ESPN College Football

Here are your lunchtime -- wait for it -- links.

• Playoffs are on the minds of Big Ten leaders as they gather in Chicago today.
• Penn State coach Bill O'Brien says he'd like to play Pitt on an annual basis, but the schedule may not allow it to happen. A decision on the Lions' starting quarterback should be coming soon. Penn State has gone to great lengths to help restore its reputation.
• Michigan receiver Jerald Robinson had his hearing on a misdemeanor charge postponed. A one-time Wolverines recruiting target says Michigan doesn't pressure prospects into committing. Tate Forcier signed with a CFL team.
• Le'Veon Bell is earning some high praise at Michigan State.
• Purdue athletic director Morgan Burke wants to preserve the Rose Bowl tradition.
• Concussions caused Ohio State's Andrew Sweat to walk away from football. Tom Dienhart analyzes the Buckeyes' schedule.
• Indiana's Kevin Wilson won't follow Tom Crean's lead and start recruiting eight- or ninth-graders.
• Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald was asked about the debate over compensating players in a talk with students.
• Versatility will be key as former Gopher fullback Jon Hoese tries to make the Green Bay Packers.
• An Ohio linebacker has taken notice of Illinois and Tim Beckman.
• The married life suits Bret Bielema just fine.
• Kirk Ferentz went on the road to talk about what's happening with Iowa football.
• Nebraska's nutritionist talks about how to feed a bunch of hungry Huskers. The Lincoln Journal Star's countdown of the Cornhuskers' top 100 most memorable touchdowns takes a look at the beginning of the Triplets.

Don't know about you, but I'm still glowing from the majesty that is SEC football. Some of the greatest three-and-outs these eyes have ever seen.

• Grantland's Michael Weinreb examines whether Bill O'Brien can succeed at Penn State. Cory Giger goes behind the schemes of new Penn State defensive coordinator Ted Roof. O'Brien is reaching out to recruits.
• Speaking of recruits, a receiver is sticking with Nebraska rather than switching to Notre Dame.
• USC receiver Kyle Prater is transferring, and likely will consider Wisconsin, Illinois and Northwestern.
• A good piece on how Ohio State is shelling out more money for Urban Meyer and his staff.
• BCS officials meet today to discuss changes.
• In case you missed it, Michigan State's top cornerback is returning for 2012. Michigan State deserves a higher final ranking than Michigan, Matt Charboneau writes.
• Wisconsin eyes former Florida assistant Zach Azzani for its wide receivers coach vacancy, Tom Mulhern reports.
• Minnesota reportedly is back in play for top in-state recruit Andre McDonald.
• Former Michigan cornerback Greg Brown lands at Division II Findlay. Michigan fans have to be pleased Tate Forcier is no longer in their lives.
• If you didn't get enough from new Indiana offensive coordinator Seth Littrell in Monday's Q&A, here's more from the Indiana Daily Student.
• Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa deserved a better ending than he received, Tina Akouris writes. The Wildcats' football and men's basketball programs both are dealing with historic droughts.
• New Illinois coach Tim Beckman is recruiting hard in the Cleveland area (subscription required).
• Purdue adds a walk-on quarterback for 2012 (subscription required).

Week 2 is just around the corner, and it brings us a few more appealing matchups around the Big Ten.

Here are 10 items to track during a 12-pack of games Saturday.

1. The Big House in prime time: Michigan has played 520 games at Michigan Stadium, but none has kicked off at night. History will be made Saturday at the Big House as Michigan takes on Notre Dame under the lights. It should be an electric atmosphere at Stadium and Main as more than 110,000 fans will watch two of the game's iconic programs, who will honor the occasion with retro uniforms. Trust me, they're better than Maryland's.

2. Opportunity knocks for Nits: Penn State wants to be viewed as a legitimate Big Ten title contender and a team that belongs among the nation's elite. There's no better opportunity to make a statement than Saturday's game against No. 3 Alabama. Penn State hasn't beaten a top-5 team in the Associated Press poll since crushing Arizona in the 1999 season opener. An upset of Alabama would put the Penn State program -- and not just its iconic coach Joe Paterno -- in the national spotlight.

3. Coker tries to rebound: Iowa running back Marcus Coker entered the season with a lot of hype but fumbled twice in the season opener, earning him a trip to the bench. Coach Kirk Ferentz remains confident in the sophomore and was pleased Coker didn't use the lousy weather conditions as an excuse. Coker gets a great chance to redeem himself on the road against in-state rival Iowa State, which last week surrendered 204 rush yards to FCS Northern Iowa.

4. Bauserman's building blocks: Joe Bauserman took a step toward securing Ohio State's starting quarterback spot in the opener, completing 12 of 16 pass attempts with three touchdown strikes to tight end Jake Stoneburner. Although freshman Braxton Miller remains very much in the mix and should see time Saturday against Toledo, another strong performance from Bauserman should establish the senior as the team's top option before a Week 3 trip to Miami.

5. Linebacker U. vs. Trent Richardson: Penn State will lean heavily on its defense, and particularly its linebackers, as it aims for the upset against Alabama. Linebacker U appears to be back as the Lions boast excellent depth in the defensive midsection with Michael Mauti, Nate Stupar, Glenn Carson, Khairi Fortt, Mike Hull and Gerald Hodges, who got hurt last year in Tuscaloosa but could be a difference-maker Saturday. The linebackers must contain one of the nation's top running backs in Heisman Trophy candidate Trent Richardson.

6. Huskers' offense under the gun: Nebraska scored 40 points in its opener but left plenty of questions on the offensive side. Coordinator Tim Beck is looking for fewer mental mistakes and better execution Saturday night against a Fresno State team that surrendered 36 points and 417 yards to Cal last week. Quarterback Taylor Martinez must show greater accuracy as a passer, while an offensive line dealing with youth and injuries needs to show it can control the line of scrimmage before the competition level gets tougher.

7. Gophers, Hoosiers look for first wins: Minnesota and Indiana were the only Big Ten teams to lose last week, although the teams came away feeling differently about their performances. The Gophers never quit at USC and nearly stunned the Trojans. They return home to TCF Bank Stadium and look for a strong effort against a New Mexico State squad that lost its opener 44-24 to Ohio. Indiana faces a much tougher challenge in Virginia and looks for better play up front on both sides of the ball, not to mention more enthusiasm, as it makes its home debut at Memorial Stadium.

8. The Denard Show, Act II: Quarterback Denard Robinson carried Michigan to a dramatic victory last year with a record-setting performance at Notre Dame Stadium. Can "Shoelace" replicate his heroics Saturday night against the Irish? He'll face what looks like a stronger Notre Dame defense, and he's still transitioning to a new offensive system. But Robinson also works behind a strong offensive line and finally appears to have some help at running back with Fitzgerald Toussaint and Michael Shaw. It will be interesting to see if Notre Dame can contain a Michigan quarterback after being flummoxed by Robinson and Tate Forcier the past two seasons.

9. Backup QBs try to maintain winning ways: Northwestern's Kain Colter and Purdue's Caleb TerBush both recorded victories in their first career starts at quarterback last week. Colter, filling in for the still-rehabbing Dan Persa, showed improved passing skills to complement his running ability against Boston College. He needs to limit hits and build more confidence against FCS Eastern Illinois. TerBush made big throws in clutch situations against Middle Tennessee but must limit mistakes on the road at Rice. Purdue's Robert Marve also could return to the field.

10. Receiving orders: Week 1 was huge for Big Ten wideouts, as five players eclipsed 100 receiving yards in the opening games. Illinois continues to look for big things from A.J. Jenkins and Darius Millines this week against South Dakota State. Michigan State's B.J. Cunningham needs one catch to become the team's all-time receptions leader. Other receivers like Iowa's Marvin McNutt and Indiana's Damarlo Belcher try to build on impressive opening performances.

We finally had games to discuss during today's Big Ten chat, and all you care about was realignment.

I don't blame you. Once again, the prospect of major conference expansion is overshadowing the product on the field. And while the Big Ten continues to say expansion is on the back burner, the league isn't burying its head in the sand.

Here's the full chat wrap-up, and some highlights:

David (NY): With the probable A&M move and the likely disbanding of the Big 12, do you think that the Big 10 will be able to force ND's hand. I think that after ND, Rutgers and Syracuse make the most sense, both academically and regionally to bring NY into the fold.

Adam Rittenberg (12:05 PM): David, if the landscape changes to a point where ND has to join a conference, the Big Ten should do everything it can to add the Fighting Irish. I don't think it makes sense to add both Rutgers and Syracuse. One is fine, but neither program really moves the needle nationally (Syracuse more than Rutgers). I'd prefer to see Rutgers/Syracuse and a team like Maryland, which puts the Big Ten in another market.

Rick (Adel, Ga.): Hey Adam. I like the current 12 team format in the B1G. I really do not want it to change. My question is will the standards of the B1G cause the conference to paint itself into a corner in terms of not exploring the idea of a great and traditional program like Oklahoma. If the B1G ever expands I just dont see how adding Maryland, Syracuse, and Rutgers would help the B1G product. In fact I think it will dillute it. Sure they are great academic schools and in great media markets but compare that to Oklahoma which is rich in tradition, okay academically, and a great product to promote on TV. I just rather watch Oklahoma vs. Michigan, OSU, Penn St. Neb. etc. over Syracuse vs the same teams I mentioned.

Adam Rittenberg (12:15 PM): Rick, you bring up some really good points here, and I think Brian and I will explore Oklahoma more in the blog. There are some programs the Big Ten certainly could add and other programs the league never would add. Oklahoma falls somewhere in the middle. I know this is hard for some fans to understand, but Oklahoma would be an academic stretch for the Big Ten. No AAU membership, and while OU has a decent academic reputation, it would lag behind the others in the Big Ten. I know I'll take some heat for this, but Nebraska was a bit of a reach, too. I agree OU brings a lot to the table and could be a great addition in a lot of ways, but I just don't think the Big Ten presidents are willing to overlook the school's shortcomings.

Will (Columbus, OH): If Denard passes for 200 yds and runs for 50 more, can Fitz or Shaw carry the load and give Michigan a victory or is Denard going to have to carry the load like he did in last years ND game?

Adam Rittenberg (12:21 PM): Great question, Will. It has taken heroic performances by QBs for Michigan to win its past two games against ND (Tate Forcier in 2009, Denard last year). I think it's imperative for Michigan to establish a rushing attack outside of Robinson. I liked what I saw from Fitz Toussaint last week. Now can he stay healthy? Time will tell. But if the Michigan line performs well and the RBs take the load off of Robinson, it makes the Wolverines' offense really dangerous. That said, I expect a much better performance from Notre Dame this week.

Jake (Chicago): I know Notre Dame has many Big Ten rivalries already, but don't you think an annual Illinois-Notre Dame game in Chicago makes a lot of sense? Tons of alumni/fans for both schools are in Chicago, I think it would become a great tradition...also the new Illini AD has a relationship with Brian Kelly so that could help make this happen

Adam Rittenberg (12:41 PM): Jake, that's a really good call. I don't know how willing Notre Dame would be to play another Big Ten school, but an Illinois game in Chicago makes a lot of sense. The Mike Thomas-Brian Kelly connection certainly could help. I doubt we'd see more than a two-game series -- especially with ND playing Northwestern in 2014 and 2018 -- but it would be a good starting point.

Thanks again for the questions. Same time, same place next week.

Troy Woolfolk has been around Michigan football all his life, and he knows the hyperbole that often follows the Maize and Blue.

Woolfolk, a fifth-year senior cornerback for Michigan, heard the big declarations about the direction of the program after season-opening wins in 2009 and 2010.

He issues some words of caution entering Saturday's opener against Western Michigan.

"I have a problem with people saying, even if we win this next game, that Michigan is back," Woolfolk told ESPN.com this week. "We have to earn that right, every game, to say Michigan is back. So I won't be proud until the last game. If we win all the games, that's when I'll know we're finally back."

Woolfolk's attitude is refreshing. If the grand proclamations about Michigan after the past two openers proved true, Tate Forcier would be a Heisman Trophy candidate and the defense would consistently keep opponents out of the end zone. Obviously, neither of those things panned out.

What Saturday's opener represents is an opportunity for Michigan's defense to start the process of returning to its traditional form. The Wolverines not only veered off track the past three seasons, they totally derailed, finishing no better than 77th nationally in points allowed and bottoming out in 2010 by finishing 110th nationally in yards allowed.

While many will be watching electric quarterback Denard Robinson and his transition to a new offense Saturday, the more significant developments will take place on defense. New coach Brady Hoke and his staff, led by veteran defensive guru Greg Mattison, have spent the past few months repairing one of the nation's worst units.

The product is far from finished, but it will finally be on display.

"Michigan is known for defense," said Woolfolk, who returns Saturday after missing all of last season with a broken leg and a dislocated ankle. "The past years, we didn't live up to that, but this year, we should be able to play sound, good Michigan defense."

Any potential Wolverines turnaround starts with the defensive line, the area in which both Hoke and Mattison specialize. Hoke likes his rotation, which is led by team captain Mike Martin and senior end Ryan Van Bergen, and also features a bulked-up Craig Roh, Jibreel Black, Will Heininger and massive tackle Will Campbell, who the Wolverines hope can finally reach his potential.

"We've got some multiple alignments that we can put out on the field," Hoke said, "and that's going to help us in a lot of ways, help us keep fresh so we've got guys in there who are fresh all day long."

Hoke added that he wants to see his defenders "playing with a fanaticism."

Woolfolk also mentioned we'll see more intensity from a defense that finished 98th nationally in sacks in 2010.

But the critical question is whether Michigan can limit the fundamental meltdowns that led to so many big plays and extended so many drives the past few seasons. Even in last year's 30-10 opening win against Connecticut, Michigan's defense had breakdowns the Huskies simply couldn't exploit.

Better teams did, and the results weren't pretty.

"Those major breakdowns are due to [the need to be] a student of the game," Woolfolk said. "You have to actually know the defense and try to go in, even after practice, to study film and truly understand your position. Once you can do that, it will cancel out the big plays.

"Mistakes are going to happen. The thing we like to focus on is not making the same mistake."

Michigan hopes a more experienced secondary can learn from the past, especially Saturday against a high-powered Western Michigan passing attack led by quarterback Alex Carder and receiver Jordan White, a Biletnikoff Award semifinalist in 2010.

The lone positive for a Wolverines secondary ravaged by injuries and other personnel issues is that younger players got their feet wet -- and quite often their backsides burned -- in games.

"Courtney Avery, he played as a true freshman," Woolfolk said. "Terrence Talbott, he played as a true freshmen. So we have a lot of sophomores who played their freshmen year. Plus, we have me and J.T. [Floyd] coming back, who have also played a lot.

"We have a lot of experience, so the secondary should be fine."

It will take more than a strong performance Saturday to determine whether Woolfolk is right, but the opener marks a new beginning for a defense that craves one.

"I've seen it," Martin said. "I've been there every single day. ... It’s something you can’t hide. Every single day I can say we're getting better."

Heading off to Chicago to join forces with Rittenberg and the ESPN.com crew for media days. First, linkage:

• Jim Phillips remains a wild card in the Illinois athletic director search. If only he didn't love Northwestern.
• Iowa got two commitments, bringing its 2012 recruiting class to eight members so far.
• Brady Hoke is keeping one RichRod tradition: the BBQ at the Big House. Former Michigan quarterback Tate Forcier landed at San Jose State.
• Some questions facing Michigan State this year, with the schedule being a big one. Spartans AD Mark Hollis earned praise for his ingenuity.
• Former Nebraska star Scott Frost says he was born to coach. Tom Shatel ponders the new Iowa-Nebraska trophy.
• A bowl game in Chicago? Pat Fitzgerald thinks it's a good idea. New York has one, after all.
• Ohio State cleared a path to the NFL for Terrelle Pryor. E. Gordon Gee will take part in a summit on NCAA athletics.
• A cornerback and a linebacker were the latest to commit to Penn State. JoePa will have to answer the Sandusky question soon.
• Bret Bielema talked about the media poll that named him the Big Ten's top coach and Wisconsin the league favorite.
• The nine-game Big Ten conference schedule will keep Purdue closer to home.

Michigan wasn't the Big Ten's best team in 2010 -- far from it, in fact -- but the Wolverines' season had no shortage of excitement. As a result, the Maize and Blue won big Monday night during the Big Ten Network's fourth annual awards show.

Of the three awards won by football players or teams, three went to Michigan.

Here's a recap:

Award: Breakout Performer of the Year
Winner: Michigan QB Denard Robinson
Verdict: Good call. While Ohio State basketball player Jared Sullinger had a huge season, he arrived with a ton of hype. Robinson, meanwhile, leapfrogged returning starter Tate Forcier on the depth chart and became The Story in college football last September. He shattered team records in each of the first two games and went on to win Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year honors.

Award: Most Dominating Performance
Winner: Denard Robinson against Notre Dame, Sept. 11
Verdict: While Illinois RB Mikel Leshoure deserved serious consideration for his record-setting performance at Wrigley Field, Robinson's selection isn't a big surprise. When you play for Michigan and you record 502 yards of offense against Notre Dame in South Bend, you're going to get recognition. Robinson set a Big Ten record for quarterback rushing with 258 yards and recorded the nation's top highlight in September, an 87-yard touchdown scamper that marked the longest rushing touchdown in Notre Dame Stadium history.

Award: Most Courageous Performance
Winner: Minnesota FB Jon Hoese
Verdict: An excellent decision. Although Mark Dantonio's return from a heart attack and Brock Mealer's amazing recovery to walk again at Michigan's opener also were excellent options, Hoese's story didn't get nearly as much attention, even in Big Ten circles. The Gophers' fullback nearly didn't travel to the season opener at Middle Tennessee after his father, Terry, suffered a stroke the week before. Hoese ended up playing, scored three touchdowns and recovered a fumble on a kickoff to secure Minnesota's victory. Sadly, Hoese's father passed away the following Monday.

Award: Best Finish
Winner: Notre Dame at Michigan State, Sept. 18
Verdict: A no-brainer. Dantonio made the call of the year in college football as Michigan State scored on a fake field goal attempt in overtime to beat rival Notre Dame at Spartan Stadium. The play, labeled "Little Giants," sparked Michigan State to a special season as the Spartans started 8-0, recorded a team-record 11 victories and won a share of their first league title in 20 years.

Award: Game of the Year
Winner: Illinois at Michigan, Nov. 6
Verdict: This might have been the best pick among the nominees, but I was surprised games like Notre Dame-Michigan, Ohio State-Iowa and Wisconsin-Iowa didn't make the list. The Illinois-Michigan game didn't mean much in the grand scheme of things, and it was hardly a traditional Big Ten game as neither team played any defense. Still, the game produced the highest combined scoring total (132) in Big Ten history and set several other marks. It certainly wasn't boring.

Wisconsin's football team came up short in the Best Men's Team award, which went to Penn State's wrestlers. I would like to have seen Dantonio or Wisconsin's Bret Bielema up for Men's Coach of the Year.

All in all, I have few issues with the award selections.

What about you?

Colleague Heather Dinich broke the news Friday that former Michigan quarterback Tate Forcier won't be suiting up for Miami after all.

Forcier announced in February he would transfer to Miami, but a source tells Dinich that the quarterback won't make the move because of personal reasons. Michigan ruled Forcier academically ineligible two days before the Gator Bowl. Forcier had been in academic hot water for stretches at Michigan, and he tried to regain his eligibility in January before announcing via Twitter that he'd be leaving the school.

It's another setback for a quarterback who had success early in his college career and even last year as a backup filling in for Denard Robinson. It will be interesting to see where Forcier lands.

Valentine's Day is about love, but it's also about heartbreak.

Every Big Ten team has felt a little heartbreak from time to time, whether it's a coach leaving for another position, a recruit choosing another college destination or key players veering off track.

Here are some heartbreakers for Big Ten squads:

1. Ohio State's Tat 5: Quarterback Terrelle Pryor and four of his teammates broke some Buckeye fans' hearts by selling memorabilia, including Big Ten championship rings and Gold Pants, for cash and tattoos. The "Tat 5" helped themselves with their Sugar Bowl performances and their pledge to return for their senior seasons, but their absence for the first part of the 2011 season could sting.

2. Brent Pease, Jerry Montgomery, Corey Raymond and Jemal Singleton: All four assistants joined Kevin Wilson's new staff at Indiana but soon bolted for other jobs. Montgomery (Michigan) and Raymond (Nebraska) left for other posts within the Big Ten. Ouch.

3. Derrell Johnson-Koulianos and Adam Robinson: Iowa's all-time leading receiver and top running back the past two seasons both missed the Insight Bowl following December arrests. DJK, who had an extremely productive career in Iowa City, is trying to restore his rep before the NFL draft. Robinson wants another chance at Iowa but right now it looks like a long shot.

4. Tate Forcier: After an encouraging season on the field, the Michigan backup quarterback was ruled academically ineligible right before the Gator Bowl. It proved to be the end for Forcier, who last week transferred to Miami.

5. Jacoby Brissett: Wisconsin held a scholarship spot for the quarterback recruit, but he didn't even have the Badgers in his final two choices (Miami and Florida). Brissett ended up signing with the Gators.

Yes, my daughter is Canadian-American, but I'm going to treat her just like a human baby.

• Nebraska coach Bo Pelini reportedly will hire Rich Fisher as one of his new offensive assistants. The Huskers will use a different schedule for spring practice this year, Brian Christopherson writes in the Lincoln Journal Star.
• The Big Ten hired a new official to assist with the kickoff luncheon and the football championship game.
• Indiana AD Fred Glass admits he's concerned about the recent assistant departures but doesn't think they have to do with IU's situation, Dustin Dopirak writes in The (Bloomington) Herald-Times.
• Penn State assistant Jay Paterno shares an interesting perspective on oversigning.
• TCU turns down a chance for a Rose Bowl rematch with Wisconsin, ESPNDallas.com's Jeff Caplan writes.
• Purdue looks to the NFL's 49ers for its new director of sports performance.
• Catching up on Tate Forcier's transfer to Miami: Get Tate's take here, colleague Heather Dinich's take and Michigan's response on the matter. Also, former Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez talks to colleague Colin Cowherd about the Big Ten draft hopefuls and other topics.
• Ohio State offensive coordinator Jim Bollman deserves more credit than he's getting for the team's recruiting success, Bob Hunter writes in The Columbus Dispatch.
• Although Greg Jones' draft stock seems to be dropping, Mark Dantonio thinks the Michigan State star will shine in the NFL, Dave Birkett writes in the Detroit Free Press.
• Jerry Kill says he and his staff have "a lot of work ahead of us" at Minnesota, Sid Hartman writes in the Star Tribune.
• All you need to know about Iowa recruit Jordan Canzeri from The (Cedar Rapids) Gazette's Marc Morehouse.
• Illinois defensive tackle Corey Liuget is flying up the draft boards, Russ Lande writes in The Sporting News.

The Big Ten isn't a boring conference by any means. Think about all we've witnessed in the past year or so.

The SEC is college football's year-round soap opera, and my sense is most of you prefer the relative calm we have in Big Ten land. But it certainly sounds like the Big Ten's newest member will spend plenty of time in the spotlight.

Colleague David Ubben writes earlier today: "No team in college football was more interesting on and off the field for more reasons in the last year than Nebraska."

Ubben outlines all of the drama surrounding the Nebraska program in the past 10 months or so: the move to the Big Ten, Bo Pelini's preseason media ban, quarterback Taylor Martinez's rapid rise, the Texas A&M/Martinez/Pelini debacle, a wild Big 12 championship game loss, some good news regarding Martinez and possible NFL-bound underclassmen and now the buzz about changes on Pelini's coaching staff.

I'm exhausted just reading about all the happenings in Lincoln.

The Michigan Wolverines have been undoubtedly the Big Ten's drama kings in recent years. Former coach Rich Rodriguez often talked about the drama encircling him and his program. Whether it was Rodriguez's messy departure from West Virginia, the NCAA investigation into the program, Tate Forcier's rise and fall, Denard Robinson's record-setting 2010 season or the constant speculation about Rodriguez's future, Michigan dominated the headlines. We'll see what happens in the Brady Hoke era, but I'd expect things to settle down a bit around Schembechler Hall.

I'm not so sure about Nebraska, which has no shortage of interesting personalities and storylines entering the 2011 season.

Better buckle up for Big Red.

Colleague Joe Schad reported over the weekend that former Michigan quarterback Tate Forcier will begin visiting schools as early as Monday as he identifies his next destination.

Schad reports that Forcier has narrowed his options to Kansas State, Miami, Washington, Arizona and FCS Montana, where he could play this coming season. Kansas State or Miami likely will be his first stop.

It'll be interesting to see where Forcier lands and how much a team's offensive system factors into his decision. His size and mobility suggest he'd be best suited to a spread offense like the one he ran at Michigan. Montana runs a true spread and several of the other teams use spread elements in their schemes.

The quarterback situations at the schools also will play a role. Miami's Jacory Harris and Arizona's Nick Foles both are entering the senior seasons, and there's opportunity for a good signal caller to step in at Kansas State. Washington loses Jake Locker but has quite a few candidates in the mix for the starting job this fall, when Forcier would be sitting out.

I tend to see Forcier heading west -- not sure Miami is the best fit for him on a number of levels -- but it will be interesting to see what he decides.

Is it spring yet?

• We're still waiting for answers on the hospitalized Iowa football players, and coach Kirk Ferentz and AD Gary Barta were MIA on Wednesday, Mike Hlas writes in The (Cedar Rapids) Gazette. The Sporting News' Dave Curtis wonders why they were absent.
• The father of hospitalized Iowa linebacker Jim Poggi has full faith in the coaching staff, Andy Hamilton writes in the Iowa City Press-Citizen. The Iowa situation underscores a potentially dangerous training culture in college football, CBSsports.com's Dennis Dodd writes. This is a lesson, but the meat grinder must go on, Ryan Suchomel writes in the Iowa City Press-Citizen.
• Ohio State is hoping to add to an already strong recruiting class in the final week, Tim May writes in The Columbus Dispatch. The Buckeyes rank with USC as the top college football teams of the past decade, Peter A. Coclanis and Alex Coclanis write in the Los Angeles Times.
• Nebraska ends a licensing agreement with the father of quarterback Taylor Martinez, although the deal isn't against NCAA rules.
• Minnesota would accommodate the Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium if the Metrodome isn't safe, Sid Hartman writes in the Star Tribune.
• Penn State eyes another running back for its recruiting class. Former Penn State defensive lineman Phil Taylor got a fresh start at Baylor, Jeff McLane writes in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
• Northwestern boasts good depth in its 2011 recruiting class, Teddy Greenstein writes in the Chicago Tribune.
• Rich Rodriguez will do some TV work on Signing Day, and a break from coaching could serve him well, Angelique Chengelis writes in The Detroit News. Tate Forcier's departure from Michigan seemed inevitable, annarbor.com's Pete Bigelow writes.
• A few new Big Ten recruiting commitments are listed in the On The Trail archive.
• Indiana hopes it bolstered its secondary with a commit from cornerback Michael Hunter, Tabby Soignier writes in The (Monroe) News-Star.
• Early enrollee Kenzel Doe could contribute right away for Wisconsin at receiver, Adam Mertz writes in the Wisconsin State Journal.

Don't forget: Big Ten chat is happening right now!

• Iowa players talk about the grueling workout that likely put 12 team members in the hospital, Tom Witosky writes in the Des Moines Register. Hawkeyes offensive lineman Julian Vandervelde tells the Associated Press the workouts aren't used for punishment.
• A full breakdown of Big Ten recruiting, headlined by Ohio State and Nebraska, from colleague Jamie Newberg.
• Michigan is building some late recruiting momentum with a big day Tuesday, Mark Synder writes in the Detroit Free Press. Former Wolverines quarterback Tate Forcier is considering both FBS and FCS programs for his next destination, colleague Joe Schad reports.
• Part of Michigan's recruiting success (QB Russell Bellomy) comes at Purdue's expense, although the Boilers did bolster their return game Tuesday, Mike Carmin writes in The (Lafayette) Journal and Courier.
• New Minnesota defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys discusses the Gophers' future here and here with the (St. Paul) Pioneer Press' Marcus Fuller.
• Northwestern is closing in on former Indiana assistant Dennis Springer as its new receivers coach, Teddy Greenstein writes in the Chicago Tribune.
• Nebraska is targeting a kicker who could succeed superstar Alex Henery, Brian Christopherson writes in the Lincoln Journal Star.
• Who were the Big Ten's worst head coaches since 1993?
• An interesting look at where Penn State gets its recruits from JoePa's Dog House. Penn State football turns a nice profit in 2010.
• Illinois defensive end Clay Nurse will participate in the Texas vs. The Nation all-star game, Bob Asmussen writes in The (Champaign) News-Gazette.

Apparently I'm schlubbier in person, according to one of you. Guilty as charged.

• SI.com's Stewart Mandel grades the nation's coaching hires and likes the Big Ten's new additions, especially Indiana's Kevin Wilson.
• Wisconsin offensive coordinator Paul Chryst remains a hot coaching commodity, although it's still likely he remains in Madison, Andy Baggot writes in the Wisconsin State Journal.
• Indiana recruits say otherwise, but AD Fred Glass maintains that the school will honor its scholarship offers, Dustin Dopirak writes in The (Bloomington) Herald-Times (subscription required).
• Minnesota running back Donnell Kirkwood retains four years of eligibility after being granted.
• Former Ohio State recruit Jamel Turner still hopes to play major college football, Ken Gordon writes in The Columbus Dispatch. A Columbus-area man builds an Ohio Stadium replica out of Legos.
• Michigan State recruits came away impressed with their recent visit to campus, Matt Dorsey writes in the Detroit Free Press.
• It looks like Tate Forcier's drama-filled career is over at Michigan. Wolverines offensive coordinator Al Borges talks about his new gig.
• Some Purdue recruiting tidbits.
• Penn State's late recruiting momentum continues with Deion Barnes, Sean Fitz reports. The Lions have only one early enrollee this year after seven in 2010, Jared Shanker writes in The (Harrisburg) Patriot-News.
• Still no verdict in the trial of former Iowa player Cedric Everson, Lee Hermiston writes in the Iowa City Press-Citizen.