichol isn't far behind.


7. A surprise backfield in Madison -- Few would have pegged quarterback Scott Tolzien and running back Zach Brown to be Wisconsin's opening-day starters when preseason camp began, but both players earned the top jobs over more heralded competitors. Tolzien must continue his steady play at a position where Wisconsin simply can't afford mistakes, and Brown looks to build on an excellent preseason as he'll likely share carries with John Clay.


8. Terrelle, Take 2 -- Ohio State should have little trouble with Navy, but it needs to see tangible signs of progress from quarterback Terrelle Pryor. The gifted sophomore spent the offseason improving his footwork and passing mechanics to become a more complete quarterback. This is Pryor's team now, and he needs a strong opening statement before facing USC in Week 2.


9. Locked and loaded in Bloomington -- Indiana's pistol formation makes its debut Thursday night against Eastern Kentucky, as the Hoosiers try to jumpstart a downhill rushing attack. Without Kellen Lewis on the field, the Hoosiers need a reliable run game and will look to an improved offensive line and a deep group of running backs led by Demetrius McCray and Darius Willis.


10. New backs on the block -- Iowa and Northwestern are among several Big Ten teams starting unproven running backs. The Hawkeyes likely won't find another Shonn Greene this fall, but they need decent production from former walk-on Paki O'Meara and redshirt freshman Adam Robinson to ease concerns after Jewel Hampton's season-ending injury. Northwestern will start junior Stephen Simmons at running back, but true freshman Arby Fields generated plenty of buzz in camp and should get plenty of work against Towson.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

A sense of pride splashed over Ron Zook Monday as the Illinois head coach stood in the back of the offensive meeting room.

Zook watched as senior quarterback Juice Williams and offensive coordinator Mike Schultz reviewed practice tape. Schultz quizzed Williams on his every move, and Williams countered with the right responses.

	Scott Boehm/Getty Images
	Juice Williams is looking forward to the Illini’s matchup with Missouri on Saturday.

"A lot of times Coach Schultz will say, ‘Why did you go there?’" Zook recalled. "And as you hear [Williams] regurgitate the answer, it makes you feel good, a little pride that, ‘Hey, here’s a guy who’s come an awful long way.’ He’s able to explain that this is why he went with the ball some particular place and why he did what he did with no hesitation.

"To me, that’s a guy who has a pretty good grasp on what we’re trying to do.”

It's a good sign for a player who often draws mixed reviews. Everyone has an opinion on Juice Williams.

They admire his natural gifts and question his decision-making skills. They laud his mobility but rip his passing mechanics. Some remember his brilliance at Ohio State in 2007, when he convinced Zook to go for a fourth-and-1 in Illinois territory late in the fourth quarter, moved the chains and then ran out the clock to upset the top-ranked Buckeyes. Others recall the total offense records he set in three different stadiums last fall, including the Big House.

He has been called a catalyst and an underachiever.

But Williams has made it difficult to totally buy into him. Take last season, for example.

In Illinois' first seven ballgames, he passed for 16 touchdowns, ran for five scores and threw seven interceptions. In the final five games, he passes for six touchdowns, ran for none and tossed nine picks.

“That’s just part of life and playing the position of quarterback," Williams said of the conflicting views on his play. "Everybody’s going to have things to say. Some things are going to be positive, some will be negative. You’ve got to take the good with the bad and try to make the best out of it.”

As Williams begins his final season Saturday against Missouri in St. Louis (ESPN, 3:40 p.m. ET), there's a growing sense that he'll finally put together all the pieces this fall. He's the Big Ten's most experienced quarterback, and he has the league's best wide receiving corps at his disposal.

Most importantly, a player who had no quarterbacks coach in high school and admits he was extremely raw when he arrived in Champaign has a much stronger hold on the position.

"Being a fourth-year senior, a guy who has been through this a few times, I’m probably more mentally prepared than ever before," Williams said. "That comes along with experience. The more mentally prepared you are, the better off you are in a game situation.

"I know what to expect for the most part, and we’ll see what I can do come Saturday.”

Williams will operate in more or less the same offense that led the Big Ten in passing (269.3 ypg) and ranked third in scoring (28.7 ppg) last fall. Rather than install a new scheme, Schultz adapted to what Illinois had used under previous coordinator Mike Locksley.

As Schultz learned the system, Williams was right there with him.

"It was my challenge to learn what they called everything," Schultz said. "They may call a four route a four route, and I might have called a four route a dry route. So we’d sit there and he’d tell me the terminology and how they called things. He helped me through that."

Zook has often said Williams took too much blame for Illinois' shortcomings last year, but the coach acknowledges that limiting turnovers is the top priority for the quarterback this fall. Illinois is deeper at both wide receiver and running back, with additions like wideout Jarred Fayson and the physical maturity of backs Jason Ford and Mikel LeShoure.

Schultz wants to make sure Williams uses all of his weapons and manages the game the right way.

"Managing the offense to me means getting the ball to the right people, being in the right place with the ball, getting into the right play," Schultz said. "That’s basically what we’ve been trying to work on with Juice since I’ve been here, making sure we do a great job of managing the offense.

"There’s no doubt we have some kids that we feel have a chance to be good performers, but for them to be good performers, we need to get them the ball in the right situations."

The Missouri game has brought a mixed bag for Williams. Last year, he set the total offense record at Edward Jones Dome with 461 yards, racking up 451 pass yards and five touchdowns. But Illinois lost, 52-42.

In 2007, Williams was knocked out of the game after completing 6 of 9 passes in another Illini defeat.

"Somehow, we have to come up with a victory this time," he said. "It's one of the more anticipated games of the year for our program. The atmosphere of the crowd is probably second to none, playing in a pro stadium, you’ve got half [Illinois] and half [Missouri] fans out there, the trash-talking goes on."

Missouri linebacker Sean Weatherspoon got an early start on the trash talking through his Twitter page. Not surprisingly, Williams was Weatherspoon's target.

"Squeeze the pulp out of Juice," Williams recalled. "That was very unique and original. It's what makes the game fun. You’ve got to have some trash-talking going on. I know, coming from him, it was nothing personal.

"I didn’t take it as disrespectful at all. I found it kind of funny.”

Having fun is a goal for Williams in his final season. He didn't have enough as an overmatched freshman, and last season brought more lows than highs.

But with an increased knowledge of the game, Williams expects to enjoy his final spin around the Big Ten.

"It’s a lot easier to have fun with the game because you know what you’re doing, you know what to expect," he said. "You have had some success in the past, and it’s a whole lot easier to go out there and have fun and do what you love to do.

"I realized that the more I smile, the more I enjoy myself out there, the better I play.”

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The 2009 season kicks off Thursday, and a full slate of Big Ten games comes your way Saturday. Let's take a look at 10 games to watch involving Big Ten squads this fall.


Illinois vs. Missouri (at St. Louis), Saturday: If you like offense, this matchup delivers, as the teams have combined to score 168 points in the past two meetings at Edward Jones Dome. Missouri linebacker Sean Weatherspoon wants to "squeeze the pulp out of" Illinois quarterback Juice Williams, who set a stadium record for total offense in last year's game.


USC at Ohio State, Sept 12: This is the defining game for not only Ohio State, but the Big Ten Conference. USC has done more damage to the Big Ten than any team or any league, and the Buckeyes get a chance to avenge last year's 35-3 loss to the Trojans, who must now win on Big Ten soil.


Notre Dame at Michigan, Sept. 12: Two of college football's winningest programs. Two lightning-rod head coaches (Charlie Weis and Rich Rodriguez) who need to see improvement on the field this fall. Two massive fan bases. Two programs trying to restore glory. What more do you need?


Cal at Minnesota, Sept. 19: Minnesota gets to show off its swanky new on-campus stadium against a nationally ranked opponent led by a Heisman Trophy candidate (Jahvid Best). A win would be huge for the Big Ten and the Gophers, who could show they're on the way back.


Iowa at Penn State, Sept. 26: The first game that shapes the Big Ten title race takes place in Happy Valley before a "whiteout," which always provides an unforgettable atmosphere. Penn State wants to punish Iowa for ruining its national title hopes last year, but the Hawkeyes have recently done well in this series.


Penn State at Illinois, Oct. 3: Given Penn State's recent dominance at home, many view this as the Nittany Lions' likeliest chance for a loss. Williams and a talented crop of receivers will attack an unproven Penn State secondary, and the Lions will need big things from quarterback Daryll Clark and running back Evan Royster.


Ohio State at Penn State, Nov. 7: For the second straight year, this is the game most believe will determine the Big Ten champion. Ohio State has won 15 consecutive Big Ten road games since falling in Happy Valley in 2005. A Penn State victory could springboard the Lions to an undefeated season.


Iowa at Ohio State, Nov. 14: If Iowa survives its previous road tests, it could head to Columbus playing for a potential Big Ten title. The Hawkeyes also might be in the spoiler role against Ohio State, which hasn't lost to Iowa at home since 1991.


Ohio State at Michigan, Nov. 21: Michigan might still be in the building stage, but The Game still defines Big Ten football in the eyes of many national observers. The Wolverines try to snap a five-game slide in the series, and their fans will be waiting for Ohio State offensive lineman Justin Boren, who transferred from Michigan to its archrival last year.


Penn State at Michigan State, Nov. 21: The Land Grant Trophy doesn't mean much to either fan base, but the game certainly does. This matchup trumped Michigan-Ohio State last year and could once again be more instrumental in determining the league champ.

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

Some media day leftovers for you. 

• Can anyone keep pace with the Big Ten's big two this fall? The Sporting News' Dave Curtis takes a look.  
• Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio is nasty, in a good way, CBSSports.com's Gregg Doyel writes.
  
• Ohio State didn't play nice during summer workouts, and that's a good thing, Doug Lesmersises writes in The Cleveland Plain Dealer. 
• Penn State's defensive line will be without troubled tackle Abe Koroma this year, Matt Fortuna writes in The Daily Collegian. Head coach Joe Paterno wishes he'd played quarterback Daryll Clark a lot earlier. 
• Michigan tackle Mark Ortmann fires back at former line mates Justin Boren and Kurt Wermers, annarbor.com's Michael Rothstein writes. On the other side of the ball, head coach Rich Rodriguez likes what new defensive coordinator Greg Robinson brings to the table, Mark Snyder writes in the Detroit Free Press. 
• Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz faces a unique challenge in coaching his son, Marc Morehouse writes in The (Cedar Rapids) Gazette.
  
• Illinois star wideout Arrelious Benn isn't an Iowa fan, Scout.com's Rob Howe writes. Too bad the Illini and Hawkeyes don't meet this fall. Speaking of fighting words, Missouri linebacker Sean Weatherspoon says there's no bad blood between him and Illinois quarterback Juice Williams. 
• After nearly turning pro following last season, Northwestern defensive end Corey Wootton sets his sights on the first round, Teddy Greenstein writes in the Chicago Tribune.
  
• Michigan State's 2009 recruiting class will make an impact this fall and beyond, Joe Rexrode writes in the Lansing State Journal.
  

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

CHICAGO -- A few hours after Penn State wipes the turf with Syracuse on Sept. 12, Nittany Lions linebacker Sean Lee will flip on the TV and commit an act of treason. 

He'll start rooting for Ohio State. 

"I want Ohio State to beat up USC this year," Lee said. "We're going to root for them every chance we get, outside the Big Ten. We know what type of team they are, and we want to play against a team that's done well outside the league, too."

The feeling is mutual. 

"You see teams want each other to win, except when you're playing each other," said Ohio State safety Kurt Coleman, who will be pulling for Minnesota against Cal on Sept. 19. "Especially nonconference games and bowl games, you want the Big Ten to represent well. It's a good sign."

The Big Ten has become a national pinata in recent years, with seemingly everyone taking a swing at a league that has struggled in BCS bowl games and marquee nonconference matchups. But all the outside bashing seems to have brought players and coaches closer together.

Indiana linebacker Matt Mayberry recently defended Illinois quarterback Juice Williams through Twitter after Missouri's Sean Weatherspoon had called out Williams. Big Ten coaches spent much of Monday defending the league's record against the SEC and lending their support to colleagues for the coming season.

Much of the discussion traces back to Sept. 12, when the Big Ten's most visible program (Ohio State) faces a team that has tormented the league more than any other (USC). 

"Everyone in this league wants to see Ohio State do well outside the conference," Illinois coach Ron Zook said. "Obviously, it's going to be a big game in September when they play Southern Cal." 

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

I'll be off most of Friday, so your regularly scheduled mailblog comes to you a little bit early. 

Andy from Cullom, Ill., writes: I really doubt there is a "movement" for 9 conference games.It is impossible to do with 11 teams. I repeat IMPOSSIBLE. I have heard Jim Delaney mention this.10 teams will have played 9 games and leave 1 with 8.Lets just take this year's schedule for example. We will add an extra week where teams will play one of the two conference teams they missed.Illinois vs IowaIndiana vs Michigan StMichigan vs MinnesotaOhio St vs NorthwesternPenn St vs PurdueWisconsin BYESo the 10 team who played now have 9 conference games, but Wisconsin still has 8. If Wisconsin then plays one of their two misses (Illinois, Penn St) that would give that team 10 games.You see, the math doesn't work. The schools know this and have discussed this. That is why there is no "movement" from any serious person in the conference.Lets end this myth before it gets started

Adam Rittenberg: It's not a myth, Andy, and serious people are behind it. Michigan athletic director Bill Martin expects to see it happen in the near future, and Wisconsin AD Barry Alvarez said it has been discussed. Everyone is aware of the mathematical problem it presents, and one team would have one fewer league game than the rest (and one more non-league contest). It doesn't make a ton of sense to me, but Big Ten ADs are more likely to approve a ninth conference game than to truly get behind a 12th team, which would make things much easier schedule-wise.

---

Nathan from Plymouth, Mich., writes: Adam, great work on the blog! I bleed green and white and carry season tickets to MSU. We look to have a solid defense and of course the questions go to the offense at quarterback and running back. Both quarterbacks look great, at this point from what you may have seen, who do you think would be the better quarterback for MSU's offense? Regarding the RB position, the spring game had little running. With incoming freshman Edwin Baker and Larry Caper, who do you think will come out as the starting RB? Caper seems to be more of an every down back if I'm not mistaken, although Baker is the more touted back. What are your thoughts on these two positions?

Adam Rittenberg: Quarterback and running back are the two big positions to watch in East Lansing next month. The starting quarterback will largely be determined by what type of offense Don Treadwell and Mark Dantonio intend to run. Keith Nichol certainly seems more suited to a spread system where he can use his legs, while Kirk Cousins operated well in the offense last year and has terrific mechanics for a drop-back passer. Both guys will play, and this could drag on through September. As for the running back spot, I've seen both freshmen being projected as starters. I really like Caper's size, but you're right about Baker getting a bit more hype. I'd really like to hold off on predicting a starter there until I see them perform in camp.

(Read full post)

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Given our theme this week, I've got quite a spread for you today. Get it? Get it? I'll be here all night. 

• Michigan has both depth and variety at running back this fall, Mark Snyder writes in the Detroit Free Press.
  
• Wisconsin's recruiting efforts in Texas haven't paid off, Jim Polzin writes in The Capital Times. 
• Iowa athletic director Gary Barta was concerned about the football team's off-field problems two years ago but finds no fault with coach Kirk Ferentz's approach to discipline, Marc Morehouse writes in The (Cedar Rapids) Gazette.
  
• Penn State's soft schedule will send the Nittany Lions back to Pasadena, The Sporting News' Dave Curtis writes.
  
• Indiana's recruiting rampage continues with two more commitments, bringing the team's total to a whopping 13, Hugh Kellenberger writes in The Hoosier Scoop blog. 
• Not surprisingly, running backs Larry Caper and Edwin Baker top the list of Michigan State freshmen who should contribute this season, the Lansing State Journal's Joe Rexrode writes in his blog. 
• Missouri linebacker Sean Weatherspoon calls out Illinois' Juice Williams on his Twitter page, colleague Tim Griffin reports. Can't wait for Sept. 5 in Da Lou.
  
• Tickets for Ohio State's game against Toledo in Cleveland are available to the public on  Monday, Doug Lesmerises writes in The Cleveland Plain Dealer.