ESPN.com - Big Ten Blog ESPN.com presents Big Ten Adam Rittenberg http://espn.go.comnull 60 en-us Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:46:01 webmaster@espn.go.com http://assets.espn.go.com/i/espn/teamlogos/lrg/trans/espn_dotcom_black.gif 110 110 <![CDATA[Big Ten awards and All-Conference teams]]>
Congrats to all the honorees.

All-Big Ten Conference Football Team Offense -- Coaches Selections

First team Position Second team
Daryll Clark, Penn State Quarterback Mike Kafka, Northwestern
Evan Royster, Penn State Running Back Brandon Saine, Ohio State
John Clay, Wisconsin Running Back Ralph Bolden, Purdue
Eric Decker, Minnesota Receiver Tandon Doss, Indiana*
Blair White, Michigan State Receiver Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, Iowa*
Keith Smith, Purdue*
Stefen Wisniewski, Penn State Center Rafael Eubanks, Iowa*
Joel Nitchman, Michigan State*
Dace Richardson, Iowa Guard Jon Asamoah, Illinois
John Moffitt, Wisconsin Guard Justin Boren, Ohio State
Bryan Bulaga, Iowa Tackle Rodger Saffold, Indiana
Dennis Landolt, Penn State TackleGabe Carimi, Wisconsin
Tony Moeaki, Iowa Tight End Garrett Graham, Wisconsin
Brett Swenson, Michigan State Kicker Stefan Demos, Northwestern
* Additional honorees due to ties.

All-Big Ten Conference Football Team Defense -- Coaches Selections

First team Position Second team
Adrian Clayborn, Iowa Line Jammie Kirlew, Indiana
Brandon Graham, Michigan Line Thaddeus Gibson, Ohio State
Jared Odrick, Penn State Line Cameron Heyward, Ohio State
O’Brien Schofield, Wisconsin Line Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue
Pat Angerer, Iowa Linebacker A.J. Edds, Iowa
Greg Jones, Michigan State Linebacker Ross Homan, Ohio State
Navorro Bowman, Penn State Linebacker Sean Lee, Penn State
Tyler Sash, Iowa Defensive Back Donovan Warren, Michigan*
Amari Spievey, Iowa Defensive Back Sherrick McManis, Northwestern*
Brad Phillips, Northwestern Defensive Back Brandon King, Purdue*
Kurt Coleman, Ohio State Defensive Back David Pender, Purdue*
Jay Valai, Wisconsin*
Zoltan Mesko, Michigan Punter Jeremy Boone, Penn State
* Additional honorees due to ties.

HONORABLE MENTION: ILLINOIS: Arrelious Benn, Mikel Leshoure, Juice Williams; INDIANA: Ben Chappell,
Ray Fisher, Matt Mayberry; IOWA: Christian Ballard, Kyle Calloway, Ryan Donahue, Brett Greenwood, Karl Klug,
Adam Robinson; MICHIGAN: Stephen Schilling; MICHIGAN STATE: Trevor Anderson, Joel Foreman, Chris L.
Rucker, Jeremy Ware; MINNESOTA: Lee Campbell, Simoni Lawrence, Traye Simmons; NORTHWESTERN: Al
Netter, Corey Wootton; OHIO STATE: Bryant Browning, Chimdi Chekwa; PENN STATE: Josh Hull, Andrew
Quarless; PURDUE: Ken Plue, Carson Wiggs, Torri Williams; WISCONSIN: Chris Borland, Chris Maragos, Brad
Nortman, Scott Tolzien, Nick Toon.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: John Clay, Wisconsin
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE YEAR: Bryan Bulaga, Iowa
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jared Odrick, Penn State
DEFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE YEAR: Jared Odrick, Penn State
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR: Chris Borland, Wisconsin

Big Ten Sportsmanship Award Honorees: Juice Williams, ILL; Jammie Kirlew, IND; A.J. Edds, IOWA; David
Moosman, MICH; Blair White, MSU; Eric Decker, MINN; Sherrick McManis, NU; Kurt Coleman, OSU; Sean Lee,
PSU; Joey Elliott, PUR; Chris Maragos, WIS.


All-Big Ten Conference Football Team Offense -- Media Selections

First team Position Second team
Daryll Clark, Penn State Quarterback Mike Kafka, Northwestern
Evan Royster, Penn State Running Back Brandon Saine, Ohio State
John Clay, Wisconsin* Running Back Ralph Bolden, Purdue
Tandon Doss, Indiana ReceiverBlair White, Michigan State
Keith Smith, Purdue Receiver Zeke Markshausen, Northwestern
Stefen Wisniewski, Penn State Center Rafael Eubanks, Iowa
Justin Boren, Ohio State Guard Jon Asamoah, Illinois
John Moffitt, Wisconsin Guard Dace Richardson, Iowa
Bryan Bulaga, Iowa Tackle Kyle Calloway, Iowa
Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin Tackle Dennis Landolt, Penn State
Garrett Graham, Wisconsin Tight End Tony Moeaki, Iowa
Brett Swenson, Michigan State Kicker Stefan Demos, Northwestern
* Unanimous selection.

All-Big Ten Conference Football Team Defense -- Media Selections

First team Position Second team
Adrian Clayborn, Iowa Line Jammie Kirlew, Indiana
Brandon Graham, Michigan Line Thaddeus Gibson, Ohio State
Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue Line Cameron Heyward, Ohio State
O’Brien Schofield, Wisconsin Line Jared Odrick, Penn State
Pat Angerer, Iowa Linebacker Ross Homan, Ohio State
Greg Jones, Michigan State* Linebacker Josh Hull, Penn State
Navorro Bowman, Penn State Linebacker Sean Lee, Penn State
Tyler Sash, Iowa Defensive Back Brett Greenwood, Iowa
Donovan Warren, Michigan Defensive Back Amari Spievey, Iowa
Sherrick McManis, Northwestern Defensive Back Brad Phillips, Northwestern
Kurt Coleman, Ohio State Defensive Back David Pender, Purdue
Zoltan Mesko, Michigan Punter Jeremy Boone, Penn State
* Unanimous selection.

HONORABLE MENTION: ILLINOIS: Mikel Leshoure, Clay Nurse; INDIANA: Ray Fisher, Matt Mayberry, Greg
Middleton, Rodger Saffold; IOWA: Ryan Donahue, Broderick Binns, A.J. Edds, Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, Karl
Klug, Daniel Murray, Adam Robinson, Ricky Stanzi; MICHIGAN: Stephen Schilling; MICHIGAN STATE: Trevor
Anderson, Kirk Cousins, Joel Foreman, Charlie Gantt, Joel Nitchman, Chris L. Rucker; MINNESOTA: Lee
Campbell, Eric Decker, Eric Ellestad, Nick Tow-Arnett, Traye Simmons; NORTHWESTERN: Al Netter, Corey
Wootton; OHIO STATE: Bryant Browning, Terrelle Pryor, Doug Worthington; PENN STATE: Drew Astorino, Jack
Crawford, D’Anton Lynn, Derek Moye, Ollie Ogbu, Andrew Quarless; PURDUE: Joey Elliott, Zach Jones, Brandon
King, Mike Neal, Carson Wiggs, Torri Williams, Jared Zwilling; WISCONSIN: Chris Borland, Chris Maragos, Nick
Toon, Jay Valai, J.J. Watt.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: John Clay, Wisconsin
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Greg Jones, Michigan State
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR: Chris Borland, Wisconsin
DAVE McCLAIN COACH OF THE YEAR: Kirk Ferentz, Iowa ]]> http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/7479/big-ten-awards-and-all-conference-teams Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:15:54 EDT 7479 <![CDATA[Iowa's Ferentz for Big Ten coach of the year]]>
Both coaches should be commended for their work, but in the end, I could only choose one.

I endorse Iowa's Kirk Ferentz for Big Ten Coach of the Year.

Ferentz had so many things working against him this season, namely a brutal road schedule and several unfortunate injuries. Running back Jewel Hampton, the projected successor to Big Ten MVP Shonn Greene, went down with a knee injury during the summer. Ferentz lost left tackle Bryan Bulaga and tight end Tony Moeaki for a chunk of the season, and running back Adam Robinson missed two games with a high-ankle sprain. And Iowa still went 10-2, finding new players to step up and new ways to win games seemingly every week.

Had quarterback Ricky Stanzi not gone down with an ankle injury Nov. 7, Iowa might be undefeated and in the national title discussion. But even Stanzi's injury didn't keep the Hawkeyes from nearly stunning Ohio State in Columbus before falling in overtime. Ferentz readily admits Iowa isn't the most talented or deepest team in the Big Ten, but he and his assistants got the most out of the Hawkeyes this fall.

Tressel deserves to win this award one of these seasons, and he did a great job turning things around after Purdue and worked his November magic yet again. I'd be happy for Tressel if he got the nod tonight, but the honor should go to Ferentz.]]> http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/7459/iowas-ferentz-for-big-ten-coach-of-the-year Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:00:49 EDT 7459 <![CDATA[Wisconsin's Borland for top freshman]]>
My decision came down to three players: Wisconsin linebacker Chris Borland, Michigan quarterback Tate Forcier and Iowa running back Adam Robinson. Wait for it, wait for it ...

I endorse Wisconsin linebacker Chris Borland as Big Ten Freshman of the Year.

The award has gone to a quarterback, running back or wide receiver in each of the past eight seasons, and it wouldn't surprise me if Forcier got the nod tonight (Big Ten Network, 8 p.m. ET). But Borland has been the most outstanding freshman performer for a Wisconsin team that turned things around this fall largely because of young players.

The lightly recruited Borland made an impact for the Badgers as soon as he set foot on campus. Coaches raved about him during preseason camp, and it was easy to see why during the year. Borland ranked second in the Big Ten in both forced fumbles (5) and fumbles recovered (3). He was the only freshman to twice earn Big Ten player of the week honors, for special teams on Sept. 20 and for defense on Nov. 1.

Borland first made his mark on special teams, blocking a punt against Wofford that was returned for a touchdown and even returning seven kickoffs, a rarity for a linebacker. He replaced the injured Mike Taylor at starting outside linebacker midway through the season and has 51 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and an interception to go along with his amazing fumble statistics.

Forcier did magical things for Michigan and Robinson showed tremendous maturity and guts as he emerged as Iowa's top running back, but Borland consistently made a huge impact every time he stepped on the field.]]> http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/7451/wisconsins-borland-for-top-big-ten-freshman Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:00:57 EDT 7451 <![CDATA[Michigan State's Jones for defensive POY]]> nine players should be considered for the award, and little has changed in recent weeks. The Big Ten is bursting with defensive stars.

In the end, it came down to six players: Greg Jones, Brandon Graham, Pat Angerer, Navorro Bowman, Kurt Coleman and O'Brien Schofield.

The envelope, please ...

I endorse Michigan State linebacker Greg Jones for Defensive Player of the Year.

Graham is the league's most feared defender, and Schofield isn't far behind. Bowman and Coleman made tons of big plays, while Angerer is the model of consistency. But in making this endorsement, I tried to find the player who was a factor every time the offense snapped the football. No player found himself in the mix more than Jones.

The Spartans junior leads the Big Ten and ranks second nationally with 141 tackles (11.8 tpg). He reached double digits in tackles eight times this season. Most importantly, he found his way to the quarterback, leading all Big Ten linebackers with nine sacks, a total that ranked fourth overall in the conference. Jones ranks eighth in total tackles for loss (13.5) to go along with a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and eight quarterback hurries.  He wasn't always the flashiest player on the field, but his consistency is second to none. Named the Big Ten's preseason defensive player of the year, Jones backed up the hype.

You can't go wrong with any of these choices, but Jones deserves the award.]]> http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/7447/michigan-states-jones-for-defensive-poy Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:00:25 EDT 7447 <![CDATA[Wisconsin's Clay for Big Ten offensive POY]]>
You'll have to wait a bit longer for my All-Big Ten teams, but I will reveal my picks for the four major awards this afternoon. Actually, because this is election month, I'll endorse candidates for Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year and Coach of the Year. I'll leave the Offensive and Defensive Linemen of the Year up to the coaches, who know line play a lot better than I do.

I endorse Wisconsin running back John Clay for Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year.

Matthew Emmons/US PresswireWisconsin running back John Clay leads the Big Ten with 13 touchdowns.
Let's get started.

Some might argue Clay fumbled away the top spot in Saturday's loss to Northwestern, but each of his three primary challengers for this award -- quarterbacks Daryll Clark, Mike Kafka and Joey Elliott -- all also committed critical turnovers in losses earlier this year. Clay has been undoubtedly the Big Ten's top running back, rushing for 100 or more yards in seven games, including each of the last four. He leads the Big Ten with 13 touchdowns and reached the end zone in eight of Wisconsin's 11 games.

The 6-1, 248-pound Clay is the focal point for opposing defensive coordinators in the Big Ten. How many other offensive players in this league carry that distinction?

You can make cases for Clark, Kafka or Elliott as well, but the quarterback play in the Big Ten wasn't spectacular this year. Clay had only one bad performance (against Wofford), and while his numbers dipped against both Ohio State and Iowa, he wasn't the same after an ankle injury in the loss to the Hawkeyes. The redshirt sophomore has 1,224 rush yards through 11 games and will add to that total Dec. 5 at Hawaii.

In a season without many offensive superstars in the Big Ten, Clay rose to the top with his powerful running.]]> http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/7444/wisconsins-clay-for-big-ten-offensive-poy Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:00:34 EDT 7444 <![CDATA[Big Ten lunch links]]> ]]> http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/7439/big-ten-lunch-links-147 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:30:39 EDT 7439 <![CDATA[Stating the BCS cases for Iowa, PSU]]>
The Iowa-Penn State debate is fascinating because so many factors are involved, and many seem split on these teams. Penn State is ahead in all of the human polls, but the computers favor Iowa and push the Hawkeyes in front in the BCS standings.

Here's a look at the BCS case for each team.

The Case for Iowa

Iowa's case is built around what happened on the field and who it came against. The Hawkeyes feel they have the facts on their side and see no need for flash or sizzle (i.e. style points).

AD Gary Barta and head coach Kirk Ferentz can point to the following factors:

  • A head-to-head victory at Penn State on Sept. 26. Iowa went into Happy Valley and upset Penn State 21-10. The Hawkeyes also were without starters Bryan Bulaga and Tony Moeaki in the game.
  • Better wins than Penn State. Iowa beat Arizona, a recently ranked team that would be back in the polls had it not fallen apart late against Oregon. Iowa also beat Wisconsin, ranked 16th in the BCS standings before last week's loss to Northwestern.
  • A tougher schedule overall and on the road. Iowa had to visit Penn State, Ohio State, Wisconsin and Michigan State and went 3-1. The Hawkeyes could have gone 0-4 or 4-0, but they were competitive in every game. Plus, Iowa played two nonconference games against decent BCS teams (Arizona and Iowa State), while Penn State played one against a bad team (Syracuse). Iowa's schedule ranks 27th nationally based on cumulative opposition; Penn State's ranks 47th.
  • More adversity than Penn State. Iowa lost two potential starters before the season (RB Jewel Hampton and CB Jordan Bernstine) as well as starters like Bulaga, Moeaki, wideout Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, safety Brett Greenwood and quarterback Ricky Stanzi during the season. Iowa's only two losses came in a game Stanzi didn't finish because of injury (Northwestern) and a game in which Stanzi didn't play (Ohio State).
  • A much better showing against Big Ten champ Ohio State. Iowa took the Buckeyes to overtime in Columbus despite redshirt freshman quarterback James Vandenberg making his first career start. The Hawkeyes lost 27-24, while Penn State got obliterated on its home field.
  • Stanzi is expected back for a bowl game.
  • Iowa fans travel extremely well to bowl games, a reason the Hawkeyes have leapfrogged Big Ten teams in the selections. Arizona is filled with Iowa natives and university alumni, making the Hawkeyes attractive to the Fiesta Bowl.
The Case for Penn State

Penn State's case is built around impressive victories, star players, a tremendous brand name and a legendary head coach. The Lions earned style points in their wins this season and finished the regular season with their top performance, throttling Michigan State. Plus, these bowls know what they'll get with Penn State, and they'll like it.

AD Tim Curley and head coach Joe Paterno can cite:

  • Margin of victory. Penn State beat Michigan State by 28 points on the road, Michigan by 25 points on the road and Northwestern by 21 points on the road. Iowa needed a touchdown on the final play to beat Michigan State 15-13. The Hawkeyes also beat Michigan by only two points at home and lost to Northwestern at home.
  • Stronger play down the stretch. Iowa went 1-2 in November and had only one victory by more than 12 points after spanking Iowa State 35-3 back on Sept. 12. After falling to Iowa, Penn State won seven of its final eight games, with six of those wins coming by 18 points or more and five by 20 points or more.
  • A key injury against Iowa. Penn State faced the Hawkeyes without star linebacker and co-captain Sean Lee, who missed the game with a knee injury.
  • The Temple win. Everyone knocks Penn State's nonconference schedule, but the Lions' 31-6 victory against Temple on Sept. 19 looks better and better. The Owls haven't lost since and could win the MAC title.
  • Paterno. He remains one of the most fascinating figures in sports, and he always makes a bowl game more appealing with his presence. Paterno has won more bowl games than any other coach.
  • A national name. Iowa and Penn State both travel well, but Penn State is a name recognized by casual fans around the country. Penn State has been to five Orange Bowls and six Fiesta Bowls, including the 1987 game that clinched the school's last national championship and drew a huge television audience. If a bowl picks Penn State, it is guaranteed a huge turnout and great TV ratings.
]]> http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/7429/stating-the-bcs-cases-for-iowa-psu Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:02:28 EDT 7429 <![CDATA[Big Ten Players of the Week]]>
CO-OFFENSE -- Penn State QB Daryll Clark and Northwestern QB Mike Kafka

Clark matched a career high with four touchdown passes while compiling 310 yards through the air to help lead Penn State to a road victory against Michigan State. The senior quarterback connected on 70.4 percent of his passes, completing 19 of 27 attempts with no interceptions.

Kafka guided Northwestern to its third straight conference victory and second over a nationally ranked team in the last three weeks by throwing for 326 yards and two touchdowns against Wisconsin. The senior quarterback connected on 65 percent of his throws, completing 26 of 40 passes with no interceptions. Kafka produced a pair of scoring strikes in the first two quarters to help the hosts enter the half up 27-14.

CO-DEFENSE -- Iowa LB Troy Johnson and Penn State LB Navorro Bowman

Johnson helped Iowa post consecutive shutouts against Minnesota for the first time since the 1955 and 1956 seasons with a career-high 11 tackles, one sack, one pass breakup and a fumble forced and recovered.

Bowman recorded 10 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack and a pass breakup in a victory at Michigan State. The junior linebacker posted seven solo stops on the day and his 3.5 tackles for loss pushed the Spartans’ offense back 17 yards, including a 9-yard sack. Bowman also won the award last week after his performance against Indiana.

SPECIAL TEAMS -- Northwestern K Stefan Demos

Demos was perfect on four field goals and three extra points to tally 15 points and help Northwestern earn a 33-31 victory over nationally ranked Wisconsin. The junior kicker connected on field goals of 45, 38, 45 and 34 yards.]]> http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/7425/big-ten-players-of-the-week-14 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:00:23 EDT 7425 <![CDATA[Big Ten power rankings: Week 13]]>
1. Ohio State (10-2, 7-1): It seemed extremely unlikely back on Oct. 17, but Ohio State once again found its way to the top of the Big Ten. The Buckeyes won their fifth consecutive Big Ten title and their third outright league title in the past four seasons. Never doubt Jim Tressel in the month of November. Never doubt Tressel against Michigan. Buckeyes are at the top, again.

2. Iowa (10-2, 6-2): Head-to-head isn't everything, but when teams are as close as Iowa and Penn State on paper, it has to be the deciding factor. The Hawkeyes don't have as many dominant wins as the Nittany Lions, but they have better wins, including a 21-10 triumph at Penn State on Sept. 26. Iowa's defense bounced back strong against Minnesota after struggling at Ohio State. The Hawkeyes likely need a healthy Ricky Stanzi to win their bowl game.

3. Penn State (10-2, 6-2): The Nittany Lions on Saturday not only looked like a team that belongs in a BCS bowl game, but a team that could win one. Senior quarterback Daryll Clark stepped up in a big way, and the defense totally shut down Michigan State in the second half. It took a while, but Penn State seems to be peaking right now.

T-4. Wisconsin (8-3, 5-3): Wisconsin doesn't have a bad loss on its résumé, but the Badgers are certainly a notch below the top three after their loss at Northwestern. I'm sold on quarterback Scott Tolzien, running back John Clay and tight end Garrett Graham, but the defense struggled against Northwestern's spread attack. Still, the Badgers are in line for a possible Outback Bowl berth if they beat Hawaii on Dec. 5.

T-4. Northwestern (8-4, 5-3): When Northwestern trailed Indiana 28-3 on Oct. 24, no one thought the Wildcats would end up here. OK, maybe Pat Fitzgerald and his players kept the faith, but this was a flawed team that found itself down the stretch. Besides Ohio State, no Big Ten team had a better November than Northwestern, which notched two wins against top-20 teams. Like Tressel and Iowa's Kirk Ferentz, Fitzgerald does his best work in November.

6. Michigan State (6-6, 4-4): The Spartans might be beyond the collapses of the John L. Smith era, but they still haven't turned the corner as a program. With a chance to make a statement at home against Penn State, Michigan State fell flat on its face after halftime. Mark Dantonio's team will be an underdog in a bowl game and can redeem itself, but the season has been a disappointment.

7. Minnesota (6-6, 3-5): Another season has passed without a win in November or a victory in a rivalry game. The Gophers' defense came to play Saturday, as it has for most of the season, but the offense really struggled. Minnesota went scoreless against Iowa for the second straight season and endured its second shutout of the season (there was nearly another against Ohio State). The coaches downplayed the magnitude of the shift in offensive philosophy, but this unit looks lost right now.

8. Purdue (5-7, 4-4): I'd really like to rank the Boilermakers higher, but their losses to Michigan State and Minnesota keep them at No. 8. It's really a shame that Purdue won't be going bowling because the Boilers would be a very dangerous team in December or January. Kudos to head coach Danny Hope, quarterback Joey Elliott and others for keeping the team united after a 1-5 start.

9. Illinois (3-7, 2-6): The Illini didn't play this week, and they're assured of finishing outside the Big Ten basement because both Michigan and Indiana lost. Illinois really needs to win one of its remaining two games to build some momentum for a make-or-break 2010 season. A victory against No. 5 Cincinnati on Friday (ABC, noon ET) would provide a major confidence boost for Ron Zook and his team.

10. Michigan (5-7, 1-7): The Wolverines move up a spot because of a solid defensive effort against Ohio State, which couldn't pull away until Tate Forcier began firing interceptions in the second half. Mistakes doomed Michigan throughout its miserable Big Ten season, and head coach Rich Rodriguez needs Forcier and his other young players to grow up fast for 2010.

11. Indiana (4-8, 1-7): I'm very disappointed in the way Indiana finished the season. The Hoosiers had the mojo on their side Saturday, with a large crowd and archrival Purdue in their stadium. But they seemed to come out uninspired and made too many mistakes in all three phases. Head coach Bill Lynch has some exciting offensive weapons, but he needs to find a way to get this program over the hump in 2010 or he'll be gone.]]> http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/7402/big-ten-power-rankings-week-13 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:00:09 EDT 7402 <![CDATA[Big Ten in the BCS standings]]>
The Hawkeyes remained ahead of Penn State in the latest BCS standings, moving up two spots to No. 11 after Saturday's victory against Minnesota. Penn State moved up only one spot to No. 13 after its dominating win against Michigan State, but Oklahoma State is now sandwiched between the two Big Ten squads at No. 12.

It's a safe bet that at least one of those three teams will earn a BCS at-large berth, and possibly two (Oklahoma State and a Big Ten squad). Iowa and Penn State both have completed the regular season, so you'd expect things to stay more or less the same the rest of the way.

Penn State is ranked ahead of Iowa in the AP, Coaches and Harris polls, but the Hawkeyes are well ahead in computer average (10 vs. 18).

Even though Iowa is ahead of Penn State in the BCS standings, the bowls can select any team in the top 14, so Penn State remains in good shape as well. I'll break down the BCS at-large case for each time on Monday.

Ohio State remained at No. 10 in the BCS standings, as the Buckeyes' computer average (11) hurts them. Wisconsin fell out of the standings after its loss to Northwestern.]]> http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/7409/big-ten-in-the-bcs-standings-3 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:50:39 EDT 7409