ESPN College Football

As college football suffered through an offseason of scandal, two programs found themselves squarely in the crosshairs.

Ohio State made headlines for the wrong reasons throughout much of the spring and summer, especially during an eight-day stretch when coach Jim Tressel resigned and starting quarterback Terrelle Pryor left the program. The notoriety then shifted to Miami after a Yahoo! Sports investigation revealed damaging allegations by former booster Nevin Shapiro.

It brings us to Saturday night, when the Buckeyes and Hurricanes will meet on the field.

Some folks are calling it the Ineligi-Bowl.

Both teams are short-handed -- Ohio State more than Miami -- and both are dealing with change and intense scrutiny. Both are facing potential NCAA penalties and uncertain futures, but first-year coaches Luke Fickell and Al Golden are trying to keep the focus on the field.

Bloggers Heather Dinich (ACC) and Adam Rittenberg (Big Ten) break down a unique matchup at Sun Life Stadium.

Adam Rittenberg: HD, hope you had a better summer than the Canes or Buckeyes. Both programs have dealt with a lot of recent distractions. Miami dropped its opener to Maryland but regains the services of quarterback Jacory Harris and others from suspension. Ohio State still will be without three offensive starters and looked very shaky Saturday against Toledo. Before getting between the lines, let's look between the ears. How do you think these teams are approaching this game from a mental standpoint? Does one squad have an edge?

Heather Dinich: The only edge I see, Ritt, is the fact that Miami had a bye week to move on from its loss to Maryland, while that scare from Toledo is pretty fresh in the Buckeyes’ heads. Then again, it could have been just the wake-up call Ohio State needed. Plus, Miami has to be recharged a bit and excited about getting several of its players back from the opening-game suspension. Miami was without eight players against the Terps, and now five of those players return, including Harris. Most notably, the defense should get a boost up front from the return of linebacker Sean Spence, defensive end Adewale Ojomo, and defensive tackle Marcus Forston. The Canes were beat up front by Maryland, but the return of those guys should give them some more confidence heading into the Ohio State game. What about the Buckeyes? Two wins over teams they should beat. Are they ready for their first real test of the season?

AR: Ohio State's first real test actually came Saturday against Toledo, although few thought the Rockets would challenge the Buckeyes. Toledo found gaps in Ohio State's secondary and held the Buckeyes to just six points in the second half. Ohio State will have to play better in all three phases against Miami, especially in the kicking game after the Canes recorded two returns for touchdowns last year in Columbus. The first road game always presents challenges, especially for an Ohio State team dealing with significant personnel losses on both sides of the ball. Line play is an area the Buckeyes must lean on Saturday night, as Ohio State has proven veterans on both sides like center Mike Brewster and defensive lineman John Simon. But with so many key players out, the Buckeyes will be challenged.

Speaking of getting key players back, what's your take on the short suspensions for Harris and the others? Ohio State fans are livid that the Tat-4 remains out while Shapiro's pals are back on the field this week.

HD: Well, fortunately for the sport, there really is no precedent for this, so it seems like the only thing you can really compare in these two cases is the monetary value of their infractions. In Miami's cases, the harshest punishments (six games and four games), were reserved for violations that occurred when Olivier Vernon and Ray-Ray Armstrong were still recruits. Vernon has to repay more than $1,200, Armstrong (four games) and Dyron Dye (four games) were both less than $800. The one-game suspensions correlate to players whose violations all amounted to less than $500. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think the Buckeyes are working on repaying between $1,000-$2,500. I think it's safe to say the Buckeyes' violations were more costly in more ways than one, as they should be.

All of that aside, though, there's only one thing that will matter on Saturday, and that's who wins. Miami hasn't started out 0-2 since 1978. Who, in your opinion, needs this win more?

AR: Yeah, I think the folks in Columbus are more upset that three players who took money at a charity function -- running back Jordan Hall and defensive backs Travis Howard and Corey Brown -- are serving longer suspensions than those who took benefits from Shapiro. But whatever. Both teams really need this win, but I'll make the case for Ohio State. Unlike Golden, who shouldn't have to worry about his job security (whether he wants to stay at Miami is another question), Fickell and his staff have no guarantees beyond this season. While coaches need the players to perform well in the Big Ten no matter what, this is the type of game that can build confidence or reduce it. Any road win boosts a team's morale, but beating Miami without so many key pieces would increase the Buckeyes' belief that they can continue to achieve their top goals despite all the turmoil. I certainly see the urgency for Miami, too.

Let's talk about Jacory Harris. I'll be kind and say he was very bad last year at The Shoe. If not for his interceptions, Miami could have made things very interesting. How do you think Harris fares against an Ohio State defense with a bunch of new starters, particularly in the secondary?

HD: Four turnovers was the reason Miami lost this game last year. I would be surprised if Jacory doesn't play better. I spent some time down at Miami this summer and could sense some genuine confidence in Harris from first-year offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch and from Golden. They backed that up when they named him the starter after the loss to Maryland. I know Stephen Morris is the fan favorite, but Jacory's experience alone will help alleviate some of the mistakes and confusion that came in the loss to the Terps. This is Jacory's last season to go out a winner and redeem himself. I believe he is truly a more confident player, but how that translates in his first start since a dreadful performance in the Sun Bowl last year remains to be seen. He still has a lot to prove. Of the four ACC teams lining up against ranked opponents this weekend, though, I give the Canes the best chance to win. I'll save the score for Thursday's picks, but I'm sticking with the ACC in this one. I'll give you the last word, though, since I know you'll need it to defend the Buckeyes.

AR: Thank you, ma'am. Defending Ohio State after last week's performance isn't easy, but Toledo looks like a pretty solid team, and coach Tim Beckman definitely had the Rockets ready to play. Given the players missing on offense, Ohio State will have to win this game by playing TresselBall -- ironically without Tressel. It'll be all about defense, the run game, controlling field position on special teams and limiting mistakes. The Buckeyes need a much sharper defensive performance and I think they'll get one, especially against Harris, whom I don't trust at all to limit mistakes. The kick and punt coverage teams have to be sharper than they were last year and against Toledo. It will be tough for Fickell's crew, but there are enough leaders on that team who know how to win tough games. I'll also wait to reveal my score Thursday, but I'm going with the Scarlet and Gray.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg and Brian Bennett

Eight FBS teams call Ohio home, but only one program has been nationally relevant for decades. Ohio State is the state's premier program, having won 13 national championships and 33 Big Ten championships. It's produced seven Heisman Trophy winners.

But for the first time in recent memory, the Buckeyes face a legit challenger for the title of best in state. Cincinnati has surged under third-year coach Brian Kelly, winning the Big East last season and rising to No. 8 in the BCS standings, nine spots ahead of the Buckeyes, who already have two losses. While the teams don't meet again until 2012, the two programs have been compared a lot during the past few weeks.

Big Ten blogger Adam Rittenberg and Big East blogger Brian Bennett break down the debate in the Buckeye State.

Adam Rittenberg: We've already looked at Iowa-Cincinnati and Penn State-Pitt. Now let's get to a topic that has been debated for a while this season. A Cincinnati radio station even got into the act to mock Ohio State after the Buckeyes' loss to Purdue. What's your take on these two teams?

Brian Bennett: Adam, Cincinnati fans are getting a bit chesty after decades of playing the role of little brother in Ohio. Well, maybe more like little second cousin than little brother. Look, there's no question that the Buckeyes have a William Taft-sized edge on the Bearcats in history, tradition, resources and facilities. But college football is becoming a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately sport, and it's hard to argue against the fact that Cincinnati is having the better season this year.

	AP Photo/Jay LaPrete
	The Buckeyes have yet to figure out how to best utilize Terrelle Pryor’s skills.

Which team is better? That's debatable. But let me ask you this: If given the choice, would you rather have Terrelle Pryor, who looks ill-suited for Ohio State's system, or Tony Pike expertly running the spread? Or, for that matter, Bearcats backup Zach Collaros, who's a dual-threat guy himself?

Rittenberg: Cincinnati knows exactly who it is on offense, and the results show every time the Bearcats take the field. The system is bigger than any player, as Kelly can plug in just about anyone at quarterback and get tremendous results. Ohio State, meanwhile, hasn't established an offensive identity since Pryor became the starter. The Buckeyes keep experimenting with the spread, the pistol formation, a pro-style set, etc., as they try to mold the offense around Pryor. I wish they'd just pick something and stick with it, even if it's an option-based offense. I do think Pryor will get better over time. He's just so talented.

Ohio State's defense knows exactly who it is, and it's an extremely talented group. I know UC's offense is tremendous, but do the Bearcats face any defenses like Ohio State's in the Big East?

Bennett: Well, a couple of weeks ago, I might have said South Florida, but the Bulls have since been exposed. So it's true that at least so far, the Bearcats haven't faced any shutdown, stout defenses. The last time they did, in fact, was against Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl, and that didn't work out so well.

	Joel Auerbach/US Presswire
	Brian Kelly’s offense has proven successful no matter who is at quarterback.

But I do think this is a better, more well-rounded offense than even last year. And if you can fairly ask if Cincinnati has seen a defense like Ohio State's, I can fairly counter by asking if the Buckeyes have faced anything as good as Kelly's offense. USC wasn't exactly airing it out. Purdue runs some spread and managed to beat Ohio State, and I think we'd both agree that the Boilermakers aren't quite in the Bearcats' class. And on the flip side, don't count out that Cincinnati defense, which statistically has been better than the one in Columbus.

Rittenberg: I can't believe you, Bennett. You're totally neglecting the mighty Toledo Rockets, the nation's 14th-ranked offense that managed to put up exactly zero points against Ohio State back on Sept. 19. I see how it is. Now that Cincinnati is highly ranked and competing for state bragging rights, you totally neglect the little guy. Jim Tressel wouldn't approve.

In all seriousness, no, Ohio State hasn't faced an offense that resembles Cincinnati's, though the Buckeyes really did a nice job against USC until the final drive. It's too bad Illinois never showed up this season, as the Illini could have given Ohio State a nice challenge. But Kelly's scheme would really test Ohio State, especially in the secondary. Kurt Coleman is one of the best safeties in the country, but corners Chimdi Chekwa and Devon Torrence would have their hands full. Ohio State's pass rush would need to be on point, but I have full faith in the Buckeyes' defensive line.

OK, Brian, you're on the spot. Who wins this game? And perhaps, more importantly, could Cincinnati win in Columbus? I don't think the Bearcats enter many environments nearly as hostile as The Shoe.

Bennett: Does this mean we have to debate Toledo vs. Akron next?

You know, if they played every year or even if they played 100 times this year, Ohio State would probably win the majority of them. But in a one-shot deal, this year, no matter where the game was played, I'd cast my lot with the Bearcats. Not only is this a really good team, but it's a team full of guys who grew up in Ohio but weren't considered good enough to play for the Buckeyes. Combine their talent with motivation, and I think that would be enough to change the state's power structure for one day, at least.

Who would you take?

Rittenberg: I agree the Bearcats would have no trouble getting up for this game. Cincinnati clearly has the better offense, but I don't think UC has seen a defense like Ohio State's. Keep in mind the Buckeyes play a similar style to Virginia Tech, which beat Cincinnati pretty handily in the Orange Bowl. Location also would make a difference. Cincinnati wins at Nippert, but I don't see the Buckeyes losing this game in Columbus.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The Ohio State Buckeyes are victims of a double standard, and they deserve better.

	Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
	Ohio State coach Jim Tressel and his Buckeyes are victims of a double standard.

Ohio State has seen its national approval rating steadily decline since the 2007 BCS national title game, the first of six consecutive losses against top 5 opponents. Much of the heat directed toward Columbus is warranted. Ohio State has disappointed the national media on the game's biggest stage several times, and despite a series of strong recruiting classes, the team has underachieved in several areas, namely along the offensive line.

But another national powerhouse deserves the same treatment. Another big-name has been just as disappointing in big games, if not worse. And yet that team continues to escape the hate. Meet the Oklahoma Sooners. They're apparently made out of Teflon.

Let's review some of the similarities between Ohio State and Oklahoma:

• Ohio State has a three-game losing streak in BCS bowls; Oklahoma has dropped five consecutive BCS bowls, including games in each of the last three seasons.
• Ohio State suffered two blowout losses in the national title game; Oklahoma fell to USC 55-19 in the 2005 Orange Bowl, which gave the Trojans the national championship. The Sooners also suffered a 20-point loss to a West Virginia team that had just lost its head coach in the 2008 Fiesta Bowl. And they lost to non-BCS Boise State.
• Both teams have had Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks (Troy Smith and Sam Bradford) stumble in the national title game.
• Both teams have taken care of business in their leagues. Ohio State has won or shared the last four Big Ten titles. Oklahoma has won the last three Big 12 championships.

Despite the parallels, Ohio State continues to be the nation's piñata, while Big Game Bob Stoops and the Sooners get a pass. The latest example arrived Sunday, as Ohio State moved down two spots to No. 13 in the AP Poll, while Oklahoma moved up two spots to No. 10.

What happened Saturday? Ohio State pounded Toledo 38-0 in Cleveland, the same Rockets team that had embarrassed Big 12 member Colorado the previous week. Oklahoma crushed Tulsa 45-0, a very solid win without Bradford at the helm.

Still, I don't see much of a difference here. So why the shuffle in the polls?

Perhaps it's because USC, which beat Ohio State in Columbus on Sept. 12, lost to unranked Washington in Seattle. Meanwhile, a BYU team that beat Oklahoma in Dallas on Sept. 5 got utterly embarrassed on its home field by Florida State.

Explain to me how USC's loss, which came on the road with the backup quarterback (Aaron Corp) at the helm, should punish Ohio State, while BYU's loss, which came with the Cougars at full strength and on their home field, rewards Oklahoma.

It's ridiculous. And it needs to stop.

I don't vote in the AP Poll. For what it's worth, I have USC at No. 11, Ohio State at No. 12 and Oklahoma at No. 13 in my most recent ESPN.com power rankings.

People can pick on Ohio State until the Buckeyes win a big nonconference game. But Oklahoma deserves the exact same treatment.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

After a week of criticism, Ohio State's offense is getting the therapy it needs against a bad Toledo defense.

Quarterback Terrelle Pryor has found wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher for two quick touchdown passes, and the Buckeyes are very much in command at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Ohio State piled up more than 150 yards in less than 10 minutes as Pryor looks much more comfortable in the pocket.

Pryor needs a clear No. 1 wide receiver to emerge, and perhaps Sanzenbacher can be that guy. I was surprised Ohio State didn't go back to him more after he made a big play in the first half against USC last week. The Buckeyes are also 3-for-3 on third downs, an encouraging sign after struggling mightily (4-for-13) against the Trojans.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Ohio State's much maligned offensive line will be without its most experienced member for the next 3-4 weeks, as starting right tackle Jim Cordle is out with an ankle injury.

Cordle actually sustained the injury last week in practice, but he started and played against USC and returned to practice this week. But the ankle got progressively worse and Cordle underwent an MRI on Wednesday.

Sophomores J.B. Shugarts and Mike Adams, two heralded recruits who have yet to play major roles yet, will get more work in the coming weeks. Shugarts will make his first career start at right tackle Saturday against Toledo, while Adams will be the backup at both tackle spots. Junior Andy Miller remains the starter at left tacke.

Adams is active for the game after missing the first two weeks. Sources told me Adams had been suspended, though head coach Jim Tressel never acknowledged it.

Cordle has played all three offensive line positions and made 28 career starts. He started at center in 2007 and for part of 2008 before moving to guard. He switched to right tackle before this season.

Cordle's loss is a blow for Ohio State, though the team has recruited extremely well to the offensive line. It's time for coordinator/line coach Jim Bollman to get the most out of the group as the Buckeyes' entire offense has come under fire after the USC loss.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Ohio State's recent record against top 5 opponents can't be disputed, but neither can the team's resolve.

The Buckeyes have proven they bounce back strong from losses, even heartbreaking ones like last Saturday's 18-15 setback against USC. Ohio State has lost consecutive games just twice under head coach Jim Tressel, during a three-game slide way back in 2004.

While several of Ohio State's recent stumbles took place in bowl games, the team also has rebounded well in the regular season.

• After last year's 35-3 disaster at USC, the Buckeyes beat Troy 28-10 the next week in Terrelle Pryor's first career start at quarterback. Ohio State went on to win five consecutive games.
• Ohio State responded well from a 13-6 loss to Penn State last October, winning its final three regular-season games by a combined score of 117-37.
• Following losses to both Texas and Penn State in 2005, Ohio State bounced back the next week against San Diego State and Michigan State.
• When the team's 19-game win streak ended in 2003 against Wisconsin, Ohio State beat No. 9 Iowa the very next week. Later that year, after the Buckeyes fell at Michigan in what would be their last loss in the rivalry, they responded by beating Kansas State in the Fiesta Bowl.

Tressel said the first step to coping with defeat and bouncing back is being realistic about what just happened.

"We're all willing to look in the mirror, starting with us as coaches," Tressel said, "and our players have always been willing to look in the mirror and say, 'What is it that I can do to do my job a little bit better?' I don't know if we've always bounced back well, but regardless of what we've always done, what's needed right now is for us to focus on our preparation."

Ohio State's next opponent, Toledo, certainly has the Buckeyes' attention.

(Read full post)

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Purdue head coach Danny Hope holds a bachelor's degree in psychology, but he's not going to spend too much time trying to get inside the minds of the Oregon Ducks.

How Oregon responds from a poor performance against Boise State and an embarrassing incident after the game that led to star running back LeGarrette Blount being suspended for the season is the big question entering Saturday's clash with the Boilermakers (Fox Sports Net, 10:15 p.m. ET). Hope sees two possible outcomes.

"It can create some distractions with all the media interest and all the stuff that goes with it," Hope said. "And then a lot of times, it can cause you to bond together even stronger. I’m sure when we get to Eugene, they’ll have their A-game."

Purdue defensive coordinator Donn Landholm reviewed the Oregon-Boise State tape, but unlike most observers, he was more interested in what took place during the game than in the moments after the final gun.

Landholm doesn't think Oregon will miss a beat on offense without Blount, especially since the Ducks regularly stockpile running backs. He also expects Oregon to come out hot, though the Boise tape provided clues on how to shut down the potent spread offense. The Broncos held Oregon to 14 yards, no first downs and no points in the opening half.

"Any time you look at people that do similar things that you do defensively, you try to learn from those things," Landholm said. "So we certainly have been looking at the Boise game and trying to see what they did and what made them so successful against Oregon."

Landholm didn't have the benefit of tape last week against Toledo, which brought in a new coaching staff and changed the offensive system. Purdue shut down the Rockets' run game but missed too many tackles and allowed 31 points and 423 pass yards in a 52-31 win.

A more polished effort will be needed against Oregon.

"They're on the cutting edge of that system," Landholm said of the Ducks. "What makes it so tough is you have to be able to handle the dive and the quarterback and a pitch player, and then the passing game as well as all that. You do have to be good in space. Everybody has to be assignment sound, so they really do test you."

Purdue's defense held Oregon in check for much of last year's game in West Lafayette, a contest the Boilers had multiple chances to win. The big difference Saturday will be Ducks quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, who didn't appear in last year's game.

"Very dynamic player," Landholm said. "Very good arm, runs the ball very well, and you can tell that he’s a heady player as well because he can get himself out of some jams and make plays when a play breaks down.”

Added Hope: "He can do it all."

Landholm will lean heavily on his veteran secondary Saturday night, and Purdue also must generate pressure on Masoli from seasoned defensive linemen Ryan Kerrigan and Mike Neal. Redshirt freshman tackle Kawann Short is one of the young defenders who stood out to Landholm in the Toledo game, and Landholm expects continued progress from his linebackers.

Last year's loss to Oregon took place in Week 2, but in many ways it set the course for a disappointing Boilermakers season. The players haven't forgotten.

"I don't want to talk about it," cornerback Brandon King said with a smile when we spoke last month. "It is what it is. They won, but we didn't finish. [If Purdue had won], maybe our mentality would be different."

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Purdue cornerback Brandon King got a sneak preview of Ralph Bolden's breakaway speed during a practice last month.

	Andrew Weber/US Presswire
	Purdue running back Ralph Bolden put his speed on display last Saturday.

"He hit a play, he was coming through the A gap," King said, "and man, that was the fastest I've ever seen Ralph run. He's going to be exciting this year. We, on defense, we get to see it all."

The Boilermakers' practices in the spring and summer are generally closed to the public, so Bolden's brilliance was reserved for his teammates' eyes only. He put up ridiculous numbers during spring ball and didn't miss a beat in preseason camp to win the team's starting running back job.

Finally, the rest of the world got to see what Bolden could do on the field, and he didn't disappoint. The 5-9, 194-pound sophomore racked up 234 rushing yards -- the third highest single-game total in team history -- and two touchdowns on only 21 carries (11.2 ypc) in Saturday's win against Toledo. He sprinted 78 yards for a touchdown on Purdue's third play from scrimmage, saying later, "I saw grass. I just ran."

Bolden's effort in his first career start earned him Big Ten co-Offensive Player of the Week honors.

"I was like, 'Wow. Somebody probably gave me extra yards,'" Bolden told reporters of his reaction to seeing his final rushing total. "I'm speechless."

Bolden played as a true freshman in 2008 and had 16 rushes for 28 yards in eight games, but he wasn't fully recovered from a severe knee injury he suffered toward the end of his high school career. The pain disappeared by spring ball, and Bolden surged for 420 yards and four touchdowns in three spring scrimmages plus the spring game.

"Coming off the knee injury and everything, it gave me a lot of confidence, allowed me to do what I thought I could do coming out of high school," Bolden told me last month. "I've been able to carry it over."

Purdue's running backs were the talk of the preseason, the group everyone pegged to make the biggest jump this fall. Senior Jaycen Taylor returned to form after missing all of 2008 with a torn ACL, while Frank Halliburton and Dan Dierking impressed the coaches and heralded freshman Al-Terek McBurse got in some work before being slowed by injuries.

But Bolden stood out from the pack.

"Top end speed separates him in some ways," head coach Danny Hope said. "Right now on our football team, speed is something that we would like to get on the field and have more of it, and Ralph is fast. There were many, many times throughout the course of camp things were bottled up and shut down and he was able to stick his foot in the ground and bounce outside and run off the distance to the end zone."

Bolden is no longer a practice prodigy. He showed Saturday that he's just as dynamic when it matters.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

If you asked any Purdue player or coach to name the unit that turned the most heads in the preseason, they all provided the same answer: the running backs.

Known mostly for its passing game the last 12 years, Purdue wants to establish the run this fall and has done an excellent job so far against Toledo. Sophomore Ralph Bolden started things off with a 78-yard scoring run just 1:12 into the game, and senior Jaycen Taylor, making his return after missing all of last season with a knee injury, added a 43-yard touchdown scamper. Bolden already has six carries for 130 yards.

Midway through the second quarter, Purdue has 185 rush yards, eclipsing its game average from 2008 by 60 yards. Purdue needs to keep it up as it seems like Toledo is climbing back into this one.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Kick the ball, already.

• Back on Sunday night, which feels like a year ago, Rich Rodriguez's financial adviser said in a statement that the Michigan head coach had been the victim of a Ponzi scheme and that the "promoter of the scheme is currently awaiting trial on criminal charges." Well, we know who the promoter is now. All the details can be found at annarbor.com.
• The heat is rising on RichRod this fall, CBS Sports.com's Dennis Dodd writes.
• A Big Ten bowl game at Yankee Stadium? Could be a possibility, while Northwestern might move a future home game to The Bronx, Teddy Greenstein writes in the Chicago Tribune.
• Penn State's depth at defensive tackle will be tested since Brandon Ware will miss a month with a broken foot, Bob Flounders writes in The (Harrisburg) Patriot-News. While several Nittany Lions players are banged up, head coach Joe Paterno feels just fine as he prepares to return to the sideline, Bernard Fernandez writes in the Philadelphia Daily News.
• Ohio State's offensive line finally practiced as a unit Monday, easing concerns before the opener against Navy, Doug Lesmerises writes in The Cleveland Plain Dealer.
• Quarterback Kirk Cousins will start the opener for Michigan State, but the competition under center is far from over, Joe Rexrode writes in the Lansing State Journal. Caulton Ray will start at running back, and a few spots behind him sits Glenn Winston, who recently served four months in jail and returned too soon, Drew Sharp writes in the Detroit Free Press.
• This fall, new Minnesota offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch takes another step on his path to a head-coaching position, Kent Youngblood writes in the Star Tribune.
• Illinois finds itself in a battle with USC for the services of heralded prep wide receiver Kyle Prater, Jeremy Werner writes in The (Champaign) News-Gazette.
• Jewel Hampton's season-ending knee injury has prompted Iowa to look for Plan B at running back, Pat Harty writes in the Iowa City Press-Citizen.
• Indiana will finish 4-8 this fall, Terry Hutchens predicts in The Indianapolis Star.
• Facing Toledo in the season opener has signaled good things for Purdue in the past, Mike Carmin writes in The (Lafayette) Journal and Courier.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Big Ten football is here!

If you could see me right now, I'd be doing my happy dance. On second thought, it's probably better you don't see me.

Anyway, after this Sahara of an offseason, I'm excited to start blogging about actual games again.

Here's a quick rundown of what's on tap for the opening weekend in the Big Ten:

THURSDAY

Eastern Kentucky at Indiana, 8 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network

Indiana debuts the pistol offense against FCS Eastern Kentucky, a team that enjoyed good success under current Purdue head coach Danny Hope from 2003-07. Keep an eye on the Hoosiers' running back race, as three or four backs, including dynamic redshirt freshman Darius Willis, are expected to get carries. Coming off a 3-9 season, Indiana needs a strong start from its defense, who will face Colonels quarterback Cody Watts, a converted wide receiver who led the team in touchdown receptions (5) last season.

SATURDAY

Towson at Northwestern, noon ET, Big Ten Network

The Wildcats shouldn't have much trouble with Towson, a team that went 3-9 last season and still hasn't decided on its starting quarterback. But this will be a chance for Northwestern senior quarterback Mike Kafka and a new crop of starting skill players to get comfortable and gain confidence. Star defensive end Corey Wootton returns to the field after recovering from a torn ACL, and true freshman running back Arby Fields likely will see a lot of work.

Montana State at Michigan State, noon ET, Big Ten Network

All eyes will be on the Spartans' offensive backfield, where position battles at both quarterback and running back have intensified. Quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Keith Nichol both are expected to play a lot, but who creates separation will be key. Michigan State coaches told ESPN.com last week that running backs Caulton Ray, Larry Caper and Edwin Baker likely will enter the season as the top ball carriers. Montana State also remains unsettled at quarterback with Mark Iddins and Cody Kempt competing for the top spot.

Navy at No. 6 Ohio State, noon ET, ESPN

Before a much anticipated rematch with USC, Ohio State must get past Navy, which always provides a challenge but doesn't appear to be as strong as it is in most years. Terrelle Pryor's progress from Year 1 to Year 2 will be interesting to watch, and I'm also very curious about the left tackle position. Will Andrew Miller or J.B. Shugarts emerge as the answer to protect Pryor's blind side?

Akron at No. 9 Penn State, noon ET, Big Ten Network

Whether it's fair or not, everyone expects a blowout here, and Penn State needs to deliver. The Lions' schedule forces the team not only to win, but win in very impressive fashion. Penn State can build confidence at wide receiver and offensive line against Akron, which ranked 90th nationally in total defense last fall. Akron quarterback Chris Jacquemain is pretty solid and will provide a good test for a new-look Penn State secondary.

Minnesota at Syracuse, noon ET, ESPN2

What is it about Minnesota and dome stadiums? The Golden Gophers thought they had rid themselves of domes for good by moving out of the Metrodome last fall, but they head indoors again to face Syracuse. Emotions will be high in the Carrier Dome as the Doug Marrone era begins and former Duke basketball player Greg Paulus starts at quarterback. Minnesota is the better team here, and as long as the Gophers keep their composure and don't struggle too much with their new pro-style offense, they should be fine.

Toledo at Purdue, noon ET, Big Ten Network

The Danny Hope era begins in West Lafayette as Purdue takes on Toledo, which also welcomes in a new coach (Tim Beckman). It will be interesting to watch how much the Boilers offense has changed under coordinator Gary Nord. Running back is arguably Purdue's deepest position, and backs like Jaycen Taylor, Ralph Bolden and Frank Halliburton all should get work. Boilers quarterback Joey Elliott needs to be aware of Toledo star safety Barry Church, a Nagurski Award candidate.

Northern Iowa at No. 22 Iowa, noon ET, Big Ten Network

This isn't your run-of-the-mill FBS vs. FCS beatdown. It could turn out that way, but Northern Iowa is pretty good and Iowa has some issues at running back. Former walk-on Paki O'Meara likely will get the start at running back for the Hawkeyes. Former Wisconsin linebacker Elijah Hodge, whose brother Abdul starred for Iowa, is making his debut with Northern Iowa at Kinnick Stadium. Iowa has won the last 14 meetings in the series stretching back to 1898.

Western Michigan at Michigan, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC

There's plenty of intrigue here, and I'll be on hand to watch it. Michigan tries to win its first opener since 2006 and close the book on a disastrous 2008 season. The Wolverines could use three quarterbacks (Nick Sheridan, Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson) in the game, and they must try to contain a really good signal-caller (Tim Hiller) on the other side. Perhaps the biggest question is how Michigan will come out after the allegations from players about NCAA rule violations within the program. Can Michigan keep it together for a critical opener?

Illinois vs. Missouri (at St. Louis), 3:40 p.m. ET, ESPN

Easily the best matchup of a pretty bland opening weekend, Illinois and Missouri meet in what is usually an extremely entertaining game. Illinois returns more experience on offense and really needs a win to start a tough opening stretch. A key matchup pairs Illini quarterback Juice Williams and Missouri star linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, who recently Tweeted he'd "squeeze the pulp out of Juice." Williams set the total offense record at Edward Jones Dome in his last appearance against Missouri and needs a repeat performance.

Northern Illinois at Wisconsin, 7 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network

Week 1 wraps up with a night game at Camp Randall Stadium, where Wisconsin's surprise starting backfield of Scott Tolzien and Zach Brown takes on Northern Illinois. The Badgers likely will play both Tolzien and redshirt freshman Curt Phillips at quarterback, but Tolzien will have the first chance to create some separation. Versatile NIU quarterback Chandler Harnish provides a good challenge for a Wisconsin defense replacing five starters in the front seven.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

One day closer to actual football. The offseason is waaaay too long. 

• Purdue quarterback Robert Marve discusses the knee injury that should keep him limited for the entire fall, Mike Carmin writes in The (Lafayette) Journal and Courier.
  
• A pictorial look at Michigan State's projected starters, which include Kirk Cousins at quarterback and true freshman Edwin Baker at running back, courtesy of the Detroit Free Press. 
• Ohio State fans who bought early tickets to the Toledo game in Cleveland got caught in a common ticketing scheme, Rob Oller writes in The Columbus Dispatch.
  
• Michigan linebackers coach Jay Hopson likes what he sees from Jonas Mouton and Obi Ezeh, Mark Snyder writes in the Detroit Free Press. 
• Another classic Joe Paterno moment, this time when he passed Bear Bryant on the career coaching wins list, Bob Flounders writes in The (Harrisburg) Patriot-News.
• The contract for Wisconsin's 2010 matchup against San Jose State is nearly complete, Andy Baggott writes in the Wisconsin State Journal.
  
• Ohio State recruit Darryl Baldwin could play either defensive end or tight end in Columbus, Tim May writes in The Columbus Dispatch.  
• In case you missed Marc Morehouse's position-by-position breakdown of the best Iowa players during the Kirk Ferentz era. 
• Heralded junior college wideout Hayo Carpenter has arrived at Minnesota, the (St. Paul) Pioneer Press' Marcus Fuller writes in his blog.
  

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

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

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

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Purdue's Sept. 12 game at Oregon will kick off at 10:15 p.m. ET (7:15 p.m. local time), the Pac-10 has announced. Fox Sports Net will televise the game.

It marks the second night game for the Boilermakers in 2009. They will host Notre Dame on Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. ET, in a game televised by ABC or ESPN.

Purdue expects kickoff times for games against Toledo (Sept. 5), Northern Illinois (Sept. 19), Northwestern (Oct. 3) and Minnesota (Oct. 10) to be announced by July 1. 

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Joey Elliott has waited his turn, longer than almost any other Big Ten player. He backed up Curtis Painter at Purdue for three years, finally closed the gap last fall and then suffered a season-ending shoulder injury at Northwestern.

	Sandra Dukes/Icon SMI
	Barring a major upset, Joey Elliott will make his first career start to open the season.

After Friday's news at Purdue, Elliott's wait is most likely over.

Sophomore Justin Siller, Elliott's primary competition for the starting quarterback spot, has been dismissed from Purdue for violating academic policy. After participating in Purdue's first few workouts of the spring, Siller sat out Wednesday's practice to focus on his academics.

Head coach Danny Hope indicated Siller would be back at practice today. Instead, he's out of school completely.

"It's a disappointing conclusion and, as a football team, we feel for Justin and his family," Hope said in a prepared statement released today. "Justin made a mistake -- a bad decision -- and deserved to be punished. Our hope was that he would not be punished to the extent he has been. Now it is our responsibility to accept the decision and move forward. Justin is a fine young man, and we wish him nothing but the best."

There aren't many details about the cause for Siller's dismissal, and Purdue's student-athlete privacy policy prohibits Hope from elaborating on the situation. Siller could reapply for admission following the 2009-10 academic year.

Elliott entered spring ball as the front-runner at quarterback, but Siller started three games last fall and brought more versatility to the position. Siller switched from quarterback to running back last fall before injuries forced him to return to his original position. He led Purdue past Michigan in his first career start and showed promising signs as a runner.

This certainly isn't the way Elliott wanted to earn a starting job, and he'll still need to hold off redshirt freshman Caleb TerBush, who Hope said has had a strong spring. But Elliott's experience (10 games) trumps the other quarterbacks, and he brings good leadership skills to the table. Barring a major surprise, Elliott will make his first career start Sept. 5 against Toledo.

"He'll come to you sometimes with some play-calling ideas, some ideas about how we're going about our business," Hope told me on Monday. "He's a pretty special guy, he really is."

It's a good thing Purdue didn't make dramatic changes on offense despite bringing in a new coordinator in Gary Nord. The Boilers will still run the shotgun spread, with a few tweaks here and there.

Elliott, who wants to enter coaching immediately after he's done playing, should absorb things well this spring. But depth is now a major issue going into the fall.

Hope talked Monday about how he was more concerned with developing all of the Boilers' quarterbacks rather than selecting a clear No. 1. Purdue has a clear No. 1 now in Elliott, but it can't afford any more attrition.