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The Big Ten has had some odd choices for preseason offensive player of the year -- Terrelle Pryor in 2009 -- but this year's pick should be obvious. Wisconsin running back Montee Ball won the award after the 2011 season, and he's back in Madison for his senior year. Ball, one of two Heisman Trophy finalists returning for 2012, should be the preseason pick, end of story. We'll save you the suspense about our preseason player rankings: Ball will be No. 1.

But the preseason pick for OPOY often doesn't mean much. In fact, the preseason pick hasn't won the postseason award since Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith in 2006. Smith, by the way, is the last Big Ten player to win the Heisman Trophy.

2007
Preseason pick: Michigan RB Mike Hart
Winner: Illinois RB Rashard Mendenhall

2008
Preseason pick: Ohio State RB Chris Wells
Winner: Iowa RB Shonn Greene

2009
Preseason pick: Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor
Winner: Wisconsin RB John Clay

2010
Preseason pick: Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor
Winner: Michigan QB Denard Robinson

2011
Preseason pick: Michigan QB Denard Robinson
Winner: Wisconsin RB Montee Ball

Ball will be the favorite, but he's far from a shoo-in. There are several players who should challenge the Wisconsin star this season, and we've listed four of them in the accompanying poll. Vote and let us know who you think has the best chance to beat Ball for the offensive player of the year award.

Nebraska running back Rex Burkhead, Penn State running back Silas Redd and Michigan's Robinson are obvious choices. Burkhead and Redd carried their respective offenses as times last season, and both logged more than 240 carries (Burkhead had 283, the second most in the league behind Ball's 307). Burkhead plays for a unit that should see more balance and more weapons develop this season, but he remains the top ball-carrying option. Redd, meanwhile, might once again be Penn State's only viable offensive threat if the quarterback situation doesn't improve.

While Robinson's inclusion undoubtedly will spark some snide remarks, the guy has won the award before and remains one of the nation's most exciting offensive players. He's entering his third season as Michigan's starter, and if he can cut down on interceptions and become a more consistent passer, he'll be in the mix for both league and national awards.

The fourth choice was tough, and I considered several candidates, including Ohio State QB Braxton Miller, Iowa QB James Vandenberg and Michigan RB Fitzgerald Toussaint. Any of them could contend for offensive player of the year honors, as could several others. But I've always thought Michigan State's Le'Veon Bell could be a potential superstar in this league. As Michigan State transitions back to a run-heavy offense behind an improved offensive line, Bell will have a chance to shine.

What say you? Be sure and vote in the poll.

We've reached the final game in the first round of our Big Ten Champions Tournament, pitting eight of the best teams from the league over the past 15 years. Since these two teams are seeded closely, this might be our closest matchup of the first round.

Get ready to cast your votes for ...

No. 4 seed 2006 Ohio State vs. No. 5 seed 1998 Ohio State

This is our second all-Buckeyes matchup of the first round, which was hard to avoid since Ohio State has won so many Big Ten titles in the past 15 years. This one ought to be interesting.

The 2006 team was close to becoming an all-time great. It went undefeated in the regular season, beating then-No. 2 Michigan in a classic thriller in the finale, and quarterback Troy Smith won the Heisman Trophy. Alas, the Buckeyes flopped in the BCS title game against Florida, losing 41-14 in an embarrassing blowout. Still, that shouldn't totally take away from a terrific season and a strong roster that included Smith, Antonio Pittman, Chris Wells, Ted Ginn Jr. and Anthony Gonzalez on offense and Bronko Nagurski winner James Laurinaitis and Malcolm Jenkins on defense.

The 1998 team finished the season ranked No. 2 in both polls. Those Buckeyes were ranked No. 1 most of the season before getting upset at home by Michigan State on Nov. 7. They went on to beat Texas A&M in the Sugar Bowl. Stars included wideout David Boston and linebacker Andy Katzenmoyer, and the team was led by steady senior quarterback Joe Germaine. That team won every game by double digits except the Michigan State shocker. The 1998 season would prove to be the last real highlight of the John Cooper era.

Vote in our poll for the winner of this matchup. And if you want, drop me a line about why you voted the way you did and break down this game. I'll post the best responses when we announce the victor on Monday.

The Final Four of this tournament will be coming your way next week.

The season might be over, but the mail never stops.

Let's do this.

Mike from Phoenix writes: As a Badger fan I was waiting to see your final power rankings of the year because I had a feeling that you might make MSU number 1. I just don't get it. It's the same way the coaches poll has MSU and Michigan ahead of Wisconsin. That's a joke.Look at the teams everyone played in the bowl season. MSU barely beat Georgia who is not the 2nd best team in the SEC even though they went to the title game. They are the 4th best team in that league. Michigan looked bad, and played one of the easiest teams in BCS history. Wisconsin would have destroyed both Georgia and Va. Tech, but you are penalizing them for going blow for blow with the most talented offensive team in the country. They were a fumble away from possibly winning.

Adam Rittenberg: Brian and I had a spirited debate about Wisconsin vs. Michigan State for No. 1. You can make good cases for both teams, but you can't base it solely on the bowl competition. Would Wisconsin have rolled Georgia? Maybe, maybe not. Georgia has a much better defense than Oregon and would have moved the ball against a Wisconsin defense that wasn't nearly as good as its stats indicated. Wisconsin also was extremely fortunate to beat Michigan State in the Big Ten title game, which the Spartans dominated for stretches. The two teams are evenly matched, as their two games this season showed. And I believe Michigan State ended the season playing better football than Wisconsin. I also tend to value teams with good to great defenses above those that rely on their offense. Michigan State is certainly superior to Wisconsin on defense.

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Tim from Iowa writes: While it might get you some back lash, I'd like your opinion on this.....me and several friends have the opinion that if 2 B10 teams(esp in our champ game) played like LSU-Bama, the B10 would once again be ripped for 3 yards/cloud of dust 1950's football. I watched parts ofthe game last night, then the final 8min. what I saw was one great def, 2 bad quaterbacks, a very repeative ineffective O from LSU, and Iowa/B10 style ball control from Bama. then Saban being proclaimed the next "Bear".

Adam Rittenberg: Tim, you're right to a degree, although there was less SEC love about the national title game than there was about the 9-6 contest. The SEC in a sense has earned the right to have ugly games because teams from other leagues simply haven't stacked up against the SEC's best. The common belief is that while Oklahoma State would have scored against Alabama, the Tide still would have rolled the Cowboys by 20-30 points. But I agree the SEC is the only league that can "get away" with games like last night's. Most people would much rather see games like the Rose Bowl and the Fiesta Bowl. Alabama is a great football team with one of the best defenses I've ever seen. But LSU's offense would be mediocre to bad in most leagues, not just the SEC.

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Ryan from Pittsburgh writes: Adam,What are your thoughts on the new Penn State staff? I have to admit I'm somewhat surprised. For years I thought that PSU would turn the corner if they could only get a younger fresher staff in place to energize recruiting. This new staff that O'Brien has coming in is not young at all, so I doubt they're great recruiters. Plus any Auburn fan will tell you that Roof was fired. Mack Brown fired McWhorter last year. Am I overreacting?

Adam Rittenberg: You bring up a good point, Ryan. A lot of veteran assistants are joining Bill O'Brien in State College. Keeping Larry Johnson is huge and a somewhat obvious move. He's one of the Big Ten's top recruiters, and he'll maintain Penn State's presence in the Maryland/DC area. His age isn't a factor in that regard. Ted Roof is the hire that has some Penn State fans upset. I agree he doesn't have the best track record, but the overall defensive staff with both Johnson and Ron Vanderlinden still looks solid to me. Charles London is a younger guy (mid-30s), but he's definitely the junior member right now. It'll be interesting to see who O'Brien hires to fill out the staff. Some more youth would be nice.

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Jeff from Omaha, writes: Adam? Why am I so awesome?

Adam Rittenberg: Ask myself the same thing every morning.

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Sam from Kalamazoo, Mich., writes: Adam, can you please explain your rationale for naming MSU as an early favorite to win the B1G in 2012 over, say, Michigan? The Wolverines return two 1,000 yard rushers in Denard and Fitz Toussaint, 3 starting receivers, and a top-5 recruiting class loaded with 4 and 5 star DLs, LBs, and OLs. Molk, Van Bergen, and Martin will be sorely missed, but I'm not sure it makes sense that MSU is so ramped for success after losing 6 All-Big Ten players and playing in the Big House. Can you even name next year's replacement for mighty Kirk Cousins off the top of your head?

Adam Rittenberg: Sure, Sam. Andrew Maxwell. Michigan State has been grooming him the past two seasons. Will he be as good as Cousins? That's a tall order, but he's not coming out of nowhere. Michigan State is my pick because of its defense. While Jerel Worthy is a big loss, the Spartans return a ton of elite athletes in all three levels, players like Will Gholston, Denicos Allen, Johnny Adams and Darqueze Dennard. The Spartans have more difference-makers on defense than Michigan will in 2011, at least in my view. I also believe MSU will be a more effective running team than it was this season because of an experienced line and a strong lead back in Le'Veon Bell. I certainly could see Michigan winning the division, but the Wolverines have a much tougher schedule in 2012 and could have a better team with a worse record (much like MSU this season versus 2010).

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Ben from Fargo, N.D., writes: One of the big stories in 2012 will be a surprising improvement in Minnesota's defensive line play. Ask Jerry Kill about Thieren Cockran. He's coach Kill's secret weapon.

Adam Rittenberg: Will do, Ben. Thanks for the note. Minnesota's defensive line play has struggled since Willie VanDeSteeg departed following the 2008 season. Gophers have ranked and 78th, 120th and 86th nationally in sacks in the past three seasons. It's an area of focus throughout the offseason as Minnesota loses linebacker Gary Tinsley and standout safety Kim Royston. Cockran, a redshirt freshman defensive end from Florida, is among those who needs to step up in 2012.

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Matt from Burbank, Calif., writes: Hi Adam,Regarding Northwestern next year, do you think Kain Colter gets the starting QB job? I've been of the opinion that he is more dangerous in a utility role as he was used these season, but on the other hand he's proven he can win and be effective as the top guy. Additionally, do you think there's any hope for this defense?Thanks for a great season, can't wait till next year! Bowl win or bust!

Adam Rittenberg: Matt, I think Colter will be the starter for 2012, but he has to make some important strides as a passer during the offseason. Northwestern's offense is predicated on short passing and accuracy. The Wildcats convert a lot of third downs, and Colter has to be able to make the throws Dan Persa, Mike Kafka and C.J. Bacher have made in recent years. He's the best athlete Northwestern ever has had at quarterback, and he's a perfect fit for the spread -- as long as he gets better as a passer. If there's little to no progress, Northwestern will have to use another quarterback, likely Trevor Siemian, to spark the passing game. Offensive coordinator Mick McCall has developed quarterbacks well at Northwestern, and Colter is his next big project.

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Kevin from New Orleans writes: It's been a tough couple weeks to be a Badger. Lost the Rose Bowl, lost 3 straight in hoops, lost 5 coaches. First let me say, if Bielama has Barry's confidence and support, then he has mine. Have you heard anything? Are the Badgers getting some really good coaches? I doubt we'll get anybody that can match the talent we are losing, but maybe we get an upgrade on the recruiting. 4 of the 5 coaches that left were not good recruiters. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Adam Rittenberg: Kevin, while it's tough right now, I think Wisconsin fans should have faith in Bret Bielema to make some good hires. As you note, Joe Rudolph is the only major loss from a recruiting standpoint. Bielema has made good choices in the past, such as defensive coordinator Dave Doeren (now head coach at Northern Illinois), Dave Huxtable (did a great job with UW linebackers in only year) and Chris Ash (has upgraded secondary, now defensive coordinator). It'll be interesting to see where he turns to replace Paul Chryst and Bob Bostad, but a lot of good coaches will want to come to Madison after seeing what Wisconsin has done the past few years. So I would look at Bielema's hiring track record and feel confident.

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Lance from Arlington writes: "While Penn State has produced some solid college quarterbacks -- most recently Daryll Clark, the 2009 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year"While your opinion is correct in general, saying Daryll Clark was solid does him an injustice. DC (along with Drew Brees) was the best QB the Big Ten has had since Kerry Collins and Michael Robinson is right there. Simply put, Penn State has produced three of the top five QB's to have competed in the Big Ten since their arrival. You will no doubt disagree since you hate Penn State but you are wrong.

Adam Rittenberg: Lance, I don't hate Penn State. I hate every school according to you folks. Let's get that cleared up. I was a big Daryll Clark fan during his career, but your argument doesn't hold up. Troy Smith won a Heisman Trophy in 2006. He played between Brees and Clark. Iowa's Brad Banks won the Davey O'Brien award in 2002. He played between Brees and Clark. While Clark led the Big Ten in pass efficiency in conference games in 2009 (136.6), it's the lowest rating for a Big Ten leader since at least 1980. His season rating that year (142.6) didn't lead the league (Terrelle Pryor did) and ranks behind all of the league leaders since 1980. Again, not hating on Daryll, who has a really nice career in State College, as did Michael Robinson. But there have been better Big Ten quarterbacks since Kerry Collins, including Wisconsin's Russell Wilson this year.

EVANSTON, Ill. — Dan Persa wants his legacy at Northwestern to go beyond wins and losses and individual records.

More than anything, Persa hopes he has helped change the way Wildcats players approach their craft. The quarterback set an example early in his career as the team's top weight-room performer and reinforced his reputation as the team's hardest worker while rehabbing a ruptured Achilles' tendon during the winter, spring and summer.

"My outlook is there's always going to be somebody better out there, and you're going to have to outwork somebody if you want to go anywhere," Persa told ESPN.com after Monday's practice. "You can't just show up. That's the kind of thing I wanted to leave, making football a priority and finding a way to give it everything you've got and never regretting, 'Man, I wish I did this or did that.'

"Just do it all."

Persa has done plenty during his time at Northwestern, particularly in the last two seasons as the team's starting quarterback. He has seen changes in the team's dedication to the game, and expects those to continue after he has departed the program.

But has Persa been rewarded for all his hard work?

After carrying the team through the first 10 games last fall, Persa watched from the sideline as Northwestern suffered blowout losses against Illinois and Wisconsin, and then dropped the TicketCity Bowl to Texas Tech. This year he dealt with lingering effects from the Achilles' as well as other ailments, and still led the Big Ten in passing average (240.3) and led the nation in completion percentage (74.2).

Yet the team went 6-6, largely because of a defense that couldn't get off of the field.

"That's a tough question for me to answer," Persa said when asked if he deserved more. "Obviously, it's disappointing the way we lost six games this year, but I don't know. I'm more worried about we could have done more than whatever our rewards would have been."

There's still one more reward out there, a bowl win, Northwestern's first since the 1949 Rose. Persa wraps up his college career Saturday against Texas A&M in the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas.

The senior says he's as healthy as he has been all season, benefiting from the added time without a game.

"We've got one more chapter of the book, one more story to tell," Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald said. "The body of work at this point speaks for itself, but to be the quarterback and to be the leader who gets the 63-year-old monkey off our back would be one heck of a final chapter to, in my opinion, a career that has been pretty magical and pretty special."

Persa is on track to set several individual milestones in the bowl game. He needs just 32 pass yards for 5,000 in his career and 277 total offensive yards for 6,000 in his career. His career passing efficiency mark of 157.47 would rank first in Big Ten history, ahead of Ohio State's Troy Smith (157.1 rating), and first in NCAA history among quarterbacks who completed 400-499 career passes.

Most impressive, he should set the NCAA's all-time career completion percentage record even if he has a miserable performance in Houston. Persa, who has a career completions rate of 73 percent, needs 19 attempts to meet the minimum qualifying standard for pass attempts per game. He could fail to complete any of the 19 passes and still break Colt Brennan's NCAA completions record (70.4 percent). Persa hasn't completed less than 62 percent of his passes since being named the starter, so as long as he attempts 19 passes against the Aggies, he'll get the record.

While Persa admits it would be "cool" to have the record, he'd much rather go out a winner. He hasn't won his last game since his freshman year of high school, as his high school team lost the state title in both his junior and senior seasons.

"Walking off the field and being happy with what we left behind in the last game, it'd mean a lot," he said.

Football can be an unforgiving game, and Persa's senior season hasn't gone according to script. But he still has a chance to go out as a winner.

"As the leader," Fitzgerald said, "that would be a heck of a way to finish for him."

Coming at you live from the Happiest Place on Earth (at least that's what they tell me).

• Wisconsin offensive coordinator Paul Chryst is in the head-coaching mix at both Illinois and Kansas but not at the top of the wish list, Jeff Potrykus writes. Check out the Badgers' Rose Bowl anthem.
• Loren Tate gives some tips for Illinois' next coach, whoever he is. Illinois extends its deadline for the coach hire.
• A look at Silver Football finalist Kirk Cousins from Michigan State.
• David Jones wonders what it would take for Penn State to land Chris Petersen. Penn State's coach search committee won't rule out NFL candidates. Former Nittany Lions coach Joe Paterno reportedly is progressing with his cancer treatments.
• Purdue needs to make a decision on coach Danny Hope's future, Tom Dienhart writes.
• Iowa had to have faith, and it got him. If you want to learn more about the Hawkeyes' latest recruit, check out his Web site.
• Michigan once recruited the running back it'll face in the Sugar Bowl. The Wolverines will focus on the future of their defensive line during bowl practices, as only one starter returns in 2012.
• Michigan State will host several top recruits during the next two weeks.
• Braxton Miller's first season as Ohio State quarterback mirrors Troy Smith's, but will Miller follow the same path going forward? Buckeyes receiver Devin Smith says "everyone's excited" about Urban Meyer's offense.
• Another juco linebacker is ready to contribute for Nebraska.
• Former Northwestern linebacker Napoleon Harris is running for state senate.
• Despite Indiana's lousy record, Kevin Wilson hopes the 2011 season laid the foundation (subscription required).
• A recording of former Minnesota star Bruce Smith's Heisman Trophy acceptance speech recently was found.

In case you missed it from Wednesday, the Omaha World-Herald's Tom Shatel caught up with former Ohio State stars Troy Smith and Maurice Clarett, who both are trying to resurrect their pro careers with the UFL's Omaha Nighthawks.

Both Smith and Clarett didn't hold back in their thoughts about the state of college athletics, NCAA violations, Ohio State and their former college coach, Jim Tressel.

Here's some of what they had to say ...

Smith on the culture around the OSU program: "The school shouldn't be so popular. The school shouldn't want to win as bad as it does. It comes along with the territory. Then you as a university, apply a different set of rules for these guys, because it's not going to stop. It's college football everywhere. ... To me, you would literally be taking away from your time in your job to police as many people as you have to police. There's hundreds of [boosters] at all times. Even if [athletes] got paid, they would still go after it. It's a Catch-22. Damned if you do, damned if you don't. As much as people want to paint the picture that it's goody two shoes, it's not. My school is underneath the microscope right now. The best way to get them out is to tell the truth."

Clarett on Tressel: "I don't believe he was trying to cover anything up. This man goes into people's homes and understands where [recruits] come from, understand they don't have mothers and fathers. He's responsible for what happens to your sons. That transcends the NCAA, transcends the university. Gene Smith should have gone to him and they should have figured something out. But to act like he was trying to do something bad, that's wrong. He actually cared about the people. I believe Gene Smith knows the truth. And I can pretty much leave it at that."

Smith on Tressel: "There's no doubt he was wronged. I don't know how many college coaches would jump on the sword for somebody else's kids, like he did. Obviously, it wasn't just a recruiting tool when I came to Ohio State because he did it for hundreds of other kids. The only thing I feel emotions about is Coach Tressel."

Smith on his suspension in 2004-05: "To tell you the truth, it had nothing to do with a $500 thing between myself and a booster. I took the rap for a lot of people so a lot of people wouldn't get in trouble. But that story can't be told unless I want to get back at a lot of people. I'm not that type of guy. Never will."

While it's not surprising to see both Clarett and Smith defend Tressel, Clarett's line about Gene Smith is sure to raise some eyebrows. Is he suggesting Gene Smith knew more about the situation than he let on? Did Tressel take the fall for others in the athletic department? From talking to folks around the Big Ten, Clarett wouldn't be the only one who felt this way.

Troy Smith also called himself the "scapegoat" for Ohio State and the NCAA. He suggested, as many believe, that Ohio State's off-field problems weren't limited to a few individuals.

Thoughts?

Along with the rest of the freshman class, Dan Persa filed into Northwestern's weight room to record maximum lifts for the bench press and the squat.

At 6-1 and 205 pounds, Persa wasn't the biggest guy in the room. Linemen like Al Netter (6-6, 280) towered over him. He blended in easily, and his teammates didn't expect too much when he entered the iron jungle.

"He comes in and everyone's thinking, 'OK, quarterback, whatever,'" Netter recalled.

Persa then proceeded to record the third highest bench-press max in the group.

"Everybody was like, 'Damn!'" Netter said. "Real surprised at how strong he was."

Persa might be gaining national recognition for what he did on the field last season, but his evolution at Northwestern traces back to the weight room.

It's where he began gaining his teammates' trust long before taking meaningful snaps as the starter. It's where he earned the "Top Cat" award as the team's top weight-room performer in 2009 and 2010. It's where he spent most of the past winter and spring, working his way back from a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Even the Heisman Trophy push Northwestern launched for Persa last month, entitled PersaStrong, is inspired by Persa's approach to weight training. It included mailing 7-pound dumbbells -- Persa wears No. 7 -- to media members and urging them to "work out hard this football season, stay away from the press box buffets and keep an eye on Northwestern's quarterback."

Many label the campaign gimmicky, but it also encapsulates Persa.

"It's really who he is," said Jay Hooten, Northwestern's lead strength and conditioning coach. "His work in there has made him the athlete he is."

Like most young players, Persa couldn't prove himself on Saturdays right away. But there was no waiting in the weight room, and he immediately went on the attack.

"He had a purpose every day he walked in that room," Wildcats coach Pat Fitzgerald said.

Persa first started lifting seriously in high school. As a smaller quarterback, he knew he needed the strength and durability to play at a high level.

He doesn't obsess about numbers -- he benches 365 pounds, squats 520 pounds and hang-cleans 315 -- but always pushes his limits.

"Quarterbacks are kind of looked at like, 'Aw, these kids are little weaklings, let them do their own thing, they're not going to lift with us,'" Persa said. "I try to mix it up. I jump in with the linemen and the stronger guys right away, just to show I'm willing to work with anybody.

"It's huge. They know I want to be that tough."

Persa's teammates quickly took notice.

"Quarterbacks don't lift weights," cornerback Jordan Mabin said, laughing. "They're in the weight room hanging out, not doing much. But Danny, he's the total opposite. He's in there, getting after it, yelling. It's good to see your quarterback doing those types of things."

Persa found other ways to establish himself, whether it was in meetings or convincing Fitzgerald to let him play on special teams as a redshirt freshman in 2008. He's the only Northwestern player elected to the team's leadership council in all four seasons.

But he might have made his strongest imprint in the weight room.

"Dan has changed the culture of our team," Hooten said.

Hooten first met Persa on a January night in 2009. Hooten, who had just joined Northwestern's staff days earlier after six years at Ohio State, was working late when Persa stopped by the weight room around 9 p.m.

Although Persa had lifted that morning, he told Hooten he wanted "something extra." They began a performance program to strengthen Persa's throwing arm. Hooten knew a bit about Persa from the Big 33 high school all-star game, but the quarterback's explosiveness, athleticism and varied skills stood out. If he didn't know better, Hooten would have pegged Persa as a defensive back.

"The last [quarterback] I saw like that was Troy Smith," Hooten said, "from an explosive standpoint, an overall speed standpoint, the way he moves, his balance. Troy was a real athletic quarterback, and [Persa] is just like him."

Smith was the last Big Ten player to win the Heisman, claiming it in 2006. Persa put up impressive numbers in 2010, setting the Big Ten record for completion percentage (73.5) and passing for 2,581 yards with 15 touchdowns and four interceptions in 10 games.

But to put himself on the national radar, especially at an oft-overlooked school like Northwestern, Persa likely needs even betters stats and must do so following a lengthy rehab from Achilles surgery. Persa wasn't cleared to run until late spring and didn't begin full practices until this month, but he found ways to push himself in the weight room.

Hooten crafted a program where Persa worked as many muscles as possible throughout his lower body even when he could only work with one leg.

"The more you wait not to do stuff, the worse your body will get, the more you set yourself behind," Persa said. "I tried to put myself in a good position, for when I came back healthy, to be strong and fast."

Whether Persa is the same player remains to be seen, but he hasn't left anything to chance.

"He's going to find a way," Fitzgerald said, "to get it done."

Big Ten bloggers Adam Rittenberg and Brian Bennett will occasionally give their takes on a burning question facing the league. We'll both have strong opinions, but not necessarily the same view. We'll let you decide which blogger is right.

Today's Take Two topic: Will the Big Ten have a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2011?

Take 1: Adam Rittenberg

Ever since former Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith hoisted the Heisman in 2006, the Big Ten has been noticeably absent from the Downtown Athletic Club. The Big Ten amazingly hasn't produced a Heisman finalist in any of the past four seasons. But the streak will end in December. The Big Ten has enough potential star power at the two most important Heisman positions -- quarterback and running back -- to produce a finalist this year.

Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson and Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa are both nationally known names, and while both players face significant challenges this season, they both have the ability to do special things. Michigan State's Kirk Cousins also has put himself on the national radar, thanks in part to his impressive performance at Big Ten preseason media days. If Cousins guides the Spartans through a very challenging schedule and puts them in the mix for a Big Ten title, he'll get noticed in the Heisman mix. There are other name quarterbacks like Nebraska's Taylor Martinez and Wisconsin's Russell Wilson. The Big Ten also has running backs -- Wisconsin's James White and Montee Ball, Michigan State's Edwin Baker -- who will get national attention if they put up big numbers. And don't be surprised if the Big Ten has some surprise stars, like both Robinson and Persa were in 2010. I'm not saying Big Ten fills up the front row on Dec. 10, but the league will have some representation.

Take 2: Brian Bennett

Picking the Heisman winner in the preseason usually winds up making you look silly. Who was talking about Cam Newton this time a year ago or Mark Ingram in August of '09? So the bottom line is we have no idea.

Still, I have a hunch the Big Ten won't send anybody to New York yet again this year. The Heisman people don't always invite five finalists; there were only four finalists last year and three in 2008. So it depends greatly on what other candidates are doing and how the voting goes. While the Big Ten has a lot of excellent players as you mentioned, I just don't see any slam-dunk Heisman contenders like Andrew Luck. Robinson's numbers will likely go down in a new system, and he only finished sixth last year despite some historic statistical achievements. White and Ball will likely split votes, Persa plays for a program that's overshadowed in its own city and Martinez isn't even considered the strength of his team (the defense is). Heisman voters also love to crown players on BCS title contenders, and I'm not sure if the Big Ten truly has one this year.

So I say no, though I readily acknowledge this prediction could leave me looking silly in December.

The preseason award watch lists wrap up today with the Walter Camp Award, given annually to the nation's top football player. Past Big Ten winners include Ohio State QB Troy Smith (2006), Penn State RB Larry Johnson (2002), Wisconsin RB Ron Dayne (1999) and Michigan CB Charles Woodson (1997). Twelve players from Big Ten teams, including three from Nebraska, have won the Walter Camp Award.

Five Big Ten players made the 2011 preseason watch list.

They are:

• Michigan State QB Kirk Cousins
• Nebraska DT Jared Crick
• Northwestern QB Dan Persa
• Michigan QB Denard Robinson
• Wisconsin RB James White

Not too many surprises here, as the list includes my top rated Big Ten defensive lineman, top rated running back and top three quarterbacks. Any snubs? Maybe Nebraska LB Lavonte David and Michigan State RB Edwin Baker, but nothing major.

The list will be trimmed to 10 semifinalists in mid November, and the winner will be announced Dec. 8 on ESPN's "SportsCenter."

You can find all of the watch lists here.

The Big Ten hasn't produced a Heisman Trophy winner since Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith in 2006. Big Ten players really haven't been serious contenders in the Heisman races of the past three seasons. Colleague KC Joyner has no Big Ten players on his list of off-the-radar Heisman contenders .

But this is a new year, and while most of the preseason Heisman buzz will be outside Big Ten country, this league has some players who could work their way onto the radar.

I wish Heisman races weren't based so much on preseason hype, but they largely are. I also wish the Heisman didn't always go to quarterbacks or running backs. Players usually need to have some degree of national name recognition -- or play for national programs -- to have a chance at the award.

With that in mind, here are several potential Heisman candidates from the Big Ten.

1. Michigan QB Denard Robinson: Yes, he's adjusting to a new offense that likely won't showcase his talents quite like the spread did. To expect Robinson to replicate what he did in 2010 seems unrealistic. But several factors help Robinson. First, he's a nationally known name who plays for a program everybody watches. Also, he's the reigning Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year. And he's really fast and athletic and exciting. He might have to reinvent himself a bit this fall, but to dismiss "Shoelace" is foolish.

2. Northwestern QB Dan Persa: Northwestern players always face an uphill climb to gain national recognition, but Persa has navigated this issue better than most. People around the country know about him, partly because of the incredible numbers he put up in 2010 and also because of the way his season ended (injury throwing a game-winning touchdown pass). Persa must show he's the same player after a long rehab from Achilles' tendon surgery. Northwestern also can help Persa's cause by competing for a division title and notching some signature wins.

3. Wisconsin RBs Montee Ball and James White: It'll be interesting to see how Wisconsin divides the carries, but both Ball and White could work their way into the Heisman mix. Ball had a Heisman-caliber finish to the 2010 season, racking up 127 rush yards or more in each of Wisconsin's final five games (777 total yards, 15 touchdowns). If he can take another step and perform like that for a full season, he'll be on the radar. White is the flashier back who could provide the highlight-reel runs to generate Heisman buzz.

Others in the mix: Michigan State QB Kirk Cousins, Nebraska QB Taylor Martinez, Illinois QB Nathan Scheelhaase, Michigan State RB Edwin Baker

You know how to reach me. And don't forget to follow me on Twitter (more than 30,000 strong).

Let's get started.

Jon from Berkeley, Calif., writes: Hi Adam-Bay Area Wolverine fan here. What's your feeling as to what we should the UM offense to look like next fall? We hear about toughness and running the football, but Michigan returns what has to be one of the deepest (talented) receiving corps in at least the Big Ten.My thought: Al Borges should take a look at 2006 Ohio State film. Physically, Denard Robinson resembles Troy Smith. He has great armstrength, as Troy Smith did. AND, he's a faster and more powerful runner than Troy. That Buckeye team also featured an immensely talented receiving corps (wasn't Robiskie like the 5th wideout on that squad?). Why not look to your Rival to gain some inspiration for a playbook that must gear itself towards the reigning BTPOY. I love the idea of michigan spreading the field with 3-4 WRS, and then utilizing Stephen Hopkins/Mike Cox/Shaw up the gut... ala Pittman & Wells in '06.Thoughts?

Adam Rittenberg: Jon, great to hear from my hometown of Bezerkely. You bring up some very interesting points. Michigan's receivers had some huge performances in 2010, but they also dropped too many passes at critical times. I wouldn't quite put them on the level with Ohio State's corps from 2006, but they can get there. The other big question is how running backs recruited for Rich Rodriguez's spread scheme will adjust to a more "downhill" offense under Borges. If Michigan can find a running back who can do what Pittman did for Ohio State in 2006 (1,233 rush yards, 14 touchdowns), it can take the rushing load off of Robinson and allow him to make plays in other areas. Although Robinson's running skills are superior to most, he still has a way to go to match Troy Smith's passing in '06.

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Luke from Philly writes: Adam - last year, I remember recoiling in horror as I watched PSU's Blue/White spring game, because the QB play was ominously bad. Eventually that was the position that most affected the 2010 season's fortunes. What position should I watch most closely in this year's game, for a good idea of this coming season's direction?

Adam Rittenberg: The quarterbacks again, as well as both lines. You'll see better play under center as Rob Bolden and Matt McGloin both have game experience, and Paul Jones, who performed pretty well in last year's spring game, has a year of college practices under his belt. While the quarterbacks will get most of the attention, don't forget to watch the lines. I think if Penn State can get more consistent play out of its lines, it can challenge Ohio State for the Leaders Division title. The offensive line has been too inconsistent the past two seasons, and the defensive line seemed to lose its edge last fall. I'll definitely be watching those two groups.

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Steve from East Lansing, Mich., writes: Hey Adam,As a Michigan State Spartan eagerly awaiting football season, I've got a big question about MSU's upcoming team, both for 2011 and beyond. What we saw from our team this year was great, and getting that Big Ten title was much needed. But I think it's not just about getting one Championship every so often; it's about having a solid program that can challenge for the Conference Title every single year and perform well in the postseason. Michigan State Football had a good year, but the past 20 or so seasons have been generally mediocre. So my questions is, do you think this year was a turning point? And will MSU start working up to being the traditional powerhouse that teams like Ohio State are every year? Or will we slip back into mediocrity again? Also, any thoughts on the upcoming Spartan/Wolverine rivalry? I doubt Michigan will be down forever, though that would be nice.

Adam Rittenberg: Agree with all of your points, Steve. Michigan State needs to establish itself as a more consistent Big Ten title contender. Time will tell whether 2010 was a turning point, but you have to like the program's direction under coach Mark Dantonio. I think the models for Michigan State are Wisconsin and Iowa. All three programs run pro-style offenses and all three have shown flashes of being shutdown defenses. The difference I see between Michigan State and Wisconsin/Iowa is the quality of the line play, especially on the offensive side. Michigan State needs to be churning out elite lines year in and year out. The skill-position talent is definitely there in East Lansing. Once we see more elite lines from the Spartans, they'll be in the title mix as much as Wisconsin and Iowa.

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Steiny from Dow City, Iowa, writes: Adam, im just wondering why all the nebraska fans are whining about there schedule coming into the big ten. I beleive the Hawkeyes in 09 had a much worse schedule facing all the top big ten teams away from Kinnick so whats the problem? I thought nebraska wanted tough games, This isnt the big 12 anymore dorothy welcome to the Big Ten.

Adam Rittenberg: Iowa's 2009 slate was no picnic, Steiny, as the Hawkeyes had to visit Penn State, Wisconsin, Michigan State and Ohio State and won three of the four. I think the Nebraska issue comes more from being new to the Big Ten and getting a very challenging slate right off the bat. Nebraska's three crossover games come against what many think are the top three teams in the Leaders division (Ohio State, Wisconsin and Penn State). Two of those games -- Wisconsin and Penn State -- come on the road. It's certainly a tough introduction to the Big Ten, and we'll see how Nebraska fares in Year 1.

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Will from Davenport, Iowa, writes: Adam, I enjoy reading the blog and thanks for helping to get me through these rough couple of months without football. What about William Tell Overture for the Illinois student section as one of the traditions? I may be biased, but that is one of the most unique and rowdiest cheers I've seen/been a part of.

Adam Rittenberg: It's a good one, Will, and I included it in my full rundown of Illinois' game-day traditions as part of the Marching Illini pregame show.

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Lance from Greensboro, N.C., writes: I had to smile at your mention of Wisconsin's annual spring quarterback competition. It's an accurate description of the last 5 seasons, yet immediately prior to that the Badgers had one of the most stable quarterback situations in all of college football, with 5 starters in 15 seasons (Bevell for 4, Samuel 3, Bollinger 4, Sorgi 1 - but with a lot of experience, and finally Stocco for 3). Funny how quickly things can change, huh?

Adam Rittenberg: For sure, Lance, and thanks for outlining what happened before the post-John Stocco era. These things can go in cycles, but if all goes well in the spring and summer, Wisconsin will identify a quarterback who can start multiple seasons. Sophomore Jon Budmayr will have every opportunity to win the job before Curt Phillips gets fully healthy, but both have a chance to start for more than one year.

Five Big Ten players have been named to the preseason watch list for the Walter Camp Award, given to the player of the year in college football.

They are:

• Michigan State LB Greg Jones
• Iowa DE Adrian Clayborn
• Wisconsin RB John Clay
• Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor
• Penn State RB Evan Royster

All five players are in the mix for other national awards, so it's no surprise to see their names appear here. The one notable omission is Ohio State defensive lineman Cameron Heyward, who could be the best of the bunch by season's end. The Walter Camp Award last went to a Big Ten player in 2006, when Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith, also the Heisman Trophy winner that year, took home the hardware.

The 30-member watch list will be narrowed to 10 semifinalists in early November, and the winner will be announced Dec. 9 on the 6 p.m. ET SportsCenter on ESPN.

The Davey O'Brien Award preseason watch list came out today, and it includes three quarterbacks from the Big Ten.

They are:

• Terrelle Pryor, Jr., Ohio State
• Ricky Stanzi, Sr., Iowa
• Scott Tolzien, Sr., Wisconsin

No surprises with these three. Stanzi is one of five semifinalists for the 2009 O'Brien Award who appear on the 2010 watch list. The list will be narrowed to 16 semifinalists on Oct. 25, and then to three finalists on Nov. 22 before the winner is announced Dec. 9 during the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show.

Quarterbacks don't have to be on the preseason watch list to contend for the honor, so I'll throw out another two more names for you: Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins and Indiana quarterback Ben Chappell. Both Cousins and Chappell have some of the better receivers in the league at their disposal this fall and could put up some big-time numbers.

Stanzi, Tolzien and Chappell appear on the preseason watch list for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.

Four Big Ten quarterbacks have won the Davey O'Brien Award: Ohio State's Troy Smith (2006), Iowa's Brad Banks (2002), Penn State's Kerry Collins (1994) and Iowa's Chuck Long (1985). Penn State's Todd Blackledge won in 1982 while the Nittany Lions were still a Division I-A independent.

Two years after winning the Terrelle Pryor sweepstakes, Ohio State has landed another big-time recruit at the most important position on the field.

The Buckeyes on Thursday were able to keep Braxton Miller at home, as the heralded quarterback recruit from Huber Heights, Ohio, picked Ohio State over several major programs, including Florida. Miller will be billed as the projected successor to Pryor, who could turn pro after the 2010 season or play two more years in Columbus.

Colleague Craig Haubert writes that while Pryor came to Ohio State with unparalleled hype and unique skills, Miller might be a more significant addition, especially because of what he can do in the passing game.

You might have to go back to the Class of 2002 when the Buckeyes signed Troy Smith to find the last time the Buckeyes landed a QB whose production at the position matched the hype. Miller, 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, isn't the biggest player, but has a big arm and does a good job of going through his progressions and can make all the throws. He shows good velocity on deeper throws, can fit the ball in tight spots and knows when to take something off it to throw catchable touch passes underneath.

Miller will have to beat out Joe Bauserman and Kenny Guiton to succeed Pryor, which is never a guarantee. But he certainly has the all-around skills to be very good at the college level.

After signing a middling recruiting class in February, Ohio State is well on its way to compiling the Big Ten's top class for 2011. The Buckeyes already have a league-high 12 commitments, including three ESPNU 150 prospects.

What's on your mind today?

Dillain from Florida writes: Hey Adam, I love the blog I read daily. I am a Die Hard Iowa Hawkeyes Fan. My family is from Iowa. I am graduating from high school this year and got accepted into and am going to Penn State. What am I going to do. Can I still show pride for Iowa or am I going to have to just root for Penn State?

Adam Rittenberg: Congrats on your acceptance to Penn State, Dillain, but I don't envy you one bit, my friend. Michigan-Ohio State will always be the Big Ten's top rivalry, but Iowa-Penn State certainly has been gaining steam the past few years. Among Big Ten blog readers, there's no bigger rivalry than Iowa-Penn State. You certainly can show pride for Iowa, but you should expect some backlash from your new classmates in State College. Then again, abandoning a team you've always rooted for isn't easy. Rooting for both teams doesn't seem to be a realistic option. I would say pick one now and try to stick to it. Good luck.

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Doug from Sweet Home, Ore., writes: Adam, how do you think Tressel will adapt to Pryor's solid performance in Rose Bowl? Will he go back to Troy Smith days of more pass, or will he stay with his more conservative approach of running and using Pryor's running as a threat?

Adam Rittenberg: First off, Doug, I had to check if Sweet Home is a real place, and it is! Looks beautiful out there, too. I can't imagine Jim Tressel would want to take a step back with Terrelle Pryor after the Rose Bowl. Tressel called the game a turning point in Pryor's career, and the approach should be to build off of it. Pryor will never be the perfect quarterback, but his combination of elite athleticism and good-enough passing should make him one of the nation's biggest threats. Pryor might hit a few speed bumps along the way, but Tressel needs to see how much he can push Pryor to be a more balanced QB.

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Scott from Philadelphia writes: I realize that Penn State has a lot of rebuilding to do, mainly LB and QB. I'm assuming the LBs will be replaced, maybe not as good as last year, but they'll at least be solid. If one of the young QBs comes in and has a season like Tim Tebow or even Pryor had their first years do you think Royster and the D can carry them enough for another Big Ten Championship?

Adam Rittenberg: It'll be a tall order, Scott. Penn State's offensive line would need to play at an extremely high level, freeing up Evan Royster and allowing the young quarterback time to get comfortable. I have little doubt the Lions will be strong in the defensive front seven, but the secondary still concerns me and, like you said, the linebacker play likely won't be as strong as last year's. Can Penn State be a top-25 team? Sure. Can the Lions return to a New Year's Day bowl? It's possible. But three teams (Ohio State, Wisconsin and Iowa) look stronger, at least on paper, so Penn State would really need to surprise some people.

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John from Ann Arbor, Mich., writes: Hey Adam, As a Gopher Alum, the last few years have been frustrating as a Minnesota fan. I was nervous last spring when I heard that MN was switching to a pro style offense and I think we can all agree that my worries were justified. It became clear early on that Adam Weber is best suited in a spread style offense and I think the same can be said, if not even more so, for MarQueis Gray. I know that they've hired new QB coach Jeff Horton from the Detroit Lions (as someone who lives in MI. this doesn't give me much confidence) but how much of a difference do you expect Coach Horton to make working with Weber and Gray?

Adam Rittenberg: The one thing everyone raves about regarding Horton is his ability to form good relationships with his quarterbacks. I don't think Weber and Gray will have a tough time getting comfortable around Horton. But as you point out, the jury is out on Minnesota's switch to the pro-style offense, and 2010 will be a make-or-break type season for the system. I'm still not convinced that Weber and Gray are suited to anything but the spread. On the other hand, Horton understands the need to simplify things for the QBs, who were in over their heads last year with Jedd Fisch.

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Lucas from Pittsburgh writes: Adam,I know you're probably rockin a Yard-a-Rita right now in New Orleans...but I want to know more about Iowa's spring ball. I'd love to read an actual interview with Kirk Ferentz or even Norm Parker (that guy gives some great quotes). Also, can you wear Mardi Gras beads in your next blog video?Thanks

Adam Rittenberg: Missed the Yard-a-Rita on this trip, though I did enjoy a Hand Grenade. And darn it, I left my beads in the Big Easy. My bad. ... Iowa kicked off spring practice last week, and the Hawkeyes are pretty closed off as far as information during spring drills. I'll be making a trip to Iowa City during the second week of April, and I'll be able to find out a little more while I'm there. The big issue is clearly the offensive line, as Iowa must replace four players who started chunks of last season. The competitions at cornerback, linebacker and running back also should be interesting to watch this spring.

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J.T. from Weston, Conn., writes: i recently went on the penn state message board and mentioned that i thought it was time for the staff to get their first verbal for 2011. i was excoriated and called every name in the book for being "ridiculously" nervous so early in the process (notwithstanding kids in whom we are supposedly interested are verballing to other schools such as louis-jean to miami). i explained that the nature of recruiting has changed and schools now start to pile up the pledges early and then baby-sit the youngsters as opposed to kids not verbaling until the fall or winter. can you list the number of 2011 pledges currently held by 2010's top 20 or 25 teams? thanks a lot!

Adam Rittenberg: J.T., I have mixed feelings about early commits. While I don't think it's time to panic if your favorite team doesn't have a commit or two right now, you're absolutely right in saying that the recruiting calendar has moved earlier and earlier. Penn State signed the Big Ten's top recruiting class in February, and Joe Paterno's staff has done an excellent job of bolstering the team's recruiting the last two years.

Here are the team totals for 2011 verbal commits ...

Illinois: 1
Indiana: 1
Iowa: 0
Michigan: 3
Michigan State: 3
Minnesota: 2
Northwestern: 1
Ohio State: 7
Penn State: 0
Purdue: 0
Wisconsin: 1