ESPN College Football

Look, I know that you're concerned, but I'm designing T-shirts now. They're gonna be huge. Also medium and small.

• Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith says the department isn't facing any major violations right now. Former Buckeyes linebacker Andrew Sweat chooses safety over potential NFL stardom.
• Michigan State expects top quarterback Andrew Maxwell (knee) to be 100 percent by June. A look at several 2013 recruits Michigan State has offered.
• Jerry Kill says Minnesota needs a facilities upgrade soon. Minnesota's outgoing AD Joel Maturi weighs in on playoff possibilities and other Gopher-related topics.
• Penn State 2013 recruit Greg Webb talks about his recovery from a torn ACL. Lions coach Bill O'Brien reviews spring ball and looks ahead.
• Indiana coach Kevin Wilson is geared up for his second season in Bloomington. Wilson weighs in on the trickiness of non-league scheduling.
• BTN.com's Tom Dienhart looks at Week 3 in the Big Ten this season.
• Purdue offers scholarships to two teammates from Georgia (subscription required) who both play defensive end.
• Hail to the Orange writes that Illinois needs Tim Beckman to be its version of Hayden Fry.
• Great news as Iowa announcer Gary Dolphin is cancer free and ready for the 2012 season.
• Several freshmen offensive linemen could be in the mix for Michigan this year. Michigan's backup quarterbacks remain works in progress.
• A look back at Tom Rathman's 84-yard touchdown run for Nebraska in 1985.

Links are schedule-heavy today, as everyone is weighing in on the 2015/2016 slates.

• One downside of the future schedules is a four-year break for Ohio State and Nebraska.
• Wisconsin finally returns to Michigan's schedule in 2015. Wolverines coach Brady Hoke has restored pride among former players.
• After two unforgettable games in 2011, Michigan State and Wisconsin won't meet from 2013-16. Pat Caputo writes that Michigan State and Michigan should play at night.
• With Rob Bolden's status up in the air, Penn State recruit Steven Bench is ready to be the team's No. 3 quarterback. Polish off the Land Grant Trophy -- it's coming back in 2015.
• Illinois should have no trouble marketing its 2015 home schedule. Illini coach Tim Beckman, aware of the sacrifices his family makes for his career, lets his kids choose which high school they attend.
• Iowa fans can weigh in on who their team's protected rival should be. Iowa's 2014 schedule is just plain weird, Mike Hlas writes.
• A closer look at Week 1 in the Big Ten this fall. Tom Dienhart also ranks the Big Ten's top defensive linemen.
• New Nebraska associate AD Jamie Williams understands the speculation about him taking over for Tom Osborne.
• Wisconsin's end-of-season game with Penn State helps offset the sting of not seeing Iowa nearly enough. The man behind the Bucky Badger mascot design passes away.
• Northwestern lucked out with the schedules for 2015 and 2016.
• Ohio State returns to Minnesota's schedule in 2015.
• Indiana will finally face new Big Ten member Nebraska in 2015.
• Mike Carmin details 10 things to know about Purdue's future schedules.
• Maybe the plus-one model isn't dead, Scott Dochterman writes.

OAK BROOK, Ill. -- Five Big Ten head coaches have official Twitter accounts, but none other uses it as consistently as new Illinois boss Tim Beckman.

If there aren't a few tweets sent out from Beckman's account (@coachbeckman) every morning between 6-8 a.m. -- with several exclamation points included -- someone should probably call for a wellness check. Twitter is just one of several tech tools Beckman and his staff use to connect with fans and recruits.

Beckman attributes part of Illinois' early recruiting success for 2013 -- the Illini have nine verbal commits, the third most in the Big Ten behind national leader Michigan (18) and Ohio State (11) -- to the benefits of technology.

"It's been unbelievable, the change because of technology," Beckman told ESPN.com on Thursday before an appearance on the Illinois Coaches Caravan in the Chicago suburbs. "With the iPad and Vudu or Tango or Skype, what used to be a phone call is now a visual. What we can do when we're talking to them, with the backgrounds [at Illinois' facilities] and different things. Players want to see themselves."

Beckman credits his assistants for the fast start to 2013 recruiting, which included a verbal from heralded quarterback prospect Aaron Bailey. The Illini have had just one verbal commit by this date in each of the past two years.

Both the 2011 and 2012 classes received so-so marks.

"In today's age, the way recruiting's going and how fast it's going, there's no question [a fast start is important]," Beckman said. "Getting players on your campus, meeting your staff, meeting your staff's families, meeting everybody that's going to be involved in your student-athlete's life is very important."

Beckman is known as a strong recruiter, and he succeeds another at Illinois in former coach Ron Zook. But like all FBS head coaches, Beckman can't recruit off campus during the spring evaluation period (April 15-May 31).

That's where technology comes in.

"I love recruiting," he said. "As a head football coach, when you can't go out in April and May, [technology] is the only way you're able to touch base with those players. So I think it's great."

Illinois coach Tim Beckman talks to Adam Rittenberg about his tour through the state, his first spring in Champaign and the team's early recruiting success.

It's better to carry a tune than a grudge.

• Michigan AD Dave Brandon doesn't view a four-team model as a true playoff. The Wolverines could be sporting more alternate unis in the near future.
• Urban Meyer releases Ohio State's depth chart and doesn't hide his concerns about his personnel. Meyer shares his thoughts on the playoff possibilities. Meyer's intensity will fuel the Buckeyes in 2012.
• Iowa's Kinnick Stadium once again will be reseated in 2014.
• The Big Ten can no longer make the weather argument after backing off on campus sites for the playoff.
• Penn State coach Bill O'Brien continues to reach out to fans in the Mid-Atlantic region. Lions fans who know Glenn Carson, the linebacker should check out Glenn Carson, the wrestler.
• Tight end recruit Greg Hart picks Nebraska over Northwestern.
• Big Ten ADs say the kickoff play needs to be closely watched -- and possibly eliminated entirely.
• Athletic directors from Illinois and Northwestern discuss a potential rematch in Chicago.
• Some good notes from Steve Greenberg on the Big Ten spring meetings.
• Illinois coach Tim Beckman continues his caravan through the state.
• There's strong support for an increase of the bowl-eligibility requirement, even from ADs of schools that recently went to bowls at 6-6.
• Big Ten athletic directors advocate for the importance of schedule strength.
• Maize 'n Brew previews Minnesota in 2012.
• Former Michigan recruit Demar Dorsey will continue his football career at Hawaii, Bruce Feldman reports.
• Former Michigan State star Andre Rison will discuss his financial troubles in an ESPN documentary.
• The Daily Northwestern ranks the Big Ten offensive lines.

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.

During the course of spring practice, Big Ten bloggers Adam Rittenberg and Brian Bennett visited 11 of the 12 league schools, getting an up-close look at the players and coaches who will shape the 2012 season.

Now it's time for them to share their thoughts on what they saw and learned this spring, and you can follow along as they exchange emails. First, they'll discuss the teams in the Leaders Division. A Legends Division email exchange will arrive in the near future.

Brian Bennett: Adam, I guess the biggest story in the Big Ten this spring was the culture change at both Penn State and Ohio State. You went to both places. What was your sense of how different things are there now, compared to your previous visits to State College and Columbus?

Adam Rittenberg: There's definitely a new energy in both football complexes, Brian. Change can be tough on fans, especially at a place like Penn State where they've only known their program under Joe Paterno's watch, but the players seem to be excited about the new ways things are operating. At Penn State, they're excited to play for a coach (Bill O'Brien) who comes straight from the NFL and has made some much-needed modernizations to certain areas of the program (strength program, offensive philosophy). The enthusiasm about strength and conditioning coach Craig Fitzgerald and his philosophy really stood out to me at Penn State. I was also impressed by some of the younger players like freshman tight end Jesse James and redshirt freshman defensive end Deion Barnes.

The changes aren't as dramatic at Ohio State because Urban Meyer retained so many assistants from the previous staff. On the other hand, the thought of Ohio State running a true no-huddle, spread offense amazes players as much as it does the rest of us after so many years of TresselBall. One welcome change with both programs is greater accessibility for the media (and, through us, the fans). I had to pinch myself a few times while watching a Penn State practice.

You made your first visit to Madison, where, judging by the pictures you posted on Twitter, you likely gained 15 pounds and lost that Kentucky twang. What stood out about your time in Mad-city?

Brian Bennett: I'm just now shedding the last of those cheese curds from my system. Change was not really a buzzword with the Badgers, even with a slew of new assistant coaches and some turnover at key positions. This program has a system it believes in and will continue to do the same things year in, year out with new faces.

Wisconsin is still all about running the ball, and Montee Ball looked terrific during the practice he participated in while I was there. If possible, he's even a step faster, and backup Melvin Gordon is going to be a star someday as well. The quarterbacks and receivers weren't nearly as impressive or consistent, but Danny O'Brien wasn't there and Jared Abbrederis was out with his foot injury. I am intrigued by the size of some of the Badgers wideouts, like Marquis Mason (6-foot-4) and Chase Hammond (6-5). The Badgers could be effective throwing some jump balls to those guys, and with their tight ends and offensive line, their offense is going to be just fine.

There are more questions on the defense, but I liked what I saw from the defensive tackles and the secondary, which looks a little more athletic. We know the linebackers will be good with Chris Borland and Mike Taylor. If David Gilbert or someone else can come back and give them a pass rusher from the defensive end spot, this team should be loaded for a run at repeating in the Leaders Division.

I see Illinois as a bit of a mystery team in the division, with a new coach and a new system. How much progress did the Illini make in learning the spread under Tim Beckman, and do they have enough offensive playmakers to run it?

Adam Rittenberg: I don't think they do, although running back Josh Ferguson's performance in the spring game raises hope. Illinois also has some versatile players in cornerback Terry Hawthorne and quarterback Miles Osei who can fill in at receiver and/or running back if need be. But Beckman has been candid about the lack of depth at running back, and we both saw how that offense fared after opposing teams limited A.J. Jenkins' effectiveness. I do think quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase could end up being a good fit for the spread. He obviously has the mobility you need at that position, and while his arm strength is a question mark, he should be able to spread the ball around if enough weapons emerge. I think it's critical for receiver Darius Millines to stay healthy. He really had stood out in practices, but he just can't stay on the field.

I liked what co-offensive coordinator Chris Beatty said about the offense needing to regain its swagger. It's still hard to pinpoint exactly what happened to the unit last year, but I know when a spread offense establishes a nice tempo, it's awfully hard to stop. But here's the thing with Illinois: it might only need to score 20-24 points a game. The defense should be really, really good, and potentially better than last year's crew. The coaches are really excited about Michael Buchanan at end, and the front seven could be the best in the Big Ten.

You also spent some time in the Hoosier State this spring. Purdue coach Danny Hope feels this is his best team. Things couldn't get much worse for Kevin Wilson at Indiana after a 1-11 clunker in 2011. What sense did you get from being in West Lafayette and Bloomington?

Brian Bennett: I sensed quite a bit of confidence coming out of Purdue's camp. That will happen when you have 18 starters back, three healthy quarterbacks and are coming off a bowl win (granted, only against Western Michigan, but it beats the alternative).

The Boilermakers didn't let reporters watch any meaningful parts of spring practice because they're installing Tim Tibesar's new defensive system, so I didn't learn as much about them as I'd like. Still, it's clear this team has experience and some major talent with guys like Kawann Short and Ricardo Allen on defense. I think Purdue is very much a sleeper in the division, though we're going to need to see this team cut down some of its mental mistakes and play with far greater consistency than it has in the Danny Hope era.

The best thing I saw from Indiana was competency on defense. Wilson played so many freshmen last year, and the benefit is that those guys are now a year older and know the system. They were able to execute it much better this spring, and the juco kids will help a lot. The Hoosiers have some nice players on offense, like young quarterback Tre Roberson, running backs Stephen Houston and Isaiah Roundtree and tight end Ted Bolser, and I think Seth Littrell's system will play well to their strengths. Yet you look at the roster and compare it to the upper echelon of the Big Ten, and it's clear that Indiana has a long way to go to catch up and be any sort of factor in the league race.

I came away from the spring still thinking Wisconsin will win this division, but I also believe it will be a tight race and that Penn State could very well take it. Ohio State might end up being the best team in the Leaders but can't play for the league title. Did your spring visits make you feel any differently about the division?

Adam Rittenberg: I agree that Wisconsin remains the team to beat, but I came away thinking the division could have greater depth. The Legends still looks stronger with Michigan State, Michigan and Nebraska up top, and every Leaders Division team has some flaws. But Wisconsin knows how to win, returns a nice core and added a key piece in O'Brien. Ohio State will be a better defensive football team -- end John Simon is poised for an enormous senior season, and hopes are high for tackle Johnathan Hankins, too -- and while there will be some growing pains on offense, it's not as if the Buckeyes set an impressive benchmark in 2011. They were mostly awful.

Penn State and Illinois are very similar teams to me. Both have new coaches whose hiring elicited some skepticism. Both look extremely strong in the defensive front seven. Both retained excellent D-line coaches from the previous staff (Larry Johnson, Keith Gilmore). Both have standout linebackers (Gerald Hodges, Jonathan Brown) and stout defensive tackles (Jordan Hill, Akeem Spence). And both have major question marks on offense: Penn State more so at quarterback, Illinois more so at running back/receiver. Still, if the defenses perform to their capability, Penn State and/or Illinois could really make some noise in a wide-open division.

Big Ten spring meetings take place Tuesday-Wednesday in Chicago. I'll be on hand throughout, so be sure and check the blog for updates.

Onto the links.

• Michigan president Mary Sue Coleman admits the school made the wrong call in hiring RichRod. Wolverines coach Brady Hoke reminisces about Bo Schembechler.
• Iowa athletic director Gary Barta favors increasing the bowl eligibility requirement to seven victories.
• Former Nebraska running back Aaron Green is transferring to TCU. Nebraska chancellor Harvey Perlman hasn't shied away from talking athletics during his tenure. The Lincoln Journal Star looks at Nebraska's most memorable touchdowns, from 1 yard to 100.
• Texas A&M edges Nebraska to host an ESPN "College GameDay" commercial.
• The system is the star at Wisconsin, which will make it easier to replace some star power, SI.com's Andy Staples writes.
• Ohio State's shift from quarters to semesters will impact the team's preseason preparation. Tom Herman's recruiting connections in Texas have put Ohio State in the mix for some top prospects.
• A look inside Bill O'Brien's offensive playbook at Penn State.
• A Michigan State verbal commit could be swayed to stay and play at home in Texas. Another Spartans recruit draws high marks at the Elite 11 tryout.
• Illinois quarterback recruit Aaron Bailey is a humble star. Illini fans can meet coach Tim Beckman this week.
• Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany needs to get over his SEC obsession, David Climer writes.
• Former Michigan State star Jerel Worthy calls Wisconsin's offensive line the best he faced in college. Former Wisconsin center Peter Konz is bringing back the "Dirty Bird" to the Atlanta Falcons.
• Juco defender Randy Gregory remains committed to Purdue. Boilers great Jim Carter, he of "Touchdown Twins" fame, died last week at 100.
• BTN.com's Tom Dienhart breaks down Northwestern's 2012 schedule.

Spring (practice) has sprung in the Big Ten. So let's look back and review the highlights:

Best debut by a player: Ohio State true freshman Michael Thomas introduced himself to Buckeyes fans with 12 catches for 131 yards in the spring game. No Buckeyes player had more than 14 catches all season in 2011. Don't expect Thomas to replicate that performance every week in the fall, and Ohio State was throwing the ball all over the place in its spring game. Still, for an offense that was desperately seeking playmakers to surround Braxton Miller, Thomas's performance was very encouraging.

Best debut by a coach: (Tie) Urban Meyer and Bill O'Brien. The new coaches at Ohio State and Penn State didn't take long to endear themselves to their constituents. Already wildly popular among Buckeyes fans, Meyer brought the team and the student body a little closer by inviting students to watch a practice, even allowing them on the field during a kicking drill. O'Brien made Penn State's practices more open to public scrutiny, and then went around the state and area to meet and greet fans on a caravan tour. No wonder that the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions ranked first and third nationally in spring game attendance.

Best debut by a mascot: Mark Dantonio livened up Michigan State's spring game by putting Sparty -- the school mascot -- in for a running play. Sparty hardly looked like a warrior, getting stuffed immediately on the play and then fumbling, but Dantonio bailed him out by ruling that the defense was offside. There was no more entertaining sequence in any spring game in the country than that one.

Best fill-in for a Heisman finalist: Wisconsin, like a lot of teams, saw no reason to put its star players at risk in the spring game. So 2011 Heisman Trophy finalist Montee Ball watched from the sidelines as redshirt freshman Melvin Gordon ran 30 times for 159 yards and a touchdown. Gordon is stuck behind Ball and James White, but head coach Bret Bielema told ESPN.com that Gordon "might have the most talent of any kid ever I've signed at that position."

Best overhyped position move: A massive fan base and closed spring practices combined to have Michigan fans rampantly speculating about backup quarterback Devin Gardner moving to receiver. A Facebook update supposedly confirmed the move -- until it was later revealed as a fake. Bottom line: Gardner spent some time working at wideout, but is a long way from being an impact player there. And he's still the backup quarterback.



Best spring break: It's hard to question Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez's desire to get better. When the Huskers let their players loose for spring break in the middle of their practice session, Martinez eschewed the beach or the ski slopes. Instead, he went to California to work on his footwork with quarterback instructor Steve Calhoun. The word around Lincoln this spring was that Martinez's fundamentals and passing were much improved. If that's the case this fall, Nebraska's offense should be awfully dangerous.

Best big score: Thanks to a modified scoring system, Northwestern defensive tackle Chance Carter earned 17 points for his team when he returned an interception 19 yards for a touchdown. "It should be a pick-17 every time -- especially for a defensive tackle," Carter later joked. The play by the defense and the front four in particular (four sacks, plus that pick) provided some optimism for a team that struggled to stop anybody last season.

Best Food Network Challenge: New Illinois coach Tim Beckman knows the way to his players' hearts is through their stomachs. Illini team members who missed team meetings were forced to eat porridge for breakfast this offseason, while those who met their requirements received steak and eggs. The same was true at the spring game, with the losing Orange squad getting a postgame meal of beans and weenies instead of the steaks for the victorious Blue squad. We'll see if this motivational technique makes Illinois hungry enough to contend for a Big Ten title this fall.

Best hair: Spring is a time for experimenting, and that includes hairdos. Purdue defensive end Ryan Russell dyed his hair bright red and cut it into a mohawk. He also tested out some other colors during the Boilermakers' spring practice. "It's just a spring thing," he said. "I might change it up and do something different for the season."

Best quote: Dantonio didn't mince words when ESPN.com asked him about the challenges Michigan might present in the future with the Wolverines' strong recruiting efforts. "We're laying in the weeds," he said. "We've beat Michigan the last four years. So where's the threat?" Michigan State fans loved the quote, while Michigan fans despised it. But the Spartans have earned bragging rights. They'll try to keep them when they visit the Big House on Oct. 20

2011 record: 7-6
2011 conference record: 2-6 (fifth, Leaders Division)
Returning starters: Offense: 7; defense: 8; kicker/punter: 1

Top returners

QB Nathan Scheelhaase, C Graham Pocic, WR Darius Millines, LB Jonathan Brown, DE Michael Buchanan, DT Akeem Spence, CB Terry Hawthorne, DT Glenn Foster

Key losses

WR A.J. Jenkins, LT Jeff Allen, G Jack Cornell, DE Whitney Mercilus, LB Ian Thomas, CB Tavon Wilson, K Derek Dimke

2011 statistical leaders (*returners)

Rushing: Nathan Scheelhaase* (624 yards)
Passing: Nathan Scheelhaase (2,110 yards)
Receiving: A.J. Jenkins (1,276 yards)
Tackles: Jonathan Brown* (108)
Sacks: Whitney Mercilus (16)
Interceptions: Terry Hawthorne* (3)

Spring answers

1. Front loaded: How good is Illinois' defensive line? The Illini lose a first-round draft pick for the second consecutive year and should be just fine for the next season. Although All-America end Whitney Mercilus leaves a big production void, Illinois is loaded up front with Michael Buchanan, Akeem Spence, Glenn Foster, Justin Staples and others. Buchanan and Spence both have NFL potential and should be the mix for All-Big Ten honors. While Illinois has a new coordinator in Tim Banks, the scheme changes aren't dramatic and new head coach Tim Beckman wisely retained line coach Keith Gilmore.

2. Ferguson emerges: The Illini are short on proven offensive weapons (more on that later), but they came out of the spring game feeling a bit better after watching freshman Josh Ferguson run for 130 yards and record a game-high six receptions. Ferguson, who redshirted last season after being slowed by a hamstring injury, brings top-end speed to the offensive backfield. He could form a nice tandem with Donovonn Young this fall.

3. Versatility abounds: Beckman is open to using versatile players in multiple roles, and two options emerged this spring. Starting cornerback Terry Hawthorne, who has seen time on returns, played some receiver during the spring game and hauled in a 29-yard touchdown pass. Hawthorne played both corner and receiver in high school and could be a "slash" player for the Illini. Reserve quarterback Miles Osei also showed he can be effective at multiple positions (running back, receiver).

Fall questions

1. Offensive weapons: The offense's struggles in the second half of 2011 stemmed in large part from the fact Illinois developed no consistent weapons other than wideout A.J. Jenkins, a surprise first-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers. Depth is a major concern at both running back and receiver. Darius Millines has shown promising flashes, but he struggles to stay healthy. Although the coaches aren't afraid to audition players from other positions, Illinois would really benefit if wide receiver Ryan Lankford and tight ends Evan Wilson and Jon Davis stepped up. The Illini also need a third option at running back behind Young and Ferguson.

2. Special teams: Beckman didn't mince words when evaluating Illinois' special teams from 2011, calling them "terrible." He's being kind. The Illini couldn't catch punts, and they finished last in the FBS in kick return average (15.7 ypr). Standout kicker Derek Dimke departs, and Illinois must find a replacement. Illinois has too much talent to be so lousy in the kicking game, and Beckman stressed the basics this spring. He must continue to see progress this summer as Illinois tries to become a more complete team.

3. Quarterback efficiency: Illinois wants to regain its swagger on offense after flat-lining down the stretch of last season, and it starts with the quarterback spot. Nathan Scheelhaase has started two seasons under center, but he's transitioning to a new system and looked a bit shaky throwing the ball in the spring game. Arm strength is a question mark for Scheelhaase, who will need to spread the ball around in the new system. Reilly O'Toole also is in the mix after playing a decent amount as a backup in 2011. O'Toole will continue to compete for time.

Some Big Ten rivalries burn year-round. Others need a few gallons of kerosene and a book of matches.

The Illinois-Northwestern series undoubtedly falls in the latter category. Although the teams share a state and have played 105 times since 1892, their series never will be confused with some of the Big Ten's best and spiciest rivalries. It might not even make it on the first page. How many non-Illinois or Northwestern fans could identify this as the rivalry trophy at stake when the Illini and Wildcats lock horns.

But coaches Tim Beckman (Illinois) and Pat Fitzgerald (Northwestern) are trying to fan the flames.

Beckman announced at his introductory news conference in December that, "You'll never see me wearing purple." As Toledo's coach, he had his players burn anything they had that was orange -- the color of archrival Bowling Green. He also refers to Northwestern as "the team up north" and put up this sign in Illinois' locker room.

Fitzgerald referred to Illinois as "that team from Champaign" during Monday night's Chicago Cubs TV broadcast (Fitzgerald performed the seventh-inning stretch at Wrigley).

It's not exactly Michigan's Brady Hoke refusing to wear red throughout his career -- despite stints as Ball State's and San Diego State's coach -- and calling Ohio State simply "Ohio," but at least it's something.

The Illinois-Northwestern rivalry has started to move the needle in recent years. Northwestern's marketing slogan, "Chicago's Big Ten team," rankled some Illinois players, officials and fans. Moments after Illinois finished off a 38-35 win against Northwestern last year in Champaign, "Sweet Home Chicago" was played throughout Memorial Stadium.

There have been other flash points. After a win in Evanston in 1998, Illinois players put an orange helmet on the head of a newly installed Wildcat statue at Ryan Field. Two years later, Northwestern got its revenge with a 61-23 thumping of the Illini to clinch a share of the Big Ten title.

But for the most part, the rivalry has been fairly tame. It's fair to question whether both programs consider one another a chief rival. You could argue Iowa is a bigger rival for both Illinois and Northwestern. Illinois also plays Ohio State for the Illibuck and has some tension with Michigan. And while both teams want to increase their presence in Chicago, the Windy City is first and foremost a pro town.

Beckman and Fitzgerald will be challenged to prop up the rivalry, but their efforts should be appreciated. The fact that Illinois and Northwestern are engaged in more recruiting battles, which wasn't the case before, adds to the dynamic.

Of course, the best way for the rivalry to be elevated is for both programs to start competing for Big Ten titles. The last time both programs finished in the top four in the Big Ten: 1971.

Mutual success breeds contempt.

Miss today's Big Ten chat? No worries, I've got you covered.

Here's the complete transcript from the hour-long rundown.

Some highlights:

John from Saginaw: Adam: How do you rate the quality of Big Ten football coaches coming into 2013 versus best historic conference comparisons? Are we at a high period, low period? Seems like the SEC fortunes shifted upward when they started to seriously invest in their coaching staffs relative to other conferences.

Adam Rittenberg: John, you bring up a good point about SEC schools investing more in their coaches (head coaches and assistants), and you're starting to see more of that in the Big Ten, which lagged behind a bit in paying top assistants. Joe Paterno and Jim Tressel obviously are big losses from a success standpoint. Urban Meyer, however, brings in a very impressive track record. The jury is out more on Bill O'Brien and Tim Beckman, but I think Brady Hoke is regarded as a much better coach now after turning around Michigan than he was at this time last year. I think the overall quality remains strong, but the Big Ten must continue to commit resources to coaches to keep pace with the SEC.

Hank from Washington D.C.: How do you see the Wolverines faring in their non-conference schedule (Bama, Air Force, UMass, @ND)?

Adam Rittenberg: I think Michigan will go 3-1 or 2-2, and there's a huge difference between those two marks. A 3-1 record with Alabama, Notre Dame and Air Force on the slate is pretty darn good in my book. Alabama and Notre Dame both pose challenges, and Air Force is a really tricky game. My sense is Michigan emerges 3-1. A 4-0 mark would be outstanding and put Michigan on the radar for the national title.

Greg from Indy: Everyone knows your stance on IU, sometimes good offense, bad defense. But can you breakdown the defense? Are there some areas where they're not as bad, some areas where they're terrible? Or is it all just bad?

Adam Rittenberg: Greg, I see a general lack of Big Ten-quality talent with Indiana's defense. That tends to be more exposed in the secondary, but when the front-seven pressure isn't adequate, often the DBs are left exposed. So the answer is the overall depth hasn't been where it needs to be. There have been some very good individual defenders at IU like Tracy Porter and Jammie Kirlew, but as a unit, the talent in all three areas hasn't been good enough. I remember seeing this in a game at Iowa in 2009. Indiana dominated the first three quarters but lost a few players to injury. Iowa then went nuts in the fourth quarter and ended up winning fairly comfortably. It's simply too easy to move the ball and score points on the Hoosiers. That needs to change.

Drew from Cleveland: Just looked at Kipers big board for 2013 and saw that he has Hankins listed but not John Simon. Do you think it's accurate to have him listed as a better pro talent rather than Simon? Is Gholstons bust in the pros going to ultimately hurt simon considering they are similar players?

Adam Rittenberg: Drew, haven't had a chance to look at Mel's list just yet, but I'm not that surprised to see Big Hank listed ahead of Simon. Defensive tackles with tremendous size and quickness are top commodities in the NFL draft, particularly in the first round. Simon, meanwhile, is more a tweener, lacking ideal size for an end but being a bit too small to play inside. That's taking nothing away from Simon's ability, his work ethic, etc. But the NFL draft is largely about measurables, and Hankins is more desirable in that manner.

John from WV: Hey Adam. Considering how badly their backfield has been plagued by problems, how competive will the Hawkeyes be this year?

Adam Rittenberg: John, the good news, as I often tell Iowa fans, is that the team hasn't had trouble developing quality running backs. Keeping them healthy and on the field is another story. But if the trend continues, Iowa will develop a back or two who can handle the rushing load. The offensive line will need to be better in run blocking than it was a year ago, and the offense likely will be more pass-heavy at the start of the season. But it wouldn't shock me if Iowa ends up surviving just fine at RB. The bigger issue, in my mind, is a defense that took a step back in 2011.

Thanks again for all of the questions, and my apologies to those whose questions weren't posted. Let's do it again soon.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Like most coaches, Ohio State's Luke Fickell has neither the time nor the desire to look backward.

Fickell isn't going to publish his memoirs about his 182-day term as Ohio State's head coach last year, when he guided his alma mater through an adversity-filled season that produced subpar results on the field. After Ohio State named Urban Meyer as its head coach on Nov. 28, Fickell's life didn't exactly slow down. He coached the Buckeyes through their bowl game, interviewing for Pitt's head-coaching vacancy during the span, before opting to remain with Ohio State as defensive coordinator. When Meyer introduced his staff at a Jan. 15 Ohio State men's basketball game, Fickell received the loudest ovation.

Since then, Fickell has spent most of his time recruiting, with some coaching sprinkled in this spring.

"From the day after the [bowl] game, I pretty much started moving on into the next page," Fickell told ESPN.com. "Since then, we've had spring break off, so that was probably about the only time you may have had to reflect, but you were so far into everything else. ... Then again, I'm not a person that is going to dwell upon the past."

He might not dwell on what happened, but he hasn't forgotten, either. The unique situation provided lessons for a young coach.

"There's things you take from every experience, but especially that one," Fickell said. "Not just about being a head coach, but being in the midst of adversity. It's everything from how you react and respond to how others around you react and respond to how an 18-year-old reacts and responds, to a 22-year-old. There was an incredible amount of things learned, not just about what things would I do different, but more emotionally."

Fickell is back in the familiar role of assistant coach, a position he held at Ohio State from 2002 until Jim Tressel's resignation on Memorial Day of 2011. The 38-year-old shares coordinator duties with coaching veteran Everett Withers, and he'll also coach the linebackers, as he did from 2005-2010.

Fickell shared defensive coordinator duties with Jim Heacock before taking over the head-coaching duties, but Heacock was regarded as the unit's leader. The 2012 season marks the first where Fickell moves into the primary play-calling role, although he downplays the idea that he'll have more ownership with the defense.

"In 2002, it wasn't Mark Dantonio's defense," Fickell said. "It was Ohio State's silver bullet defense. In '05, when Jim Heacock and myself were doing our thing, it wasn't our defense. It was every bit [former assistant] Paul Haynes' defense and [former assistant] Tim Beckman's defense."

Withers has been a defensive coordinator at three FBS programs (North Carolina, Minnesota and Louisville) and boasts NFL experience with the Tennessee Titans and New Orleans Saints. He also shares a kinship with Fickell after serving as North Carolina's interim head coach last season.

While Fickell stepped into a tough situation on Memorial Day, Withers' promotion came even later, as he took over July 28 for the fired Butch Davis. Although they occasionally joke around about their experiences, Withers, like Fickell, hasn't had much time to look back.

"When Coach Withers and I had some opportunities to sit down and spend some time together, there were no egos involved," Fickell said. "That's Coach Meyer's biggest thing. He said, 'The most important thing is I want an alignment with the staff.' ... That's why we've been successful here and been good, not just at Ohio State but on defense as well."

Fickell inherits a defense that returns nine starters, including All-America defensive end John Simon, but backslid at times last season. Although Fickell spent most of his time with the defense last fall, he's no longer burdened by head-coaching duties.

"He's awesome," Simon said. "With the passion and fire he brings every day, especially with his knowledge of defense, it's great to have him back."

The scheme will remain more or less the same -- "Nothing that anybody would notice unless you were really studying us," linebacker Etienne Sabino said -- and so are the demands.

"We always talk about, 'Be on the same page,'" Sabino said. "We can both look at a play and he'll ask me, 'Is that good or not?' And if I say no, he's probably thinking the same thing. We're on the same page. He would never let you get complacent.

"He's still pushing me just as hard as when I first walked in here. That's great."

Our series looking at the most indispensable players on each Big Ten team marches on with the Illinois Fighting Illini. Once again, this is not necessarily a listing of the best players on each team, but ones whose absence would be toughest to absorb because of their particular value or a lack of depth behind them.

We're selecting two players from each Big Ten squad, usually one on offense and one on defense, but not always. Let's look at Illinois under first-year coach Tim Beckman.

Graham Pocic, C, Sr.

There's no shortage of question marks for Illinois' offense, but Pocic provides a veteran anchor in the middle of the line. He has started every game the past two seasons at center, and earned honorable mention All-American honors from Phil Steele. While Illinois' offensive line struggled down the stretch in 2011, the group loses left tackle Jeff Allen, a second-round pick in last month's NFL draft, and has some depth issues to address. Pocic is undoubtedly the leader of the group, and will enter 2012 as one of the Big Ten's most seasoned offensive linemen. While Illinois must build some numbers at both wide receiver and running back, the offense won't go anywhere without a decent line. Pocic's presence on the field will be critical this fall.

Terry Hawthorne, CB, Sr.

Illinois' strength as a team is undoubtedly the defensive front seven. Despite the loss of All-America defensive end Whitney Mercilus, the Illini defensive line is both talented and deep. While there's not as much depth at linebacker, Jonathan Brown is a budding superstar in the middle. The question marks on defense rest with the secondary. While safety is a prime concern for Illinois, the unit boasts one of the league's top cover cornerbacks in Hawthorne, an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection. Hawthorne is a natural playmaker who recorded three interceptions, eight pass breakups and a forced fumble last season. The gifted senior even saw time at wide receiver this spring as Illinois tries to build depth there. Hawthorne has next-level potential, and leads a group that loses Tavon Wilson, a surprise second-round pick in last month's NFL draft.

The Kentucky Derby is Saturday, which is about all anyone in my hometown can talk about this week. (And if you've never been here for the Derby, put that near the top of your bucket list).

Anyway, since I've had one eye on the racing form for the past few days, I got to thinking about how the Big Ten would be handicapped if it were a horse race. Get your mint juleps ready, because I think it might go a little something like this ...

Michigan: 6-to-1 odds

The Wolverines are the hot horse now, at least in the mind of the general public, after an 11-2 season and Sugar Bowl win in 2011. They certainly have the pedigree to win the Big Ten derby. But they also face a potentially bumpy trip (Alabama, at Notre Dame, at Nebraska, at Ohio State) to the finish line. That's why I have them at somewhat tepid offs for a favorite -- er, make that the co-favorite.

Michigan State: 6-to-1

You have to like the past performances, as the Spartans have put together back-to-back double-digit win seasons, and they have looked strong this spring in workouts despite needing a new jockey to replace Kirk Cousins. They've beaten Michigan to the wire four straight times, so there's that. There could be a photo finish between these two stablemates in 2012.

Wisconsin: 8-to-1

Some see the Badgers as too much of a plodder, but they've won the Run for the Rose(s) Bowl two years in a row. With its offensive line and Montee Ball in the backfield, you know this contender can run all day. And Wisconsin appears to have an easier path to the home stretch because its division may not be as top-loaded.

Nebraska: 10-to-1

The Cornhuskers moved to a new circuit and endured a sometimes bumpy ride in 2011. That experience could prepare them for a stronger run this time around. They get a favorable draw, with Michigan, Wisconsin and Penn State coming to Lincoln, and they have the epitome of a war horse in Rex Burkhead.

Penn State: 15-to-1

The wild card in this race. The Nittany Lions get a new trainer (Bill O'Brien) and a new running style (the Patriots offense) for the first time in ages. This has felt like a program sitting on a big race. Enviable post position (Wisconsin and Ohio State at home, no Michigan or Michigan State on the schedule) could lead to a surprise victory.

Iowa: 25-to-1

This is a young but potentially frisky colt. The Hawkeyes have undergone major equipment changes for the first time under Kirk Ferentz (new coordinators on both sides of the ball) and may not have the horses in the backfield to go the distance. But Ferentz has made many a handicapper look silly in the past.

Purdue: 35-to-1

The wiseguy pick as a potential upset special. The Boilermakers broke their maiden under Danny Hope, finally making a bowl game last year, and looked healthy and sharp during the spring prep season. They're still facing a jump in class, but don't be shocked to see them at least hit the board in this race.

Illinois: 50-to-1

Ownership changed trainers (from Ron Zook to Tim Beckman) after some disappointing finishes. This talented contender was a big-time pacesetter last year (6-0 start) but faded badly down the stretch (0-6 regular-season finish). Perhaps some new training methods will help and the defense sure looks great in the paddock. But past performance indicates this is an underachiever.

Northwestern: 75-to-1

Always good for an upset or two along the way, the question remains whether these Wildcats are a one-trick pony (all offense, little defense). Plus, the traffic from the Legends Division seems a little too heavy for a clean trip.

Minnesota: 85-to-1

The Gophers showed decent closing skills last season, beating Iowa and Illinois in the second half of the year after a horrid start. Jerry Kill has a strong track record of bringing his charges along. Yet this still remains a longshot that might need another year or two of training (and recruiting) to be a real contender.

Indiana: 99-to-1

The Hoosiers didn't belong in the field last year, going 0-11 against FBS competition. They should stay a little closer to the pack this time around, but a victory in this race would be even more shocking than Mine That Bird or Giacomo winning the real Derby.

Ohio State: Scratched

DQ by the NCAA stewards. The Buckeyes are gearing up for 2013, when they might just be the favorites.

So there's how I'd write the program. What kind of odds would you give to each team, and who would you put money on in 2012?