ESPN College Football

Here's a look at three keys for Purdue during Tuesday's Little Caesars Pizza Bowl matchup against Western Michigan in Detroit.

1. Establish the run without Bolden: Boilers leading rusher Ralph Bolden is out (torn ACL), but the team has other backs capable of attacking a Western Michigan defense ranked 107th nationally against the run. Akeem Shavers will be Purdue's primary ball carrier, and Jared Crank and Reggie Pegram also should get some touches. Purdue needs to take the pressure off of its quarterbacks and consistently move the chains against the Broncos. One potential problem area is the red zone, where Western Michigan plays its best defense (sixth nationally at 70 percent scoring conversions). Purdue has scored touchdowns on 30 of its 47 red zone opportunities, so the Bolden-less backfield must cash in when opportunities arise.

2. Contain Jordan White: The Western Michigan senior receiver leads the nation in both receptions per game (10.58) and receiving yards per game (137.2). White will be a factor, and quarterback Alex Carder will get him the ball, but Purdue must prevent the Broncos star from taking over the game. Boilers sophomore cornerback Ricardo Allen has covered several other standout receivers this season -- Notre Dame's Michael Floyd, Iowa's Marvin McNutt and Illinois' A.J. Jenkins among them -- and will be assigned to White for most of the game. Allen's aggressive style could result in big plays for Purdue or for Western Michigan, but he's the type of corner you want against a talent like White.

3. Gain the edge on special teams: Purdue's season has been largely defined by special-teams plays, both the good and the bad. A blocked kick has both cost Purdue a chance at victory (against Rice) and preserved a chance for an eventual win (against Ohio State). The Boilers need strong performances from specialists Carson Wiggs and Cody Webster in kicker-friendly Ford Field, and they must avoid breakdowns against Western Michigan, which has been solid on both punt returns and kick returns this season. If Wiggs converts some lengthy field goals, Webster puts Western Michigan in tough field-position situations and Raheem Mostert breaks off a long return or two, Purdue will be in good shape in what should be a close game.

Big Ten bowl season kicks off Tuesday night as Purdue faces Western Michigan in the first of 10 bowl games for the league. Here's a quick preview of the Little Caesars Bowl at Ford Field in Detroit:

WHO TO WATCH: Purdue cornerback Ricardo Allen. The Boilermakers are a little light on star power, but Allen is one of the best cover corners in the Big Ten, with a knack for making the big play. The sophomore will be matched up frequently against Western Michigan star Jordan White, who led the nation with 127 catches and 1,646 receiving yards (along with 16 touchdowns) this season. White is likely to get his yards -- he had at least 98 receiving yards in all but two games this season -- but Allen will need to at least make him work for it and try to keep him out of the end zone. Allen also had three interceptions this season, and turnovers could be big in what looks like a close game.

WHAT TO WATCH: Purdue's running game. Leading rusher Ralph Bolden suffered a torn ACL in the season finale against Indiana, so the team's two Akeems -- Akeem Shavers and freshman Akeem Hunt -- will have to come through. Both have had their moments this season, and Hunt averaged 8.6 yards per carry in limited duty. Starting quarterback Caleb TerBush can also take off and run. The Boilermakers don't own an explosive downfield passing game, but they might not need one against a Western Michigan team that allowed 216 rushing yards per game and 5.5 yards per carry this season. The Broncos faced and lost to two other Big Ten teams this season: Michigan ran for 190 yards (at 7.3 yards per carry) in less than three full quarters of a weather-shortened game, while Illinois produced two 100-yard rushers while rolling up 296 on the ground.

WHY TO WATCH: This is Purdue's first bowl game since 2007. The fan base has been slow to accept third-year coach Danny Hope, but the school showed faith by extending his contract last week. The Boilers failed to win back-to-back games all season and need a good bowl performance to build some momentum in the program. But how focused is the team? Three players have been arrested and another suspended since the end of the season, and receiver O.J. Ross and linebacker Dwayne Beckford won't play in the game. The Big Ten has some difficult matchups this bowl season, and the league could use a victory over a MAC opponent to get things started.

PREDICTION: Purdue 34, Western Michigan 33. The Broncos' dynamic passing game with White and quarterback Alex Carder will cause some problems for Purdue, which needs defensive tackle Kawann Short to disrupt things in the middle. The Boilermakers could have a tough time if they fall behind early. But Western Michigan struggles mightily against the run, something Purdue ought to be able to exploit all game even without Bolden. I see this one going down to the wire, with perhaps a key special-teams play deciding it.

Western Michigan Broncos (7-5) vs. Purdue Boilermakers (6-6)

Dec. 27, 4:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Western Michigan take from Andrea Adelson: Western Michigan is in its third bowl game in the last five seasons under head coach Bill Cubit based largely on the strength of its high-powered offense. Oklahoma State and Houston might get all the headlines, but the Broncos are up there with them when it comes to piling up yards and points.

Alex Carder and Jordan White are among the most prolific quarterback-receiver duos in the nation. White leads the nation in total receiving yards (1,646), receiving yards per game (137.17), total receptions (127) and receptions per game (10.58); he also ranks second in the FBS in receiving touchdowns (16). White holds all but three receiving records at Western Michigan and needs 110 yards to become the MAC career leader in receiving yards.

Carder threw for 3,251 yards, 28 touchdowns and nine interceptions, and ranks seventh in FBS in completions per game (27.18) and leads the MAC with 312.2 passing yards per game. Carder missed the season finale against Akron with a sore shoulder but is expected to start in the bowl game.

The offense ranks in the top 20 in passing (eighth), passing efficiency (14th) and scoring (18th). Meanwhile, MAC Defensive Player of the Year Drew Nowak leads the defense. Nowak ranks fifth in FBS in tackles for loss per game (1.67) and fourth in total TFLs (20.0). He closed out his regular season with 4.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss in the final two games of the season. Western Michigan already has a win this season over a team from an AQ conference, beating Connecticut in September. But the Broncos are 0-4 all-time in bowl games.

---

Purdue take from Big Ten blogger Brian Bennett: Purdue was the very definition of inconsistent in 2011.

The Boilermakers never once won two games in a row and had only one two-game losing streak. They beat Middle Tennessee State by blocking a last-second field goal and followed that up by losing to Rice when their own game-winning kick was knocked down. They had strong performances against Penn State on the road (in a loss) and against Ohio State at home (in victory), but got blown out by Michigan, Notre Dame and Wisconsin.

But all Purdue cares about now is that it's going bowling for the first time since 2007 and for the first time under head coach Danny Hope, who would have felt some heat under his seat had the team stayed home for the holidays again. The Boilers had to overcome the loss of starting quarterback Rob Henry in fall camp and juggled Caleb TerBush and Robert Marve under center.

As you might expect for an inconsistent 6-6 team, Purdue doesn't stand out in many areas. But lineman Kawann Short emerged as one of the Big Ten's top defensive players, and the offense found success using screens and misdirection, though running back Ralph Bolden is out for the game because of a torn ACL.

Brady Hoke talks about Michigan's win in their abbreviated game against Western Michigan.

Minnesota has completed its 2012 with the addition of Western Michigan, the team announced today.

The Golden Gophers will host Western Michigan on Sept. 15, 2012. Their home game against New Hampshire, previously scheduled for that day, has been moved up a week to Sept. 8.

Minnesota and Western Michigan have played three times, from 1975-77, with the Gophers winning all three contests.

The Gophers' nonconference schedules are now finalized through 2016.

Here's Minnesota's complete 2012 schedule:

Sept. 1 at UNLV
Sept. 8 New Hampshire
Sept. 15 Western Michigan
Sept. 22 Syracuse
Sept. 29 Open
Oct. 6 Indiana
Oct. 13 at Wisconsin
Oct. 20 Ohio State
Oct. 27 at Michigan State
Nov. 3 Michigan
Nov. 10 at Northwestern
Nov. 17 at Penn State
Nov. 24 Iowa

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Indiana released its injury report for Saturday's home game against Western Michigan.

OUT

• Tackle Alex Perry (ACL)
• Defensive end Kyle Kozak (shoulder)
• Defensive end Fred Jones (foot)
• Running back Zach Davis-Walker (shoulder)
• Running back Darius Willis (ankle)

QUESTIONABLE

• Cornerback Aaron Burks (ankle)
• Kicker Nick Ford (hamstring)
• Cornerback Donnell Jones (hamstring)

PROBABLE

• Guard Justin Pagan (ankle)

The big news here is Willis' injury, which adds more uncertainty to a Hoosiers' rushing attack that produced only 73 yards against Eastern Kentucky. Willis struggled in his collegiate debut, fumbling on his first carry and gaining just three yards on three rushes. Still, Indiana maintains high hopes for the redshirt freshman but will now turn to starter Demetrius McCray and reserves Bryan Payton and Trea Burgess to carry the rushing attack.

Getting Pagan on the field again certainly helps the offensive line, and freshman kicker Mitch Ewald is also off the injury report after missing much of preseason camp with an oblique injury.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- After a week where it seemed like nothing went Michigan's way off the field, the Wolverines delivered a resounding statement between the lines.

Head coach Rich Rodriguez likely couldn't have scripted a better opener to take some of the pressure off his back. His two quarterback recruits, Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson, ran the offense extremely well and showed the play-making ability Rodriguez demands at the position. Forcier established himself as the clear No. 1 at this point, making very few mistakes in his first career start, while Robinson proved he's too fast and athletic to be left on the sidelines for long.

A supposedly splintered team looked anything but.

The offensive awakening will draw most of the attention, but Michigan's defense might have been the biggest story today. New coordinator Greg Robinson put a ton of pressure on Western Michigan senior quarterback Tim Hiller, who buckled most of the time. Michigan never let the Broncos' offense find any sort of rhythm.

Michigan's victory snaps a two-game slide in season openers and sets up a very intriguing matchup next week against No. 23 Notre Dame, which also looked very impressive today.

I'm heading down for interviews but will have more from the players and coaches, so check back often.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- It's only one half of play against a upper-tier MAC opponent, but Michigan looks like a totally different team from the one that went 3-9 in 2008. Here's a quick look at what transpired in the first 30 minutes at the Big House:

Turning point: Michigan freshman quarterback Tate Forcier set the tone for a dominant half on his team's first possession. After showcasing his mobility on third-and-2 to stretch for a first down, Forcier evaded the rush, bought himself some time and found wideout Junior Hemingway, who had gotten behind the defense for an easy touchdown grab.

Stat of the half: Wolverines freshmen quarterbacks Forcier and Denard Robinson are a combined 10-for-16 for 145 yards with three passing touchdowns, no interceptions and a 43-yard rushing touchdown by Robinson. Western Michigan senior quarterback Tim Hiller is 13-for-24 for 81 yards and an interception and a fumble (WMU recovered).

Best call: Rich Rodriguez's use of his two freshmen quarterbacks has been superb, but I'm going to give new Michigan defensive coordinator Greg Robinson some love. Robinson decided to pressure Hiller on nearly every play and trust his defenders to make open-field tackles. The approach has paid off big time, as Michigan has recorded a sack and held the Broncos to 2.3 yards per play.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- First-year Michigan defensive coordinator Greg Robinson hasn't masked his intentions in this game.

He's turning up the heat on Western Michigan quarterback Tim Hiller, and so far it's working to perfection. Michigan is bringing pressure on nearly every play. The Wolverines' defensive front is controlling the line of scrimmage, and the linebackers are finding their way into the backfield.

Robinson's strategy could be construed as risky considering Michigan's inexperience in the secondary, but the defensive backs have tackled extremely well on the rare occasion when Hiller completes a pass. Cornerback Boubacar Cissoko has stood out so far for the Wolverines.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- After a week of turmoil, Michigan can finally focus on what really matters, the action between the lines.

Greetings from Michigan Stadium, where the construction is much further along than the last time I visited. Head coach Rich Rodriguez can only hope the same holds true for his program later today.

After losing the openers in 2007 and 2009, the Wolverines try to snap the streak, this time against Western Michigan, an on-the-rise program expected to contend for the Mid-American Conference title. We’ve got absolutely perfect weather right now, 75 degrees with a light breeze out of the East.

Two hours before kickoff, let’s take a look at three keys for each team.

MICHIGAN

1. Pressure quarterback Tim Hiller -- Hiller typically gets rid of the ball extremely fast, and Western Michigan will do everything it can to take Michigan defensive end Brandon Graham out of the equation. Michigan needs its “quick” end Brandon Herron to be exactly that and find ways to get in Hiller’s face.

2. Respond -- Is Michigan a splintered football team? Today provides the perfect opportunity for the Wolverines to prove they are not. Adversity always arises in football, especially with young players, and Michigan will use plenty of them in this game. How the Wolverines respond from the first sign of trouble will go a long way toward determining the outcome.

3. Controlling the line of scrimmage -- The Wolverines’ offensive line should have an edge today, as Western Michigan loses several stars on defense, including Louis Delmas. Establishing a run game with or without Brandon Minor will really help true freshman quarterback Tate Forcier, who gets the start.

WESTERN MICHIGAN

1. Strike early -- Michigan is the team under pressure today, and Western can make things even tougher with an early touchdown. The Wolverines have some question marks in the secondary, particularly at safety, so look for Hiller and his talented wide receivers to make a big play right away.

2. Stop the run -- Freshman quarterbacks typically make mistakes, and the Broncos need to put Forcier in difficult down-and-distance situations. Michigan’s strength is unquestionably its run game, and Western Michigan looks a bit iffy in the front seven.

3. Head West -- Senior Brandon West is a game-changer, both as a runner and a return man, so the Broncos need to get him going early. If Michigan has to respect the Broncos run game and bring extra players in the box, Hiller will get more 1-on-1 coverage opportunities in the secondary to exploit.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

	Scott Boehm/Getty Images
	Despite some of the off-the-field issues facing Michigan, defensive end Brandon Graham says the team is focused.

Welcome to a new feature on the Big Ten blog, a Q&A with a player or a coach from the conference that will be posted every Friday throughout the fall. I'll be in Ann Arbor this weekend for Michigan-Western Michigan (ABC, 3:30 p.m. ET), so first up is Michigan senior defensive end Brandon Graham.

A second-team All-Big Ten selection last year, Graham tied for the league lead in tackles for loss (20) and has recorded 18.5 sacks during the last two seasons. He's the lone returning starter on the Wolverines' defensive line. Graham wasn't allowed to comment specifically on the allegations facing the football program, but he weighed in on several other topics.

What are the personal goals you set for yourself going into this season?


Brandon Graham: I set individual goals, but at the same time, I'm a team player. I'm just trying to get everybody to work as a team on the defense. That's my main focus. I come in and try not to have bad days. When I'm down and I don't feel like practicing, I dig deep and try to let nobody see me sweat, so they always thinking I'm ready to go. Then they have that attitude and carry it on when I leave here.

How have your responsibilities changed with a new coordinator [Greg Robinson] and a new scheme?

BG: It hasn't really changed. We just move a lot on the line, and I drop back in coverage a little bit, so it's kind of nice. I used to do [pass coverage], but it's not as much as we do it now. I adapted to the whole scheme. I know it inside and out now. That's the best part. I can help other people on their positions because I've got it down. I still need work, but that's what practice is for.

Are you expecting double teams right off the bat?

BG: Yeah, that's why I'm working hard now. Last year, I got a lot of double teams, but this year, it's going to be more.

How do you beat a double team on a consistent basis?

BG: Just being in shape. I feel like if I'm full-go, nobody can stop me. It would be frustrating if my teammates don't make plays. When I'm taking one guy off another guy, he should be making a play. As long as he's doing that, I'm happy.

What element of your game did you work on the most during the offseason?

BG: I cut some weight. I want to be able to go all the time, non-stop, without even thinking about getting out [of the game]. I cut down 10 [pounds]. It was 15 at one point, almost 20, but I ended gaining some back because I was getting a little bit too small. I'm at 260. It feels real good. Being able to go and being able to be out there communicating without sucking for air, that's good.

You guys are facing a pretty good quarterback on Saturday. How important is it for you to put consistent pressure on [Tim] Hiller?

BG: It's going to be real important. He likes to sit back there, and he'll pick you apart if he doesn't have to move his feet. He just sits there, plants and lets it go. He's letting it go quick, so all we have to do is be in his face. I know he likes to get rid of that ball, and he's real accurate, so we've got to tighten up in the secondary, and we'll be OK. Give us some time to hit home on the D-line.

I know you've made some predictions in the past. Got any for this season?

BG: No, I have none. Just got to get a win.

There's been a lot of attention off the field with what's been going on. How is the team in terms of chemistry and how do you feel you'll come out on Saturday?

BG: The chemistry is good. I like it a lot. We're going to come out there high energy all the way through the game and ready to go every play. I don't see us slacking off at all during that game, or any of these games, because we're hungry.

Are you confident that everyone's on board now?

BG: Oh, yeah, everybody's on the same page, everybody's anxious for the game, everybody wants to do what it takes to be able to win 12 games this year. That's what we're doing. We're working and competing every day in practice, so when the game comes, it's like practice.

Has everything that happened this week at Michigan brought you guys together any more?

BG: Oh, yeah. Everybody hangs out with everybody now. That's one thing that changed in my years being here. There are no more cliques. If somebody says, 'Let's go here,' everybody wants to come. We hang out a little bit more. We're more of a team.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Big Ten football is here!

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

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

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

THURSDAY

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

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

SATURDAY

Towson at Northwestern, noon ET, Big Ten Network

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Minnesota at Syracuse, noon ET, ESPN2

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

Toledo at Purdue, noon ET, Big Ten Network

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

In a move that will delight the Mid-American Conference and could draw mixed reviews from Spartan Nation, Michigan State has reached a long-term scheduling agreement with the three MAC schools located within state lines -- Central Michigan, Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan. 

Billed as the Celebrate the State Football Series, Michigan State will play 12 games against the directional Michigan schools during the next 10 years.

The agreement includes road contests against each MAC team, beginning in 2012 with a trip to Central Michigan. The Spartans have never visited Central Michigan or Western Michigan and last played a MAC team on the road in 1899. 

"I'm not sure if there's another school in the country or another conference in the country taking this approach," Western Michigan athletic director Kathy Beauregard said.

There are obvious financial gains for the MAC schools in this deal, and while Michigan State could draw some criticism, the Spartans aren't shying away from the big boys. Michigan State will continue its series with Notre Dame and play both Alabama and West Virginia in the coming years.  

There will be some heat for playing the MAC, but almost every Big Ten school does it and both Central Michigan and Western Michigan are respectable programs, while Eastern Michigan is starting fresh under coach Ron English. 

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Excuse the Mark Morrison reference, but it's time to take a peek at the Mid-American Conference heading into the 2009 season. Whether you want to admit it or not, Big Ten fans should have some interest in the MAC because of the scheduling relationship the two leagues share. 

Big Ten teams play 14 games against the MAC this fall, including two for Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State, Northwestern, Penn State and Purdue. No league appears on the schedule more often than the 13-team MAC, which notched four victories against Big Ten squads in 2008. 

The MAC held its media sessions last week in Detroit, and Central Michigan once again got the nod as the league's preseason favorite. Colleague Graham Watson has all the details.

Let's take a look at the MAC preseason poll. 

West Division
1. Central Michigan (154 points)
2. Western Michigan (126)
3. Northern Illinois (103)
4. Toledo (71)
5. Ball State (58)
6. Eastern Michigan (34)

East Division
1. Buffalo (155 points)
2. Temple (144)
3. Akron (128)
4. Ohio (116)
5. Bowling Green (101)
6. Kent State (51)
7. Miami (33)

MAC Championship Game
Central Michigan (18), Western Michigan (4), Buffalo (2), Temple (2)

Of all the Big Ten teams, Michigan State gets the toughest draw against the MAC and will host both Central Michigan (Sept. 12) and Western Michigan (Nov. 7).

Penn State's soft schedule is well documented, but the Lions do face two of the higher rated MAC East teams in Akron (Sept. 5) and Temple (Sept. 19). The MAC West division looks much stronger to me, and teams like Purdue and Wisconsin should watch out for Northern Illinois. Northwestern gets off very easy, facing the two teams picked to finish last in their divisions (Eastern Michigan and Miami).

An interesting note: Five MAC teams welcome new head coaches this year.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

It's Tuesday, and that means your questions and my answers.

Todd from Wilmington, Ohio, writes: Adam, I love your blog, I don't know how I survived before it. By the way, congratulations on the recent wedding. My reason for writing is to discuss the marquee non-conference games this year for the Big Ten. Although several teams have taken criticism for soft non-conference scheduling, I believe you can identify at least one non-conference game for each team as the "marquee" game for them. Some even have two such games. As follows:Illinois vs. Missouri/Cincinnati(take your pick)Indiana vs. VirginiaIowa vs. ArizonaMichigan vs. Notre DameMichigan State vs. Notre DameMinnesota vs. CalNorthwestern vs. SyracuseOhio State vs. USCPenn State vs. SyracusePurdue vs. Oregon/Notre Dame(take your pick)Wisconsin vs. Fresno St/Hawaii(take your pick)Obviously, the biggest issue is that Notre Dame and Syracuse make up about half of the list, nonetheless, they can be considered the biggest game for several teams. I would be interested as to what your thoughts and/or predictions for these games would be. Thanks, Adam, keep up the good work.

Adam Rittenberg: Thanks for the kind words, Todd. I see the Big Ten going around .500 in the marquee matchups you mention. There are several games Big Ten teams should win, namely Northwestern/Penn State over Syracuse, Wisconsin over Hawaii and Iowa over Arizona. There are a few toss-ups, including Ohio State-USC, Michigan State-Notre Dame and Illinois-Missouri (I have the Illini as a slight favorite there), and a few longshots (Purdue-Oregon and Minnesota-Cal). It goes without saying that the Ohio State-USC matchup will shape national perception about the Big Ten more than any other game, but the league could really use a few more nice wins (Cal, Missouri, Notre Dame twice or thrice).

---

Ryan from Not Iowa writes: Adam, great job on the blog. My question is about Iowa...I just don't see what the big deal is. Iowa fans and so many others, including yourself, sir, seem to think that Iowa is a definite contender for the Big Ten title this year. The best parts of their team from last year, the D-line and running game (aka Greene), will have an impossible time performing as well as they did during their 8-4 season last year. I don't think they're a bad team, but when I compare them to teams like Penn State and Ohio State, I see a huge huge gap. Please explain to me, aside from the secondary having a couple decent players and Stanzi completing passes, why Iowa fans expect to have at least as many wins as last year.

Adam Rittenberg: You're right about the areas where Iowa loses key pieces, but the Hawkeyes' track record on defense needs to be considered here. Iowa has ranked among the top 25 nationally in scoring defense in six out of the last seven seasons, including a fifth-place finish in 2008. Though the Hawkeyes take a hit at defensive tackle, they should be better at every other spot on defense, particularly defensive end and safety. Iowa's defense won't allow a lot of points, and it should keep the team in every game, including the four tough Big Ten road contests. There are also high hopes for quarterback Ricky Stanzi, but the Hawkeyes defense has generated all the preseason buzz. As for matching last year's wins total, I don't see Iowa losing at home, and the Hawks should win at least two road games, giving them nine victories at a minumum.

---

Chris from Chicago writes: Hey Adam, what do you make of OL Dann O'Neill leaving Michigan to transfer to Western Michigan. First Boren, then McGuffie, and now this? Isn't this just more of a testament that Rich Rod is not getting it done in Ann Arbor? Talk me off the ledge...

Adam Rittenberg: Yeah, it's funny how O'Neill's first game in a Broncos uniform (he can't play until 2010) will take him back to Michigan Stadium. But you should back away from the ledge for sure. Transfers happen when there's coaching change. Obviously, Michigan has endured quite a few departures under Rich Rodriguez, but the number should diminish as Rich gets more of his recruits in the program and, more important, starts to win more games. Don't underestimate the magnitude of this coaching change. This wasn't Bo Schembechler to Gary Moeller or Moeller to Lloyd Carr. Rodriguez's arrival signaled a fundamental shift in how Michigan operates. It's not necessarily a bad thing at all, but there was bound to be more personnel change than normal because of the overall change to the program.

---

Badger Fan from Madison, Wis., writes: Hey I was just wondering if their was a reason you never finished the 3 fresh faces post with Purdue and Wisconsin? Or perhaps you just haven't gotten to them yet.

Adam Rittenberg: Nope, they were posted a few weeks back. I didn't go in alphabetical order with the Fresh Faces series. Here's Purdue and Wisconsin. Enjoy.

---

Josh from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., writes: Hey Adam, please stop taking vacations - you're KILLING us! Otherwise, thanks for all the hard work!I saw some articles about Penn State's Lift for Life 2009, and have some comments.1. Jack Crawford looks like a freak of nature when lifting.2. Brandon Ware seems to have lost half of his body-weight in the offseason.3. Sean Lee won for most leg-presses.Thoughts?

Adam Rittenberg: Vacation time is winding down, Josh, so not to worry. I was traveling to California on Friday during the Lift for Life event, but everything I read indicated it was a huge success. I got an e-mail Monday from former Penn State player and Uplifting Athletes executive director Scott Shirley, who wrote that the event generated "the most money ever raised, the largest crowd and was the most competitive." Penn State certainly can feel good about its linebacker corps after Lee, Navorro Bowman and Josh Hull teamed with tight end Mickey Shuler to win the event. Crawford's team came in second, also a good sign, while freshman quarterback Kevin Newsome was part of the third-place squad. Penn State's incoming freshmen also participated in the event for the first time.