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You can't handle the truth.

Perry the Platypus from Indianapolis writes: Curious as to why you and Brian seem to think MSU is clearly the best Big Ten team. I do agree they have the best defense, but from what I have heard thus far this spring, their offense is quite a bit behind their defense. UM has the best offense in the league, and one of the best defenses. In my opinion, UM is a more complete team than MSU, at least at this point in time. Obviously a lot of things can change before September. Why so much love for MSU, and not so much for UM?

Adam Rittenberg: Perry, I don't think there's way more love for one team over the other. The truth is not much separates Michigan State and Michigan entering the season. Both squads could be preseason top 10. Both should challenge for the Big Ten title. And the biggest game in the league very well could be Michigan State at Michigan on Oct. 20. The Spartans have some issues on offense, particularly at wide receiver, although it could be offset by a stronger rushing attack and a stronger commitment to the run. Michigan has the more potent offense. But if I had to pick one of the teams' four major units, I'd take Michigan State's defense. It's a dominant group filled with difference-makers. Michigan also could be strong on defense, but there are more question marks with the Wolverines, particularly in the front seven.

The other thing some Michigan fans have to think about is whether the Wolverines could be a better team with a worse record in 2011. The schedule is brutal, even more so than Michigan State's in 2011. While Michigan State doesn't have an easy path, either, few major-conference teams will be tested more than Michigan this fall.

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Joe from St. Paul, Minn., writes: Minnesota QB Questions. Do you feel that Gray can get to the next level this year? If not, do you feel that Brewster not red shirting him was a huge issue with his development? Should the Gophers bring in Phillip Nelson sooner rather than later? Overall impression of Gopher QB situation and future. Thanks!

Adam Rittenberg: MarQueis Gray should be much more comfortable in the offense this season. The question I have is whether he'll be surrounded by enough weapons to consistently attack defenses. Minnesota needs to build depth at wide receiver, running back and along the offensive line to really make that unit take the next step. While Gray's development as a quarterback was slowed by him playing so much wide receiver as a freshman and sophomore, the bigger factor is he had to learn new offenses every year. That's not the case entering the 2012 season, and while Gray has to improve his accuracy and pocket presence, he should have a much better feel of the system. Nelson is an intriguing prospect, but this is still Gray's team in 2012.

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Lavar A from Silver Spring, Md., writes: Adam, Apparently Bill O'Brien has a laid out a fairly aggressive learning curve for his QB's a la the play book of the N E Pats. That said, it sounds like the PSU QB's aren't picking it up that quickly. Not really surprising. With that in mind and the fact that no team really wants to tip its hand, I suspect the passing (and play-calling in general) in the Blue-White game will be very vanilla. Thoughts?

Adam Rittenberg: Lavar A from Maryland? Hmmm ... Well, Lavar, your suspicions are correct. Here's what O'Brien recently told me about the Blue-White Game. "They said if it's a nice day, we'll get 85,000 in here," O'Brien said. "I hope those 85,000 people aren't expecting a whole lot, because I'm certainly not going to show a whole lot in that game. But we're going to be organized, we'll play hard, we'll play fast. But I wouldn't say it's going to be a dazzling show." He added that the game will be "very much of a business day" for the coaches and players. So while fans inevitably will make sweeping judgments about the quarterbacks, it's probably smart to look at the event for what it really is. From what I saw in State College, it's a work in progress for all three quarterbacks. But they did show some bright spots, and all three have strengths. It'll be interesting to see how it shakes out.

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Joel from Bismarck, S.D., writes: You've mentioned any number of times Iowa's recruiting disadvantage by virtue of the location. I don't disagree, but looking at the team's roster what really jumps out to me is the number of Hawkeyes coming from Iowa City or nearby towns like Solon or Kalona. Maybe I'm reading the roster too selectively, as there are a number of other native Iowa players, but it jumps out at me just the same. I acknowledge that much of the state is rural, but with all respect to Iowa State and UNI, Iowa is "the" state school with fans all over the state. When I see the over-representation of local players I wonder if the staff is unnecessarily limiting itself by tapping them and possibly missing gems elsewhere in the state. Your thoughts?

Adam Rittenberg: Joel, this is an interesting observation, but I don't think it shows a flawed approach to local recruiting. Iowa is going to miss on some in-state players, or not pursue some players hard enough, just like every team in the country. There are some players on Iowa State's roster who Kirk Ferentz would like to have. But Iowa can't compete for Big Ten championships solely with in-state talent. It needs to do well in the Chicago area. It needs to recruit St. Louis and neighboring states. And it probably needs a few studs from outside the region, which was the case for stars like Brad Banks (Florida) and Shonn Greene (New Jersey).

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Ryan from Omaha, Neb., writes: Hey Adam, Nebraska not playing a spring game leaves somewhat of a mystery for Husker fans. The coaches have been saying Taylor Martinez has improved his throwing mechanics and we were going to get to see if he truly did. We won't find out until September now. We also won't know if Damion Stafford is having as good as an offseason as the coaches say he is and who else on the defense is stepping up. I am more interested in seeing how good our recievers have improved and how much better Andrew Green is. I also want to know more about Braylon Heard's move to cornerback. What is your take on Nebraska not playing game this year?

Adam Rittenberg: It's unfortunate for the fans, Ryan, but as I often say, these events are more for fans than they are for everyone else. The amount of absolute statements I hear from fans after watching a spring game -- where their team is intentionally trying to be as bland as possible -- is pretty comical. Yes, there have been times where players have big spring games and then turn out to be stars in the fall, but it's usually not the case. It's tough for folks to hear about Martinez's mechanics, or Stafford's and Green's strong spring, or the receivers' greater comfort, and not see it with their own eyes. It's why I'd encourage teams to put video clips of spring practices on their Web sites (many already do this), so fans can at least see a bit of what's happening. I don't fault Nebraska for canceling the game, as the risk doesn't outweigh the reward for the team. And while patience is tough for fans, it's the reality until September.

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Craig from Bordentown, N.J., writes: "you'd have eight Big Ten squads with two or more "titles":"Adam, putting quotes on titles as you did here is unacceptably insulting. I don't care whether you don't like split titles, that's your opinion, but the rules are the rules. The titles were legitimately won. Teams don't control the rules within the season, the rules are what the rules are, and teams do their best to succeed within the parameters they're presented. It wasn't even within the B1G's control - The NCAA mandates we couldn't have a championship game until we had 12 teams. You ought to know this. To insult the championships that have been won simply because we had 11 teams, are you serious? You're a professional, try acting like it. Look Adam, you like what you like, but don't you dare insult teams for doing everything asked of them.

Adam Rittenberg: Craig, these are fair criticisms, although the "don't you dare" line made me laugh a little. Don't you dare have an opinion on a college football blog! Roar!!! Anyway, those championships are legitimate. They're in the record books and are mentioned on this blog when discussing a team's past. The question that prompted the response related to Nebraska in the Big 12 and how many titles it would have won in the Big Ten. My point is that by having a structure without a championship game, you have a lot of teams that can call themselves champions. That's fine. As you say, those were the rules at the time. I'm just thrilled that the Big Ten has a true championship game and one champion crowed every year, the way it should be in sports.

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David from Hershey, Pa., writes: Hey Adam, I'm hoping to get your take on the Michigan offensive line. Around this Big Ten blog, it seems to be getting bashed. And I don't understand that. The depth is terrible, and that deserves to be pointed out. Also deserving pointing is the fact that the five starters may make the best starting OL in the conference (it could only be M or UW). Lewan is a probable All-American and four players on the line started last year. More yet, last year's offensive line was awesome. And, by the time the Class of 2012 arrives, last's year's OL will have had far worse depth yet. I'd like your opinion as to why the low opinions then? Please and thank you.

Adam Rittenberg: David, you bring up some good points. Michigan's starting line could be pretty darn good. Where it will rank in the Big Ten is tough to tell. Wisconsin will be good. Michigan State and Nebraska will be better up front. Penn State's offensive line also has been a "pleasant surprise" this spring, according to coach Bill O'Brien. Not sure about Lewan as a "probable All-American," but he should be in the All-Big Ten mix. I think any bashing or concerns expressed stem from Michigan losing All-American center David Molk. He shouldered a lot of responsibility in Al Borges' offense, and his presence and toughness will be missed. It will be an interesting group to monitor, but it has the potential to deliver another strong season.

AIRBHG has reared his ugly head.

AIRBHG? You don't know him? Unfortunately, Iowa fans know him all too well. He's the Angry Iowa Running Back Hating God, and he has taken another victim.

Hawkeyes sophomore running back Jordan Canzeri has torn an ACL in his knee and likely will miss the 2012 season, according to multiple reports. Canzeri, listed as Iowa's top running back on the pre-spring depth chart, injured his knee in practice Wednesday, and an MRI performed Thursday revealed the tear.

Scout.com first reported the news and talked with Canzeri's father, Brian.

"Dr. [Ned] Amendola said it was the ACL but the good news is that the rest of the knee is solid," Brian Canzeri said. "He's going to have surgery next week and hopes to get back into practice in September."

Brian Canzeri said that he expects his son to ease into things when he's cleared to practice and will most likely redshirt for the 2012 season.

Sources tell The (Cedar Rapids) Gazette that Canzeri, who has a redshirt available, won't play this fall.

The team has yet to confirm Canzeri's injury.

The loss of Canzeri isn't as devastating as Marcus Coker's departure in January, it continues a baffling string of setbacks for Iowa's running backs. Although AIRBHG has been around since 2001, he has been particularly cruel since Doak Walker Award winner Shonn Greene departed following the 2008 season. Since Greene declared for the NFL draft, Iowa has had six running backs leave the program, culminating with Coker, who ranked second in the Big Ten with 1,384 yards in 2011.

Canzeri started in place of the suspended Coker for the 2011 Insight Bowl, and he would have been in the mix to start this coming season. He's a smaller back, and Iowa likely will use a rotation rather than identify a bell cow like Coker was in 2011.

Canzeri's injury leaves Damon Bullock and De'Andre Johnson as Iowa's primary running backs in spring practice. Fullback Brad Rogers could see some carries at running back, but the big hope is that incoming freshmen Greg Garmon and Barkley Hill can contribute. Garmon in particular drew high marks as a high school standout.

As The (Cedar Rapids) Gazette's Marc Morehouse points out, Iowa has used a true freshman at running back in each of the past five seasons.

"Both of them are a little bit bigger backs," Hawkeyes running backs coach Lester Erb told reporters Wednesday, before Canzeri injured his knee. "Greg is more of a slasher. but he shows he can get downhill and run tough. Very good speed. Then Barkley just had a tremendous high school career up there at Cedar Falls and we are excited to get him in here. Both guys have a passion for football and both guys are going to have a chance to come in here and compete."

Iowa wants to run the ball and have balance in its offense, but the running back position has been so unstable that the Hawkeyes might have to once again trend toward the pass in 2012. It would really help if Garmon and/or Hill can contribute immediately this fall.

So I just got engaged. Provoking e-mail questions make an excellent wedding gift.

Why, how thoughtful of you.

Max from Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich., writes: Brian, what type of offense is necessary to compete with the SEC on a national stage? Watching Alabama and LSU attack the edges seemed like an exercise in futility. I contend that the pro-style offense run by MSU along with a tough defense is the way to go. It is impossible to outrun the SEC. Attacking with a power running/passing game is the answer. Doesn't it make more sense to limit the number of plays for loss and take advantage of field position when possible?

Brian Bennett: Everything LSU did on offense in that game was futile. That may have been the worst game plan I've ever seen. A spread offense can work against those types of defenses -- remember that Oregon scored 27 and West Virginia had 21 against LSU, the most the Tigers had allowed this season before Monday. The problem is neither the Ducks nor the Mountaineers could play enough defense. The best SEC teams usually have imposing defensive linemen and big, ridiculously athletic linebackers. I think you have to attack them down the field, which LSU barely tried to do against Alabama. Oregon had its most success last year against Auburn in the passing game. So either a pro-style or spread could work in that regard, but I don't think you can run option or expect to beat those linebackers to the edge.

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Alex G. from Fairfield, Iowa, writes: I can't stand the SEC, and seeing the cover story about who can stop the SEC's reign makes me mad. Of course they are the best conference, but on a year that no other conference was even given a chance *cough*Oklahoma State*cough*, I'm thinking the only way to end it is a playoff. This will make it so there is a possibility that the SEC can finish 1st and 2nd place, but not make it to the championship. I also find this to be the only way for teams like Wisconsin and Michigan State to prove they are the best. Why do BCS supporters think this is a bad argument and when is the giant push that will start a snowball effect for a playoff happen?

Brian Bennett: Alex, I'm pretty convinced that if we would have had a playoff this season, LSU and Alabama still would have ended up in the title game. I think a "Final Four" type playoff is a very real possibility in the next BCS cycle. The question is, can the Big Ten finish in the top four? The league wouldn't have done so the past two years. So the conference has to worry about getting better itself before it can worry about taking down the SEC.

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Drew from Milwaukee writes: Brian -- curious to see what your thoughts are on the 2011 college football season as a whole. There were lots of ugly high profile scandals, player suspensions and bowl bans. With a few notable exceptions there weren't a lot of great bowl matchups, including the title game. There were a number of teams that failed to live up to expectations (OU, FSU, ND, A&M) and the teams that exceeded them never seemed to matter (K-State, Clemson, Okie St., Houston). I think the only really nice story was RGIII winning the Heisman. Other than that the only thing 2011 will be remembered for is being the year that Joe Paterno got fired. I for one am happy to have put 2011 to bed.

Brian Bennett: I hear you, Drew. There were many excellent stories, like Russell Wilson and Montee Ball at Wisconsin, Michigan State's season, Michigan's resurgence, etc. But it might have been the ugliest year ever in college sports, and the Big Ten was not immune with the controversies at Ohio State and Penn State. I had trouble watching the BCS title game. Here's hoping for a much better year in 2012.

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Mike M. from Farmington Hills, Mich., writes: You termed Michigan's 11-2 record as a "breakthrough". You must be younger than I thought you were. Where have you been the last 40+ years ?

Brian Bennett: Don't know how old you think I am, Mike, but I have been alive almost all of those 40 years. Were you conscious the past four years:

2007: 9-4
2008: 3-9
2009: 5-7
2010: 7-6
2011: 11-2, BCS bowl win

Sure looks like a breakthrough season to this old guy.

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David from Cincinnati writes: Do you think Michigan can be a national championship team?

Brian Bennett: I believe the Wolverines will likely start 2012 at or near the Top 10 (they're No. 11 in Mark Schlabach's way-too-early preseason Top 25). They will open with Alabama, and if they can catch the Tide still dealing with a national title hangover and pull the upset, then the stage will be set for a big season. Denard Robinson and Fitz Toussaint will ensure that the offense will be explosive. However, just judging by what we saw on the field in New Orleans between Jan. 3 and Jan. 9, I just don't see Michigan as having enough premier talent to compete for a national championship yet.

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Dan L. from Burlington, Vermont, writes: So the season is over and it is about that time to start thinking about next season, right? I'm looking at Penn State's upcoming schedule. Assuming they don't face any NCAA sanctions, how big of a year do you think the Lions can have under their new coaches? We lose a lot on the O-Line but have had good recruits the past couple years to try and fill those holes. I'm hoping Paul Jones, Massaro, and Mauti can make it to the field this year. With no Michigan schools, a weaker Wisconsin, and OSU at home (not to mention their bowl ban) on the schedule, what's stopping us from reaching the B1G Title Game this season?

Brian Bennett: It's difficult to project what to expect from a new coaching staff, and Penn State does lose a ton on the O-line and in the secondary, not to mention All-American Devon Still and top wideout Derek Moye. But you've got to think the offense will take a step forward, and dropping Alabama off the nonconference schedule definitely helps (though that game at Virginia could prove tricky). The Big Ten schedule, as you mentioned, is favorable, with the toughest game looking like a trip to Nebraska. Given Wisconsin's turnover, Ohio State's ineligibility and the coaching transition at Illinois, Penn State has a decent chance to make it to Indianapolis in Bill O'Brien's first year.

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David from Wilmette, Ill., writes: If the Buckeyes do go undefeated -- and, yes, it is possible with their 8 home games and the wide-open BT this next season -- could they be co-National Champs? They still get voted in the AP and if they are undefeated would the AP vote them #1 if there are no other undefeated teams?

Brian Bennett: David, your scenario is entirely plausible. But here are four reasons why I don't think it will happen: Miami of Ohio, Central Florida, California, UAB. That's Ohio State's nonconference schedule, and while it should allow the Buckeyes to go into the Big Ten with a head of steam, that would severely hurt the team's credibility among voters if it went undefeated. Since the national perception of the Big Ten isn't strong to begin with, I doubt that enough voters would put Ohio State No. 1 with a 12-0 record against that schedule.

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J from Dayton writes: "The Big Ten now has more programs capable of contending for national titles than ever before, and Meyer's presence will likely cause everyone else to raise their game. " I fully realize that Urban is a game changer, but why did it take him to be hired before everyone else is forced to raise their game? I guess Tressel's 10 year-domination over the conference wasn't that big of a deal to the other teams?

Brian Bennett: A good point, J. There are other programs in the league now that have it rolling, however, like Michigan State and Wisconsin. And the addition of Nebraska and the formation of divisions changes things. One other factor to consider is the influx of money from the Big Ten Network. Every school should now have the resources available to pay coaches and upgrade facilities. There aren't many excuses left.

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Nate from Council Bluffs, Iowa, writes: To what God does Iowa need to make a sacrifice to in order to lift the running back curse that has plagued them!? Just thinking who will be in the backfield for the Hawkeyes in the upcoming season. Possibly new commit Greg Garmon? What are your thoughts?

Brian Bennett: Perhaps make an offering to St. Shonn Greene? The Iowa running back problems are mystifying and bizarre. I'm hesitant to anoint any high school prospect until I see him arrive on campus, but the Hawkeyes are running out of options. Just don't get too attached to whoever the next starting tailback is.

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Chris from Atlanta writes: With Montee Ball staying for his senior year, do you see a change of scenery for any of the Badger running backs? James White would be a feature back at almost any other school and they have solid backs up and coming such as Jeff Lewis and Melvin Gordon.

Brian Bennett: I wondered about White's mindset moments after I heard Ball was coming back. The Badgers have shown they can create multiple 1,000-yard backs, but Ball got the vast majority of the carries this season and will be heavily featured next year as well. Perhaps without a veteran quarterback, Wisconsin will rely even more on the running game, which could open some more opportunities for White. A transfer is possible, but White would still have his senior season in Madison after Ball leaves. For him, Lewis and Gordon, there still is no better place to be a running back.

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Paul C. from Washington, DC., writes: Despite the sub-par bowl performance by the BIG schools, what kind of impact do you think the MAC bowl performance will have for the BIG? Each year BIG schools use these teams to help fill their schedule and with all of them except Western Michigan winning won't this help add to the strength of schedule for BIG schools? If nothing else it's nice to see the MAC teams doing well as they usually do not fare well in bowl match ups.

Brian Bennett: Bowl success will have no impact on strength-of-schedule computations for next year. Yes, the MAC went 4-1, but let's look at how it was done. Temple beat Wyoming. Ohio beat Utah State. Northern Illinois beat Arkansas State. Toledo beat Air Force. And of course, Western Michigan lost to Purdue in the MAC's only matchup against a BCS AQ school. It was a nice bowl season for the MAC, but it wasn't exactly world-changing stuff.

Iowa is no stranger to facing adversity in a bowl game.

In the 2001 Alamo Bowl, the Hawkeyes' first postseason appearance under head coach Kirk Ferentz, running back Ladell Betts couldn't play with a hamstring injury, leaving Iowa without a four-year starter. Iowa turned to Aaron Greving, who racked up 115 rush yards and earned offensive MVP honors in a win against Texas Tech.

The Betts-Greving situation hardly compared to the crisis Iowa faced before the 2010 Insight Bowl. Top running back Adam Robinson had been suspended and subsequently arrested. Top receiver Derrell Johnson-Koulianos had been arrested on drug charges, leading to an odd news conference where Iowa admitted to finding problems with its drug-testing program for student-athletes. The team also announced that two reserve running backs, Jewel Hampton and Brandon Wegher, were transferring.

And yet Iowa still won the game, rallying to upset Missouri 27-24.

Another Insight Bowl matchup is on tap Friday night against Oklahoma, and Iowa once again is dealing with some adversity. Sophomore running back Marcus Coker, the team's most productive offensive weapon, is suspended for an undisclosed violation of team policy. There are other potential personnel issues, which Ferentz deflected Tuesday, but replacing Coker's 281 carries and 1,354 rush yards is the big one.

"It's football," Ferentz told ESPN.com on Tuesday. "If our running back had sprained his ankle, he wouldn't play then, either. So you don't surrender and forfeit the game. You keep playing. It happens all year long. Players are in and out. Somebody has to be ready to step in, and everybody else has to help those guys out."

Coker was that guy for Iowa last December, rushing for a team-bowl record 219 yards and two touchdowns against Missouri. But his loss leaves the Hawkeyes with a stable of unproven backs.

Ferentz said Jason White, who he describes as "steady" and "dependable," and Brad Rogers, who has mostly played fullback for Iowa, likely will be the team's top two ball-carrying options Friday against Oklahoma. Freshmen Jordan Canzeri and Damon Bullock are the next two in line.

"We'll basically use everybody we have," Ferentz said. "I don't know if I foresee us getting 200 yards like a year ago, and if we did, it will probably be three, four, five guys contributing to that yardage, not one. We'll do it by committee and just see how it goes."

Iowa's passing attack has been very effective at times, especially early in the season when the Hawkeyes employed some no-huddle. Oklahoma ranks just 83rd nationally against the pass.

But the Hawkeyes won't abandon their run game Friday night. Because they can't.

"We have to at least attempt it," Ferentz said. "We're not built to throw it 70 times a game. It's just not our mode of operation. If we get in a situation like that, it's not good. But the group's capable. They've been practicing well and they'll step up and do a good job."

The suspensions of both Coker and freshman Mika'il McCall have once again placed the spotlight on Iowa's running back position, which has seen an extraordinary amount of turmoil since the departure of Doak Walker Award winner Shonn Greene after the 2008 season. Five promising backs have dealt with off-field issues since Greene's departure.

"I wish I could explain it," Ferentz said. "There's no conspiracy theory or anything like that. We've just had some situations. You have to evaluate each one on an individual basis. We have had our share of transactions and transition. We'll get it settled down again."

When bowl games kick off, Iowa usually finds a way.

In 2008, Iowa caught a big break at the running back position when Shonn Greene went from furniture warehouse employee to Doak Walker Award winner.

Since then, the Hawkeyes haven't had much good fortune with their running backs. Whether it's injuries or off-field problems, Iowa's running back depth has taken hit after hit since Greene's magical season.

The latest blow came Tuesday as the team announced starting running back Marcus Coker has been suspended for the Insight Bowl for disciplinary reasons. Iowa didn't elaborate on the suspension, saying only that Coker violated the school's student-athlete code of conduct. The sophomore will not travel with the team to Arizona later this week.

It marks the second consecutive year Iowa will play the Insight Bowl without its top back. Adam Robinson was suspended for the game last year for failing to comply with team policies. Iowa announced Robinson's suspension on the same day it confirmed running back Jewel Hampton, the team's second-leading rusher in 2008, would be transferring. Hampton dealt with injuries and off-field issues. Another promising running back, Brandon Wegher, announced late last season that he would also be transferring (he took a leave of absence from the team in August 2010). Weeks after Iowa announced Robinson's suspension, Robinson was arrested for marijuana possession.

Coker ended up rescuing Iowa in the 2010 Insight Bowl, rushing for a team bowl record 219 yards and two touchdowns in a win against Missouri.

He has been a huge part of Iowa's offense this season, accounting for 80.7 percent of the team's rushing yards (1,384), 15 of the team's 18 rush touchdowns and 281 of the team's 417 carries. Coker leads the Big Ten in carries and ranks second in rushing average (115.3 ypg).

Who will Iowa turn to at running back? Promising freshman Mika'il McCall was suspended for the regular-season finale against Nebraska, and his status for the bowl game is very much in doubt.

Iowa likely will turn to DeAndre Johnson, Jordan Canzeri, Damon Bullock and Jason White at running back. Johnson leads the crew with just 18 carries this season.

Gulp.

It's hard not to see Iowa becoming pretty one-dimensional against Oklahoma. The good news is the Sooners struggle against the pass, ranking 83rd nationally.

The bigger issue is why Iowa can't keep running backs on the field. The Hawkeyes seem to have little trouble developing running backs, but the lack of depth has become a major problem.

We're taking the bold step into the realm of fantasy football this season. Like many of you, we have created teams in ESPN's College Football Challenge.

Our teams consist only of Big Ten players and units, and earlier Thursday, we held a draft. We'll track our teams throughout the season, making adjustments if need be, and then see who comes out on top. The winner gets the old Cy-Hawk Trophy.

Neither of us are fantasy football experts, but we do have a pretty good grasp on Big Ten talent, and we thought this would be a fun feature this season.

First, the team names.

Rittenberg: The Trombone Shorties

Bennett: Non-Gingervitis

We flipped a coin and Bennett won, earning the right to pick first.

Here's how the draft went down:

No. 1 (Bennett): Wisconsin RB Montee Ball

Rationale: The first rule of thumb in fantasy football is to grab a dominant running back. Ball scored 18 touchdowns last season and looked even better in camp this year. I'd say that's dominant.

No. 2 (Rittenberg): Iowa RB Marcus Coker

Rationale: Ball was dominant, Bennett, but he also shares carries with James White, while Coker is in position to be Iowa's featured back. He's a bruiser who showed in the Insight Bowl he can do special things. The next Shonn Greene, perhaps?

No. 3 (Rittenberg): Wisconsin RB James White

Rationale: Speaking of White, I'm picking him here because he brings explosiveness to the backfield. Any time he touches the ball, he can go to the house, whether it's on a rush, a reception or a return.

No. 4 (Bennett): Michigan QB Denard Robinson

Rationale: The guy who led the Big Ten in total offense and who accounted for 32 touchdowns is still available for the No. 4 pick? Yes, please.

No. 5 (Bennett): Michigan State RB Edwin Baker

Rationale: I fill out my backfield with the Big Ten's leading returning rusher among tailbacks. Baker has pledged to increase his 1,201 yards and 10 touchdowns this year. I'd be happy with a repeat of those numbers.

No. 6 (Rittenberg): Illinois QB Nathan Scheelhaase

Rationale: You want numbers? Scheelhaase accounted for 22 touchdowns last season (17 pass, 5 rush). He's a tremendous athlete who has made strides as a passer during the offseason and plays behind one of the Big Ten's best lines. Get ready for the points parade in Champaign.

No. 7 (Rittenberg): Iowa WR Marvin McNutt

Rationale: McNutt has made big plays throughout his career, and he'll continue to do so as Iowa's clear-cut No. 1 receiver this season. He's a bona fide NFL prospect with eight touchdown receptions in each of the past two years.

No. 8 (Bennett): Nebraska QB Taylor Martinez

Rationale: My passing numbers might not be the greatest with Shoelace and T-Magic as my quarterbacks, but man will I ever churn out the points for rushing.

No. 9 (Bennett): Northwestern WR Jeremy Ebert

Rationale: Needed a receiver here and was happy to take the guy who led the league in receiving yards per game a year ago. Now I just need a healthy Dan Persa to get him the ball.

No. 10 (Rittenberg): Michigan State QB Kirk Cousins

Rationale: Cousins once again has plenty of weapons at his disposal. He threw 20 touchdown passes in 2010 despite being limited by injuries in the second half of the season.

No. 11 (Rittenberg): Penn State WR Derek Moye

Rationale: I'm taking another big-play receiver in Moye, who averaged 16.7 yards a catch in 2010 and scored eight touchdowns. He'll be even better this season with more polished quarterbacks throwing to him.

No. 12 (Bennett): Indiana WR Damarlo Belcher

Rationale: Took a slight flier on Belcher, but I think he can put up huge numbers in Kevin Wilson's offense. He needs to do better than last year's four TD catches, and I believe he will.

No. 13 (Bennett): Nebraska defense

Rationale: Defense. Nebraska. 'Nuff said.

No. 14 (Rittenberg): Ohio State defense

Rationale: The Buckeyes' defense is as reliable as beer and brats at Big Ten tailgates. Until proven otherwise, I'm taking a group that limits yards and points and forces takeaways with the nation's best.

No. 15 (Rittenberg): Michigan State kickers

Rationale: Special teams vaulted Michigan State to a Big Ten co-championship in 2010. Stud kicker Dan Conroy returns after missing only one field goal attempt and one extra point try all season.

No. 16 (Bennett): Wisconsin kickers

Rationale: So what if Philip Welch is hurt? Even if I'm only getting PATs, that will come in handy in those games when Bret Bielema's bunch is scoring 70 or 80 points.

Here are the teams ...

THE TROMBONE SHORTIES

QB: Nathan Scheelhaase, Illinois
QB: Kirk Cousins, Michigan State
RB: Marcus Coker, Iowa
RB: James White, Wisconsin
WR: Marvin McNutt, Iowa
WR: Derek Moye, Penn State
Defense: Ohio State
Kickers: Michigan State

NON-GINGERVITIS

QB: Denard Robinson, Michigan
QB: Taylor Martinez, Nebraska
RB: Montee Ball, Wisconsin
RB: Edwin Baker, Michigan State
WR: Jeremy Ebert, Northwestern
WR: Damarlo Belcher, Indiana
Defense: Nebraska
Kickers: Wisconsin

Who do you think has the edge?

If running back depth isn't Iowa's biggest concern entering the season, it has to be pretty high on the list.

Thursday's news doesn't help matters.

Rivals.com reports that running back recruit Rodney Coe is headed to Iowa Western Community College, where he hopes to improve his grades so he can join the Hawkeyes at some point in the future. Iowa Western coach Scott Strohmeier confirmed Coe will be joining his squad.

"I think initially he was a little shocked and disappointed, but he's come to realize now he's got a second chance," Strohmeier said. "He's still got to prove some things in the classroom when he gets to the junior college ranks, but he has a chance to start over now and get back to Iowa, which he seems pretty excited about."

The 6-foot-3, 230-pound Coe is a U.S. Army All-America selection and one of Iowa's top-rated recruits in the 2011 class. ESPN Recruiting rated Coe as the nation's No. 37 athlete.

The good news is Iowa's class includes three other running backs (Mika'il McCall, Jordan Canzeri and Damon Bullock). The Hawkeyes certainly would benefit if one or more emerged this season.

Marcus Coker very well could be the real deal, but most teams need two to three backs to win in the Big Ten. Iowa has done a great job of developing young backs in recent years, as players like Coker, Adam Robinson, Jewel Hampton and Brandon Wegher all made contributions early in their careers. And if things had worked out for Robinson, Hampton and Wegher, Iowa wouldn't be in this position.

Coe could have been the next young back to contribute, but Iowa fans must wait for his arrival.

As Black Heart Gold Pants points out, Iowa has had several juco success stories, former Doak Walker Award winner Shonn Greene among them. The Hawkeyes have to hope Coe follows the trend.

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.

Remember Oct. 30? Everything seemed to be going right for the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Since Iowa crushed Michigan State 37-6 that day, things have gone downhill for the Black and Gold both on and off the field.

The latest blow came late Monday afternoon, as the team announced the suspension of starting running back Adam Robinson and the transfer of another running back, redshirt sophomore Jewel Hampton. The announcements came days after the official departure of Brandon Wegher, a running back who contributed as a freshman but left the team early in preseason camp.

Robinson, who dealt with concussions late in the season, won't be with the team for its upcoming appearance against Missouri in the Insight Bowl.

"Jewel Hampton has decided to leave the team and plans to transfer to another school to complete his degree and finish his career," Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said in a prepared statement. "We wish him the best of success in the future. While Adam has been cleared medically, he will not be participating in the upcoming Insight Bowl game as a result of failing to comply with team expectations and policies. Adam will have the option to rejoin the team when classes resume in January."

The big question for Iowa is whether Robinson will be the only key player suspended for the bowl. Iowa's news release didn't mention any players but Robinson and Hampton.

Still, Ferentz and athletic director Gary Barta will appear at a news conference scheduled for 11 a.m. ET Tuesday. Typically, a coach and a AD don't hold joint news conferences because of one player, although they also likely will address the situation surrounding receiver Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, arrested last week on several drug charges. DJK's playing career at Iowa is over.

So, is this the tip of the iceberg? We'll find out soon enough. After a string of conduct problems from 2007-08, Iowa had been pretty incident-free until the DJK mess.

The immediate concern is Iowa's running back depth, which has really been an issue since Shonn Greene moved on after the 2009 Outback Bowl.

Hampton's chronic injuries limited him the last two seasons, and Robinson was the team's only healthy proven back for much of this season. I would argue A-Rob was Iowa's most valuable player for much of the fall. His suspension thrusts true freshman Marcus Coker into the spotlight for the Insight Bowl.

To recap, Iowa endured a three-game losing streak to end the regular season. Then, the DJK situation surfaced last week. Now Hampton is transferring and Robinson is suspended.

If the Hawkeyes can turn this thing around and beat Missouri on Dec. 28, it will be truly impressive.

Tough times right now in Iowa City.

Some trends in the Big Ten seem to defy explanation, and Iowa finds itself on opposite sides of two of them.

The Hawkeyes have won eight of their last nine meetings against Penn State, including each of the past three contests. Iowa derailed Penn State's national title hopes in 2008, reshuffled the Big Ten race with a win in Happy Valley last fall and held Penn State without a touchdown in a dominating win Oct. 2.

Joe Paterno has lost more games to Iowa (11) than any other team in his head-coaching career except for Ohio State (13).

But it has been a very different story for Iowa against Northwestern. The Wildcats have won four of the teams' past five meetings, including three at Kinnick Stadium, where Iowa is 49-10 since 2002. Northwestern ended Iowa's perfect season in 2009 with a 17-10 come-from-behind win at Kinnick. Kirk Ferentz is just 4-5 against Northwestern as Iowa's coach.

"I really couldn't tell you why we've had so much success against Penn State and not so much against Northwestern," Iowa senior guard Julian Vandervelde said this week. "I really do think it comes down to the little details, the mistakes, the fundamentals and the basics. Year in and year out, we're able to execute against Penn State and not so much against Northwestern."

Iowa needs a polished performance Saturday as it visits Northwestern. The 13th-ranked Hawkeyes remain very much in the Big Ten title race, but they can't afford to slip up, especially as next week's home showdown against No. 9 Ohio State looms.

By most accounts, Saturday's game is one Iowa should win. The Hawkeyes are more experienced on both sides of the ball. Iowa's biggest strengths (the play-action pass and a pressuring defensive line) match up well against two of Northwestern's weaknesses (the secondary and the offensive line). Iowa has more at stake and should have no trouble getting motivated after the struggles.

But the Hawkeyes know what should happen and what does happen are two different things, especially in this series.

Many have tried to explain Northwestern's recent success, even pointing to the Hayden Fry-Gary Barnett exchange after the 1994 Iowa beatdown of Northwestern as the start of a shift (Northwestern is 8-5 against Iowa since 1995).

Iowa has dealt with key injuries in the last two losses -- running back Shonn Greene in 2008 and quarterback Ricky Stanzi in 2009 -- but Northwestern also played most of last year's game without star quarterback Mike Kafka. Northwestern running back Adonis Smith was quoted this week as saying coach Pat Fitzgerald "hates Iowa," but does that matter on the field?

The real explanation, according to Ferentz, is pretty simple.

"They have done a good job of playing the way you're supposed to play and we haven't," he said. "I think we have had nine turnovers and they have had two in two years. ... On top of that, we screwed up on special teams, several times, a couple years ago. To me, that's been the story of it. You've got two even teams. One team played clean, played really well and the other team didn't and it's pretty academic who is going to win or lose."

Iowa has looked uncharacteristically sloppy against NU, but Vandervelde says there's no mental block against playing the Wildcats.

"People don't expect them, for some reason, to come out and swing as much as they do and hit as hard as they do," he said. "Sometimes it catches people by surprise, I think. They're smart guys, they're going to watch tape and figure out what you do, so you really can't make mistakes. You have to be ready for everything they're going to bring.

"Having played them for a couple of years now, I'm well versed in their style of play and I won't be surprised by anything, hopefully."

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Nostradamus didn't show up in the bowels of Kinnick Stadium late Saturday afternoon.

Even the great forecaster couldn't take credit for calling this one.

Michigan State and Iowa had produced three of the Big Ten's most exciting matchups the past three years. Iowa won a double-overtime contest in 2007. The Spartans preserved a 16-13 win the next year when Adam Decker stuffed Doak Walker Award winner Shonn Greene on fourth-and-1. Last year, Iowa won 15-13 on a touchdown pass with no time left on the clock to preserve its undefeated record.

A day before Halloween, these two teams seemed destined to deliver another thriller.

Iowa had other ideas.

The 18th-ranked Hawkeyes dominated No. 5 Michigan State, ending the Spartans' quest for perfection in convincing fashion with a 37-6 victory at Kinnick Stadium, the graveyard for Big Ten unbeatens. The 31-point final margin represented the fifth-largest margin of defeat by an AP Top 25 team since 2000.

"I didn't see this coming," Spartans coach Mark Dantonio said. "Our guys prepared mentally, emotionally."

Not far away in Iowa's interview room, coach Kirk Ferentz echoed his colleague.

"You never see that coming," Ferentz said, "not against a very good team like this. I never see those coming against anybody."

Ferentz often talks about how Iowa will never be confused with a true college football heavyweight. The Hawkeyes don't have a large margin for error. They don't just show up and dominate.

But Iowa had the potential to deliver a complete performance. Iowa entered the year with lofty expectations, but it hadn't met them.

After two losses that showed just how small the Hawkeyes' margin for error can be, the players responded, jumping ahead to a 37-0 lead and never looking back.

"That's the team you want to be," receiver Marvin McNutt said. "We have talent and the times we execute, we know we can do the right thing."

McNutt felt Iowa didn't execute well in practice leading up to last week's game against Wisconsin. It translated to the field, as the Hawkeyes suffered a 31-30 loss that left plenty of what-ifs.

If Iowa lost its third game Saturday, you could start talking about a season of what-ifs. But the Hawkeyes answered every question.

Ferentz didn't know how his team would respond from the Wisconsin loss.

"Absolutely not," he said. "You hope we practice well. You always hope that. My sense was our guys were preparing the way they were supposed to, watching tape and doing that kind of thing. ... But I also know [the loss] was back in everybody's minds. It was a tough week."

Michigan State, meanwhile, saw no clues of the impending disaster.

Defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi said the team had "one of the best weeks of practice ... all year." Head coach Mark Dantonio didn't feel the reinstatement of cornerback Chris L. Rucker caused any distraction. The Spartans had built their 8-0 record on resilient play, taking punches and countering and never giving up.

"Did we come unprepared? I don't think so," Dantonio said. "Did things snowball on us? I guess they did."

It's easy to pinpoint the moment the snowball picked up speed.

Not surprisingly, Iowa delivered the first punch and took a 10-0 lead. But Michigan State was moving the ball and reached midfield before a Kirk Cousins pass to B.J. Cunningham sailed right into the arms of Iowa safety Tyler Sash.

Sash had seen Michigan State run the same play last year and anticipated it, making the easy pick. He didn't anticipate what came next. After racing 6 yards upfield, Sash lateraled the ball over Cunningham's head to teammate Micah Hyde, who ran the remaining 66 yards to the end zone.

"It's like the point guard that pulls up from 40 feet deep and shoots a 3-pointer," Sash said. "If he makes it, it's alright. But if he misses it, what are you doing?"

Sash, by the way, was a standout basketball player in high school who received Division I interest. He first got on Ferentz's radar screen while playing AAU basketball in fifth grade against Ferentz's son, James.

The playmaking safety showed off his hoops skills with the lateral to Hyde.

"I'll do it again if the same thing happens," Sash said with a smile.

"I liked the outcome," Ferentz said. "He's an older guy, I trust our guys. I don't think we practice that."

Sash's magic propelled the Hawkeyes, but their performance wasn't sleight of hand.

A defense that allowed 59 points the past two weeks kept Michigan State off the scoreboard for three quarters. Three Hawkeyes' defensive backs picked off Cousins, who entered Saturday with just four interceptions in 212 pass attempts this season.

Iowa's offense also surged, as quarterback Ricky Stanzi delivered another near-spotless performance (11-for-15 passing, 190 yards, 3 TDs) and got help from running back Adam Robinson (69 rush yards, TD, 32-yard receiving TD), tight end Brad Herman (3 receptions, 80 yards) and others. The Hawkeyes effectively mixed plays and personnel, and just about everything clicked.

"It's a great football team," Narduzzi said. "We knew emotionally, they'd be fired up, [defensive coordinator] Norm Parker was back in the house. ... We expected them to be a well-coached team and come play their tails off because they're fighting for a piece of the Big Ten championship."

Michigan State is right there, too, but Iowa's win ensures the Hawkeyes remain in the title fight heading into November.

"We weren't hitting on all cylinders in previous weeks," Sash said. "I think we did today."

Iowa and Wisconsin will spend all week dissecting film of one another, trying to find clues that will aid in Saturday's matchup at Kinnick Stadium.

The players and coaches could save a lot of time, though, and simply look in the mirror.

"They're a smash-mouth football program, we're a smash-mouth football program," Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt said.

"They play our kind of ball," Iowa defensive end Adrian Clayborn said. "It's pretty much like going against our guys in practice every day."

Saturday's game won't be won with sleight of hand or exotic play calling. It's a pretty good bet that the team that blocks and tackles better will claim victory.

This is exactly how No. 15 Iowa and No. 13 Wisconsin like it.

While Michigan has gone to a full-blown spread offense and both Ohio State and Penn State have incorporated spread elements, the Hawkeyes and Badgers run pro-style systems build around the power run and the play-action pass. Boise State against Oregon, this is not.

The two defenses also are similar. Iowa's defense has some baseline rules each player must follow and few elaborate disguises. If each man does his job, the play should be stopped. Wisconsin's system is similar, in large part because Badgers head coach Bret Bielema cut his teeth at Iowa under veteran Hawkyes defensive coordinator Norm Parker.

If you like power defensive ends like Clayborn and Watt and burly running backs like Wisconsin junior John Clay and former Iowa star Shonn Greene, this is the game for you.

"They're just looking to run the ball, and we're looking to stop the run," Iowa defensive tackle Karl Klug said. "We match up pretty well."

The spotlight Saturday afternoon undoubtedly will be on the line of scrimmage. Wisconsin's offensive line comes off of a dominant performance last week against Ohio State, in which it overpowered a formidable Buckeyes defensive front in a 31-18 victory. Iowa's defense ranks sixth nationally in points allowed (13.2 ppg) and seventh against the run (83.8 ypg).

Some have billed the Badgers' front five as the nation's best offensive line. The same has been said about Iowa's defensive line. Two likely first-round draft picks match up Saturday as Clayborn goes against Wisconsin left tackle Gabe Carimi.

"We run similar schemes," Bielema said of his Badgers and the Hawkeyes. "We had a couple of [general managers] in during the course of the week last week, GMs of NFL teams. And they basically [say] 'It's so relieving to watch, come in and watch film and watch you run the football like they want to run it at the next level.'"

Bielema is the strongest link between the schools.

He played defensive line for Iowa under Hayden Fry from 1989-92 and began his coaching career as a graduate assistant for the Hawkeyes in 1994. Bielema was elevated to linebackers coach in 1996 and spent six seasons in the role, the last three under current Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz.

Bielema "thinks the world" of Ferentz and called Parker one of his biggest influences in coaching.

He's also linked to Iowa through body art: a Tiger Hawk tattoo remains on his calf, and Iowa coaches don't hesitate to bring it up during their frequent recruiting battles with Wisconsin.

"Every time [a recruit] goes to visit there, the first thing, I can write it down to a tee, they're going to come back and say, 'Coach, can we see your tattoo?'" Bielema said. "Every Iowa coach says that to him, so I know their routine, and it's nothing surprising."

The schools share other connections as well.

When Ferentz joined Fry's staff as an assistant in 1981, Barry Alvarez served as the team's linebackers coach. Ferentz and Alvarez worked together for six years before Alvarez left for a position at Notre Dame. Three years later, both men took head-coaching jobs, Alvarez at Wisconsin and Ferentz at Maine.

Wisconsin had gone 9-36 in the four seasons before Alvarez's arrival and were in the midst of a 10-game losing streak and an 18-game winless streak against Iowa.

"When I left here in '89, it’s not that I didn't respect them, but they had really fallen on hard times," Ferentz said. "And as I was leaving here, that’s when Barry was going up there. I get back nine years later and they were clearly one of the best programs in the country.

"They’ve just done a fantastic job there. They’ve been very consistent with their efforts."

The same can be said for Iowa, which rebounded from its own lull (1998-2001) to restore itself among the Big Ten's elite.

How close are the two programs? Iowa leads the all-time series 42-41-2 after claiming the last two matchups. When the Big Ten began determining divisions for 2011 and beyond, it examined data since 1993, the year Penn State joined the league. Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State led the league in Big Ten wins during the span, but Wisconsin (79-54-3) and Iowa (71-64-1) are in the next tier.

"There are four teams in our new conference coming next year that have won national championships," Bielema said, referring to Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State and Nebraska. "And then the next two teams, probably by record, are us and Iowa."

Added Ferentz: "It’s nice to be involved in the party, if you can get in there. But it doesn't just happen."

Iowa and Wisconsin are so close that it contributed to them being placed in opposite divisions to achieve competitive balance. The two teams don't meet in 2011 and 2012, so Saturday's winner gets to keep the Heartland Trophy a little longer, not to mention take a step closer to the Big Ten title.

"There’s a great deal of respect, but we all want the same thing," Bielema said. "That’s what this week will be about, getting the W."

For the second consecutive season, Iowa is scrambling to find enough capable players to carry the football.

The Hawkeyes announced Tuesday that redshirt sophomore Jewel Hampton needs season-ending knee surgery after tearing his left ACL in Saturday's loss to No. 18 Arizona. This is a very tough blow for both the Hawkeyes and for Hampton, who missed all of the 2009 season after tearing his right ACL in the preseason.

I had really been looking forward to watching Hampton, who did a great job as Shonn Greene's backup in 2008 and had an impressive preseason.

Making matters worse, running back Paki O'Meara sustained a concussion at Arizona and will miss this week's game against Ball State, if not more time. O'Meara already has been a factor on special teams this year, blocking a punt and returning it for a touchdown against Eastern Illinois.

Entering camp in August, Iowa appeared to have three solid options at running back with sophomores Hampton, Adam Robinson and Brandon Wegher. But Wegher left the team days into camp and has shown no indication that he'll return this year. With Hampton now sidelined, it's critical for Robinson to stay healthy and continue to produce.

"We've got Adam, and anyone else that wants to volunteer," coach Kirk Ferentz said.

The one bit of good news is that freshman Marcus Coker should be back soon after dealing with a shoulder injury since the early part of preseason camp.

Iowa also loses backup middle linebacker and special-teams standout Bruce Davis to a torn ACL suffered on the same play O'Meara sustained the concussion.

I'm a big fan of Robinson's, but the lack of depth at running back likely will cause Iowa to go more to its strengths, the wide receivers and tight ends. The Hawkeyes also need their offensive line to grow up even faster now.

Iowa running back Adam Robinson has no trouble blending in.

"He has a very quiet demeanor, doesn't say much," Hawkeyes coach Kirk Ferentz said. "You hardly even know he's around or in the building."

In meetings, Robinson rarely talks and lets more garrulous teammates like fellow running back Jewel Hampton fill the air. During practices, Robinson puts himself in listen-only mode, absorbing feedback from the coaches on how he can improve.

But there's one place where Robinson can't hide: the playing field. When you're the nation's ninth-leading rusher, it's hard not to get noticed.

After being thrust into a starting role prematurely last season, Robinson has already found his comfort zone this fall, racking up 265 yards and four touchdowns on only 38 carries through Iowa's first two games.

"Last year, it was kind of a shocker," Robinson said. "It was like, 'Am I really playing football for the Iowa Hawkeyes?' Now it's like, ‘I'm here, I'm settled in and I'm really happy with the way things are going.'"

So are the rest of the Hawkeyes, who visit No. 24 Arizona on Saturday night (ESPN, 10:30 p.m. ET) in the premier game of Week 3.

After redshirting in 2008, the 5-foot-9, 205-pound Robinson had moderate expectations for 2009: contribute on special teams and "maybe get some work in at running back," he said. Hampton was the acknowledged successor to Doak Walker Award winner Shonn Greene after setting a team freshman record with seven rushing touchdowns in 2008.

But knee problems in July and August ended Hampton's season before it started. By Week 2, Robinson had climbed to the top of the depth chart.

"I didn’t really expect to play early that season," he said.

Robinson started 10 games for Iowa and set a team freshman rushing record with 834 yards. Although Iowa ranked 10th in the league in rushing (114.2 ypg), Robinson got stronger as the season progressed, finishing third in the Big Ten in rushing average for conference games (74 ypg).

He hit his stride on the road against Michigan State, racking up 109 yards on 27 carries. But late in the fourth quarter, Robinson went down with an injury.

The diagnosis: high-ankle sprain.

"All my trainers said, 'This is a pretty severe injury. It’s going to take a while to heal. You'll probably miss the rest of the season, so we'll try to get you back in time for the bowl game,'" Robinson recalled.

Robinson listened to their words, like he always does. But his actions once again spoke louder.

He was running on the ankle a week later. And just three weeks after the injury, Robinson returned to the field at Ohio State as Iowa played for a Rose Bowl berth.

For those unfamiliar with high-ankle sprains and running backs, Robinson's quick return is practically unheard of.

"It really hurt a lot," said Robinson, who had 74 rushing yards on 20 carries against the Buckeyes. "I was only about 80 percent going into Ohio State, but I just tried to tough it out and do what I could on the field. Toughness is a value I have. I embrace it, and if I can go, then I'm going to go despite injuries or things like that."

Hampton is back in the mix for Iowa, and after a strong preseason, he has been pegged by many to take over the starting job. But Robinson is making it difficult right now.

"You hope from Year 1, whenever they do get to the field, to Year 2, they improve, and that’s basically been the case," Ferentz said. "[Robinson] really finishes runs. He's a guy that you have to tackle. He runs with great determination, and we're hopeful he can go on and have a great year."

Make no mistake: Iowa doesn't have a running back controversy. Robinson called it "a relief" to have Hampton available last week against Iowa State after he carried the ball 24 times in the opener (Hampton was suspended).

Robinson carried 14 times against the Cyclones for 156 yards and a touchdown, while Hampton had 20 rushes for 84 yards and a score.

"Both of us are capable of starting and both of us are capable of playing, so whoever starts, whoever comes in next, it doesn’t really matter," Robinson said. "We're both going to contribute and provide a spark for the team."

Right now, No. 32 is doing just that.

Five Big Ten players have been named candidates for the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation's top running back.

They are:

• Wisconsin junior John Clay
• Penn State senior Evan Royster
• Illinois junior Mikel Leshoure
• Ohio State junior Dan Herron
• Ohio State senior Brandon Saine

Clay, the reigning Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, and Royster both are strong candidates, although this year's field is absolutely loaded with Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram, Jacquizz Rodgers, Dion Lewis and other standouts. I'm interested to see if the other three Big Ten candidates, particularly Leshoure and Saine, become stars this fall.

Semifinalists for the award will be announced Nov. 10, and the vote on the three finalists will take place Nov. 22. The winner will be announced Dec. 9 during the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards show.

Iowa's Shonn Greene was the last Big Ten player to win the award in 2008.