ESPN College Football

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Greetings from the Big House, where the Brady Hoke era begins today as Michigan takes on Western Michigan in the opener.

It's extremely hot out there, and since I'm wearing a tie, I limited my time outside the press box. From what I saw, there's a good atmosphere around the stadium today, complete with "Jim Tressel Tattoo & Pawn Shop" T-shirts on sale right on Main Street.

We could get some thunderstorms a little later, but it will be important for players on both squads to stay hydrated and avoid cramping.

The massive scoreboards on either end of the stadium definitely enhance the experience. Can't wait to see what this place looks like next week under the lights.

This is the second time in three years Michigan has opened against Western Michigan. As was the case in 2009, the Broncos have a talented quarterback -- Tim Hiller then, Alex Carder now -- who could test Michigan's secondary. Michigan made Hiller look bad that day, but Carder has the potential to do some damage today.

I'm particularly interested to see how Fitzgerald Toussaint performs in his first career start at running back for the Wolverines. There was a lot of talk about Toussaint when he arrived as a recruit, and he finally gets his chance. Michigan wants to ease the rushing burden on Denard Robinson, and coordinator Al Borges would like a true lead back to emerge.

I'll obviously be watching the Wolverines' new schemes on both sides, particularly the offense as they move away from the spread.

That's all for now, but keep it here for coverage of Michigan-Western Michigan throughout the afternoon.

Tonight, it begins.

The wait is over and we finally get to see Big Ten teams play games that count. As opening weekend begins a little early with three games tonight, here are 10 things to watch around the league.

1. Quarterback questions at Michigan, Penn State: Two of the league's traditional powers likely will be evaluating multiple quarterbacks in their openers. True freshman Robert Bolden was named a surprise starter for the Nittany Lions, but sophomores Matt McGloin and Kevin Newsome also are likely to get some work. Denard Robinson could be poised to take control at Michigan, but head coach Rich Rodriguez expects to play more than one signal caller, so sophomore Tate Forcier and true freshman Devin Gardner likely will take some snaps in the spotlight. Penn State has to see what it has under center before a Week 2 trip to defending national champ Alabama.

2. Opportunity knocks for Marve, Boilers: No team in the Big Ten has a better opportunity to make a national statement than Purdue. All eyes will be on South Bend -- really, when aren't they? -- as Notre Dame kicks off the Brian Kelly era, but Purdue can ruin the fun by upsetting the Fighting Irish. Quarterback Robert Marve has done all the right things in West Lafayette since transferring from Miami, and he boasts a big arm and plenty of weapons to attack a suspect Notre Dame secondary. Marve should flourish in the spread offense, so expect a strong debut. It might not matter, though, if Purdue can't upgrade its run defense and protect a new-look secondary from Dayne Crist and Michael Floyd.

3. Heisman push begins for Pryor, Clay: When we last saw Terrelle Pryor in a game, the Ohio State quarterback was at his best, winning Offensive MVP honors at the Rose Bowl. By all accounts, Pryor made strides during the offseason and said he has a greater grasp of the offense and what it takes to be a leader on the big stage. His accolades heading into the season -- Big Ten preseason Offensive Player of the Year, Heisman Trophy candidate -- are based largely on hype and potential, but Pryor finally gets a chance to produce some hard evidence against Marshall. Wisconsin running back John Clay has been largely overlooked in the preseason, but he also could help his Heisman candidacy with a strong debut at UNLV, which ranked 112th nationally in rush defense a year ago.

4. Mystery team makes debut in St. Louis: Who's the Big Ten's mystery team this season? Illinois. The Illini have new offensive and defensive schemes, a new starting quarterback in Nathan Scheelhaase and plenty of unknowns on both sides of the ball. Missouri typically brings out the worst in Ron Zook's squad, and Illinois will need to show some resiliency in the Edward Jones Dome. Scheelhaase is young but skilled and athletic, and it'll be interesting to see how he handles the spotlight in an NFL stadium. Illinois' secondary faces Blaine Gabbert and Missouri's high-powered passing attack without two starters (safety Supo Sanni, cornerback Terry Hawthorne), so linebacker Martez Wilson and others need to step up.

5. Iowa's new-look offensive line: The Hawkeyes shouldn't have much trouble beating Eastern Illinois, although after last year's roller-coaster ride, you never know. The opener should give a new-look offensive line time to get comfortable and create holes for running back Adam Robinson. Iowa will start three new players up front -- right tackle Markus Zusevics, right guard Adam Gettis and center James Ferentz -- and needs to get comfortable before bigger tests the next two weeks against Iowa State and Arizona. Running back Jewel Hampton sits out because of a suspension, but Iowa really needs to get the run game going with Robinson and adequately protect quarterback Ricky Stanzi.

6. Spartans' secondary in spotlight: Most point to the secondary as Michigan State's biggest weakness in 2009, and for good reason. The Spartans ranked last in the Big Ten in pass yards allowed (267.6 ypg), allowed 11 more passing touchdowns (32 total) than any other Big Ten squad and recorded only six interceptions, the second-lowest total in the league. Several underperforming players are gone, and Michigan State hopes to be younger but better in the back four this fall. Cornerback Johnny Adams returns to the mix, and hopes are high for Trenton Robinson, Chris L. Rucker and others. The secondary needs to step up Saturday against Western Michigan, which loses standout quarterback Tim Hiller but returns top wideouts Robert Arnheim and Jordan White.

7. Line dance in the Volunteer State for Gophers, Wildcats: Both Minnesota and Northwestern boast veteran offensive lines that need to upgrade their run-blocking ability this fall. Minnesota ranked last in the Big Ten in rushing for the second straight year in 2009, while Northwestern finished eighth and had no big plays in the ground game. It'll be very interesting to see how both lines perform in what likely will be balmy weather in Tennessee. Minnesota opens Thursday night at Middle Tennessee, while Northwestern visits Vanderbilt in Nashville 48 hours later. Both squads have multiple backs competing for carries, but the performance of the two lines will go a long way toward showing what the upcoming season will hold.

8. Brock Mealer leads Michigan out of the tunnel: Doctors told Brock Mealer he'd never walk again after being paralyzed from the waist down in a car accident that killed his father and the girlfriend of his brother, Elliott, an offensive lineman for Michigan. But Brock never gave up hope and worked with Michigan strength and conditioning coaches Mike Barwis and Parker Whiteman to work his way out of a wheelchair. Saturday, he'll be walking out of the tunnel at Michigan Stadium as he leads the Wolverines onto the field for their opener against Connecticut. "He's that one percent," Wolverines defensive tackle Mike Martin told me. "People said he'd never walk again, and he's proving people wrong right there. We’ve got to come out right behind him and show what we've got."

9. Indiana's new-look defense: The Hoosiers' season likely hinges on whether a historically porous defense can improve. IU will use the 3-4 alignment more this season, but the coaches also are excited about defensive ends Darius Johnson and Fred Jones. Tyler Replogle provides excellent leadership at linebacker, but Indiana needs three junior college transfers -- linebacker Jeff Thomas and defensive backs Andre Kates and Lenyatta Kiles -- to make an immediate impact. A strong debut against Towson is key.

10. Quarterback-turned-receivers: There was a time when Michigan State's Keith Nichol, Minnesota's MarQueis Gray and Purdue's Justin Siller looked like the potential answers for their teams at quarterback. All three players now will play prominent roles at wide receivers on opening weekend. All three received strong reviews in training camp as receivers, and all three could start on Saturday. Gray is the likeliest to be called upon as a quarterback, as he remains Adam Weber's backup for the Gophers. Siller makes his first appearance since 2008 after being suspended from school for the 2009-10 academic year.

We're less than 100 days from the start of the 2010 football season, and every Big Ten team will place a premium on starting strong. Teams often set the tone for the season with how they perform in Week 1. Last year, Illinois never got on track after flat-lining against Missouri in St. Louis. Iowa's Week 1 scare against Northern Iowa foreshadowed a season of drama for the Hawkeyes.

Now I'm not going to lie: the Week 1 slate in the Big Ten isn't overly impressive, and I'd be surprised if more than two Big Ten squads lose their openers. It wouldn't be a total shock if all 11 Big Ten teams started 1-0, but no one wants to start 0-1.

Here's a ranking of which Big Ten squad has the highest chance of losing first:

Illinois vs. Missouri, Sept 4 (at St. Louis): Illinois has dropped the past five of these neutral-site rivalry games against Missouri, and the Illini enter the Edward Jones Dome with plenty of question marks. What type of team will we see after all the offseason changes? How will quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase fare in what should be his first career start? Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert provides a big test for the Illinois defense.

Connecticut at Michigan, Sept. 4: If this game were on the road for Michigan, I'd put it at the top of the list. Connecticut provides a big challenge for a Michigan defense that loses its top two players and will again be relying on a lot of freshmen and sophomores this fall. Michigan needs its offense to put up points and its home crowd to provide an extra edge as a pivotal season begins for Rich Rodriguez and the program.

Minnesota at Middle Tennessee, Sept. 2: Anyone who watched Middle Tennessee quarterback Dwight Dasher run all over the field at the 2009 New Orleans Bowl knows this will be a rough opener for the Gophers. Minnesota loses nine starters on defense and needs to hold Dasher and running back Phillip Tanner in check. The Middle Tennessee crowd will be amped up to have a Big Ten team in its house on a Thursday night, so the Gophers need to start strong.

Purdue at Notre Dame, Sept. 4: Notre Dame has more questions than Purdue, as the Brian Kelly era begins with a new starting quarterback and plenty of uncertainty on defense. But the Fighting Irish tend to summon magic in games like this, and their weapons on offense (Michael Floyd, Kyle Rudolph) will test an unproven Purdue secondary. Can quarterback Robert Marve win a big one in what should be his first start for the Boilers?

Northwestern at Vanderbilt, Sept. 4: Vanderbilt isn't a very good team, but Northwestern almost always loses a game it shouldn't, especially in nonconference play. Quarterback Dan Persa needs a strong performance on the road in his first career start, and the Wildcats defense must contain Commodores running back Warren Norman, the 2009 SEC Freshman of the Year.

Wisconsin at UNLV, Sept. 4: UNLV is starting over under new head coach Bobby Hauck, and aside from having to travel west to play a night game, I don't see many concerns for Bret Bielema's crew. The Badgers need their offensive line and running back John Clay to be fresh and in good condition. I doubt UNLV can handle the size and strength it will see from Wisconsin.

Western Michigan at Michigan State, Sept. 4: The Spartans crushed Western Michigan 49-14 last year and should once again be heavy favorites against the Broncos. Kirk Cousins and an offense loaded at the skill positions will look to start fast against a Broncos team that ranked 101st nationally in total defense in 2009. Western Michigan is replacing standout quarterback Tim Hiller.

Youngstown State at Penn State, Sept. 4: Joe Paterno's squad should handle the Penguins, but Penn State is breaking in a new starting quarterback and needs its offensive line to step up after a shaky spring. It's hard to think Youngstown State will do much against a stout Nittany Lions defense, especially after losing quarterback Brandon Summers.

Eastern Illinois at Iowa, Sept. 4: The Hawkeyes better not make me look bad here. No Northern Iowa repeats, please. Eastern Illinois went 8-4 last season and boasts a talented running back in Mon Williams, a transfer from Florida. As long as Ricky Stanzi plays a clean game and Iowa's defensive line shows up, the Hawkeyes should be fine against the Panthers.

Marshall at Ohio State, Sept. 2: The Doc Holliday era at Marshall begins in Columbus, where Ohio State hopes to kick off its national title push. Marshall wasn't a bad team last season, going 7-6, and the Thundering Herd might look to Clemson transfer Willy Korn as its starting quarterback. Ohio State won't take this team lightly, and I just can't see the Buckeyes losing this one, especially with all the buildup for 2010.

Towson at Indiana, Sept. 2: If Indiana doesn't start 1-0, there's a serious problem in Bloomington. Towson looked totally overmatched last year against Northwestern, and while I'm sure the Tigers have improved since then, Indiana should have little trouble putting up points in this one.

The best case-worst case rewind series finally wraps up with ... Michigan.

In case you missed it: Michigan's best case-worst case.

Best-case synopsis: Rich Rodriguez continues his tradition of Year 2 turnarounds, as his freshmen quarterbacks blossom and the defense improves under new coordinator Greg Robinson. Senior Brandon Minor leads a talented group of running backs, and the receiving corps helps the young signal-callers with their transition. Michigan starts the season 5-0 and rides the defense to a strong finish. The Wolverines snap their losing streak against Ohio State to finish 10-2 before beating Mississippi in the Capital One Bowl.

Worst-case synopsis: The quarterback position falls apart again and a beleaguered defense regresses as Michigan once again misses a bowl game. None of the quarterbacks truly establishes himself as the starter, and opposing defenses load up to stop the run. Michigan's pass rush suffers as Brandon Graham constantly faces double- and triple-teams, while punter Zoltan Mesko is the team's only true star. The Wolverines lose the opener to Western Michigan and finish 4-8. Rodriguez is retained for a third year but enters 2010 on the hot seat.

You can't handle the truth: (quotes from the original post) "Rodriguez's spread offense starts to take shape around the freshmen quarterbacks, who are suited to the system." ... "Michigan begins by doing something it last accomplished in 2006 -- win the season opener. The defense holds off Tim Hiller and Western Michigan." ... "Loaded with confidence, the Wolverines complete a 4-0 start." ... After a loss at Iowa, Michigan handles Delaware State easily." ... "More mistakes crop up on defense." ... "Michigan misses a bowl for the second straight year." ... "Golden Tate and Michael Floyd make Michigan's secondary look silly." ... "The Wolverines see their home win streak against Penn State end at five games." ... "Rodriguez's future seems very much in doubt."

Lies, lies, lies: "The defense rebounds under Greg Robinson." ... "Senior Brandon Minor headlines a strong stable of running backs and earns first-team All-Big Ten honors by rushing for 1,400 yards." ... "The team hits the road for the first time and regains in-state bragging rights by rallying to beat Michigan State in the fourth quarter. Michigan vaults into the top 20." ... "Fans finally embrace Rodriguez and his style, forgetting 2008 and all the player departures during the transition." ... "Despite more experience elsewhere on offense, the quarterback position dooms the Wolverines again." ... "The Wolverines get booed as they head to halftime down 28-7 and never get within 14 points of the Irish." ... "Michigan fails to get on the scoreboard against the talented Hawkeyes defense."

Reality check: Michigan finished one game ahead (5-7) of the worst-case scenario, but after a 4-0 start, the Wolverines looked like a lock to make a bowl game. Rodriguez's offense certainly made strides in Year 2, and quarterback Tate Forcier showed a lot of promise before struggling with injuries and inconsistent play down the stretch. The big problem was Robinson's defense, which regressed despite boasting the league's most dominant lineman in Graham. Michigan didn't beat an FBS team after Sept. 26 and wasted opportunities against both Illinois and Purdue. Rodriguez will enter the 2010 season with a new boss (David Brandon) and a mandate to make a bowl game, at the very least.

My look back at the best case-worst case series continues with ... Indiana.

In case you missed it: Indiana's best case-worst case.

Best-case synopsis: Indiana has no trouble replacing the dismissed Kellen Lewis and shows greater depth on both sides of the ball as it returns to a bowl for the second time in three years. ... Junior quarterback Ben Chappell flourishes in the pistol formation, and wide receivers Tandon Doss and Damarlo Belcher become stars. ... IU faces some challenges on defense, but ends Jammie Kirlew and Greg Middleton lead a formidable pass rush and linebacker Matt Mayberry dominates. ... Indiana starts 6-1 with wins against both Michigan and Virginia and reaches the Insight Bowl, where it beats Colorado to finish 9-4.

Worst-case synopsis: The Hoosiers' depth concerns turn out to be true and the offense falls apart in another lost season. ... Chappell struggles as the full-time starting quarterback and spends most games trying to avoid the pass rush. ... Indiana once again has no running game, and the defense shows its warts in the interior line and the secondary. ... After a 2-2 start, Indiana drops its final eight games and the university drops Bill Lynch as head coach. ... Home attendance declines and new athletics director Fred Glass searches for the team's fifth head coach since 2001.

You can't handle the truth: (quotes from the original post) "Lynch's confidence in quarterback Ben Chappell pays off." ... "Heralded recruit Darius Willis blossoms to become the team's featured back. Left tackle Rodger Saffold anchors an improved offensive line, and young wideouts Damarlo Belcher and Tandon Doss torch opposing secondaries." ... "Indiana survives its opener against Eastern Kentucky." ... "A much improved defense then shuts down Tim Hiller and Western Michigan in Week 2, gaining confidence before a tricky trip to Akron. Indiana improves to 3-0 by zipping through the Zips." ... "Despite a veteran presence on defense, Indiana's holes on the interior line and in the secondary doom the unit."

Lies, lies, lies: "The pistol formation energizes Indiana's rushing attack." ... "The Hoosiers send an early warning shot to new Purdue head coach Danny Hope by thumping Hope's former team, Eastern Kentucky, by 30 points in the opener." ... "A 4-1 Hoosiers team heads to Charlottesville and knocks off a beatable Virginia team, pushing head coach Al Groh further out the door." ... "In the regular-season finale, the Hoosiers avenge their 52-point loss last year at rival Purdue and pound the Boilers 40-10." ... Indiana caps a surprising season by beating Colorado in the Insight Bowl. The Hoosiers win nine games for the first time since 1967." ... "With a 2-10 mark, Lynch's fate is sealed."

Reality check: Indiana's 4-8 record seems fairly close to the worst-case scenario, but the team showed obvious improvement for much of the season. Chappell certainly validated himself as a legit Big Ten quarterback, while Doss will 2010 as one of the league's best wide receivers after a great year this fall. Yet once again, Indiana couldn't get over the hump in winnable games against Michigan, Northwestern, Iowa and Wisconsin. The defense received strong performances from several individuals but once again struggled as a unit, raising some concerns for 2010. Glass made the right call in giving Lynch one more year, but next fall will be pivotal for the program.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

(Conversation with self)
Do I have to?
Yes, or the users won't respect you.
Do they respect me now?
Not after those picks.
So why do I need to torture yourself?
Just get it over with, you big baby.

Needless to say, it was an ugly week for the picks, as I went 2-4. Here's a painful look back.

NORTHWESTERN-IOWA

• The pick: Iowa 27, Northwestern 17
• Actual score: Northwestern 17, Iowa 10
• 20-20 hindsight: At least I got the Wildcats' score correct. Few could have forecasted a major injury to Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi in the second quarter. There was no fourth-quarter magic for the Hawkeyes this time, as an improving NU defense shut down backup quarterback James Vandenberg and the run game.

WISCONSIN-INDIANA

• The pick: Wisconsin 28, Indiana 16
• Actual score: Wisconsin 31, Indiana 28
• 20-20 hindsight: Badgers running back John Clay did his damage in the first half, not the second, before leaving the game with a head injury. As predicted, Indiana star wideout Tandon Doss made plays early with two touchdown grabs, and the Hoosiers surged on offense for much of the game but couldn't stop Wisconsin's ground game in the end as freshman Montee Ball emerged.

WESTERN MICHIGAN-MICHIGAN STATE

• The pick: Michigan State 31, Western Michigan 10
• Actual score: Michigan State 49, Western Michigan 14
• 20-20 hindsight: This was as close as I got to a strong pick, as Kirk Cousins backed me up by shredding Western Michigan's defense for 353 pass yards and two touchdowns on 22 of 25 attempts. I didn't forecast Ashton Leggett's big day at running back, but Michigan State's defense held Tim Hiller in check and started November off the right way.

ILLINOIS-MINNESOTA

• The pick: Minnesota 30, Illinois 24
• Actual score: Illinois 35, Minnesota 32
• 20-20 hindsight: The Illini made all the plays early on, surging out to a 28-7 lead before Minnesota got on track after halftime. Gophers quarterback Adam Weber struggled after a career performance against Michigan State, and the Minnesota defense couldn't stop Illinois' big-play attack.

PURDUE-MICHIGAN

• The pick: Michigan 37, Purdue 31
• Actual score: Purdue 38, Michigan 36
• 20-20 hindsight: A shootout seemed likely and both offenses certainly showed up at the Big House. Michigan's Brandon Minor had another huge day (154 rush yards, 3 TDs), but Purdue quarterback Joey Elliott stole the show -- and the victory -- with a career performance. I wrote that I was hesitant to pick Michigan and should have trusted my instincts.

OHIO STATE-PENN STATE

• The pick: Penn State 21, Ohio State 17
• Actual score: Ohio State 24, Penn State 7
• 20-20 hindsight: As forecasted, both defenses showed up to play, but Ohio State's unit dominated Daryll Clark and the Nittany Lions for 60 minutes. This easily could have been a shutout, as Penn State barely eclipsed 200 total yards. It was Ohio State's Terrelle Pryor, not Clark, who made plays at quarterback and led a more cohesive offense to a big win.

Week 10 record: 2-4

Season record: 51-23 (.689)

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Who's going to win? Keep reading.

Iowa 27, Northwestern 17: Both teams tend to start slow, so expect a close game for most of the way. Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka plays and does some good things in the second and third quarters, but Iowa once again takes control in the fourth, when it has dominated and Northwestern has struggled this season. Both defenses are improved and the Wildcats always save their best for Iowa, but the Hawkeyes prevail behind Ricky Stanzi and Derrell Johnson-Koulianos.

Wisconsin 28, Indiana 16: I don't know how much the Hoosiers have left in the tank after back-to-back crushing defeats. Plus, Wisconsin has totally dominated Indiana under head coach Bret Bielema and seems to be getting better on defense as the season goes along. The Hoosiers' standout wide receivers make plays early, but running back John Clay and the Wisconsin defense led by O'Brien Schofield and Chris Borland blossom in the second half.

Michigan State 31, Western Michigan 10: It's an absolute must-win for Mark Dantonio's team, and they will be prepared to play. Quarterback Kirk Cousins picks apart the Broncos secondary as wide receivers Blair White and Keshawn Martin turn in big performances. Michigan State's defense keeps Tim Hiller in check and keeps its bowl hopes alive heading into a crucial game at Purdue.

Minnesota 30, Illinois 24: Both offenses got some much needed confidence last week and will continue to make plays early in this one. Adam Weber turns in another good performance and finds tight end Nick Tow-Arnett for two touchdown passes. Illinois runs the ball well with backs Mikel LeShoure and Jason Ford, but Minnesota's defense clamps down in the red zone as the Gophers become bowl-eligible.

Michigan 37, Purdue 31: I'm hesitant to pick the Wolverines, but they're in a must-win game against a Purdue team that totally imploded last week. Plus, running back Brandon Minor is getting healthier, and he can change the game. Both offenses make plays, but Minor and teammate Carlos Brown lead a potent rushing attack that proves to be the difference as the Wolverines get bowl-eligible.

Penn State 21, Ohio State 17: Expect a defensive struggle early as two of the nation's premier units take the field in Happy Valley. The game closely resembles the Iowa-Michigan State clash, as defense rules until the final 10 minutes, when both offenses come alive. Quarterbacks Daryll Clark and Terrelle Pryor both make plays, but Clark's leadership in a more cohesive Nittany Lions offense proves to be the difference.

Week 9 record: 4-2

Season record: 49-19 (.721)

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Ten for (Week) 10.

1. Terrelle Pryor going country: Pryor wasn't a huge fan of Happy Valley during the recruiting process, and he probably won't warm up to it on Saturday as No. 16 Ohio State visits No. 11 Penn State (ABC, 3:30 p.m. ET). Penn State fans will be waiting for Pryor, and the Buckeyes quarterback expects a rough reception when he takes the field at Beaver Stadium. Pryor has performed better since the Purdue loss but needs to elevate his overall game against the nation's fifth-ranked defense. His return to his home state adds more flavor to an already intriguing matchup.

2. Iowa aims for perfect 10: The Hawkeyes (9-0) felt the need to defend their perfect record again this week, but they can ease doubts with a convincing performance against Northwestern. This is a game that has folks in Iowa City a bit worried because of Northwestern's back-to-back wins at Kinnick Stadium and its 7-5 record against Iowa since 1995. The Hawkeyes should be able to attack a banged up NU secondary with wideouts Derrell Johnson-Koulianos and Marvin McNutt. An Iowa win sets up next week's showdown in Columbus against Ohio State.

3. Michigan in must-win situation: Missing the postseason at Michigan is bad enough. Missing it two years in a row could be really damaging for Rich Rodriguez and his program. Michigan needs to snap its four-game Big Ten losing streak against Purdue (Big Ten Network, noon ET) and reach bowl eligibility. With upcoming games against Wisconsin (road) and Ohio State (home), the Purdue game appears to be Michigan's best chance for win No. 6. Quarterback Tate Forcier hasn't accounted for a touchdown in four games, while the Michigan defense must rebound after allowing 500 yards to Illinois.

4. Juice vs. Weber: Illinois' Juice Williams and Minnesota's Adam Weber entered the season as two of the Big Ten's most accomplished quarterbacks. Both players have struggled for most of the fall, but both also come off impressive performances in big wins last week. Williams hopes to gash Minnesota's defense with the zone-read, while Weber takes aim against an Illini secondary that ranks ninth in the league against the pass. Weber played through a knee injury to beat Illinois last year, while Williams turned in a huge performance against Minnesota in 2007.

5. Hard-luck Hoosiers aim for upset: Indiana is hurting a bit right now after squandering fourth-quarter leads in back-to-back weeks against Northwestern and Iowa. But the Hoosiers have another chance to redeem themselves Saturday against No. 21 Wisconsin (Big Ten Network, noon ET). It won't be easy, as Wisconsin has crushed Indiana under head coach Bret Bielema, winning three games by a combined score of 140-40. The Badgers come in hot, having posted their first shutout in Big Ten play in a decade last week against Purdue.

6. Getting defensive in Happy Valley: Penn State and Ohio State combined for only 19 points last year at The Shoe, and Saturday's game figures to be a defensive struggle as well. The Nittany Lions lead the nation in scoring defense (9.33 ppg) and rank fifth in total defense (254.8 ypg), while the Buckeyes own three shutouts this season and rank sixth nationally in both scoring (11.2 ppg) and total defense (260 ypg). Ohio State forces a ton of turnovers, while Penn State locks down in the red zone. First team to 14 wins?

7. Spartans must bounce back vs. MAC: A Sept. 12 loss to Central Michigan altered the course for Michigan State's season, one that began with BCS aspirations. Sitting at 4-5, the Spartans can't afford another setback against a MAC opponent, this time Western Michigan. The Broncos struggled against Michigan and Indiana and rank 108th nationally in total defense (426 ypg), but they boast a strong quarterback in Tim Hiller. Michigan State must get more efficient in the red zone on both sides of the ball. A loss Saturday (Big Ten Network, noon ET) likely knocks MSU out of the postseason.

8. Mike Kafka's health: Northwestern's senior quarterback is expected to play against Iowa, but how his left hamstring holds up remains to be seen. Kafka relies on his legs and can be extremely effective on the move, but he left last week's loss to Penn State in the second quarter and didn't return. Iowa's defensive linemen will try to get in his face, and Northwestern's offensive front needs to protect well. Northwestern's upset hopes against Penn State vanished when Kafka left the field, so the Wildcats need their signal caller as close to full strength as possible.

9. Clay off and running again: Wisconsin running back John Clay has been brilliant in Big Ten play, eclipsing 120 rush yards in three of five games. Clay rushed for a season-high 112 yards last year at Indiana and aims for another big performance Saturday (Big Ten Network, noon ET). Penn State quarterback Daryll Clark is the frontrunner for Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year honors, but Clay could close the gap with a strong finish.

10. Purdue tries to end Big House blues: The Boilers take an 11-game road losing streak to Ann Arbor, where they haven't won since 1966. Though Michigan certainly is beatable this season, Purdue comes off a dreadful performance in Madison and can't afford a hangover. The long losing streak at the Big House should serve as motivation. "They're fully aware of it," Boilers coach Danny Hope said of his players. "To me, it makes it more exciting. It makes it a greater challenge. It makes it a bigger coup, a bigger stake." A Purdue win keeps its faint bowl hopes alive.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Twice in as many games, Indiana's opponent has had the ball, driving toward the end zone for a game-winning touchdown. And twice, the Hoosiers defense has turned them away.

It's still early in the 2009 season, but the two stops speak volumes about a unit that ranked last in the Big Ten in most major statistical categories last fall, including both points allowed (35.2 ppg) and yards allowed (432.2 ypg).

"The last couple of games, they played with good composure, and that’s really important," head coach Bill Lynch said. "Particularly last week, Western Michigan was taking the ball right down the field to score and win the game. It’s one of those drives where there’s some crazy plays and different things going on. But our kids had great composure, great communication between one another, and ultimately, we got a turnover."

Western Michigan trailed 23-17 with less than two minutes remaining and faced first-and-goal from the Indiana 5-yard line. But Hoosiers senior defensive end Greg Middleton jarred the ball loose from Western Michigan's Aaron Winchester, and linebacker Justin Carrington recovered.

After Indiana took a safety, Western Michigan had one final chance. Defensive end Jammie Kirlew dropped Tim Hiller for a sack, and a lateral-filled final play ended with a fumble recovered by Indiana safety Jerimy Finch.

A week earlier, Eastern Kentucky was five yards away from the go-ahead touchdown early in the fourth quarter when cornerback Ray Fisher forced a fumble that Kirlew recovered.

Middleton and Kirlew are among the nine starters Indiana returns on defense this year, while Fisher started at wide receiver before moving to the defensive side. The wealth of experience is paying off for a unit that has hurt Indiana for much of the decade.

"That’s what you always hope with a football team," Lynch said. "When you’re playing young kids, you want them to learn from their experiences so it’ll pay off down the road, and we’ve seen that some over the last two weeks. Maybe where we didn’t get it done in the past, they were able to rally and make the corrections on the field themselves during a two-minute drive.

"Experience helps in those situations.”

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

After a Saturday showcase in which the nation's two most significant games involved Big Ten teams, the Week 3 slate is a bit of a letdown. Still, there are several interesting matchups and games that can help the league improve its national reputation.

Here's a quick snapshot.

Eastern Michigan (0-2) at Michigan (2-0), Big Ten Network, noon ET

Back in the national rankings and the national spotlight, Michigan tries to keep the momentum going against Eastern Michigan. Several veteran Wolverines defenders will be reunited with former coordinator Ron English, who's in his first year at the helm of the Eagles. Eastern Michigan gave Northwestern all it could handle and looks improved on offense behind quarterback Andy Schmitt. The Wolverines' defense aims for a better showing after struggling to contain Notre Dame's receiving threats.

Temple (0-1) at Penn State (2-0), Big Ten Network, noon ET

The Lions will have no trouble winning this game, but they want to be nearing their peak before Iowa visits Happy Valley on Sept. 26. That means better play from the offensive line and more consistent production from Evan Royster and the running backs. Penn State's defense should shut down a Temple team that lost to Villanova in Week 1, but the Lions' offense needs to diversify before Big Ten play kicks off. Linebacker Navorro Bowman (groin) could miss his second straight game.

(Read full post)

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Indiana's run game needed a jump-start after a lackluster showing in the season opener, and the Hoosiers have gotten it from an unlikely source.

Wide receiver Mitchell Evans has four carries for 32 yards as the Hoosiers have jumped on Western Michigan 10-0. Senior tailback Bryan Payton also has contributed nicely. And perhaps the bigger story here is a Hoosiers defense that has held Tim Hiller and the Broncos to 12 total yards in the first quarter.

Wisconsin, meanwhile, looks to be in major trouble against Fresno State, trailing 14-0. A banged-up offensive line has struggled to generate push against the Bulldogs, and the rushing game is nonexistent. The defense still looks soft to me, particularly in the secondary, and Fresno State just hit a long touchdown pass to Devon Wylie. Fresno has had it way too easy on third down.

I like what I see from Wisconsin quarterback Scott Tolzien, but if this team can't run the ball, it'll be a very long season.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

My forecast of Big Ten perfection in Week 1 came up a little short, thanks to a miserable performance by Illinois. Still, 10-1 isn't bad, but things will get much tougher for myself and the league this Saturday. Big Ten players and coaches agree that big nonconference victories are the only way to repair the league's national reputation, and Week 2 will go a long way toward helping or hurting the conference.

How will things shake out? Not so good for the Big Ten.

Michigan State 37, Central Michigan 17: Central Michigan is one of those non-BCS programs that looks like it should beat the big boys. But the Chippewas rarely come through, with last week's game at Arizona serving as the latest example. Dan LeFevour makes a few more plays against the Spartans, but Michigan State has too much talent on both sides of the ball. The Spartans will get a little more clarity at quarterback, though I'm not sure who separates himself.

Western Michigan 31, Indiana 27 -- Until the Hoosiers establish a consistent rushing attack and get tougher in the secondary, they're not going to win many games. Western Michigan quarterback Tim Hiller bounces back from a subpar performance against Michigan and tosses three touchdown passes in Memorial Stadium. IU's Ben Chappell has another nice game but the Broncos score late to secure a road win.

Northwestern 38, Eastern Michigan 9 -- For the second straight week, the Wildcats should have little trouble on their home field. Eastern Michigan comes off a 13-point home loss to Army and faces a Northwestern defense that coach Pat Fitzgerald really challenged this week. NU quarterback Mike Kafka continues to build confidence and some separation occurs in the running back group, with either Stephen Simmons or Arby Fields emerging as the top man.

Penn State 41, Syracuse 10 -- Greg Paulus looked impressive in Syracuse's opener, but reality strikes for the former Duke point guard at Beaver Stadium. Penn State's defensive front takes no mercy, with or without Navorro Bowman, and Paulus should be in for a long afternoon. Nittany Lions quarterback Daryll Clark delivers another gem and running back Evan Royster eclipses 100 rush yards as Penn State rolls again.

Wisconsin 28, Fresno State 24 -- Pat Hill's team won't be intimidated at Camp Randall Stadium and could very well pull the upset Saturday. Wisconsin gets a big performance from running back John Clay, while Scott Tolzien maintains his steadiness at quarterback. The flu bug that swept through Wisconsin's team earlier this week doesn't figure to keep many key players off the field. The Badgers escape this one, but just barely.

Iowa 23, Iowa State 17 -- It won't be easy for the Hawkeyes at Jack Trice Stadium. Then again, it never is. Iowa State jumps ahead early before Hawkeyes quarterback Ricky Stanzi and tight end Tony Moeaki bring their team back with a pair of touchdown connections. Redshirt freshman Adam Robinson capitalizes on his opportunity at running back and scores the decisive touchdown midway through the fourth quarter. Iowa wins in Ames for just the second time since 1997.

Notre Dame 30, Michigan 27 -- Easily the toughest game to pick this week, and one that could go either way. Michigan will win if its defensive line consistently pressures Jimmy Clausen, but it'll be tough for the Wolverines' secondary to contain Notre Dame's offensive weapons for 60 minutes. Clausen starts slow before picking things up in the second half, while Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson make a few more mistakes in a narrow defeat.

Minnesota 27, Air Force 24 -- The first game at TCF Bank Stadium will be a memorable one, as Minnesota and Air Force pace one another for four quarters. Air Force's offense will test Minnesota's discipline on defense, and the Gophers need to find more options on offense besides star wide receiver Eric Decker. In the end, Minnesota's run game wears down the Falcons as Duane Bennett rushes for two touchdowns in an exciting victory.

Illinois 44, Illinois State 10 -- Arrelious Benn should be back on the field, which means better things for the Illinois offense. Illinois State will be without its starting quarterback, and Illini linebackers Ian Thomas and Martez Wilson take advantage. Illinois gets well against an overmatched and wounded opponent before beginning a brutal stretch to Big Ten play in two weeks.

USC 30, Ohio State 23 -- It won't be another debacle for the Buckeyes, but I can't see them winning this game without major improvement on both sides of the ball. And really, when was the last time Ohio State hit on all cylinders against a top 15 team? Was it 2006? Terrelle Pryor delivers a strong performance, but USC wins the battle at the line of scrimmage more often than not, and its stable of running backs takes advantage. Matt Barkley isn't a huge factor but makes enough plays to win.

Oregon 38, Purdue 31 -- I really want to pick Purdue here because Oregon could be on the brink of self-destruction, but I'm just not sold on the Boilers' defense after the Toledo game. Open-field tackling means everything against the spread offense, and even without LeGarrette Blount, Oregon's attack will be better. Could see the Ducks in a blowout; could see the Boilers in an upset. Oregon ends up winning a fairly tight contest, though Ralph Bolden has another big game for Purdue.

Season record: 10-1 (.909)

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

After Michigan completed its timed testing in the offseason, sophomore defensive linemen Ryan Van Bergen and Mike Martin examined the numbers and came to an obvious conclusion.

Whether it was the 40-yard dash, the shuttle run or another event, the Wolverines' defensive line would undoubtedly be much faster despite losing three starters. New defensive coordinator Greg Robinson and his staff also noticed the numbers and made speed a focal point of their scheme.

Wolverines linemen no longer would be divided into pass-rushers and lane cloggers. Every guy was a speed guy.

"We’re running after the ball every play," Martin said. "If there’s a ball thrown, the D-line’s running out of the stack and getting after it. It doesn’t matter if it’s a 40-yard pass or a 3-yard dump, we’re always sprinting."

Michigan showcased its speed in the season opener against Western Michigan, making life miserable for Broncos senior quarterback Tim Hiller in a 31-7 win. The Wolverines recorded two sacks and six tackles for loss, and Hiller completed just 13 of 24 pass attempts in a miserable first half.

"It’s not something that they were prepared for, as far as how much we’ve advanced physically," Van Bergen said. "Our defensive line is a little bit different this year. Me, Mike, Brandon [Graham] and Craig [Roh] are all speed guys."

Hiller is known for his quick release and his short drops on passes, two factors that usually neutralize the pass rush. Western Michigan tied for 11th nationally last year in fewest sacks allowed.

“A three-step, typically it’s based to take the defensive line out of the picture," Van Bergen said. "We made our minds up as a group that we weren’t going to be ignored.”

(Read full post)

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Michigan and Notre Dame have shown in recent years that no college football program is immune from periods of turbulence, frustration and discontent.

Both programs have endured coaching change, major schematic adjustments, 3-9 seasons, quarterback shuffling and disillusionment from their respective fan bases. Arguably no two FBS head coaches entered their season openers last Saturday with more pressure than Michigan's Rich Rodriguez and Notre Dame's Charlie Weis, both of whom are known for their offensive minds.

Granted, Nevada and Western Michigan aren't supposed to beat Notre Dame and Michigan, but after recent losses to Navy, Syracuse, Appalachian State and Toledo, neither the Irish nor the Wolverines takes much for granted any more.

If Michigan had stumbled against the Broncos, Rodriguez might have had his own billboard in Ann Arbor, like Weis in South Bend.

Both squads delivered impressive wins. Both showcased improved quarterback play from Notre Dame's Jimmy Clausen and Michigan's Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson. Both shut down heralded signal-callers in Nevada's Colin Kaepernick and Western Michigan's Tim Hiller.

Notre Dame and Michigan have traveled remarkably similar paths to Saturday's showdown at Michigan Stadium (ABC, 3:30 p.m. ET). For the first time since 2006, the game serves as a platform for one of the sport's winningest programs to make a national statement.

"I see it as an opportunity for both teams," Michigan sophomore defensive end Ryan Van Bergen said. "Notre Dame has had their own trials and tribulations over there, and obviously, we've had some things happen recently and last year. We've both had doubts arisen about us.

"This game is national. Everybody in the country follows the Michigan-Notre Dame game. It's a game about respect and getting the pride back in both programs, so it's going to be interesting."

Here's a quick look at the similarities for the two programs in recent years:

Michigan-Notre Dame: By the Numbers Michigan '08 Notre Dame '07 Record 3-9 3-9 Total offense rank 109th 119th Scoring offense rank 84th 116th Result vs. opp. 35-17 loss 38-0 loss Bad loss Toledo Navy Number of QBs 3 3

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

After several installments of power rankings during the offseason (when no games were actually being played), it's time to assess the league with a bit of concrete evidence.

First, a quick power rankings primer. These rankings are meant to be fluid. If a team loses or struggles in a game it should win, it pays the price. If a team looks impressive in victory or pulls an upset, it usually moves up. Try not to throw a tantrum if your team isn't where you think it should be. There are opportunities every week to move up. And move down.

Week 1 wasn't great for the Big Ten, as two ranked teams (Ohio State, Iowa) struggled and a potential sleeper team (Illinois) simply fell asleep. But there was good news in Ann Arbor, as Michigan looks to be respectable again. The top three look very solid to me. After that, it's a bit murky.

1. Penn State (1-0) -- The Nittany Lions handled their business with no drama against Akron, surging to a 31-0 halftime lead. Daryll Clark showed why he's the Big Ten's best quarterback, and for now, Penn State is the league's top team. Joe Paterno wants to see better play from his offensive line, but the wide receivers looked impressive.

2. Ohio State (1-0) -- Sure, Navy is a tricky team with a tricky offense. Tell me something I don't know. Bottom line: Ohio State was bigger and more talented at pretty much every position. The Buckeyes had a chance to put away the game early in the fourth quarter, but head coach Jim Tressel made a poor decision and his players had several breakdowns. It will take a much better performance across the board to simply keep pace with USC.

3. Michigan State (1-0) -- The Spartans hold a firm grip on the No. 3 spot after a stress-free win against Montana State. Quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Keith Nichol continue to pace one another in a good way, and linebacker Greg Jones picked up where he left off in 2008. Michigan State's line play still concerns me a bit, but I like the team's depth at most key positions.

4. Northwestern (1-0) -- Iowa's near disaster allows Northwestern to move up a spot. Towson didn't present much of a challenge for the Wildcats, who could have easily put up 60 points in Saturday's game. They might not get a true test until Week 3 or 4, but they had to be pleased with quarterback Mike Kafka and wide receiver Andrew Brewer in the opener.

5. Iowa (1-0) -- Hawkeye fans are already spreading the Northern Iowa gospel after their team was a 41-yard field goal away from a crushing defeat on Saturday. True, the Panthers are an excellent FCS program, but Iowa should feel free to take care of business and perform like a ranked team. It didn't happen, and the Hawkeyes' run game seems a bit shaky with Jewel Hampton lost for the season. There will be chances to move up, and Iowa needs to look like the team that ended last season on a great run.

6. Michigan (1-0) -- No team in the Big Ten had a more impressive debut, especially considering the circumstances. Rich Rodriguez's team showed unity, toughness and, most important, better execution on both sides of the ball as it totally dismantled Western Michigan. Rodriguez finally has the right quarterbacks in place to run his offense (Tate Forcier, Denard Robinson), and the defense looked extremely well coached and energized as it ruined Tim Hiller's day. A chance to make a national statement and move up the rankings arrives Saturday against Notre Dame (ABC, 3:30 p.m. ET).

7. Wisconsin (1-0) -- Finishing games will continue to be a theme in Madison after Wisconsin allowed two late touchdowns to Northern Illinois. But for the most part, the Badgers had a nice debut as Scott Tolzien performed well at quarterback and Isaac Anderson distinguished himself as a playmaker at wide receiver. Wisconsin will need a more complete performance against Fresno State to move up the rankings.

8. Minnesota (1-0) -- A come-from-behind road win certainly means something, but Minnesota probably shouldn't have been in such a desperate position against Syracuse. The Gophers easily jumped ahead 14-3 but endured an offensive lull similar to the ones that cropped up late last season. Linebacker Lee Campbell led an admirable defensive performance. Air Force provides a good test this week as Minnesota opens TCF Bank Stadium.

9. Purdue (1-0) -- Boilers fans have the right to be a bit ticked off with this placement, but I need to see a little more from Danny Hope's team before buying in. If Purdue heads to Eugene and pulls the upset -- or merely keeps pace with Oregon for the second straight year -- I'll be happy to move the Boilers up the rankings. Ralph Bolden's performance was extremely impressive, though the defense needs to be better against Jeremiah Masoli and the wounded Ducks.

10. Illinois (0-1) -- Granted, Illinois played a tougher opponent (Missouri) than its Big Ten brethren in Week 1, but a complete collapse in St. Louis is simply unacceptable. The Illini were the deeper and more experienced team, but they looked flustered and lifeless at times, delivering the type of performance that kept them out of a bowl game last year. A 1-4 start isn't out of the question for Illinois, which needs to bounce back strong to avoid a trip to the basement.

11. Indiana (1-0) -- A win's a win, but there won't be many more in Bloomington if Indiana doesn't pick up its play on both sides of the ball. The pistol formation was supposed to spark the rushing attack, but the Hoosiers gained just 73 yards on the ground against Eastern Kentucky, an FCS team. Indiana had three turnovers and endured several breakdowns in the secondary. Western Michigan and Hiller provide a bigger test this week, and Indiana needs to meet it.