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If Al Borges had his preference, Michigan would be running more of a pro-style offense. That's clearly the future for the Wolverines and the type of players they have been recruiting.

But Borges is no dummy. He knows he has Denard Robinson at quarterback for one more year. Michigan wisely did not try to cram Robinson into an ill-fitting system last year, as Borges adjusted his offense to his star player's unique talents. That worked out pretty well, as the Wolverines went 11-2 and won the Sugar Bowl.

So the full-fledged movement to a pro style can wait another year.

"We have pieces of our offense that are still very pro style, like our passing game," Borges told ESPN.com. "But we're still very much a spread because of Denard, and we'll continue to be because that is the best thing that suits his skill set. We'll have some plays under center at times, and we were very productive at those last year. But because of Denard's running ability, that will never be a prominent part of our offense."

The most frequent and often tiresome question around the Michigan offense is how much Robinson will run the ball. Borges found a nice balance last year, using it as a weapon but also keeping his quarterback mostly healthy. He sees no reason to alter that formula.

"I don't see his role changing any," Borges said. "We may up the ante a little bit with him throwing a couple more times a game. But any change will be subtle and hardly noticeable."

Robinson completed only 55 percent of his passes last season and threw 15 interceptions, the most in the Big Ten. That obviously has to improve. Borges said he's been working on Robinson's footwork and hip placement. Another year in the system should also help.

"He's probably at the top of the list of guy who just understand better," Borges said. "Last year at this time, he couldn't call the play. Now he can call the play with no problems at all. We're still working hard on his fundamentals to get him better that way, but his understanding is so much better than it was a year ago."

Borges also knows he has another strong option in the backfield in running back Fitz Toussaint, who emerged as a star midway through last season and finished with more than 1,000 yards rushing.

"He didn't really come on until the fourth or fifth game of the season," Borges said. "Now he'll be in there from the beginning and show his worth from Day 1. If he stays healthy, he can have a hell of a year."

Michigan has good depth at running back with Vincent Smith, Stephen Hopkins and Thomas Rawls returning. Borges said the coaching staff is taking "a hard look" at redshirt freshman Justice Hayes this spring.

Wide receiver isn't quite as deep with Junior Hemingway gone and Darryl Stonum dismissed from the team. Roy Roundtree, Jeremy Gallon and Drew Dileo are the returning veterans, and Borges said redshirt sophomore Jerald Robinson has looked very good early on in spring practice. Some incoming freshmen will likely have a chance to contribute as well.

Roundtree might hold the key to the group. He had 72 catches for 935 receiving yards and seven touchdowns as a sophomore but caught just 19 balls for 355 yards last season. Borges has moved Roundtree to flanker, which was Hemingway's spot a year ago.

"Playing flanker, I think you'll see Roy's numbers go back up," Borges said. "He's in great shape, running well and catching the ball right now in our first couple of practices. He's playing as well as he's played since I've been here. He's learned how to run the routes and read the coverages, and he has a big-play dimension to him. If he stays in one piece, I look for him to have a big year."

Just don't look for Michigan to change too much else this year on offense.

The Big Ten postseason position rankings march on with the running backs. The running back rankings evaluate the entire position group, although superstar players affected the placement, too. Certain groups of running backs ran behind better offensive lines than others, and we took that into account when compiling the rankings.

Check out the preseason running back rankings here.

Onto the rundown ...

1. Wisconsin: Heisman Trophy finalist Montee Ball built on a strong finish to 2010 and took his game to another level in 2011. The Big Ten offensive player of the year headlined a Wisconsin rushing attack that led the Big Ten and ranked 11th nationally. While James White had a reduced role this past season, he still averaged 5.1 yards a carry and racked up 713 rush yards and six touchdowns. Ball also contributed in the passing game with 24 receptions, six of which went for touchdowns.

2. Nebraska: Rex Burkhead wore an "N" on his helmet, but it might as well have been an "S" on his chest. The player nicknamed "Superman" triggered a Nebraska rushing attack that ranked 15th nationally. Burkhead racked up 284 carries for 1,357 rush yards and 13 touchdowns. Although the Huskers didn't show a ton of depth at the position, young players like Ameer Abdullah have bright futures.

3. Ohio State: Although a quarterback (Braxton Miller) led the pass-averse Buckeyes in rushing, Ohio State had several capable ball carriers this past season. Carlos Hyde contributed early in the season and finished with 566 rush yards and six touchdowns on 106 carries. Dan Herron provided a spark after returning from suspension, averaging five yards a carry. Jordan Hall also tallied 100 carries and averaged more than four yards per rush.

4. Michigan: The coaches entered the season looking for a featured back and got one as Fitzgerald Toussaint emerged midway through the season. Toussaint racked up 120 yards or more in four of Michigan's final five regular-season games and displayed superstar potential at times. Although Toussaint and quarterback Denard Robinson had the bulk of the carries, reserves Vincent Smith and Michael Shaw both averaged more than six yards per carry.

5. Penn State: Much like Ohio State, Penn State relied heavily on its ground game to account for a shaky passing attack. Sophomore Silas Redd shouldered the burden, particularly during the month of October, when he led the FBS with 703 rush yards, including five 100-yard games. Redd finished with 1,241 yards and seven touchdowns, and Stephfon Green stepped up later in the season and had six rushing scores. Burly sophomore Curtis Dukes averaged 5.8 yards a carry.

6. Purdue: The Boilers had a featured back in Ralph Bolden but also had very good depth at the position. It showed up in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, which Bolden missed with a torn ACL. Akeem Shavers led the way and others contributed, too. Purdue finished the season with two 500-yard rushers in Bolden and Shavers, while freshman speedster Akeem Hunt averaged 8.7 yards on 33 carries.

7. Iowa: The Hawkeyes were a bit of a dichotomy in 2011, as they finished last in the Big Ten in rushing but had the league's top rusher for part of the season in Marcus Coker. Despite being suspended for the Insight Bowl, Coker finished second in the Big Ten in rushing yards (1,384) and 15th nationally in rushing average (115.3 ypg). He had 281 carries, while no other running back had more than 31, so it was a one-man show for Iowa in 2011.

8. Michigan State: The Spartans' rushing production went down in 2011, as Michigan State went from 64th nationally in rushing to 78th. MSU ranked last in the Big Ten in rushing for much of the season and finished 11th. But the team's struggles had more to do with a new-look offensive line than the running backs. Le'Veon Bell came on strong late in the season and rushed for 948 yards and 13 touchdowns. Edwin Baker's numbers went down, but he added 665 rush yards and five scores.

9. Illinois: Here's another team that had a quarterback (Nathan Scheelhaase) as its leading rusher, but Illinois also featured multiple options at running back. Although Jason Ford had an up-and-down season, Troy Pollard and Donovonn Young proved to be capable ball carriers. Young averaged 5.2 yards a carry and scored seven touchdowns, while Pollard averaged 7.2 yards a carry and had 488 rush yards and two scores.

10. Indiana: Although the Hoosiers have plenty of issues to address going forward, the running back spot appears solid. Stephen Houston started the final eight games and established himself as the featured back with 802 yards and eight touchdowns on 151 carries (5.3 ypc). Houston was productive in Big Ten play and a nice complement to quarterback Tre Roberson. D'Angelo Roberts and Matt Perez both added four touchdowns.

11. Northwestern: Echoing a common theme, Northwestern's top rusher was a quarterback (Kain Colter). While the offense has been productive the past few years, the Wildcats haven't found an elite featured back since Tyrell Sutton graduated. Jacob Schmidt was solid for stretches, and young backs Treyvon Green and Adonis Smith contributed at times. Mike Trumpy might still be the best of the bunch, but his season was cut short by a knee injury.

12. Minnesota: Although quarterback MarQueis Gray ran the ball well (966 rush yards, 6 TDs), Minnesota needs more from the running back spot going forward. Duane Bennett and Donnell Kirkwood both averaged less than four yards per carry, and the Gophers had only two 100-yard rushing performances from a running back.

Now this is just getting out of hand.

I thought Adam would finally get a victory last week as many of my valuable fantasy players were on a bye week. Instead, Non-Gingervitis recorded its most lopsided victory of the season, outscoring the Trombone Shorties 146-105 to improve to a perfect 6-0.

The 146 points were my second highest-point total of the season, thanks in large part to the 44 points from Denard Robinson and another big 30 points from Illinois receiver A.J. Jenkins. Taylor Martinez added 31 in Nebraska's win against Ohio State, and the Illinois defense that I picked up came through with 17 points. I won easily despite having an idle player (Montee Ball) on my active roster. No way was I going to let him go.

Rittenberg's team got a nice day from Nathan Scheelhaase (34 points), but his habit of getting nothing out of waiver-wire pickups continued, as Michigan's Vincent Smith laid a goose egg. Derek Moye (four points) and Marvin McNutt (seven) were quiet as well.

Since the ESPN.com fantasy college football game lasts only 13 weeks, I can clinch a season title this week with a victory. But there's an omen that portends a possible Rittenberg breakthrough. Trombone Shorty, his team's namesake and the artist whose birthday party Adam and I inadvertently stumbled into during the Sugar Bowl week last year, is holding a concert in my hometown this Sunday. Will Shorty be all smiles this weekend? Or will he have to kiss my ring?

On to our pickups for this week:

Adam drops Northwestern QB Dan Persa for Wisconsin QB Russell Wilson

Rationale: Persa has been pretty solid since his return, but I can't let RussellMania get away, especially this week as the Badgers get Indiana at Camp Randall.

Brian drops Northwestern WR Jeremy Ebert for Michigan State WR B.J. Cunningham

Rationale: We're getting the band back together. Cunningham was a strong member of the team most of the season before last week's bye, and I think he'll get plenty of opportunities against Michigan.

Adam drops Nebraska RB Rex Burkhead for Wisconsin RB James White

Rationale: Burkhead and the Huskers are off (he'll be back soon), and White is due for a big points day as Wisconsin should put up plenty of points and keep the ball on the ground against IU.

Brian drops Illinois RB Donovonn Young for Iowa RB Marcus Coker

Rationale: Young was good but not great as a pick-up for me last week, but now he has to go against the Ohio State defense. I'd much rather wager that Coker breaks out against a shaky Northwestern 'D.'

Adam drops Michigan RB Vincent Smith for Penn State RB Silas Redd

Rationale: I should have kept Redd last week as Smith did nothing. Penn State's offensive line seems to be slowly making strides, and Redd should get a lot of work against Purdue.

Brian drops Nebraska QB Taylor Martinez for Northwestern QB Dan Persa

Rationale: Martinez has been a terrific fantasy performer for me all season, but Nebraska is off this week. And I'm 6-0, so I can take the risk of losing him on the waiver wire next week.

Adam drops Penn State WR Derek Moye for Wisconsin WR Nick Toon

Rationale: Moye is injured, and while the Badgers might not pass a ton against Indiana, the Toon-Wilson connection should click a few times, hopefully for some touchdowns.

Brian drops Illinois' defense for Penn State's defense

Rationale: I shouldn't have doubted the Nittany Lions' defense last week against Iowa. Welcome back, fellas.

Adam drops Nebraska's defense for Wisconsin's defense

Rationale: Going very Badger this week, as you can see, but Wisconsin should keep Indiana in check, especially since the Hoosiers' quarterbacks are a bit banged up.

Brian drops Purdue's kickers for Wisconsin's kickers

Rationale: Another reunion. If nothing else, I know the Badgers will tack on loads of extra points.

Adam drops Nebraska's kickers for Illinois' kickers

Rationale: The Huskers are off this week, and Illinois' Derek Dimke is having another solid season. Dimke should be a big factor in a low-scoring game in Champaign.

Our complete rosters for Week 7:

THE TROMBONE SHORTIES

QB: Nathan Scheelhaase, Illinois
QB: Russell Wilson, Wisconsin
RB: James White, Wisconsin
RB: Silas Redd, Penn State
WR: Nick Toon, Wisconsin
WR: Marvin McNutt, Iowa
Defense: Wisconsin
Kickers: Illinois

NON-GINGERVITIS

QB: Denard Robinson, Michigan
QB: Dan Persa, Northwestern
RB: Montee Ball, Wisconsin
RB: Marcus Coker, Iowa
WR: B.J. Cunningham, Michigan State
WR: A.J. Jenkins, Illinois
Defense: Penn State
Kickers: Wisconsin

High five!

My fantasy team, Non-Gingervitis, continued its dominance over Adam's Trombone Shorties for the fifth consecutive time last week. I'm almost starting to feel sorry for Rittenberg -- almost. His team had its highest point total (153) of the season, which would have been enough to win in any of the first four weeks. Nathan Scheelhaase put up 38 points, Russell Wilson had 27 and the Michigan State defense added 20.

Unfortunately for him, my team posted a whopping 171 points, led by Illinois receiver A.J. Jenkins' 44-point explosion versus Northwestern. Montee Ball continued to churn out the points, too, with 39 against Nebraska, and Michigan State receiver B.J. Cunningham chipped in 21.

If Adam is ever going to beat me, it might be this week, as the byes for Wisconsin and Michigan State are playing havoc with both of our rosters. Wise waiver-wire maneuvering is needed this week. Is Rittenberg up to the task?

Our moves for Week 6:

Adam drops Wisconsin QB Russell Wilson for Northwestern QB Dan Persa

Rationale: You'll be back soon, Russell, but you're off this week and I need points. Persa fired four touchdown passes on only 14 attempts at Illinois. Can't pass him up this week.

Brian drops Michigan State WR B.J. Cunningham for Northwestern WR Jeremy Ebert

Rationale: I love what Cunningham has done, but he's on a bye week. Ebert caught three of Persa's touchdowns last week, and this allows me to hijack some of Adam's Persa points if the two continue to hook up in the end zone.

Adam drops Wisconsin WR Nick Toon for Iowa WR Marvin McNutt

Rationale: Like Wilson, Toon will be enjoying the bye week. Fortunately, I'm glad to welcome back one of the Big Ten's most dangerous receivers to the Shorties. I predicted a low-scoring game in Happy Valley, but McNutt will make some plays.

Brian drops Wisconsin RB James White for Illinois RB Donovonn Young

Rationale: The Badgers are getting dropped left and right because of the bye week, and White has taken a backseat to Montee Ball, anyway. I've got a hunch on Young and like what I'm hearing out of Champaign about the freshman. I think he'll find nice running room against Indiana this week. If my hunch fails, hey, I've still got a five-game lead in the standings.

Adam drops Michigan State's defense for Nebraska's defense

Rationale: The Spartans enjoy a well-deserved bye week, so I need to make a move. Let's see, a Nebraska defense coming off of an "embarrassing" performance against Wisconsin and going up against an anemic Ohio State offense at home? Yeah, I'll take one.

Brian drops Penn State's defense for Illinois' defense

Rationale: Nothing against the Nittany Lions, who are playing great. But Iowa's passing attack gives me pause, and I think the Illini will be out to prove something against a shaky Hoosiers offense after giving up 35 points to Northwestern last week. I predict at least a couple of takeaways.

Adam drops Penn State RB Silas Redd for Michigan RB Vincent Smith

Rationale: Smith showed last week he can score touchdowns three different ways. I can't wait forever for Redd and the Penn State offense to break out. Michigan, meanwhile, faces a leaky Northwestern defense.

Brian drops Wisconsin kickers for Purdue kickers

Rationale: Yet another bye-week necessity. The Boilermakers should get plenty of opportunities to score against Minnesota's ragged defense, and I'm counting on Carson Wiggs to deliver me a few three-pointers.

Our full rosters for Week 6:

THE TROMBONE SHORTIES

QB: Nathan Scheelhaase, Illinois
QB: Dan Persa, Northwestern
RB: Rex Burkhead, Nebraska
RB: Vincent Smith, Michigan
WR: Derek Moye, Penn State
WR: Marvin McNutt, Iowa
Defense: Nebraska
Kickers: Nebraska

NON-GINGERVITIS

QB: Denard Robinson, Michigan
QB: Taylor Martinez, Nebraska
RB: Montee Ball, Wisconsin
RB: Donovonn Young, Illinois
WR: Jeremy Ebert, Northwestern
WR: A.J. Jenkins, Illinois
Defense: Illinois
Kickers: Purdue

That Bennett is a sneaky bugger. Now he's paying squirrels to help his Cardinals win another title.

• Steven M. Sipple writes Nebraska QB Taylor Martinez isn't helping his cause. Huskers coach Bo Pelini first showed his fighting spirit at Ohio State.
• Who is to blame for Ohio State's offensive futility? Ohio State C Mike Brewster and Nebraska DT Jared Crick both are trying to back up their hype.
• Iowa RB Marcus Coker takes a break from football and gets lost in the stars.
• Big Ten ADs Mark Hollis (MSU) and Dave Brandon (Michigan) pass up bigger bucks elsewhere to lead their alma maters. The Big Ten needs Ohio State to get back among the elite.
• Michigan C David Molk passed up a Northwestern offer to play for the Wolverines. Wolverines RB Vincent Smith may be small, but he's also tough.
• Both Minnesota and Purdue have decisions to make at the QB spot. Pocket protection is a priority for the Gophers.
• Purdue is practicing much better than it plays.
• The Big Ten Network's Dave Revsine goes inside the numbers once again.
• Penn State players from the 1986 national championship squad rally around an ill teammate, Bob Flounders writes. Iowa has had Penn State's number for years.
• Hlastradamus reveals his Week 6 Big Ten predictions.
• I hope my friend Bob Asmussen is feeling OK, as he predicts Wisconsin in the national title game and Illinois in the Rose Bowl. Illini freshman RB Donovonn Young likely will see his workload increase.
• Northwestern freshman RB Treyvon Green draws inspiration from his mother, Tina Akouris writes. ESPNChicago.com's Scott Powers writes that Darnell Autry almost didn't return for Northwestern's historic 1995 season.
• Wisconsin's Russell Wilson doesn't get caught up in the Heisman hoopla.

There's a certain 1980s power ballad that's quite popular whenever it is blared on the loudspeakers at Michigan Stadium. Particularly the line about a city boy, born and raised in south Detroit.

Michigan coach Brady Hoke is singing a similar but slightly different tune: "Don't Start Believin'."

Hoke has consistently downplayed just about every aspect of his team's 5-0 start. When the two major polls placed the Wolverines among the top 12 in the country this week, Hoke did everything but lead an "Over-rated!" cheer.

"I think we're a long way from being a Michigan football team," Hoke said Tuesday. When asked if he saw any signs on the field to believe his team could eventually become one of the nation's best this year, he answered simply: "No."

That attitude has filtered down to the players.

"The thing that I like about our team the most is that none of us believe we should be ranked what we’re ranked," center David Molk said. "We don’t like it. We don’t want anything to do with it. As a group, we believe we’ll downplay ourselves and look at our weaknesses before we look at our strengths."

It's a smart move on Hoke's part to keep expectations low. In each of the past two years, Michigan got off to solid starts in September and worked its way into the national rankings. Those teams, however, quickly fell back to earth in Big Ten play under Rich Rodriguez. This year's squad has most of the same players and many of the same flaws. And these Wolverines have played each of their first five games at home, with their first road trip of the season finally coming this week at Northwestern.

But Hoke and his players can soft-pedal the situation all they like. Truth is, there are actually reasons to start believing in Michigan.

Our preseason view of the Wolverines was that they could be a little better on defense while perhaps taking a step back offensively as Denard Robinson adjusted to a new system. The stats show a significant improvement on defense, while the offense remains one of the most potent in the Big Ten.

It's almost shocking to see Michigan tied for second nationally in points allowed per game (10.2) after the way this defense played the past few seasons. First-year coordinator Greg Mattison's switch to a 4-3 scheme has helped maximize the team's talents, and players like Craig Roh, Kenny Demens and Jordan Kovacs are playing some of the best football of their careers. Through five games last year, Michigan allowed 127 points and 433.6 yards per game. Through the same span this season, it has yielded just 51 points and 316 yards per game.

What's even more encouraging is how the defense usually gets better throughout the course of a game. Wolverines opponents have scored only seven points in the fourth quarter all year long, a sign that Mattison and the players are making good adjustments. The defense is also stiffening at big moments, as opponents have scored only seven times in 14 red zone opportunities.

This is hardly a shutdown defense. But Michigan did pitch its first shutout since 2007 last week against Minnesota, and Mattison's crew has had a knack for coming up with turnovers, grabbing an average of three takeaways per game. Mattison has kept players fresh by rotating in lots of bodies up front, and this defense is playing with obvious confidence, if not always perfect technique. It's certainly doing enough to keep the Wolverines in every game they play, especially given how the offense is performing.

Robinson & Co. may be playing in a new system, but things don't look all that different statistically and stylistically. Michigan is averaging 37.2 points per game, only slightly down from last year's production through the first five games (41.4 ppg) and ahead of the 2010 full-season average of 32.8 points a contest. Robinson ran for more than 1,700 yards a year ago; this year, he's on pace for 1,565 yards.

Shoelace's running numbers dipped during Big Ten action last year, as the toll of taking so many hits got to him. The Wolverines have committed to using more people than just their quarterback to run the ball this year, and Fitzgerald Toussaint and Vincent Smith are each averaging at least 6.5 yards per carry. While Robinson has looked shaky as a passer at times this season, offensive coordinator Al Borges pledged to design more short and intermediate throws to help his confidence. Using that plan last week, Robinson completed 15 of 19 passes for 169 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions against Minnesota.

Maybe the best reason to believe, though, is the schedule. While Michigan finally hits the road this week and will play a tough rivalry game the following Saturday at Michigan State, it caught a big break by not drawing Wisconsin as a cross-division opponent. Everyone else in the Big Ten looks beatable, and Michigan's final two games at home against Nebraska and Ohio State don't appear nearly as daunting as they did back in the preseason. With all the Buckeyes' current problems, the Wolverines could finally snap their seven-game losing streak in their most important rivalry.

Is this the nation's 12th-best team right now? Probably not. But ...

"I believe we have the potential to be [ranked that high]," defensive end Ryan Van Bergen said. "I don't think we've played enough quality opponents, and I don't think we've played to the level we need to have earned that honor. But we can get there."

The journey is really only beginning. Maybe, though, it's time to start believing.

Don't look back in anger. Well, unless you're a fan of Nebraska, Ohio State, Purdue, Northwestern or Minnesota. Then we'll allow it.

Team of the week: Wisconsin. The only real question about the Badgers after their first four games was how they would fare against better competition. Then they steamrolled Nebraska 48-17. Any more questions?

Best game: Illinois' 38-35 win against Northwestern. This game was full of twists and turns, as Northwestern built a 28-10 third quarter lead, only to watch the Illini rally for 21 straight points. The Wildcats reclaimed the lead with 1:15 left, but Nathan Scheelhaase scored on a 1-yard run with 13 seconds left to end it. After it was over, the Illinois scoreboard proudly proclaimed its homeboys as "The State of Illinois' Undefeated Big Ten Team" while the speakers blared "Sweet Home Chicago," Sinatra's "My Kind of Town" and Kanye's "Homecoming." What, was the band Chicago unavailable for a live performance?

Biggest play: There were plenty to choose from in the Illinois-Northwestern game, but I'm going with one that might have been overlooked from early in Michigan State's 10-7 win against Ohio State. The Spartans botched the punt snap on their first possession, and Buckeyes defenders were bearing down on punter Mike Sadler deep in his own territory. Sadler somehow recovered, eluded the rush and got off a 37-yard punt. If disaster strikes there for Michigan State, Ohio State might have scored, gained confidence and changed the entire complexion of that game.

Best call: Maybe we should call this the most interesting calls, not necessarily the best. Michigan offensive coordinator Al Borges unveiled a new wrinkle against Minnesota, putting Devin Gardner in at quarterback with Denard Robinson and two other running backs also in the game. The Wolverines used it a handful of times, employing a double pitch and a double pass. They also used a halfback pass from Vincent Smith for a touchdown. Let's be honest: Michigan didn't need any trickery against Minnesota in a 58-0 blowout. But Borges has just given every other Big Ten defensive coordinator something else to worry about.

Big Men on Campus (Offense): Illinois receiver A.J. Jenkins and Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson. Jenkins broke a school record with 268 receiving yards plus three touchdowns on 12 catches in the Northwestern win. It was the fourth-best receiving day ever by a Big Ten wideout. Wilson led the Badgers to the win in the biggest game of the year so far in the Big Ten by completing 14-of-20 passes for 255 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 32 yards and a score.

Big Man on Campus (Defense): Wisconsin linebacker Mike Taylor. He made a career-high 14 tackles, one of them for a loss, and intercepted a pass in the second quarter of the Badgers' win. Nebraska entered the game averaging more than 42 points, but was held to just 17.

Big Man on Campus (Special teams): Penn State's Anthony Fera. He drilled three field goal attempts (from 22, 27 and 33 yards) in a 16-10 win against Indiana. He also punted seven times for an average of 39 yards, placing three inside the 20-yard line.

Worst hangover: Purdue. While acknowledging the terrible Saturdays that Minnesota and Ohio State also suffered through, the Boilermakers legitimately thought they could beat Notre Dame. They had two weeks to get ready for a night game at home, making this a real circle-the-wagons type of game. After the Irish won 38-10, the Purdue bandwagon has three broken wheels and a flat tire.

Strangest moment: Let's go back to Purdue for this one. Early on in that game, the Boilers forced an Irish incompletion on third down from their own 10. But safety Albert Evans was called for a celebration penalty for high-fiving some fans in the end-zone stands. Notre Dame would cash in with its second touchdown. "They said I high-fived someone," Evans told reporters. "I was in the moment, so I couldn't tell you who I high-fived. The band was right there. I guess you can't high-five anyone." Can't blame Evans too much for his premature celebration, as it was one of the few times all night the Purdue defense got a stop.

It's time to recognize the best and the brightest from Week 5 in the Big Ten:

• Illinois WR A.J. Jenkins: Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase had a big day, too, but Jenkins was by far his favorite weapon. The senior had 12 catches for a school-record 268 yards and three touchdowns in a wild, 38-35 win over Northwestern.
• Wisconsin QB Russell Wilson: He's baaack. After a one-week absence, Wilson returns to the helmet stickers after a scintillating performance against No. 8 Nebraska. The senior completed 14 of 20 passes for 255 yards and two touchdowns and added a rushing touchdown as Wisconsin humbled the Huskers 48-17. Badgers RB Montee Ball (151 rush yards, 4 TDs) merits a mention here.
• Michigan RB Vincent Smith: Smith did a little bit of everything for the Wolverines in the first half against Minnesota. He ran for a touchdown, grabbed a touchdown reception and even threw one on a halfback pass as the Wolverines rolled to a 58-0 victory. Smith became the first FBS running back to record rushing, passing and receiving touchdowns in the same game since Clemson's C.J. Spiller in 2009.
• Illinois QB Nathan Scheelhaase: Scheelhaase rallied Illinois from deficits of 28-10 and 35-31 to preserve his team's perfect record. The sophomore completed 21 of 32 passes for 393 yards and three touchdowns, setting career highs for completions, attempts and passing yards. He also rushed for the game-winning touchdown with 13 seconds left.
• Michigan State DE William Gholston: Gholston's numbers (five tackles, three for loss, one sack and one pass breakup) don't really tell the tale of just how disruptive he was. Spartans coach Mark Dantonio called the sophomore "dominant." Gholston was a key contributor in a defensive effort that piled up nine sacks and kept Ohio State scoreless until the final 10 seconds.

For Minnesota, today's game against Michigan could be described as the Little Brown Ugh.

It's been a tough week for the Gophers, with Jerry Kill going to the Mayo Clinic before returning and starting quarterback MarQueis Gray unable to play through a toe injury.

So Minnesota figured to be a heavy underdog in the Big House. But things have really spun out of control for the Gophers in the first half, as Michigan has turned in its most dominating half of the season.

It's all Maize and Blue so far, and it hasn't all been because of Denard Robinson. He's had a terrific half, completing 13-of-16 passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns against Minnesota's very forgiving secondary. Shoelace has also run for 51 yards and a score.

But tailback Vincent Smith also has a rushing, receiving and even a passing touchdown. Fitz Toussaint has run for 85 yards. And the defense has been suffocating. The Wolverines have 384 total yards to just 69 for Minnesota, as this looks more like one of those September games against an FCS opponent than a Big Ten opener.

Kill gathered his players together on the field before going into the tunnel at halftime. He has to keep the morale up through these difficult times. And he has a lot of coaching to do.

Michigan likely wasn't going to have much problem with a struggling Minnesota team missing its starting quarterback. And the Gophers' defense has been really bad most of the season.

So Wolverines offensive coordinator Al Borges has taken some creative license. On two plays, he put Devin Gardner under center with Denard Robinson lined up elsewhere. The first time, Gardner pitched to Robinson, who pitched to Fitz Touissant. The second time, he pitched to Robinson, who threw back to Gardner. Neither play was all that effective, but it probably pleased some Michigan fans who wondered what Robinson would look like at tailback or receiver.

Borges also called for a halfback pass from tailback Vincent Smith that led to Michigan's third touchdown. The Wolverines, who lead 21-0, probably could have played things close to the vest and gotten off to a big lead early. But with the start of conference play, Michigan is giving future opponents some new wrinkles to prepare for.

It was tricky to characterize Rex Burkhead in 2010, as he did a little bit of everything for Nebraska: I-back, Wildcat quarterback, slot receiver.

His role is more defined this season. He's clearly the Huskers' lead back behind signal-caller Taylor Martinez.

But one label continues to follow Burkhead more than others. Even those who have never faced him in a game use it to describe the Huskers junior.

"Burkhead," Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema said, "is a throwback."

Does Burkhead agree?

"I hear it a lot from a bunch of media people, so in a way, I guess," he said. "I still have a few flashes of making moves, but I'm not really sure the exact definition. I don't know if it's hard-nosed, running downhill or whatever. I guess it's a compliment. I'll take it."

It's definitely a compliment and a testament to Burkhead's approach. His versatility stands out in a game that has become increasingly specialized. His consistency has been key for a Huskers offense that has endured ups and downs the past few seasons.

Playing behind Roy Helu Jr. last year, Burkhead rushed for 951 yards and seven touchdowns on 5.5 yards a carry and added 148 receiving yards. The 5-foot-11, 210-pound junior already has matched his 2010 touchdowns total in the first four games (7), and his yards-per-carry average is up to 6.7. While Nebraska has had some issues with its power run game, Burkhead has lost only three yards on 63 attempts.

"We're really happy with Rex," Nebraska coach Bo Pelini said. "He's ran hard, he's done a lot of good things. He's a heck of a football player. We always felt he was a huge part of our offense, and it's continued this year."

Burkhead saw his workload increase toward the end of last season, in part because Martinez was banged up. After averaging just 9.1 carries through Nebraska's first eight games, Burkhead averaged 16.5 carries in the final six contests, recording no fewer than 12 carries in a game.

He has had 15 or more carries in three of Nebraska's first four games this fall, a trend that will continue as the competition level increases.

"Recovery is the No. 1 thing you have to focus on as the season goes on," he said. "Get in the cold tub after practice, make sure you're 100 percent from game to game, fully recovered so you can go out and play your best."

Although Nebraska boasts good depth at running back, Burkhead and Martinez have spurred the rushing attack. They boast virtually identical stat lines entering Saturday night's game at No. 7 Wisconsin.

Burkhead: 63 carries, 420 yards, 7 TDs, 6.7 ypc, 105 ypg (25th nationally)
Martinez: 63 carries, 421 yards, 7 TDs, 6.7 ypc, 105.2 ypg (24th nationally)

In 2010, the pair combined to rush for 1,916 yards. They ranked third among FBS returning QB-RB rushing tandems entering this season, behind Michigan's Denard Robinson and Vincent Smith and Oregon's Darron Thomas and LaMichael James.

Burkhead and Martinez have combined to eclipse 200 rush yards in each of Nebraska's first four contests.

"Whatever the play may be, the option or the zone read, we have that chemistry and timing down over the course of the past two seasons," Burkhead said. "We kind of know what to expect from each other."

Pelini knows what to expect from Burkhead every time Nebraska takes the field: versatility, consistency and hard work.

Is he a throwback?

"What Bret's talking about is he's tough, he's hard-nosed, he's a guy that brings his lunch pail every day and plays really hard," Pelini said. "He's a great guy to have on your football team in so many different ways."

Wake me when September ends. Oh, wait. September Big Ten football is already over. Let's review the last week of the first month of the season.

Team of the week: Michigan. The Wolverines take home this honor for the second time in three weeks, as their win over a motivated, previously unbeaten San Diego State team was probably the best of the week in the Big Ten. Michigan is 4-0 and will be heavily favored to make it 5-0 against Minnesota this week. Then the fun starts.

Best game: Honestly, Week 4 was mostly a yawner in the Big Ten. Illinois' 23-20 win over Western Michigan had some good moments, though. The Broncos threw the ball just about every down, tied it up in the fourth quarter and got the ball back with about a minute left with a chance to tie or take the lead. That provided the best drama of an off-off-Broadway kind of weekend.

Biggest play: Right after San Diego State failed to convert a fourth down in the fourth quarter, Michigan's Denard Robinson sprinted for a 30-yard gain. That set up Vincent Smith's touchdown to make it 28-7 and get the Wolverines out of harm's way. Robinson struggled again throwing the ball, but there's no one better at ripping off a big play at the right time.

Best call: Luke Fickell's mid-week decision to promote freshman Braxton Miller to starting quarterback. Ohio State needed a spark on offense, and while Miller completed only five passes against Colorado, he did throw two touchdowns and run for 83 yards. The Buckeyes probably could have beaten Colorado with Joe Bauserman, but Miller provides them some optimism.

Big Men on Campus (Offense): Denard Robinson and Matt McGloin. The two quarterbacks each had big days in different ways Saturday. Michigan's Robinson completed a standout September by rushing for 200 yards and three touchdowns in a win over San Diego State. He moved into second place on the Big Ten’s career rushing yards list by a quarterback with 2,605, second only to Indiana's Antwaan Randle El (3,895). McGloin didn't start but was terrific for Penn State against Eastern Michigan. He went 14-of-17 for 220 yards and three touchdowns after coming in during the second quarter. During his time at quarterback, the Nittany Lions increased their lead from 3-0 to 31-0.

Big Man on Campus (Defense): Iowa defensive lineman Tom Nardo. The senior had a career-high 12 tackles, including two for loss, as the Hawkeyes beat Louisiana-Monroe 45-17.

Big Man on Campus (Special teams): Illinois kicker Derek Dimke drilled all three of his field goal attempts, from 39, 35 and 21, including the game-winner as the Illini survived against Western Michigan. Dimke is a perfect 6-for-6 on the year.

Worst hangover: (Tie) Minnesota and Indiana. Both teams are 1-3 and have a lot more questions than answers at this point. The Gophers somehow have played their best football against USC and Miami (Ohio) while looking their worst against New Mexico State and North Dakota State. The Hoosiers committed the unforgivable sin of falling behind North Texas 24-0 before losing 24-21. These are two teams not anxiously awaiting Big Ten play, because they're going to have a hard time finding more wins.

Strangest play: With five seconds left in the first half, Minnesota set up a fourth-down heave from midfield. North Dakota State's Colten Heagle picked it off near the 18, was tackled around midfield and just tossed the ball out. Marcus Williams picked it up and raced the rest of the way untouched for a score and a 28-14 Bison lead. Williams, who scored twice on defense, is from the Twin Cities but was not recruited by Minnesota. That's the kind of year it's been for the Gophers.

There are very few parenting issues where I come out on top. I'm distant, I work too much, my French braiding is sloppy. Finally something that's not my fault!

• Can't get enough realignment talk? Neither can Tom Shatel. The Big Ten is better off at 12 teams, Michael Rosenberg writes in the Detroit Free Press.
• Penn State assistant Jay Paterno drops a Latin phrase in his latest column about dealing with criticism. Lions linebacker Michael Mauti misses home but relishes continuing his family tradition in State College.
• Nebraska star defensive tackle Jared Crick misses another practice. A good piece on the Bob Devaney connection between Nebraska and Wyoming.
• Kyle Turley can't rattle Michigan coach Brady Hoke. The Wolverines will turn to Vincent Smith as their top running back on Saturday.
• Missed tackles have been a problem for Ohio State's defense, Doug Lesmerises writes in The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer. Buckeyes defensive lineman John Simon welcomes the adversity, Bill Rabinowitz writes in The Columbus Dispatch.
• Like numbers? Then you'll love Dave Revsine's latest entry in the Big Ten numbers blog.
• Illinois' defensive front seven has gone from potential weakness to pleasant surprise. The Illini won't overlook Western Michigan, ESPNChicago.com's Scott Powers writes.
• Phil Miller writes that Minnesota coach Jerry Kill has become a role model for others with his health issues. The Bison are coming.
• Indiana's D'Angelo Roberts isn't satisfied with his first 100-yard rushing performance, Terry Hutchens writes in the Indianapolis Star.
• Wisconsin gets good news on tackle Josh Oglesby. Badgers cornerback Devin Smith, meanwhile, won't be back this season but looks forward to 2012.
• Iowa defensive backs Shaun Prater and Micah Hyde compete for "swag" this season. In case you missed it, Iowa quarterback James Vandenberg joined Bennett and I on the Big Ten podcast.
• Michigan State aims for more pick-sixes from its secondary. The Spartans' special teams, meanwhile, need a serious upgrade.
• Purdue is still searching for its identity this season.
• The Big Ten isn't even the nation's No. 2 conference, according to the Sporting News.

I really enjoyed watching Zooey Deschanel for a half hour last night. (What's that, you say? She has a TV show?)

• Michigan State offensive coordinator Dan Roushar took the blame for the Spartans' poor offensive performance at Notre Dame. The defense has been solid but has had a few lapses. Mark Dantonio still plans to run the ball despite some major offensive line problems.
• Jerry Kill is now a role model, whether he wants the job or not. Gophers running back Lamonte Edwards will get a look with the linebackers this week.
• Nebraska is looking to tighten up its special teams, which have had their share of highlights already. Jared Crick's status is uncertain for the Wyoming game, while Alfonzo Dennard is getting closer to playing.
• Ohio State has a difficult decision to make at quarterback. Luke Fickell left three timeouts on the board at Miami but says he had a plan for them.
• Michigan's David Molk has been a little surly at times, but he's also been the center of strength for the offensive line. Everything is starting to click for Wolverines defensive end Craig Roh. Vincent Smith isn't too small to be a lead tailback, Al Borges says.
• Three freshmen running backs made a big impression last weekend for Purdue. The Boilers are leading the Big Ten in rushing.
• Wisconsin fullback Bradie Ewing has learned to do more with less. Injured cornerback Devin Gaulden aims to get back on the field in time for the Nebraska game.
• Penn State's offense has all kinds of problems. Did Joe Paterno drop some hints about the future of Penn State and the Big Ten?
• Illinois offensive tackle Corey Lewis may be nearing a return. Backyard two-a-days and two father figures helped rising star linebacker Jonathan Brown get where he is today.
• Kevin Wilson is committed to recruiting players in the state of Indiana.
• Iowa is preparing for a unique scheme from Louisiana Monroe. A pair of walk-ons made a difference in the Hawkeyes' kick coverage last week.

This was bound to happen eventually. I've been trying so hard to suppress like my carefree idiot side that it just rebelled and came out swingin'.

• Two former Ohio State coaches weigh in on Luke Fickell's tough call at quarterback, Tim May writes in The Columbus Dispatch. Doug Lesmerises answers several questions on Ohio State's offensive struggles.
• Nebraska CB Alfonzo Dennard reveals the full extent of his injury and says he isn't quite mentally ready to play. Huskers offensive coordinator Tim Beck is proud of T-Magic.
• The Heisman hype is building for Wisconsin's Russell Wilson.
• Will the Big Ten be forced to jump into realignment fever?
• Vincent Smith emerges for Michigan at running back, colleague Michael Rothstein writes. Wolverines players say this year's fast start feels different than the previous two.
• Illinois' offense is now the unit with something to prove, John Supinie writes. The Illini are on the rise in the Big Ten.
• The ACC is a good regional fit for Penn State, but the Big Ten still brings plenty of pluses, Donnie Collins writes. Bob Flounders doesn't like what he sees from Penn State after the first three games.
• Former Michigan State assistant Dan Enos looks to spark Central Michigan against his alma mater, David Goricki writes in The Detroit News.
• Bruce Davis' parents were surprised the Iowa LB quit the team, Randy Peterson writes in the Des Moines Register.
• Minnesota QB MarQueis Gray is starting to blossom, Marcus Fuller writes in the (St. Paul) Pioneer Press.
• The Big Ten could be in another down year, Loren Tate writes in The (Champaign) News-Gazette. Here are Athlon Sports' latest Big Ten power rankings.
• Northwestern' bye week comes at a good time.
• Terry Hutchens looks at Indiana's next opponent -- North Texas.
• Sparty and Brutus are holding their own in the Capital One Mascot Challenge.