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They couldn't stop raving about the moves.

Silas Redd gave Penn State fans their money's worth in 2010, despite a limited role in the offense. He had only 77 carries, but he made them count, averaging 5.7 yards per rush. Although the freshman dynamo had no run longer than 30 yards, he left Nittany Nation salivating with his lateral speed, his creativity and his ability to make opposing defenders look bad.

Redd was an entertaining back in 2010. These days, some might say he's more of a boring back to watch.

He's also undeniably a much better back.

Redd has accomplished something few young college players achieve so early in their careers. He has reinvented himself as a runner, and it's paying off for Penn State.

The sophomore just completed one of the best individual months in recent Penn State history. Redd recorded five consecutive 100-yard rushing performances in October -- he had 129 yards or more in each game -- and racked up more rush yards in the month (703) than any other FBS player. He averaged 140.6 yards a game and 5.3 yards a carry.

Showy Silas has become Steady Silas. He's the first Penn State player to record five consecutive 100-yard rushing games since Curtis Enis in 1997.

"My running style has kind of changed from last year," Redd recently told ESPN.com "I'm more of a straight-line runner, one-move-and-go type guy. Not too much dancing. Just try and hit that hole and do what I can."

Redd is doing it all for a Penn State offense that has been inconsistent, to put it nicely, in the passing attack, ranking 88th nationally in passing yards and 106th in passing efficiency. If ever Penn State needed a workhorse in the backfield, this would be the season, and Redd has delivered.

"He's fast, he's quick, he runs hard," said Nebraska coach Bo Pelini, whose team faces Redd and the Lions on Saturday in State College. "He's a really good football player. He's their featured guy. He has good vision. He can hurt you with his speed and his elusiveness outside, and he can run between the tackles.

"He's a pretty complete back.”

Few would have labeled Redd as a complete back when he arrived at Penn State as a freshman generously listed at 5-10 and 200 pounds. Lions coach Joe Paterno said last week that Redd struggled with some assignments as well as pass blocking, and had some fumbling issues.

Although the potential was there, Redd had a long way to go.

His offseason training regimen, some of which you can see here, helped him take the next step. He spent three days per week on strength training but focused more on body weight exercises and free weights, working out at a beach near his home in Connecticut rather than in a gym. He spent two days a week on speed and agility training. Redd stuck to a similar program as a high school star in Stamford, Conn.

"I never really had a problem with getting hit," Redd said. "I just wanted make sure my body was able to handle it. It has so far, and I've been icing and recovering and doing what I have to do to stay healthy."

Redd didn't set explicit individual goals other than to have a better year than he did in 2010. Penn State was losing its all-time career rushing leader, Evan Royster, and needed a top back to emerge. When top backup Stephfon Green didn't open preseason practice with the team, Redd and Brandon Beachum became the primary candidates to take over.

After averaging 15.5 carries during non-league play, Redd has seen his opportunities spike in Big Ten games. He has carried the ball 28 times or more in four of Penn State's five league contests.

"Obviously, he can run with the football," Paterno said last week. "He's come along well. He's still got a ways to go, but he's playing solid. He's made the most of the time when he’s had some opportunities."

Although Redd suffered a shoulder stinger Oct. 22 at Northwestern, he responded the next week and carried the ball a career-high 30 times for 137 yards and a touchdown in Penn State's 10-7 win against Illinois.

Toughness is part of his DNA. His father, Silas Sr., is an ex-Marine who now serves as a police officer.

"He was tough," Redd said of his father. "We've had a tough-love relationship for a long time. Looking back at it, I can say I appreciate it more now than I did then and understand why he treated me the way he did.

"He's proud of me. He knows my potential. He knows I haven't reached my potential yet."

That's the exciting part for Penn State fans, who could use a dazzling distraction right about now.

"Hopefully," Redd said, "I can still give the crowd some excitement."

Silas Redd didn't go through the grueling workouts of last Friday's Lift for Life event, which featured Penn State football players raising money for cancer research through weightlifting competitions. Redd bowed out because of a mild back strain.

That might have been one of the few days this summer that the Nittany Lions sophomore running back didn't press himself to the max. If you've seen this video, you know what kind of exercises Redd has been doing back home in Stamford, Conn., with a personal trainer. Redd admitted Friday that he might have overdone things a bit, in fact.

But he knows that he must prepare for what awaits him in 2011: a likely starting role as Penn State's featured back, and the pounding that comes from a full season of carries in the Big Ten.

"That's a big priority of mine," he said, "being able to last in the fourth quarter and in overtime, if need be."

Redd said he came to Penn State at 214 pounds but is now at 206 pounds. He has focused more on his overall flexibility than just lifting weights.

"The tendency with all these running backs is that they start to think they need to be 225-pounders," Penn State assistant coach Jay Paterno said. "If he manages to keep himself at the weight he's at and add weight gradually, I think he can be a big-play back for us."

Nittany Lions fans are excited about that possibility. While Evan Royster set the school's all-time career rushing record, he was never known as a burner. Redd showed that potential with some nifty moves last year, when he ran for 437 yards as a freshman, averaging 5.7 yards per carry. His best game came against Northwestern, when he had 131 yards on just 11 carries.

Many are expecting Redd to take the leap and become the program's next great back. But at least for now, Redd said he still sees himself in a competition with fellow running backs Stephfon Green and Brandon Beachum.

"Those guys are excellent running backs, so there's no way I can say I'm a clear-cut winner for the starting position," Redd said. "What I'm telling everybody is that I'm willing to play whatever role my team wants me to play. I just want to be a guy the team can count on in tough situations, when it gets down to the wire."

Redd is proud of the fact that he didn't lose a fumble in 77 carries last season and hopes to develop the trust of everyone on offense. He proved to himself last season that he can be a dependable back at this level.

"Last year was definitely a confidence booster," he said. "Am I satisfied? Absolutely not. But it definitely gave me some confidence to move forward and progress."

Redd plans on approaching the rest of the summer and fall camp as if he still needs to earn every second of his playing time. If he keeps that attitude and makes the most of a bigger opportunity, he could quickly develop into a star.

"He's got good hands and can catch the ball out of the backfield and do some things for us that way," Paterno said. "He can break some runs because he has a real good change of direction and he's shifty. We're looking for some big things out of him this fall, no question

You know the season is getting closer when the position rankings are under way. By now, you've likely seen the group rankings for Big Ten running backs. Now it's time to rank the individual players.

These rankings are based in part on past performance but also on how players project for the 2011 season. The Big Ten loses three of its top four running backs (Mikel Leshoure, John Clay and Adam Robinson) but several promising players return and others are primed for breakout seasons. One thing that stands out about this year's running back crop is the number of non-seniors.

Here's the top 10 entering '11:

1. James White, Wisconsin, sophomore: Wisconsin is no stranger to elite running backs, but White provides a different element to the ground game with his speed and elusiveness. He came out of nowhere to win Wisconsin's backup job in preseason camp and went on to earn Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors. He finished fourth among Big Ten running backs in rush yards but averaged nearly a yard per carry more than any of them (6.7). White worked on strengthening his lower body in the winter and should be even better this fall.

2. Edwin Baker, Michigan State, junior: The man known as "Rock" flattened the competition for much of 2010, racking up 1,201 rush yards and 13 touchdowns. He boasts breakaway speed but isn't afraid to mix it up between the tackles. Don't be fooled by Baker's 5-foot-9 frame -- he's extremely sturdy and can take a pounding. Although he'll be pushed by teammates Le'Veon Bell and Larry Caper, Baker expects to build on the 2010 season and has set even higher goals for the fall. The main challenge for Baker is to record big rushing performances against elite defenses.

3. Montee Ball, Wisconsin, junior: Some might see this as too lofty for Ball, who only came on in the second half of the 2010 season. But what a half-season it was, as he racked up 777 rush yards and 15 touchdowns in Wisconsin's final five games. These rankings aim to project the coming season, and if Ball can build on his finish to 2010, look out. It'll be interesting to see how Wisconsin divides the carries between Ball and White, but you can make a case for Ball as the Badgers' featured back. Like White, Ball worked on his body during the offseason and should be a little lighter on his feet.

4. Dan Herron, Ohio State, senior: Respect hasn't come easy for Herron, especially among Buckeyes fans, but he earned some with his performance in Big Ten play last fall. Herron recorded all three of his 100-yard rushing performances against league opponents (Minnesota, Penn State, Michigan) and earned first-team All-Big Ten honors from the coaches. Like Ball, he finished strong with 800 rush yards in the final seven games. Herron also reached the end zone in all but one contest last fall. His five-game suspension to open the season could impact his carries and his ability to compete for postseason awards, but Ohio State shouldn't dismiss "Boom."

5. Rex Burkhead, Nebraska, junior: Expect big things from Burkhead in Nebraska's first season as a Big Ten member. He turned in a solid performance as a sophomore, recording 951 rush yards and seven touchdowns while averaging 5.5 yards a carry. Although Burkhead can be used in a variety of ways in the offense, he's a good bet to become Nebraska's featured running back after a strong spring. He seemed to grasp the new offense well and will challenge Big Ten defenses with his speed. While Burkhead will be pushed by heralded incoming recruit Aaron Green and others, he seems ready for a breakout season.

6. Marcus Coker, Iowa, sophomore: It's dangerous to take too much from one game, but Coker looked like the real deal in the Insight Bowl. Starting for the suspended Robinson, Coker earned bowl MVP honors with a record 219 rush yards and two touchdowns against Missouri. He showed speed on a 62-yard score, but he looks like a true power back who should only improve over time. Coker drew good reviews in spring practice and was elected to the Iowa's Leadership Council, a good sign. Iowa isn't deep at running back, so Coker will have plenty of opportunities to showcase himself this fall.

7. Ralph Bolden, Purdue, junior: A lot depends on how Bolden performs following a lengthy ACL rehab, but unlike some others on this list, he has proven himself as a featured back in the Big Ten. Bolden started all 12 games in 2009 and earned second-team All-Big Ten honors after finishing third in the league in rushing average (77.9 ypg) and second in rushing touchdowns (11). He also can be effective as a receiver after recording 20 receptions for 261 yards in 2009. Bolden fought back from an ACL injury in high school and performed well. Can he do it again?

8. Silas Redd, Penn State, sophomore: This is another projection pick, a player who did some impressive things in 2010 but should contribute much more this coming season. Penn State needs a featured back after Evan Royster's departure, and Redd has the tools to fill the void. He averaged 5.7 yards a carry as a freshman and finished with 437 rush yards despite somewhat limited opportunities. Redd's speed and quickness give him a chance to be special, but he'll need to show he can take a pounding as an every-down back. He'll be pushed by both Stephfon Green and Brandon Beachum, but we expect Redd to enter the fall as Penn State's No. 1 back.

9. Le'Veon Bell, Michigan State, sophomore: Until hitting the proverbial freshman wall last October, Bell was one of the Big Ten's best running backs. He racked up 549 rush yards and eight touchdowns in the Spartans' first six games. While Bell didn't do much down the stretch, another offseason in the program should help him immensely. At 6-2 and 237 pounds, Bell has the body to become a featured back in this league. And despite his size, he showed last fall that he can record big plays. Bell certainly has to prove himself again, but you have to like his chances.

10. Jason Ford, Illinois, senior: Ford has more game experience than most of the men on this list. His career numbers include 277 carries, 19 rush touchdowns and 1,362 rush yards to go along with 27 career receptions. Ford's career yards-per-carry average of 4.92 also stands out. The big question is whether he can take the next step and become an every-down back for Illinois, which wants to run the ball and boasts one of the league's best offensive lines. Ford was limited this spring and offensive coordinator Paul Petrino wants to see more from him, but coach Ron Zook sounds like a believer. He's a big back who has a chance for a big senior season.

During my Big Ten chat Wednesday, Dan from B1G Country asked about any NFL draft bargains from the conference this year.

With the draft set to begin Thursday night, I thought this would be a good time to look at some Big Ten players who might benefit teams in the middle or later rounds, or even as free-agent pickups.

Here's one potential bargain from each Big Ten squad (heights and weights according to ESPN's Scouts Inc.).

ILLINOIS
Randall Hunt, G, 6-6, 318
The skinny: Hunt anchored a formidable Illinois offensive line that helped Mikel Leshoure and others run wild in 2010. He shut down Baylor's Phil Taylor in the Texas Bowl and brings a sturdy frame to the interior line. Hunt wouldn't be a bad choice in the later rounds.

INDIANA
James Brewer, T, 6-6, 323
The skinny: I'm hesitant to call Brewer a bargain because he could be off the board early in the draft. Indiana had another tackle, Rodger Saffold, taken with the first pick of the second round in 2010. Brewer has the size to be good at the next level, and if he's still available on the third day, he'd be a nice pick.

IOWA
Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, WR, 5-11, 202
The skinny: The character questions are there, but DJK was an extremely productive player at Iowa and could be a nice late-round addition for a team. He's a strong route runner with good speed and good hands, and he can stretch defenses. If a team is willing to take a bit of a risk, it could be rewarded.

MICHIGAN
Stephen Schilling, G, 6-4, 308
The skinny: Schilling played a ton of football at Michigan and helped the Wolverines to a record-setting offensive performance in 2010. His measurables might not blow teams away, but he's a smart, solid lineman who could be a nice addition in the middle to later rounds.

MICHIGAN STATE
Eric Gordon, LB/S, 5-11, 224
The skinny: Overshadowed by fellow linebacker Greg Jones for much of his career, Gordon quietly produced at an extremely high rate for Michigan State. You could argue he was the Spartans' best linebacker during the second half of the 2010 season. Gordon turned in an impressive performance on pro day and would be a nice pickup late in the draft or as a free agent.

MINNESOTA
Adam Weber, QB, 6-3, 221
The skinny: Some Gophers fans might scoff at this, but I always felt Weber got a raw deal during his college career. He played for three different offensive coordinators, never complained about it and still set a bunch of team records. While his junior season was a disappointment, Weber did some good things last fall and drew respect around the Big Ten. Not a bad pick in the later rounds.

NEBRASKA
Eric Hagg, S, 6-1, 209
The skinny: Hagg is a playmaker, as he showed with a team-high five interceptions plus a school-record 95-yard punt return for a touchdown against Texas. He also brings versatility to the table, having played a safety-linebacker hybrid role last fall for the Blackshirts. Hagg has played on an elite college defense and would be a good get in the middle to late rounds.

NORTHWESTERN
Quentin Davie, LB, 6-4, 238
The skinny: Davie entered the 2010 season as a solid NFL prospect and started off strong but disappeared at times down the stretch. He made big plays throughout his career and boasts good size as an outside linebacker. Davie could help a team as a late-round or free-agent addition if he gets back to his 2009 form.

OHIO STATE
Dane Sanzenbacher, WR, 5-11, 182
The skinny: If I were an NFL general manager, I wouldn't hesitate to draft Sanzenbacher. He lacks ideal measurables but makes up for it with football intelligence and a fearless approach to the game. Sanzenbacher has great hands and became Ohio State's top threat in the red zone this season. He stood out at the Senior Bowl and would be an excellent pick in the middle rounds.

PENN STATE
Evan Royster, RB, 5-11, 212
The skinny: Royster is a patient runner with good vision who could thrive in the right situation at the pro level. His slow start to the 2010 season is a concern, but he picked things up down the stretch and boasts a productive college résumé. If a team needs a running back in the late rounds, Royster would be a nice choice.

PURDUE
Keith Smith, WR, 6-2, 224
The skinny: There's risk here as Smith comes off of tears in two knee ligaments, but a team could get a major steal if the Boilers receiver can stay healthy. He has the size to excel at the pro level and might have been the Big Ten's top receiver had he stayed on the field last season. Smith is a class act who has a chance to be a solid NFL receiver.

WISCONSIN
Scott Tolzien, QB, 6-2, 209
The skinny: He might never be a full-time starter in the NFL, but teams certainly can benefit from having Tolzien on the roster. He's an extremely smart player who makes up for mediocre measurables with superb intangibles. Tolzien is accurate and efficient, and he'll prepare harder than anyone. If a team needs a quarterback in the later rounds, Tolzien would be a great pick.

All eyes were on Indianapolis this weekend as dozens of NFL prospects, including a large contingent from the Big Ten, went through the scouting combine.

My ESPN colleagues are all over the happenings in Naptown, so check out the combine blog and the latest Scouts Inc. combine notebook.

There's more testing and timing Monday with the defensive linemen and linebackers, but some results are in, so let's take a look. I'm breaking these down into top performers by position. I'll put together an overall top performers post once the combine is finished.

Wide receivers

• Nebraska's Niles Paul finished second in bench-press reps (225 pounds) with 24
• Paul tied for 14th in the 40-yard dash at 4.51 seconds
• Indiana's Terrance Turner tied for second in vertical jump at 41 inches
• Turner finished seventh in broad jump at 10 feet, 8 inches
• Ohio State's Dane Sanzenbacher finished second in 3-cone drill at 6.46 seconds; Turner tied for 14th at 6.77 seconds
• Sanzenbacher finished third in the 20-yard shuttle at 3.97 seconds; Paul finished 12th at 4.14 seconds; Turner finished tied for 13th at 4.15 seconds
• Sanzenbacher finished second in the 60-yard shuttle at 10.94 seconds; Turner tied for ninth at 11.21 seconds

Quarterbacks

• Iowa's Ricky Stanzi and Wisconsin's Scott Tolzien tied for 13th in the 40-yard dash at 4.93 seconds
• Stanzi finished ninth in the vertical jump at 32.5 inches; Tolzien tied for 12th at 29.5 inches
• Tolzien tied for seventh in the broad jump at 9 feet, 8 inches; Stanzi finished 12th at 9 feet, 2 inches
• Tolzien tied for third in the 3-cone drill at 6.84 seconds; Stanzi finished 12th at 6.95 seconds

Running backs

• Nebraska's Roy Helu Jr. finished sixth in the 40-yard dash at 4.42 seconds; Ohio State's Brandon Saine finished seventh at 4.43 seconds;
• Illinois' Mikel Leshoure tied for third in the vertical jump at 38 inches; Helu tied for eighth at 36.5 inches
• Leshoure tied for fourth in the broad jump at 10 feet, 2 inches; Helu finished 10th at 9 feet, 11 inches
• Helu finished second in the 3-cone drill at 6.67 seconds; Leshoure finished sixth at 6.82 seconds
• Helu finished first in the 20-yard shuttle at 4.01 seconds; Penn State's Evan Royster tied for eighth at 4.18 seconds
• Helu finished first in the 60-yard shuttle at 11.07 seconds

Tight ends

• Wisconsin's Lance Kendricks finished eighth in the 40-yard dash at 4.75 seconds; Michigan State's Charlie Gantt finished 11th at 4.93 seconds; Iowa's Allen Reisner finished 12th at 4.95 seconds
• Gantt tied for first in bench-press reps with 27; Kendricks tied for third with 25
• Kendricks finished sixth in vertical jump at 34.5 inches; Gantt finished 13th at 30.5 inches
• Kendricks finished second in broad jump at 10 feet, 2 inches; Gantt finished ninth at 9 feet, 4 inches; Reisner tied for 12th at 9 feet
• Kendricks finished sixth in the 3-cone drill at 6.94 seconds; Gantt finished 11th at 7.15 seconds
• Kendricks tied for second in 20-yard shuttle at 4.15 seconds; Gantt tied for eighth at 4.4 seconds
• Kendricks tied for sixth in 60-yard shuttle at 11.9 seconds; Gantt and Reisner tied for 11th at 12.12 seconds

Defensive linemen

• Wisconsin's J.J. Watt tied for fourth in bench-press reps with 34; Purdue's Ryan Kerrigan tied for sixth with 31

Linebackers

• Ohio State linebacker Ross Homan finished first in bench-press reps with 32; Ohio State's Brian Rolle finished fourth with 28; Illinois' Martez Wilson tied for ninth with 23

Offensive linemen

• Iowa's Julian Vandervelde tied for 10th in the 40-yard dash at 5.21 seconds; Indiana's James Brewer and Wisconsin's Gabe Carimi tied for 14th at 5.27 seconds
• Michigan's Stephen Schilling and Penn State's Stefen Wisniewski tied for sixth in bench-press reps with 30; Carimi tied for ninth with 29; Ohio State's Justin Boren tied for 14th with 28
• Carimi finished fifth in vertical jump at 31.5 inches; Vandervelde tied for sixth at 31 inches; Wisconsin's John Moffitt tied for eighth at 30.5 inches
• Carimi finished fifth in broad jump at 9 feet, 1 inch; Vandervelde finished tied for 13th at 8 feet, 8 inches
• Vandervelde finished seventh in 3-cone drill at 7.46 seconds; Wisniewski finished eighth at 7.51 seconds; Boren finished 11th at 7.57 seconds
• Moffitt finished sixth in 20-yard shuttle at 4.53 seconds; Vandervelde tied for seventh at 4.59 seconds; Schilling tied for ninth at 4.62 seconds;

As we gear up for the Senior Bowl, I wanted to piggyback off of an excellent post by colleague Chris Low from last week.

It's time to identify an All-Big Ten team comprised only of seniors. There were easy picks like Wisconsin offensive tackle Gabe Carimi and Michigan State linebacker Greg Jones, but several positions created some tough choices.

Reminder: This team includes only fourth-year or fifth-year seniors, not redshirt juniors.

Bowl performance is included in this rundown, if applicable.

In case you forgot, my All-Big Ten team included only 12 seniors, all of whom will appear below. I also selected 14 underclassmen.

Without further ado ...

OFFENSE

QB: Scott Tolzien, Wisconsin
RB: Evan Royster, Penn State
RB: Dan Dierking, Purdue
WR: Dane Sanzenbacher, Ohio State
WR: Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, Iowa
TE: Lance Kendricks, Wisconsin
C: Bill Nagy, Wisconsin
T: Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin
T: D.J. Young, Michigan State
G: John Moffitt, Wisconsin
G: Stefen Wisniewski, Penn State

DEFENSE

DL: Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue
DL: Adrian Clayborn, Iowa
DL: Cameron Heyward, Ohio State
DL: Karl Klug, Iowa
LB: Greg Jones, Michigan State
LB: Brian Rolle, Ohio State
LB: Eric Gordon, Michigan State
CB: Chimdi Chekwa, Ohio State
CB: Chris L. Rucker, Michigan State
S: Jermale Hines, Ohio State
S: Brett Greenwood, Iowa

SPECIALISTS

K: Collin Wagner, Penn State
P: Aaron Bates, Michigan State
Returns: David Gilreath, Wisconsin

Some thoughts:

• I really struggled with the quarterback spot. Tolzien ultimately made fewer mistakes than Iowa's Ricky Stanzi, who had superior statistics and had fewer weapons surrounding him. You can make a good case for Stanzi or Indiana's Ben Chappell, but Tolzien gets a slight edge.
• No disrespect to Royster or Dierking, but the Big Ten really struggled to produce many decent senior running backs this season. Perhaps that's a promising sign for the future, but typically there are more experienced ball-carrying options. Royster was the only senior ranked among the Big Ten's top 10 rushers. I thought about Ohio State's Brandon Saine, but Dierking did more as a ball carrier.
• The No. 3 linebacker was a really tough call between Gordon and Ohio State's Ross Homan. Ultimately, Homan missing time with a foot injury and Gordon displaying remarkable consistency alongside Greg Jones made Gordo the pick.
• Another tough call was DJK ahead of Indiana's Terrance Turner, who had 21 more receptions but fewer yards and seven fewer touchdown catches.
• The deepest position among Big Ten seniors (by far): offensive guard. I went with Moffitt and Carimi, but players like Ohio State's Justin Boren, Michigan's Stephen Schilling, Iowa's Julian Vandervelde and Illinois' Randall Hunt all were good options.
• Five teams didn't produce selections: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota and Northwestern. Is that a good omen or a bad one for 2011?

Selections by team: Wisconsin (6), Ohio State (5), Michigan State (5), Iowa (4), Penn State (3), Purdue (2)

Missed opportunities and major mistakes hurt Penn State in a winnable Outback Bowl matchup against Florida. The Big Ten went 0-for-4 in the early bowls as the Lions fell to the Gators.

Here's a look back at Penn State's 37-24 defeat to Florida.

How the game was won: Florida made enough plays on defense and special teams early and bought enough time for its offense to show some life in the second half. Penn State sophomore quarterback Matt McGloin had a very rough day, completing 16 of 38 passes with a touchdown and five interceptions, including a pick-six when Penn State was driving for the potential game-winning touchdown. The Lions controlled the clock and ran the ball decently, but they made too many major mistakes to beat a talented Florida team.

Player of the game: Florida's Ahmad Black recorded two interceptions against McGloin, returning the second pick 80 yards for a touchdown. The Gators also received a nice lift from reserve quarterback Jordan Reed, who completed 8 of 13 passes and added 68 yards on the ground.

Stat of the game: McGloin had four interceptions in the final six regular-season games, leading Penn State to wins in four of those contests. He had five picks against Florida on Saturday, several of which led to Gators scores.

Unsung hero of the game: Penn State running back Evan Royster turned in a nice performance in his final collegiate game, racking up 98 rushing yards on 20 carries and adding four catches for 51 yards. He was Penn State's top offensive weapon for most of the day.

Second-guessing: Penn State kept McGloin in the game despite his continued struggles and the availability of former starter Rob Bolden. Most quarterbacks can't survive three or four interceptions -- much less five -- but Penn State stuck with McGloin rather than using the true freshman Bolden.

What it means: The Lions showed their youth at times and couldn't overcome the inconsistent play that plagued them for most of the season. Although Penn State should be a much better team in 2011, it needs to figure out the quarterback situation and make upgrades in several areas. Special-teams gaffes simply can't happen for a Joe Paterno-coached team, and the blocked punt returned for a touchdown gave Florida a real boost. Paterno has given every indication he'll be back to help a young team improve in the 2011 season.

Three keys for Penn State in its Outback Bowl matchup against Florida.

1. Offensive line play: The line played better down the stretch in the regular season but faces a big test with the Gators' defense. If All-Big Ten guard Stefen Wisniewski and his line mates create lanes for Evan Royster and Silas Redd, Penn State will be able to control the clock and open up the passing game for Matt McGloin. The Lions' line is a group that can make strides during the pre-bowl layoff, and it needs to step up.

2. Harass John Brantley: Florida's starting quarterback hasn't had a great season and could be transferring after the bowl game. He doesn't seem like a confident player right now, and Penn State should do all it can to get in his face. Penn State ranked ninth in the Big Ten in sacks with 16, so it's critical for a line that hasn't met expectations this season to generate some pressure.

3. Red zone defense: The Gators ranked last in the SEC in red zone offense, scoring points on just 69.8 percent of their trips inside the 20-yard line. The problem? Penn State ranked last in the Big Ten in red zone defense, allowing scores on 30 of 32 opportunities. Something has to give, and Penn State's defensive front seven must buckle down and keep Florida out of the end zone.

After all the off-field buzz, Penn State and Florida will actually play a football game on Jan. 1 in Tampa.

Here's a quick look at the Outback Bowl.

WHO TO WATCH: Penn State sophomore quarterback Matt McGloin. McGloin provided a spark for Penn State's offense midway through Big Ten play and brought a much needed swagger to the huddle. He threw 13 touchdown passes and only four interceptions in the final six regular-season games. Florida's speedy and talented defense provides a good test for McGloin, whose ability to attack downfield could open things up for running backs Evan Royster and Silas Redd.

WHAT TO WATCH: Penn State's defensive front seven. The line has underperformed given recent history and the linebackers have been up and down, but the layoff before the bowl has given players like linebacker Michael Mauti time to get healthy. Florida's offense has been shaky and quarterback John Brantley could be transferring after an inconsistent season. It's imperative for Penn State to put pressure on Brantley and force some mistakes.

WHY TO WATCH: Do you really need a reason? Urban Meyer is stepping down as Florida's coach after the game, and there's a ton of uncertainty on the Gators' sideline. How will Florida respond, especially without several key players out with injuries? Penn State coach Joe Paterno and others have squashed the retirement rumors, but the 84-year-old always provides a reason to tune in. Penn State is the type of team that can really use the bowl as a springboard for 2011, when it returns quite a bit on both sides of the ball.

PREDICTION: Penn State 20, Florida 17. The Gators' defense is the best unit on the field and could give McGloin and Penn State problems, but I wonder how Florida will approach this game mentally. Florida is used to BCS bowls, and there have been so many issues regarding coaches, injuries and players' future. Penn State is the type of team that can make strides in bowl prep, and Paterno's ability to win bowl games is second to none. JoePa and the Lions win this one behind a strong defensive effort.

» Power Rankings: ACC | Big 12 | Big East | Big Ten | Pac-10 | SEC | Non-AQ

Only one Big Ten team took the field during the weekend, and there's only one change in the final regular-season power rankings.

Enjoy.

1. Wisconsin (11-1, 7-1 Big Ten): Life is good in Madtown as Wisconsin celebrates its first trip to Pasadena in 11 years. The only bad news is the red-hot Badgers must wait until Jan. 1 to play their next game. TCU's defense is the best unit Wisconsin has faced since Oct. 16 against Ohio State, although we know how that one turned out for the Badgers.

2. Ohio State (11-1, 7-1): After another perfect November, the Buckeyes try to end their troublesome slide against the SEC in bowl games as they head to New Orleans to take on Arkansas. The defense has its hands full with Ryan Mallett. Ohio State hopes quarterback Terrelle Pryor can be as good in the Allstate Sugar Bowl as he was in the Rose Bowl in January.

3. Michigan State (11-1, 7-1): Make no mistake: The Spartans got snubbed from the BCS. But the best way they can respond is to beat defending national champion Alabama in the Capital One Bowl. Mark Dantonio is 0-3 in bowls as Spartans coach, so his team can record another milestone in a season filled with them.

4. Penn State (7-5, 4-4): The Nittany Lions are the "hottest" Big Ten squad among the second-tier group, although that isn't saying much. Still, a young Penn State squad has a chance to make some strides before taking on a very beatable Florida team in the Outback Bowl. If Matt McGloin, Evan Royster and Silas Redd get it going against Florida, Penn State should prevail.

5. Iowa (7-5, 4-4): It's time for Iowa to flush a poor finish to the regular season and focus on what it does very well -- win bowl games. The Hawkeyes head back to the state of Arizona, where they lost Sept. 18, to take on Missouri in the Insight Bowl. Quarterback Ricky Stanzi tries to get his mojo back against a Missouri defense that ranks sixth nationally in points allowed (15.2 ppg).

6. Michigan (7-5, 3-5): The bowl game looms large for coach Rich Rodriguez and the Wolverines, who can end an up-and-down season on a good note. Michigan needs its much maligned defense to improve in bowl practice before facing another spread offense in Mississippi State. Denard Robinson and many of his teammates return to their home state on Jan. 1.

7. Illinois (6-6, 4-4): Just when it looked like Illinois would turn the corner, the Illini came out flat against Fresno State and never got out of a 16-point hole. Illinois has enough talent on both defense and offense to beat Baylor in the Texas Bowl, but Ron Zook's squad needs to avoid the inconsistency we saw down the stretch in the regular season.

8. Northwestern (7-5, 3-5): Life without star quarterback Dan Persa hasn't been too much fun for Northwestern, but a month's worth of bowl practices should help. The Wildcats aim for their first postseason victory since the 1949 Rose Bowl as they head to the TicketCity Bowl. The defense really needs to pick up its play against a potent Texas Tech passing offense.

9. Minnesota (3-9, 2-6): The Gophers found their new coach in Jerry Kill from Northern Illinois, and the real rebuilding process can finally begin. There are some good pieces in Minneapolis, namely quarterback/receiver MarQueis Gray, but the Gophers need their young defenders to make significant strides during the offseason.

10. Indiana (5-7, 1-7): A new coach also is on the way in Bloomington, as Indiana has to find a way to get over the hump in what should be an even tougher Big Ten. Losing star quarterback Ben Chappell will sting, but Indiana boasts some talent at the offensive skill positions. The defense remains a mess.

11. Purdue (4-8, 2-6): The Boilers kept playing hard despite a rash of injuries, but they made too many major mistakes for the second consecutive season under coach Danny Hope. While Hope's squad will get several key players back in 2011, it needs to avoid the breakdowns that surfaced too often this season.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Joe Paterno’s 45th team at Penn State finished the 2010 regular season with a 28-22 loss to No. 10 Michigan State at Beaver Stadium on Saturday.

After losing two of their last three games, the Nittany Lions finished the regular season with a 7-5 record. For the first time since 2004, Penn State will fail to win at least nine games in a season.

But Paterno, who turns 84 on Dec. 21, said he isn’t surprised by his team’s record.

“I don’t know whether it’s a big disappointment,” Paterno said. “I thought coming into the season -- to be very frank with you -- I thought we had a chance to be 8-3. We were probably one game away, record-wise, from what I think our expectations realistically should have been with this football team. I think at the end of the year, they became a good team.”

Penn State’s youth might have prevented it from becoming a real challenger in the Big Ten race. In the Sept. 4 opener against Youngstown State on Sept. 4, Robert Bolden became the first Nittany Lions freshman to start at quarterback since 1910. He played relatively well before suffering a concussion against Minnesota on Oct. 23, and then sophomore Matt McGloin took over down the stretch.

All told, the Nittany Lions played seven true freshmen this season. Penn State had only seven seniors who were significant contributors on offense or defense. All-Big Ten guard Stefen Wisniewski and tailback Evan Royster, the school’s all-time leading rusher, are among the players who will depart after the team’s bowl game.

“There weren’t enough of them to show the kind of senior leadership that you would ordinarily expect from a senior class,” Paterno said.

Paterno, who won his 400th game this season, said earlier this week that he plans to return for another season in 2011. No one from Penn State has said anything to suggest that Paterno won’t be back on the sideline next season.

Paterno hopes this year’s growing pains will produce better results next year.

“I think the young kids got a chance to be in some tough games and won some games where they were behind and were able to pull them out,” Paterno said. “It was an up-and-down year. I think we all had to expect the team to be a little bit up and down. I think it turned out to be about what I thought it would. We might have had another win or two, but I thought most of the time we played decent football.”

Royster believes the Nittany Lions will be better next season.

“[Michigan State] was 11-1 and we played right with them,” Royster said. “It is tough finishing with a 7-5 season. It hurts, but it just shows that we are close. What this team does in the future will be good.”

Unless you've been hibernating for the past few weeks, you know that the Big Ten championship will be decided, or at least affected by what happens Saturday in State College, Columbus and Madison.

If you missed it from earlier today, here's how the Big Ten race looks heading into Week 13.

Now let's take a look at the three matchups of note this coming Saturday.

MICHIGAN AT NO. 8 OHIO STATE

Vitals: noon ET at Ohio Stadium, ABC national broadcast
Records: Michigan 7-4, 3-4 Big Ten; Ohio State 10-1, 6-1
Series: Michigan leads 57-44-6 (Ohio State has won last six meetings)
Last result: Ohio State won 21-10 in Ann Arbor last November
League title impact: An Ohio State win gives the Buckeyes at least a share of the Big Ten title for the sixth consecutive year, tying a league record. Ohio State would need to win and have losses by both Wisconsin and Michigan State to win the championship outright.

The skinny: The Game is in an unfamiliar spot after the Thanksgiving holiday, but the scene is similar for both teams as they meet in college football's top rivalry. Ohio State is clearly the better team and aims for its seventh consecutive win against the Wolverines, which would mark the second-longest streak by any team in the series behind Michigan's run of nine straight wins between 1901-1909.

The heat is beginning to rise again for Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez, who has yet to beat the Wolverines' top two conference rivals (Ohio State and Michigan State) in his three years in Ann Arbor. To pull off what would be a major upset, Michigan will need to play its best game of the season on defense to slow down an Ohio State offense that ranks ninth nationally in scoring (39.6 ppg).

The matchup features two candidates for Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year in Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson and Ohio State signal-caller Terrelle Pryor. The Buckeyes boast good speed throughout their defense, so it will be interesting to see if Robinson can break through for big plays. Michigan will need a fast start from an offense that has struggled early in all four of its losses. The good news for the Wolverines: Ohio State is a slow-starting team.

NO. 10 MICHIGAN STATE AT PENN STATE

Vitals: noon ET at Beaver Stadium, ESPN2
Records: Michigan State 10-1, 6-1 Big Ten; Penn State 7-4, 4-3
Series: Penn State leads 14-12-1 (Penn State has won two straight meetings)
Last result: Penn State won 42-14 in East Lansing last November
League title impact: The Spartans need a win to clinch a share of their first Big Ten championship since 1990. A Michigan State win combined with an Ohio State loss will give the Spartans the Big Ten's automatic BCS berth no matter what happens with Wisconsin because Michigan State beat Wisconsin on Oct. 2

The skinny: This figures to be the most competitive of the three big-ticket games in the Big Ten on Saturday. Michigan State can set a single-season team record with its 11th victory, but it will need to win in Happy Valley for the first time since 1965, the year before Joe Paterno took over as Penn State's head coach. Speaking of Paterno, there's some talk that Saturday could be his final home game as Lions coach, although don't be surprised if he returns in 2011.

Michigan State has overcome so much adversity both on and off the field this fall, and a win Saturday would complete a truly special season, regardless of what bowl the Spartans end up visiting. The Spartans haven't looked quite as dominant since their win at Michigan Stadium on Oct. 9, as they struggled for stretches against both Northwestern and Illinois, got crushed by Iowa and needed a furious fourth-quarter rally to beat 4-6 Purdue this past Saturday. Does Mark Dantonio's squad have one more magical performance left in it? Michigan State should be tested by a Penn State team that has won four of five since its open week.

Spartans junior quarterback Kirk Cousins says he'll play Saturday despite dealing with ankle and shoulder injuries the past few weeks. Penn State counters with sophomore signal-caller Matt McGloin, who has been very good for stretches in three of the team's last four victories. The game also pairs two good groups of running backs as Michigan State's Edwin Baker and Le'Veon Bell go up against Penn State's Evan Royster and Silas Redd.

NORTHWESTERN AT NO. 7 WISCONSIN

Vitals: 3:30 p.m. ET at Camp Randall Stadium, ABC regional (ESPN in outer markets)
Records: Northwestern 7-4, 3-4 Big Ten; Wisconsin 10-1, 6-1
Series: Wisconsin leads 55-33-5 (the teams have split the past four meetings)
Last result: Northwestern won 33-31 last November in Evanston
League title impact: Wisconsin clinches at least a share of the Big Ten championship for the first time since 1999 with a win. If the Badgers win and Michigan State loses, Wisconsin will win the Big Ten's automatic BCS berth regardless of what happens with Ohio State because of a head-to-head win Oct. 16.

The skinny: Wisconsin might know the results of the other two games before it takes the field at what should be an electric Camp Randall Stadium. If Michigan State stumbles in State College, the Badgers will be playing for a Rose Bowl berth. And while Northwestern handed Wisconsin a loss last year, this looks like a mismatch on paper.

The Wildcats aren't the same team without star quarterback Dan Persa, and their defense allowed an inexcusable 519 rushing yards Saturday to Illinois, 330 yards to Mikel Leshoure alone. A similar effort Saturday will produce a lopsided result, as Wisconsin ranks 12th nationally in rushing offense (239.9 ypg) and has averaged 41.7 points in its first seven Big Ten contests. The surging Badgers should get leading rusher John Clay back from a sprained knee, creating the nation's top three-headed backfield monster with Montee Ball and James White. Northwestern's defense had decent efforts against Iowa, Indiana and for stretches against Michigan State, but it will need a superb performance this week.

Although the Badgers' defense is vulnerable, Northwestern would need to see significant improvement from backup quarterback Evan Watkins to keep pace on the scoreboard. After Saturday's win against Michigan, Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema said his players "taste" what's in front of them. It's tough to see Northwestern hanging around in this one, although anything can happen in the Big Ten.

Running back Dan "Boom" Herron was the lone bright spot for Ohio State in a poor first half against Penn State.

Herron continued to gash Penn State after halftime, and he got plenty of help from his Buckeyes teammates in a 38-14 win.

No. 9 Ohio State obliterated Penn State in the final 30 minutes, outscoring the Nittany Lions 35-0 in the final half. Herron led the way with 190 rush yards and a touchdown on 21 carries, continuing his strong performance in Big Ten play. Boom has become Ohio State's featured back, end of story. And just like last year, Ohio State is running the ball and getting good play from its offensive line in the month of November.

The Buckeyes defense also rebounded nicely against Matt McGloin, recording two interception returns for touchdowns against the previously red-hot Penn State quarterback. McGloin's fortunes seemed to change quickly, although he still provides a nice spark for Penn State. The Lions also were hurt by an injury to starting running back Evan Royster, and their decision to attempt a fourth down late in the first half despite being in field-goal range was a head-scratcher.

Penn State now must regroup, while Ohio State is in position for another strong finish.

The Buckeyes likely need some help from Michigan or Northwestern to punch their ticket to Pasadena, but unlike Iowa, they're still alive in the race.

» Predictions: ACC | Big 12 | Big East | Big Ten | Pac-10 | SEC | Non-AQ

Just call me Mr. 4-1.

I've now gone 4-1 for four consecutive weeks. Perfection eludes me like Denard Robinson eludes tacklers. This time, I swung and missed big time on Michigan-Illinois, although who could have seen 67-65 coming?

It's frustrating to say the least, but it's also better than the alternative.

Which game will I get wrong this week?

Here come the predictions ...

Illinois 31, Minnesota 16: Vic Koenning will have Illinois' defense refocused for this one, and while I see MarQueis Gray having some success as quarterback, the Illini will force some turnovers from the mistake-ridden Gophers. Expect another big day on the ground for Mikel Leshoure against the nation's 106th-ranked rushing defense as Illinois becomes bowl eligible for the first time since 2007.

Iowa 27, Northwestern 14: The Wildcats have had Iowa's number as of late, but this is a great matchup for the Hawkeyes. Two of Iowa's biggest strengths -- play-action passes and defensive line pressure -- go against two of Northwestern's biggest weaknesses (secondary and pass protection). Ricky Stanzi throws three touchdown passes and running back Adam Robinson rushes for a score as Iowa rebounds with an impressive win before the Ohio State showdown.

Wisconsin 38, Indiana 21: I expect the Hoosiers to play well early and test Wisconsin's secondary with their talented receivers. But Wisconsin can start to smell the roses a little bit now, and the offense will get into gear in the second and third quarters. Although Indiana has played better on defense lately, the Hoosiers won't be able to stop running backs Montee Ball and James White in this one.

Michigan 37, Purdue 27: This is my prediction of the week. Check back this afternoon for a video post that breaks down my selection.

Ohio State 27, Penn State 17: It's tough to know how much of Penn State's recent offensive surge is genuine and how much is due to facing weak defenses. I'm going to say it's a bit of both, as the Nittany Lions make some plays early with backs Evan Royster and Silas Redd before the Buckeyes take control in the second half. A rested Terrelle Pryor runs the ball more than we've seen and rushes for two scores in the win.

Bye: Michigan State

Last week: 4-1

Season record: 61-11 (.847)

The Penn State-Ohio State clash Saturday in Columbus lacks the significance of the teams' past two meetings, but the game certainly seems more interesting now than it would have been a month ago.

Back then, Penn State's offense looked utterly lost in back-to-back defeats to Iowa and Illinois. The red zone was a dead zone, running back Evan Royster was a shell of his former self and the offensive line repeatedly backslid, both literally and figuratively.

If those Lions had stepped on the field with these Buckeyes, the result probably wouldn't have been pretty. And it still might get ugly Saturday in Columbus, at least if you pay attention to the odds makers -- or Penn State coach Joe Paterno.

"We're not in Ohio State's league right now," Paterno said Tuesday. "Not this year."

Paterno's players are a little more confident, especially on offense.

Penn State has scored 109 points in its past three games after mustering only 65 points in its previous five contests. Former walk-on Matt McGloin has provided a spark at quarterback, earning the starting job for Saturday's game after passing for 475 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions in his last two games.

The biggest jump has come from Royster. After recording just one 100-yard rushing performance in the first seven games, Royster has done so in back-to-back weeks, racking up 284 yards.

"There might be a little more of a sense of urgency lately," Royster said Tuesday. "I think everybody's playing harder. It's obvious. Once you see other people start to improve and get better, it makes you want to get better."

Why did it take half a season for the light to go on?

"In the past, I haven't seen too much adversity," Royster said. "We've seen a lot of it this year, and it's made each of us mature a little bit. It's good for us. You don't want to lose games, but it's good to be able to deal with it. ... I just think after being 3-3, we had a lot of senior guys step up and say 'This isn't how I want my senior season to go.'"

Ohio State's decorated senior class wanted to see their season end with a national championship. That likely won't happen, but the Buckeyes are still very much alive in the race for the Big Ten title, which they've won or shared in each of the past five seasons.

November has been a banner month for the Buckeyes under head coach Jim Tressel, and after an open week, Ohio State begins the home stretch with no margin for error.

"Every year we look forward to this time," senior defensive lineman Cameron Heyward said. "It's a critical month. It's all going to come down to us dominating and creating havoc."

Heyward did just that last year in State College, recording a team-high 11 tackles, including three for loss and two sacks. Penn State had no answer for the Buckeyes' star, who earned National Defensive Player of the Week honors.

"That was my best game last year," he said. "Going into [Saturday's game], I just looked at how I used my hands last year and just got off blocks."

Royster is impressed with Ohio State's front seven and said Penn State's top priority Saturday will be recognizing Buckeyes' blitzes, which the Lions think will come often.

"The thing that's been pointed out to us is they blitz a third of the time, and that's a ton," Royster said. "We're going to have to attack those weaknesses and those zones. ... Sometimes they can run themselves right out of a play."

Heyward said Royster's blitz assessment is a bit exaggerated -- "I don't think we blitz that much, I hope not," he said with a laugh -- but Ohio State will shuffle its personnel to give offensive lines different looks. Ohio State isn't rotating as many linemen up front as it has in past years, but it always boasts versatile linemen.

Although the Buckeyes aren't among the national leaders in sacks (tied for 75th) and tackles for loss (tied for 72nd), they're just as stingy as normal, ranking fourth nationally against the run (84 ypg allowed).

"Our defensive line has been very solid," coach Jim Tressel said. "They've done a good job versus run and pass. Certainly their numbers are very good."

Heyward hopes the best is yet to come.

"Our legacy will be made in November," he said.