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

Today's Take Two topic is this: Last season, defensive tackle was clearly the strongest overall position group in the Big Ten. What position will be the best throughout the league in 2012?

Take 1: Brian Bennett

I'm tempted to go with linebacker, where some high-profile players and future stars are scattered throughout the conference. But my pick is running back.

There's some major star power at the position this year in the Big Ten, starting off with last year's Heisman Trophy finalist and record breaker, Wisconsin's Montee Ball. While Ball is the obvious choice for preseason offensive player of the year, he could get pushed by some other backs, including Nebraska's tough-as-nails Rex Burkhead, who ran for 1,357 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. Even with last year's No. 2 league rusher (Iowa's Marcus Coker) gone, the position is still stacked with guys like Penn State's Silas Redd, who we both think is primed for a huge season; Michigan's Fitz Toussaint, who ran for more than 1,000 yards despite not taking over lead rushing duties until the eighth game of the season; and Michigan State's Le'Veon Bell, who came on strong late last season and looks great this spring.

Purdue has some very capable runners in Akeem Shavers, Akeem Hunt and Doug Gentry, and Ralph Bolden is coming back from an ACL injury. Ohio State has a potentially strong group with Carlos Hyde, Jordan Hall, Rod Smith and freshman Bri'onte Dunn. Stephen Houston showed some good things for Indiana last year, and transfer Isaiah Roundtree had a big spring game. Minnesota is high on junior college import James Gillum. And don't forget James White at Wisconsin, who could start for most teams in the country.

Iowa, Illinois and Northwestern have some question marks at tailback. But overall, running back is where the Big Ten's bread will be buttered this season.

Take 2: Adam Rittenberg

A good choice, Bennett, as the Big Ten returns six of its top seven running backs and would have brought back all seven if not for Marcus Coker's transfer. But my experience covering this league has taught me to never overlook the defensive line. The D-line once again will be the Big Ten's strongest group in 2012.

Sure, the league loses standouts like Devon Still, Whitney Mercilus and Jerel Worthy. But you could substitute the names Aaron Maybin and Mitch King after the 2008 season, or Brandon Graham and Jared Odrick after 2009, or J.J. Watt and Corey Liuget after 2010. The Big Ten always finds ways to reload up front, and this year will be no different. There might not be as many familiar names as there are at running back, but that soon will change.

Let's start off with the top returning linemen, Ohio State's John Simon and Purdue's Kawann Short, both of whom earned first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2011. Both men will contend for All-America honors, and could be potential first-round picks in the 2013 class. Then you have a guy we're both excited about: Michigan State defensive end William Gholston. He's a physical freak, as you recently detailed, and has the potential to dominate games and become one of the nation's truly elite defenders in 2012. I'd also include Penn State defensive tackle Jordan Hill in this group of known commodities with the potential for very big things this season. Penn State's overall depth along the defensive line should be better this year.

Now for some lesser-known names who could have breakout seasons. Let's start at Illinois with defensive end Michael Buchanan and defensive tackle Akeem Spence. Buchanan is poised for a big year, as he showed in Illinois' spring game, while Spence is a next-level player who could follow Liuget's path this season. Speaking of defensive tackles, watch out for Ohio State's Johnathan Hankins, a very big man who can do very big things this season. The Buckeyes' heralded incoming freshmen should only bolster their line.

Michigan loses two standout linemen (Mike Martin and Ryan Van Bergen), but it's hard to imagine the Wolverines falling back much at all up front. Nebraska boasts good depth at the defensive end spot and could see a big year from a guy like Cameron Meredith.

While there are some question marks around the league, including an unproven line at Iowa, teams like Northwestern and Minnesota should be improved up front.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- New Penn State coach Bill O’Brien reiterates he has not watched and will not watch one frame of film from the team’s 2011 season.

That's not necessarily good news for Nittany Lions defenders Gerald Hodges and Jordan Hill. Both men could splice together some impressive highlight reels from last fall.

Hodges, an outside linebacker, earned first-team All-Big Ten honors from the coaches in his first full season as a starter, leading Penn State with 106 tackles, including 10 for loss and 4.5 sacks, and adding two forced fumbles and an interception. Hill was somewhat overshadowed by fellow Lions defensive tackle Devon Still, the Big Ten’s defensive player of the year, but he had a fine season in his own right, recording 59 tackles, including eight for loss and 3.5 sacks, to go along with a team-high three fumble recoveries and a forced fumble.

Both men could have bolted for the NFL draft, but both decided fairly early on that they'd return to Penn State and play for a coach who didn't care about what they had done in the past.

"I'm pretty sure [the coaches] heard about my style of play," Hodges told ESPN.com. "But I still feel it's my job to prove myself to them that I can play football, let them know as a man that I can play."

Hodges and Hill both are delivering the right messages this spring to the new coaching staff. O'Brien on Friday called Hodges "what you'd picture in a Penn State linebacker" and said Hodges has had one of the better springs on the squad. O'Brien told ESPN.com last week of Hill: "Excellent player, plays extremely hard and is technically sound."

The two seniors anchor a front defensive front seven that undoubtedly will be the team's strength in the first year of the new regime.

Both men have made position switches this spring that allow them to operate in more space. Hill is playing more at the 3-technique after spending most of last season at the nose (Still played the 3-technique). Rather than lining up over the ball, Hill is looking to shoot gaps between guards and tackles. Hill acknowledges the 3-technique is more of a glamor spot for defensive tackles.

At only 6-1, he’s able to keep his pads low and gain leverage against taller offensive linemen. He's also facing more 1-on-1 blocks, which he welcomes.

"You're playing against these big 6-7 guys, and they can’t reach you sometimes,” Hill said. "It's really an advantage at nose guard, too, because you're playing against 6-5, 6-6 centers and guards. They come at you on a double team, and if you're already at their hips, it's much easier."

Hill has played alongside elite defensive tackles throughout his time at Penn State. As a young player, he studied Jared Odrick, the Big Ten’s co-defensive player of the year in 2009 and a first-round pick in the 2010 draft. He spent last season lined up next to Still, a consensus All-American.

Although Hill is a different type of tackle than Odrick and Still, both of whom stand four inches taller, he took away traits from both. Odrick's motor never stopped, while Still’s drive in his final season made him a different player.

"It's definitely in the back of your head because you want to keep the defensive line moving, that tradition," Hill said. "As a defensive line, we're all one. If individual success comes from it, it’s because of the guys right next to me. Even with Dev's great success, he had an extraordinary year, [but] without Jack [Crawford], Eric [Latimore], me, that's not possible.

"It's the whole defensive line's effort."

Hodges, who began his Penn State career as a safety, moves from weakside linebacker to the strong side. Like Hill, Hodges' new position allows him to play more in space, a change he welcomes.

And like Hill, Hodges is aware of the tradition at his position at Linebacker U. He's not the first Penn State standout linebacker to shift to the strong side.

"Navorro [Bowman], Sean [Lee] and Paul [Posluszny], those guys, their last years they finally got to play strong side," Hodges said. "As guys' careers move to the end here, their last year, their last two years, they get moved to the strong side and are able to play out in space.

"It's something I take personally and something I take pride in."

Both Hodges and Hill have stood out this spring as Penn State absorbs a different defense under coordinator Ted Roof. Pass coverage will be a bigger emphasis for Hodges, who nearly picked off a short pass in a recent practice.

"Even though he had a great season last year, he's still hungry," middle linebacker Glenn Carson said. "He still wants to get better. That's the one thing that's going to make him a great football player."

Carson sees similar qualities in Hill.

"I'm seeing things from him on tape that you're just wowed by," Carson said. "He's an unbelievable athlete and just like Gerald, he's a hard worker. He's really hungry, chasing his dreams."

With Hodges and Hill leading the defense, Penn State can dream big in 2012.

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

Today's Take Two topic is this: What has been the best assistant coaching hire in the Big Ten so far this offseason?

Take 1: Adam Rittenberg

It's not an outside hire but rather an assistant retained from the previous staff. Penn State's Bill O'Brien made an excellent decision immediately after getting the job in keeping defensive line coach Larry Johnson on staff. Johnson has been Penn State's lead recruiter for years and one of the best in the Big Ten. As Penn State goes through a transition and enters an uncertain future, having Johnson on staff to spearhead recruiting should really help. Johnson recruits the talent-rich Washington D.C./Maryland/Virginia area well and is a known name with Pennsylvania high school coaches. He also has a strong record as a position coach developing defensive linemen like Tamba Hali, Aaron Maybin, Jared Odrick and, most recently, Devon Still. Johnson can help maintain some continuity on Penn State's defense, which isn't the unit that needs a serious upgrade on this team. Every assistant is evaluated as both a recruiter and as a talent-developer. Johnson excels at both, and he also can help O'Brien and Penn State through a historic transition.

Take 2: Brian Bennett

That's a good choice, Adam, and certainly an excellent decision by Bill O'Brien. I'm going to go with a guy who wasn't part of a program before but made a stellar addition: Everett Withers at Ohio State. Urban Meyer promised to bring in a top-notch staff, and Withers is the headliner of that group. He was the interim head coach at North Carolina last season and before that led some extremely talented and productive defenses for the Tar Heels. Withers has been a defensive coordinator in the Big Ten before (at Minnesota) and is regarded as one of the top teachers of defensive back play in the country. He's also a good recruiter whose ties to North Carolina played a big role in the Buckeyes landing linebacker Jamal Marcus in this class. When paired with holdover Luke Fickell -- another great call by Meyer -- Withers should help Ohio State reclaim its Silver Bullets legacy as one of the top defenses in the nation.

In 2009, Penn State's Jared Odrick impressed Big Ten coaches enough to earn their defensive player of the year award.

Last season, Illinois' Corey Liuget blossomed into a force on the interior line, finishing seventh in the league in tackles for loss and eighth in sacks.

Odrick became a first-round pick in the 2010 NFL draft, and Liuget figures to hear his name called among the first 10-20 selections in April.

Who's next in the Big Ten?

The Big Ten returns several players who could follow the legacies of Odrick and Liuget. Let's take a closer look at the group:

Leading candidates

• Jared Crick, Nebraska (6-foot-6, 285, Sr.): Second-team AP All-American in 2010; consensus first-team All-Big 12; Rotary Lombardi Award semifinalist; led the Big 12 with 9.5 sacks, same total he recorded in 2009; 16 tackles for loss; 63 total tackles; recorded a tackle for loss in six of final seven games.
• Mike Martin, Michigan (6-2, 299, Sr.): Second-team All-Big Ten (coaches); recorded 37 tackles, six tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks; has appeared in 36 games with 24 starts; Michigan's top NFL draft prospect for 2012; will be a focal point as Michigan reshapes its defense under new coordinator Greg Mattison.
• Kawann Short (6-3, 305, Jr.): Honorable mention All-Big Ten in 2010; finished fourth in the league in both sacks (six) and tackles for loss (12.5); led Purdue with eight pass breakups and added two blocked kicks; as All-American Ryan Kerrigan departs, Purdue hopes Short can anchor the defensive line.

Keep an eye on ...

• Mike Daniels, Iowa (6-1, 275, Sr.): Honorable mention All-Big Ten in 2010; finished second on the team in both sacks (four) and tackles for loss (11); started eight games after serving as a reserve in 2008 and 2009; will step into a leading role on a defensive line that loses three starters, including tackle Karl Klug.
• Jerel Worthy, Michigan State (6-3, 305, Jr.): Honorable mention All-Big Ten in 2010; led Michigan State defensive linemen with 40 tackles; recorded four sacks, eight tackles for loss, three pass breakups, two quarterback hurries and a blocked kick.
• John Simon, Ohio State (6-2, 270, Jr.): Honorable mention All-Big Ten in 2010; recorded 41 tackles, 8.5 for loss, three sacks, two fumble recoveries, two pass breakups; boasts tremendous strength and upside and will be looked to for leadership following the graduation losses of Cameron Heyward and Dexter Larimore.
• Devon Still, Penn State (6-5, 311, Sr.): Led Penn State in both sacks (four) and tackles for loss (10); added 39 tackles and a pass breakup; hampered by injuries early in his career, Still was terrific in the Outback Bowl (3.5 tackles for loss) and could be finally blossoming into an elite defensive lineman.

OTHER NAMES TO WATCH

• Baker Steinkuler, Nebraska
• Patrick Butrym and Jordan Kohout, Wisconsin
• Jack DiNardo, Northwestern
• Akeem Spence, Illinois
• Adam Replogle, Indiana
• Brandon Kirksey, Minnesota

I normally save my Big Ten awards endorsements for after the regular season, but one race has already been decided.

Purdue defensive end Ryan Kerrigan should be the 2010 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.

End of discussion.

Kerrigan leads the nation in tackles for loss (23.5) and ranks second in both sacks (11.5) and forced fumbles (5). With two forced fumbles last week against Michigan, Kerrigan increased his career total to 14, breaking the Big Ten mark of 13 shared by Simeon Rice and Bob Sanders and tying the FBS record shared by Terrell Suggs (Arizona State, 2000-02), Antwan Peek (Cincinnati, 2000-02) and Kenechi Udeze (Southern California, 2001-03).

The 6-4, 263-pound senior is soaring up the draft boards after recording at least one sack in eight games and at least two tackles for loss in seven contests this season.

"I've been around a lot of All-American players, and he's playing his position at a higher level than just about any player I've ever been around," Purdue coach Danny Hope said. "His numbers speak for themselves. If we're talking about performance in 2010, Ryan Kerrigan's the best defensive player in the Big Ten."

So why bring this up now? Won't the Big Ten awards recognize the best players?

Not always. Forgive me for lacking faith in the Big Ten media or the coaches to get this one right.

Let's look back to last year and the case of Brandon Graham.

The Michigan defensive end was the single most dominant player in the Big Ten. He led the nation in tackles for loss (26) and ranked 14th in sacks average (10.5, .88 per game). Graham had nine games with multiple tackles for loss and recorded two forced fumbles, two blocked kicks, a fumble recovery and a blocked punt return for a touchdown.

"For a guy as strong as he is and as fast as he is, he was virtually unblockable," Kerrigan told me this week. "You could really take a lot from his game and apply that to yours. I've really tried to do that. He's probably the best defensive end I've seen since I've been in college."

Despite Graham's incredible production, he wasn't named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, an award instead shared by Michigan State linebacker Greg Jones and Penn State defensive tackle Jared Odrick. Graham shared the Silver Football but was largely overlooked for postseason awards. Odrick also was named the league's Defensive Lineman of the Year by the coaches.

Why did Graham get snubbed? Simple. He played for a lousy defense on a losing team. It had nothing to do with his individual accomplishments.

That brings us back to Kerrigan. Purdue needs to win its last two games to reach a bowl, a tall order. And Purdue's defense ranks a middling 57th nationally in yards allowed and 70th in points allowed.

Kerrigan faces an uphill battle to be recognized because of Purdue's struggles. He was inexplicably left off of the lists of finalists for both the Rotary Lombardi Award and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy.

"Even though we don't have a winning record," Hope said, "we've had a chance to win some games against some of the best teams in the country, and a lot of it has to do with Ryan Kerrigan’s performance on defense, to keep our football team alive.

"That speaks volumes, more so than being a good player on a great team when a lot of things are going well.”

Kerrigan clearly has gained respect around the Big Ten. Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio, whose team faces Purdue this week, called Kerrigan "one of the premier players in the country, not just the conference."

Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt, Kerrigan's primary competitor for Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, acknowledged Kerrigan on Twitter after last Saturday's games: "@RyanKerrigan94 jeeez man, you wanna save some sacks for the rest of us? Lol. congrats on the big game."

Kerrigan saw the tweet and holds the Wisconsin star in extremely high regard, saying Watt is "certainly deserving of any recognition he gets for the award as well." Although Kerrigan is about as selfless as they come about individual recognition, the possibility of being named the Big Ten's top defender isn't lost on him.

"That would be a great honor," he said. "With all the great players we have in this league, to be mentioned like that would certainly mean a lot to me."

I don't vote for the Big Ten postseason awards, but I implore the media members and the coaches to do the right thing this time.

Put No. 94 at the top of your ballots.

As we move closer to the season, I'll be ranking the Big Ten, position by position. After some deliberation, I've decided to change things up and rank only the top 5 units from around the league. While I know you love to rag on the lower-ranked teams and send me spirited e-mails if your team comes in at No. 11, I don't really see much difference between the units ranked in the bottom half of the league.

No intelligent fan base should be celebrating, "We're No. 6!" Truth: your team's unit is probably a lot closer to No. 11 than No. 1. If a certain position group is stacked at the top, I'm open to including multiple teams tied for the No. 5 spot.

The criteria: past performance, 2010 potential, game-changing players and overall depth.

Let's get it started with the defensive line.

1. Iowa: The Hawkeyes' front four is not only the best in the Big Ten, but quite possibly the country (Rivals.com thinks so). Everyone knows about beastly defensive end Adrian Clayborn, but Broderick Binns can be just as effective on the other edge. Veterans Karl Klug and Christian Ballard solidify the middle. This group can flat out dominate games, as it showed last season against Penn State and Georgia Tech, and should be even better in 2010. My lone concern: depth.

2. Ohio State: You know a position group will be fine when three key contributors (Thaddeus Gibson, Doug Worthington, Todd Denlinger) depart and there's talk of even better days ahead. Cameron Heyward could be the Big Ten's most disruptive defensive player, as USC and Penn State learned last season, and there's a lot of optimism about young players like John Simon, Melvin Fellows and Garrett Goebel. Dexter Larimore brings experience to the interior line.

3. Penn State: Like Ohio State, Penn State can lose key players like Jared Odrick up front and not miss a beat. We should know better than to doubt veteran line coach Larry Johnson, who recruits and develops players better than just about anyone. Penn State has high hopes for defensive end Jack Crawford, and veteran tackle Ollie Ogbu also returns. Odrick leaves a major void in the middle, but the Lions expect big things from Devon Still if he can stay healthy.

4. Purdue: I'm taking a little leap of faith here, as Purdue has to get a lot better against the run. But the Boilers have a bona fide star in end Ryan Kerrigan, some experience with Gerald Gooden and Kawann Short, and they should benefit from coach Gary Emanuel's return to West Lafayette. Purdue is thin at defensive tackle after Mike Neal's departure to the NFL, but Kerrigan leads what should be a formidable pass rush after finishing third nationally in sacks in 2009.

5. Wisconsin: Here's a case where I feel great about one line position and nervous about another. Emerging star J.J. Watt leads a talented group of defensive ends -- ends, not tackles!-- that also features Louis Nzegwu and David Gilbert. The situation at tackle is a bit shakier because Wisconsin lost both starters from 2009, but Patrick Butrym boasts experience, and hopes are high for Jordan Kohout.

Up next: Linebackers

For the last three seasons, the Big Ten has paid the price in the preseason conference rankings because of poor bowl performances the previous years.

Has it been a little unfair? Perhaps. Bowl performances don't mean everything, and it's important to examine the personnel lost and the personnel returning for each team.

But if bowl performance is nation's No. 1 factor for evaluating conference, why not use it in the Big Ten's favor? That's exactly what I'm doing by ranking the Big Ten as the nation's second best conference behind the SEC.

The Big Ten went 4-3 in last year's bowls, beating four teams ranked in the top 15 and winning two BCS games (Rose and Orange). Of the four bowl champions, you can make a strong case that three of them -- Ohio State, Iowa and Wisconsin -- will have even stronger teams in 2010. Ohio State is a bona fide national championship contender, Iowa brings tremendous skill and mental toughness and Wisconsin returns the most starters in the league, including Heisman Trophy candidate John Clay.

All three squads will appear in many preseason top 10 rankings.

Penn State loses six All-Big Ten performers, including quarterback Daryll Clark and Big Ten co-Defensive Player of the Year Jared Odrick, but the Nittany Lions have been consistently strong since 2005. They'll enter the season in the Top 25 and should have little trouble getting back to a bowl game, where they do their best work (27-13-2 all-time record).

The middle of the Big Ten could be stronger as well. Michigan State gets star linebacker Greg Jones back in the fold, and the Spartans are stocked with skill players and have a very favorable schedule. Purdue held its own during Big Ten play last year and should be very explosive on offense. Northwestern has shown for the first time in its history that it can reload, winning 17 games the last two seasons and six or more games in six of the last seven seasons.

If Michigan can get back on track during a pivotal season for head coach Rich Rodriguez, the Big Ten's profile will be further enhanced.

How can the Big Ten become the top conference? Simple. Beat the SEC in the BCS title game. The SEC has won the last four of them, and nothing shapes national perception of conferences more than performance in the BCS championship.

The Big Ten also must hold off challengers for the No. 2 spot, namely the Big 12 and Pac-10. The Big Ten has dropped its last five bowl matchups against the Big 12, a trend that really needs to change this year. The Pac-10 should be very solid top to bottom, but Oregon's messy offseason and some lingering questions around USC keep the league a little behind.

My conference pecking order

1. SEC
2. Big Ten
3. Big 12
4. Pac-10
5. ACC
6. Mountain West
7. Big East
8. WAC
9. The rest ...

Devon Still doesn't sound like a man overwhelmed by the task that lies ahead.

Still, a junior defensive tackle for Penn State, saw firsthand how just how good Jared Odrick was, and how hard Odrick will be to replace. Odrick led an effective Nittany Lions defensive front in 2009, earning Big Ten co-Defensive Player of the Year honors after recording a team-high seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss.

How will Penn State replace Odrick's production? Most folks are putting the spotlight on Still.

"I learned from Jared," Still said. "He plays full speed every single play and he goes 100 percent. In order to be a great defensive [lineman], you have to be able to have that motor as he did. I wouldn’t say it’s a burden to try to replace Jared. It's been a blessing to play behind him."

Still is well aware that he has been tabbed, at least by the outside world, as Odrick's successor at defensive tackle. But if you think Still will buckle under the pressure, you might be waiting a while.

"I’m not saying it’s not going to be that hard of a challenge," he said. "I’m just willing to accept it."

Replacing an All-American like Odrick is difficult, but Still has faced tougher tests in his Penn State career.

He tore two ligaments in his left knee during the first week of preseason camp in 2007, and underwent season-ending surgery. After a strong rehab, Still entered camp the next year with a chance to join Odrick up front. But August once again proved to be a cruel month, as Still broke his ankle and didn't see the field until Penn State's regular-season finale against Michigan State.

"When I first got injured, it really tore me up," Still said. "I really wanted to play football. I took that year to rehab my ACL and I got injured again. It took a toll on me."

He entered the 2009 season at 100 percent physically, having completed his rehab just before camp. But Still needed to get through a few games without injury to put his mind at ease.

He appeared in all 13 games last fall, recording 19 tackles, 5.5 for loss, two sacks and two pass deflections. Still has spent spring ball working on his pass-rush skills and his conditioning. The 6-foot-5, 294-pound junior expects to be able to log 40 to 50 plays a game this fall.

Penn State's ability to reload along the defensive line is one of the program's hallmarks in recent years, and though replacing Odrick will take a collective effort, D-line coach Larry Johnson has been in Still's ear quite a bit this spring.

"He tells me a lot that Jared had a motor that just doesn’t stop," Still said. "If I want to be as good as Jared was, I have to have that nonstop motor and go play 100 percent."

Tonight, Still and Penn State's other linemen will gather at Johnson's house to watch the first round of the NFL draft (ESPN, 7:30 p.m. ET), where Odrick is expected to be selected. They'll then turn the focus back to the field and Saturday's Blue-White Game (ESPN2, 2 p.m. ET).

Still knows his time has arrived.

"I'm very excited to try to take on the job of filling in for Jared," Still said. "He taught me a lot of things, so I'm not left out there by myself. I have a lot of support."

EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Greg Jones has accomplished just about everything he can at the college level.

The Michigan State linebacker earned freshman All-America honors in 2007 after becoming the first true freshman to lead the Spartans in tackles since Dan Bass in 1976. Jones has earned first-team All-Big Ten honors in each of the past two seasons, and was a consensus first-team All-American last fall. Named Big Ten preseason Defensive Player of the Year last summer, Jones backed up the hype and shared the league's postseason player of the year award with Penn State's Jared Odrick. He has led Michigan State in tackles in each of his three seasons and served as a co-captain in 2009.

His numbers are insane: 359 tackles (9.2 per game), 36.5 tackles for loss, 15.5 sacks, 33 games started.

So why is Jones still a Spartan?

"I definitely feel like there was unfinished business," he said. "I really felt disappointed about having a 6-7 season, and I really wanted to get better."

Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio said that by returning for his senior season, Jones sent a signal to the entire team that everyone can always improve, even the squad's top player.

"He's been a captain here, he's led the team in tackles, he's been first-team all-conference, he's been the media's MVP defensively," Dantonio said. "You [come back to] try to win a major type of award, and achieve team goals, and it's about his role as a leader."

Since announcing in January he would return to Michigan State, Jones has made no secret about his desire to improve as a pass defender. He has four career pass breakups but is still looking for his first interception.

Michigan State struggled mightily against the pass in 2009, ranking last in the Big Ten and 112th nationally (267.6 ypg). Jones wants to be a bigger help to the secondary, and he has spent much of spring practice working with the defensive backs.

"That's a very hard job," Jones said. "At linebacker, if I make a mistake, you don't see it, but if they make a mistake, it's a touchdown. I have a lot of respect for those guys, so I always try to be encouraging. That's where I want to be a factor."

Jones is catching more passes this spring from the quarterbacks, watching more film on passing and trying to get a better grasp of what's happening in all three phases on defense, not just the front seven.

"I've been breaking things down with coaches to try to see the bigger picture, where I fit in and where my teammates fit in and how I can help," Jones said. "When the young guys come and ask me questions, I want to be able to answer them. I don't want to have a breakdown and have them freak out and run to the sideline."

Jones' biggest challenge might be convincing defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi that he should sit back in coverage more often. Few linebackers boast the tackles for loss and sacks totals Jones has the past two seasons.

His nine sacks in 2009 ranked fourth nationally among linebackers.

"We're going to blitz that guy," Narduzzi said. "He's our best pass-rush guy. One of the best things that guy does is go get the quarterback. He's got a knack, he's got power. When I know things are down, I'm going to bring that guy."

Jones looks noticeably bigger in his upper body this spring, having added 10 to 15 pounds during the winter and now checks in between 235 and 237 pounds. The size increase should help his NFL prospects next year, but Jones is focused on the task directly ahead of him.

"I want to be able to make plays and be a factor in every phase on defense," Jones said. "I just want to leave here a winner."

Let's take a look at three issues facing each Big Ten team heading into spring practice:

ILLINOIS

Spring practice starts: March 30

Spring game: April 24

What to watch:

• The quarterback competition. Four-year starter Juice Williams departs, and a host of young players (and one older one) are in the mix to replace him. New offensive coordinator Paul Petrino wants to shape his system around the starting signal-caller, so he'll be looking for some separation this spring. Jacob Charest got valuable playing time behind Williams in 2009, and Eddie McGee, a part-time wide receiver, has extensive playing experience at quarterback. They'll compete with redshirt freshman Nathan Scheelhaase and true freshman Chandler Whitmer, an early enrollee.
• Fixing the defense. New defensive coordinator Vic Koenning brings an impressive résumé to Champaign, but he'll be challenged to fix a unit that hasn't been right since J Leman and Co. left following the Rose Bowl run in 2007. Koenning wants to identify leaders on defense this spring and will look to players like end Clay Nurse and linebackers Ian Thomas and Martez Wilson. Illinois' most pressing needs likely come in the secondary after the team finished 100th nationally against the pass in 2009.
• Line dance. Illinois needs to get tougher and better on both lines to turn things around in 2010. The Illini tied for eighth in the Big Ten in sacks allowed last fall, and while the run game got going late, top lineman Jon Asamoah departs. Perhaps a bigger priority is finding a pass rush on defense after finishing last in the league in both sacks and tackles for loss in 2009.

INDIANA

Spring practice starts: March 23

Spring game: April 17

What to watch:

• Rebuilding the back seven on D. Indiana loses three starters in the secondary and two linebackers, including blog favorite Matt Mayberry. The Hoosiers brought in three junior college defenders, two of whom, linebacker Jeff Thomas and cornerback Lenyatta Kiles, will participate in spring practice. Needless to say, jobs are open everywhere, and coordinators Brian George and Joe Palcic will be looking for playmakers to step up. Several players are moving from offense to defense, including wideout Mitchell Evans to safety.
• End game. Indiana loses a lot of pass-rushing production as multiyear starters Jammie Kirlew and Greg Middleton depart. Both starting jobs at defensive end are open this spring, and IU will look to Darius Johnson, Terrance Thomas and others to step up and make plays.
• Willis watch. Indiana hopes 2010 is the year when running back Darius Willis becomes a superstar. Getting him through spring practice healthy will be a key first step. Willis has been impressive on the field, but he has struggled with injuries for much of his career. IU's passing attack should be very strong in 2010, and if Willis can elevate the run game, the Hoosiers should put up a ton of points.

IOWA

Spring practice starts: March 24

Spring game: April 17

What to watch:

• The offensive line. Rebuilding the offensive line is far and away Iowa's top priority heading into the 2010 season. The Hawkeyes are stacked at running back and boast a strong passing attack, but they'll struggle if things aren't solidified up front. Tackle/guard Riley Reiff blossomed last season and guard Julian Vandervelde also returns, but Iowa will look to fill three starting spots this spring.
• Refilling at linebacker and cornerback. Iowa's defense has been one of the nation's most opportunistic units the last two seasons, and players like Pat Angerer, A.J. Edds and Amari Spievey were three big reasons why. All three depart, so Iowa needs to reload at linebacker and find a shut-down corner (Shaun Prater?). The spotlight will be on guys like Prater, Tyler Nielsen and Jeff Tarpinian this spring.
• Sorting out the running back spot. Iowa is absolutely loaded at running back, but there's only one ball to be carried on a given play. The Hawkeyes likely will use a rotation in 2010, but who will be the featured back? Jewel Hampton will try to reclaim the top spot, which he lost because of a knee injury last summer. Adam Robinson filled in extremely well for Hampton in the lead role, and Brandon Wegher was one of the heroes of the Orange Bowl win.

MICHIGAN

Spring practice starts: March 14

Spring game: April 17

What to watch:

• Defense, defense, defense. Head coach Rich Rodriguez always will be known for his spread offense, but he won't be around much longer at Michigan if the defense doesn't significantly improve. A unit that ranked 82nd nationally last season loses its two best players (Brandon Graham and Donovan Warren) and must find contributors at linebacker, safety and cornerback. Help is on the way from the 2010 recruiting class, but Michigan can't afford a bad spring on defense.
• Devin Gardner. The heralded quarterback recruit enrolled early and will enter the mix this spring. Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson are the front-runners at quarterback, but Gardner might be the ultimate answer for the Wolverines. His ability to pick up the system and push Forcier and Robinson this spring will determine whether he sees the field in the fall or takes a redshirt.
• Running back. Carlos Brown and Brandon Minor depart, but Michigan once again should be good at the running back spot. Vincent Smith will miss spring ball as he recovers from knee surgery, but several others, including Michael Shaw and Fitzgerald Toussaint, will be competing throughout the 15 workouts. Shaw, who scored two touchdowns on 42 carries in 2009, could create a bit of separation with a good spring.

MICHIGAN STATE

Spring practice starts: March 23

Spring game: April 24

What to watch:

• Team morale. The residence hall incident and the subsequent fallout really rocked the Michigan State program. Head coach Mark Dantonio has yet to address the status of several suspended players, and the final outcome could impact the depth chart, particularly at wide receiver. It's important for Michigan State's team leaders -- Greg Jones, Kirk Cousins and others -- to unite the locker room in the spring and do all they can to prevent further problems.
• Line dance. Michigan State needs to improve on both the offensive and defensive lines in 2010, and it all starts this spring. The Spartans must replace left tackle Rocco Cironi and center Joel Nitchman, and they also lose top pass-rusher Trevor Anderson at defensive end. As strong as the Spartans should be at the skill positions, they need to start building around linemen like Joel Foreman and Jerel Worthy.
• Keith Nichol. The versatile junior could be moved to wide receiver, but he'll get a chance to push Cousins at quarterback this spring. Nichol's skills are too valuable to waste on the sideline, particularly if Michigan State has a pressing need at receiver, but he still could be a factor at quarterback if his improves his accuracy. The speedy Nichol could run the Wildcat in addition to serving as a wide receiver, if MSU chooses to go that route.

MINNESOTA

Spring practice starts: March 23

Spring game: April 24

What to watch:

• The coordinator and the quarterbacks. Minnesota will welcome its third offensive coordinator in as many seasons, though Jeff Horton doesn't plan to overhaul the system like Jedd Fisch did a year ago. Horton's primary task will be developing quarterbacks Adam Weber and MarQueis Gray, who both struggled last fall in the pro-style system. Weber has the edge in experience, but he needs to regain the form his showed in his first two seasons as the starter. Gray brings tremendous athleticism to the table but must prove he can succeed in a pro-style offense.
• The offensive line. Head coach Tim Brewster has insisted that when Minnesota gets the offensive line on track, things really will get rolling. The Gophers need better players and arguably tougher players up front, and the line should benefit in Year 2 under assistant Tim Davis. The group should be motivated by finishing last in the Big Ten in rushing in each of the past two seasons.
• Young defenders. Minnesota loses most of its starting defense from 2009, but fans are more excited about the young talent returning on that side of the ball. Spring ball could be huge for players like Michael Carter, D.L. Wilhite and Keanon Cooper as they transition into leading roles. The Gophers' biggest losses come at linebacker, as all three starters depart.

NORTHWESTERN

Spring practice starts: March 29

Spring game: April 24

What to watch:

• Identify a running back. The Wildcats produced an impressive string of standout running backs under former coach Randy Walker and at the beginning of Pat Fitzgerald’s tenure, but they struggled in the backfield in 2009. Northwestern returns the Big Ten’s most experienced offensive line, so identifying a primary ball carrier or two this spring is vital. Arby Fields and Scott Concannon showed a few flashes last year but must get more consistent, while Mike Trumpy will be an interesting addition to the mix.
• Polishing Persa. Dan Persa steps in at quarterback for second-team All-Big Ten selection Mike Kafka, and he’ll try to walk a similar career path. Kafka transformed himself in the offseason a year ago to become an extremely consistent passer, and Persa will need to do the same. Persa could be the best running quarterback Northwestern has had since Zak Kustok, but his size and the nature of the offense suggests he’ll need to make strides with his arm. NU also needs to see progress from backup Evan Watkins, as it lacks overall depth at quarterback.
• Reload in the secondary. Northwestern loses three starters in the secondary, including all-conference selections Sherrick McManis and Brad Phillips. Fitzgerald will lean heavily on cornerback Jordan Mabin and safety Brian Peters to lead the group, but he needs a few more players to emerge this spring. Defensive backs like Justan Vaughn have experience and must transition into featured roles.

OHIO STATE

Spring practice starts: April 1

Spring game: April 24

What to watch:

• Running back competition resumes. Brandon Saine and Dan Herron finished strong in 2009, but they can’t get too comfortable. Several young running backs, including Jordan Hall, Jaamal Berry, Jermil Martin and Carlos Hyde, will be competing for carries this spring. Saine likely has the best chance to lock down a featured role at running back, but if the hype about Berry pans out, it’ll be a dogfight.
• Pryor’s evolution. After Ohio State’s victory in the Rose Bowl, both Terrelle Pryor and Jim Tressel talked about the game being a key juncture in Pryor’s development. The junior quarterback must build on his performance this spring, especially from a passing standpoint. Ohio State can be a more balanced and more effective offense in 2010, but Pryor needs to keep making strides.
• Safety squeeze. The Buckeyes didn’t lose much from the 2009 team, but the safety spot took a hit as first-team All-Big Ten selection Kurt Coleman as well as key contributor Anderson Russell depart. Jermale Hines looks like the answer at one spot, and he’ll enter the spring with high expectations. Ohio State needs to build around Hines and identify playmakers for an increasingly opportunistic unit.

PENN STATE

Spring practice starts: March 26

Spring game: April 24

What to watch:

• Quarterback, quarterback, quarterback. No surprise here, as Penn State’s quarterback competition will be one of the Big Ten’s top storylines until September. Two-year starter Daryll Clark departs, leaving a major void under center. Sophomore Kevin Newsome played a bit last fall and has been in the system for a full season. He’ll enter the spring with a slight edge, but Matt McGloin and early enrollee Paul Jones also will be in the mix before Robert Bolden arrives this summer.
• Getting better up front. All-America candidate Stefen Wisniewski leads an offensive line that will have more experience and needs to make strides this spring. The line struggled against elite defensive fronts last year (Iowa, Ohio State) but should have more cohesion after another offseason together. The tackle spots will be interesting to watch, as Dennis Landolt departs. Penn State’s defensive line needs to shore up the middle after losing Big Ten co-Defensive Player of the Year Jared Odrick.
• Linebacker U. put to the test. Penn State has a proven track record of reloading in the defensive front seven, but it loses a lot of production, especially at linebacker. All three starting spots are open this spring, and the spotlight will turn to players like Nate Stupar, Bani Gbadyu, Chris Colasanti and others to fill the production and leadership gaps left by Sean Lee, Navorro Bowman and Josh Hull.

PURDUE

Spring practice starts: March 24

Spring game: April 17

What to watch:

• Marve watch begins. The starting quarterback job is open, and all eyes will be on Miami transfer Robert Marve. One of the nation's most decorated recruits in 2007, Marve started for the Hurricanes in 2008 but ran into problems and transferred. Slowed by an ACL injury last summer and fall, Marve will have every chance to establish himself this spring as he competes with Caleb TerBush.
• Wide-open secondary. All four starters depart in the secondary, creating plenty of competition back there this spring. Players like safety Albert Evans and cornerback Charlton Williams will be in the spotlight as they try to nail down jobs. Purdue should be better in the front seven in 2010, but you can bet opposing quarterbacks will attack an unproven secondary.
• The run defense. It's a huge priority for Purdue to improve against the run after finishing last in the Big Ten in rush defense in each of the past two seasons. Linebacker Jason Werner's return for a sixth year is huge, and Purdue boasts one of the Big Ten's top D-linemen in Ryan Kerrigan. Those two must provide leadership and foster more cohesion from the younger players around them. New D-line coach Gary Emanuel will be instrumental in the process this spring.

WISCONSIN

Spring practice starts: March 13 (break from March 29-April 2)

Spring game: April 17

What to watch:

• The secondary. Wisconsin looks pretty solid on the defensive line and at linebacker, so getting the secondary up to par will be key this spring. Safety Jay Valai is a vicious hitter, but can he become an All-Big Ten-caliber safety? Aaron Henry joins Valai at safety after struggling at cornerback in 2009. Wisconsin also will look for continued progress from corners Devin Smith and Niles Brinkley.
• Replacing Schofield. Bret Bielema told me earlier this week that the competition at defensive line is once again heating up this offseason. Wisconsin must replace first-team All-Big Ten end O'Brien Schofield, who ranked second nationally in tackles for loss (24.5) in 2009. J.J. Watt has superstar written all over him, but Wisconsin will look for more pass-rush ability from David Gilbert and Louis Nzegwu.
• The wide receivers/tight ends. Wisconsin showed at times last fall that its passing attack could be dynamic, and it will look for big things from several players this spring. Wideout Nick Toon certainly has what it takes to be a star in the Big Ten, and Lance Kendricks showed in the Champs Sports Bowl that he's a capable successor for Garrett Graham at tight end. The Badgers will look to David Gilreath, Isaac Anderson and Kyle Jefferson to fill the No. 2 wideout spot.

It's still early February, but signing day is over and you can officially start looking forward to the 2010 season. But before we look at who's back in the Big Ten, let's look at who will be missed the most when the teams return to the practice field this spring.

Here are five players who leave big shoes to fill around the league:

Penn State QB Daryll Clark: Clark finished his career as one of the best quarterbacks in Penn State history, setting team records for career passing touchdowns, single-season passing touchdowns, single-season passing yards and single-season total offense. He was even more valuable as a leader both on and off the field, and few players invested as much as the two-year starter. His presence certainly will be missed.

Northwestern QB Mike Kafka: Kafka basically became the entire NU offense in 2009 as the run game struggled. He developed into a precision passer and ended up as one of the most valuable players in the Big Ten. The second-team All-Big Ten selection led the league in both passing (3,430) and total offense (3,729). Although backup Dan Persa got some playing time after Kafka was banged up against Penn State, he'll have a tough time replacing the senior.

Michigan DE Brandon Graham: The Wolverines defense struggled mightily with Graham on the field, and it's scary to think where the unit would have been without his nation-leading 26 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. Graham was arguably the most disruptive defensive lineman in the country in 2009, and he leaves a major void on the edge. Michigan will need several players to step up to fill the production void left by Graham's departure.

Iowa CB Amari Spievey: Some will argue with this one, but of all the players Iowa loses from the 2009 team, Spievey could be the most valuable. He took away one side of the field, forcing opposing quarterbacks to look elsewhere and freeing up playmaking opportunities for safety Tyler Sash and others. Iowa has some decent corners coming back, but none with the shutdown capabilities of Spievey, who recorded two interceptions and 10 passes defended.

Penn State DT Jared Odrick: Penn State has little trouble reloading in the defensive front seven, but the Lions will be hard-pressed to find another Odrick in the middle of the defensive line. Odrick consistently commanded double- and triple-teams, opening up lanes for teammates to reach the backfield. Big Ten coaches named him Defensive Player of the Year and Defensive Lineman of the Year, high honors given the league's depth along the D-line. Odrick was the biggest reason why Penn State finished sixth nationally in rushing defense (89.9 ypg).

Five more who will be missed: Purdue QB Joey Elliott, Iowa LB Pat Angerer, Penn State LB Navorro Bowman, Wisconsin DE O'Brien Schofield, Ohio State S Kurt Coleman.

A strong Big Ten bowl season leaves me with some tough choices for the All-Bowl team. We can certainly debate some of these, but here are my selections.

OFFENSE

QB Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State
He came of age in the Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi, delivering a complete performance as both a passer and a runner. Pryor accounted for 338 total yards; Oregon had 260.

RB John Clay, Wisconsin
Clay gave Miami a taste of Big Ten football by bulldozing the Hurricanes for 121 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries in the Champs Sports Bowl.

RB Brandon Wegher, Iowa
It seemed like no running back could stay healthy for Iowa this year, but Wegher came up huge in the FedEx Orange Bowl. The true freshman had 113 rush yards on 16 carries, including the clinching 32-yard touchdown run with 1:16 left.

WR DeVier Posey, Ohio State
I saw a future NFL receiver when I watched Posey in the Rose Bowl. He had eight receptions for 101 yards, including a leaping 17-yard touchdown that all but sealed Ohio State's victory.

WR Andrew Brewer, Northwestern
Brewer saved his best game for last, hauling in eight receptions for 133 yards and scoring on receptions of 35 and 39 yards in the Outback Bowl.

TE Drake Dunsmore, Northwestern and Lance Kendricks, Wisconsin
Dunsmore had nine receptions for 120 yards, including an electrifying 66-yard touchdown dash through the Auburn defense. Garrett Graham might be the first-team All-Big Ten selection, but Kendricks stole the show in the Champs Sports Bowl with seven receptions for 128 yards.

C John Moffitt, Wisconsin
Moffitt moved back to center because of a teammate's injury and helped the Badgers overpower Miami in the Champs Sports Bowl. Wisconsin racked up 430 total yards and held the ball for 39:15.

G Justin Boren, Ohio State
Boren led a big and nasty Buckeyes line that generated push for the run game and helped Pryor attempt a career high 37 passes in the win against Oregon.

G Joel Foreman, Michigan State
The Spartans' offensive line stepped up nicely in the Valero Alamo Bowl, helping to generate 148 rush yards and allowing only one sack against a Texas Tech team that rushes the passer extremely well. Foreman, an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection, deserves some props.

OT Bryan Bulaga, Iowa
Bulaga showed why he's jumping to the NFL draft with a terrific performance against Georgia Tech star defensive end Derrick Morgan in the FedEx Orange Bowl.

OT Dennis Landolt, Penn State
Landolt and his linemates did a good job against LSU's blitz and protected Daryll Clark on a muddy field in Orlando. Penn State allowed only one sack and rushed for 124 yards.

DEFENSE

DL Adrian Clayborn, Iowa
Clayborn was an absolute beast in the Orange Bowl, recording nine tackles (all solo) and two sacks as he disrupted Georgia Tech's triple option attack.

DL J.J. Watt, Wisconsin
Watt led an aggressive Badgers defensive front with a sack, two tackles for loss, two pass breakups, a quarterback hurry and a fumble recovery against Miami.

DL O'Brien Schofield, Wisconsin
Schofield was disruptive all season and showed it in the bowl game, recording two sacks and forcing a fumble that led to a crucial field goal in the fourth quarter.

DL Thaddeus Gibson, Ohio State
The Buckeyes defensive front made life miserable for Oregon quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, and Gibson stepped up with two tackles for loss in what proved to be his final collegiate game.

LB Navorro Bowman, Penn State
Bowman had a game-high nine tackles, including 1.5 for loss, and forced LSU into a critical penalty in the final minute as the Lions preserved a Capital One Bowl win.

LB Ross Homan, Ohio State
Homan ended the season as one of the Big Ten's top linebackers and turned in a terrific performance in Pasadena with 12 tackles and an interception that set up a field goal just before halftime.

LB Pat Angerer, Iowa
The triple option will test a middle linebacker, but Angerer stepped up for Iowa with a game-high 10 tackles, including one for loss, against Georgia Tech.

DB Kyle Theret, Minnesota
Theret was the Gophers' MVP in the Insight Bowl, recording seven tackles (all solo), two interceptions, a tackle for loss and a 40-yard reception on a fake punt that set up the team's first touchdown.

DB Ross Weaver, Michigan State
The Spartans' secondary struggled against Texas Tech, but Weaver recorded a team-high seven solo tackles and had a forced fumble and an interception that led to 10 Michigan State points in the second half.

DB Kim Royston, Minnesota
Royston recorded a career-high 15 tackles, tying the Insight Bowl record, including 14 solo stops against Iowa State. He also forced a fumble that turned into a Minnesota field goal.

DB Sherrick McManis, Northwestern
McManis made plays throughout his career and finished it in typical fashion with an interception and a fumble recovery, both occurring in Northwestern's end of the field.

SPECIALISTS

K Collin Wagner, Penn State
The horrible field conditions didn't bother Wagner, who went 4-for-4 on field-goal attempts and drilled the game winner with 57 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

P Blake Haudan, Minnesota
Haudan averaged 49.6 yards on five punts and completed a 40-yard pass to Theret on a well-timed fake in the third quarter.

Returner Keshawn Martin, Michigan State
Martin blossomed as the Big Ten's most dangerous kick return man this fall and averaged 24.8 yards per runback with a long of 36 against Texas Tech.

Honorable mention -- WISCONSIN: QB Scott Tolzien, RB Montee Ball, P Brad Nortman, LB Chris Borland, TE Garrett Graham, starting offensive line. MINNESOTA: WR Da'Jon McKnight, LB Lee Campbell. NORTHWESTERN: QB Mike Kafka, WR Zeke Markshausen, WR Sidney Stewart, CB Jordan Mabin, LB Quentin Davie. PENN STATE: QB Daryll Clark, RB Stephfon Green, TE Andrew Quarless, LB Sean Lee, DT Jared Odrick, CB A.J. Wallace, starting offensive line. OHIO STATE: DE Cameron Heyward, DT Doug Worthington, RB Brandon Saine, WR Dane Sanzenbacher, K Devin Barclay, K Aaron Pettrey, P Jon Thoma, starting offensive line. MICHIGAN STATE: RB Edwin Baker, WR Blair White, P Aaron Bates, LB Greg Jones, starting offensive line. IOWA: QB Ricky Stanzi, TE Tony Moeaki, P Ryan Donahue, DT Karl Klug, LB A.J. Edds, DE Broderick Binns, starting offensive line.

Georgia Tech defensive end Derrick Morgan likely will be a top 10 pick in April's NFL draft.

At 6-4 and a chiseled 272 pounds, Morgan has all the measurables that make pro scouts salivate. He earned ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors after leading the league with 12.5 sacks. He finished the regular season with 18 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has Morgan at No. 8 on his draft board.

So, should Iowa be afraid of Morgan on Tuesday night in the FedEx Orange Bowl? Not a chance.

The Hawkeyes haven't seen an offense that as talent and tricky as Georgia Tech's triple option, but they've seen defensive ends like Morgan.

Pretty much every week in the Big Ten.

No league in the country had a deeper group of standout pass rushers than the Big Ten. Iowa faced stars like Michigan's Brandon Graham (nation-leading 26 tackles for loss), Wisconsin's O'Brien Schofield (No. 2 nationally with 24.5 TFLs), Penn State's Navorro Bowman, Indiana's Jammie Kirlew and Ohio State's Thaddeus Gibson and Cameron Heyward. The Hawkeyes also lined up against future NFL draft picks like Penn State defensive tackle Jared Odrick and Northwestern defensive end Corey Wootton.

Plus, Iowa's offensive linemen practice against All-Big Ten players like defensive end Adrian Clayborn every day.

"We've played a lot of good ends here, the last two years," head coach Kirk Ferentz said. "We have a lot of them in our conference, Graham, Penn State's guys were good. You can go right down the list. ... Certainly Morgan's an excellent football player. All the accolades that he's received, he's earned. He didn't just stumble into them. All that being said, we're not a big team for putting four guys on one guy."

Tuesday night will be an excellent chance for Iowa's offensive linemen, and particularly left tackle Bryan Bulaga, to shut down one of the game's premier defensive ends.

It's time to take a quick look at the Capital One Bowl, as No. 13 Penn State (10-2) takes on No. 12 LSU (9-3) on Friday in Orlando (ABC, 1 p.m. ET).

WHO TO WATCH: Daryll Clark. One way or another, this game will go a long way toward shaping Clark's ultimate legacy at Penn State. He already owns a bunch of team passing records, and a New Year's Day bowl win will cement him as one of the program's finest quarterbacks. If Penn State loses, Clark will be remembered for winning a lot of games, but not many big ones. Last year's Rose Bowl loss to USC wasn't Clark's fault, and he didn't get much help in a Sept. 26 loss to Iowa, but quarterbacks are judged primarily on how they perform against the nation's elite. LSU ranks 29th nationally in pass defense and 17th in passing efficiency defense, so Clark will need to be at the top of his game

WHAT TO WATCH: Penn State's pass rush and LSU's punt returns. Both areas are strengths for these teams and weaknesses for their opponents. The Nittany Lions rank fifth nationally in tackles for loss (8.25 per game) and seventh in sacks (2.92 per game), while LSU is 108th nationally in sacks allowed (2.92 per game). You can bet Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Bradley will turn up the heat with Jack Crawford, Jared Odrick and Navorro Bowman. LSU leads the nation in punt returns (18.6 ypr) behind Trindon Holliday, quite possibly the fastest player in the country. Penn State's special teams have been a weakness all season, and the Lions rank 116th nationally in punt return yards defense (14.7 ypr).

WHY TO WATCH: No non-BCS bowl pairs two higher-ranked teams than the Capital One, generally regarded as the best of the rest. Both head coaches are at their best in the postseason, as Penn State's Joe Paterno owns an NCAA-record 23 bowl victories, and Les Miles is 4-0 in bowls at LSU and has won by an average of 28.5 points. Plus, these two storied programs play for just the second time after meeting in the 1974 Orange B0wl (a 16-9 Penn State win to cap a perfect season). Both teams are highly ranked, but neither has a true signature win. One will walk out of Citrus Bowl Stadium feeling pretty good about itself.

PREDICTION: Penn State's experience and defensive pressure will be the difference in this one. LSU boasts a ton of young talent, and a Tigers win will only strengthen the SEC's case against the Big Ten. The Tigers' defense holds Penn State in check for a half, but Clark and running back Evan Royster get it going in the third quarter. LSU doesn't protect Jordan Jefferson well, and Penn State's defenders will get home enough. The Lions win, 21-17.

In a college football season that largely went according to plan, the Big Ten campaign followed a familiar script.

Ohio State once again emerged as the conference champion, a title it has owned six times this decade. Not far behind the Buckeyes are Iowa and Penn State, two teams also projected to challenge for the title. The Big Ten stuck to its roots and played ferocious defense, boasting the nation's finest collection of down linemen. On the flip side, the quarterback position continued to plague the conference.

The truth is, not a lot changed in the Big Ten this year.

Michigan struggled again, and Illinois continued its post-Rose Bowl nosedive. Iowa and Northwestern built on momentum generated last season, while Wisconsin reclaimed its place among the league's better squads. Ohio State won the league despite just two first-team all-conference players, while Penn State pounded inferior teams but struggled in its two showcase games.

The league once again took its lumps in nonconference play, going 5-9 against BCS conference teams and Notre Dame. But the Big Ten boasts three top 15 teams and will send two squads to BCS bowls for the fifth consecutive season.

Despite the status quo feeling of the season, there were plenty of exciting moments.

Iowa mounted the best start in team history, winning its first nine games, eight in come-from-behind fashion. Michigan and Notre Dame provided an entertaining shootout, which elevated hopes before both traditional powerhouses went kaput. Purdue ended long slides against ranked teams and at Michigan Stadium, while Indiana showed some improvement despite all-too-familiar results. Michigan State found itself in several of the league's most thrilling games (Michigan, Notre Dame, Iowa, Minnesota), but the Spartans struggled to overcome inconsistent play.

All of this brings the Big Ten to a familiar place, needing to prove itself in the bowls to regain national respect. The league flopped last year, going 1-6 in postseason play, and extended its losing streak in BCS bowls to six.

The bowl lineup looks more manageable this year, but coaches and players around the Big Ten understand the urgency to get results in the coming weeks.

Offensive MVP -- Wisconsin RB John Clay

There weren't many viable candidates in a defense-driven league, but Clay rose to the top with his punishing running style. After a hiccup against Wofford, the sophomore embraced a featured role and eclipsed 100 rushing yards in seven of his final nine games, including each of the last five. Clay ranks 14th nationally in rushing (116.3) and was the lone Big Ten back to average more than 100 rush yards per game.

Defensive MVP -- Michigan State LB Greg Jones

A much tougher call here, as you could make a case for 10 defensive standouts. Jones gets the nod because of his ability to find the football on seemingly every play. He led the Big Ten and ranked third nationally with 141 tackles and also led Big Ten linebackers with nine sacks, which ranked fifth overall in the conference. Honorable mentions go to Michigan's Brandon Graham, Penn State's Navorro Bowman and Jared Odrick, Iowa's Adrian Clayborn and Pat Angerer, Wisconsin's O'Brien Schofield, and Ohio State's Kurt Coleman.

Coach of the Year -- Iowa's Kirk Ferentz

Another tough decision between Ferentz and Ohio State's Jim Tressel, who amazingly has never won the award. While Tressel deserves a ton of credit for getting Ohio State back on track after an Oct. 17 loss at Purdue, Ferentz encountered major obstacles seemingly every week. Iowa battled injuries from the preseason until early November, when quarterback Ricky Stanzi went down against Northwestern. The Hawkeyes also had the league's toughest road schedule and nearly went 4-0. For a guy that some wanted out after three mediocre seasons and a wave of off-field problems, Ferentz has restored his place among the nation's elite coaches.

Biggest surprise -- Wisconsin

The outlook in Madison looked pretty gloomy in early August, as Wisconsin had seen its wins total decrease in each of the last two seasons. Throw in another quarterback competition and major questions throughout the defensive front seven, and Wisconsin entered the fall with fairly low expectations. But Bret Bielema's team improved in almost every area. The Badgers boast a balanced offense of Clay's power running and an effective play-action pass attack operated by surprising quarterback Scott Tolzien. The defense got younger but better, as Big Ten Freshman of the Year Chris Borland emerged at linebacker.

Biggest disappointment -- Illinois

Ron Zook's team receives this undesirable distinction for the second straight year after a miserable 3-9 finish. The Illini are 8-16 since their surprise Rose Bowl run in 2007, and while Zook is expected to return next fall, the program is losing momentum on the recruiting trail and at the ticket booth. Things went downhill from the get-go, as Illinois fell flat against Missouri in the opener. Juice Williams and the offense took a long time to get going, and by that point, the defense was a mess. Other disappointments included Michigan, which didn't beat an FBS team in October or November to fall out of bowl contention. Michigan State and Minnesota also fell short of expectations.

Game of the Year -- Ohio State 27, Iowa 24 (OT), Nov. 14

A lackluster end to regulation shouldn't spoil a memorable game, and both Iowa and Ohio State provided plenty of drama at The Shoe. Hawkeyes backup quarterback James Vandenberg nearly became a state hero as he tried to rally Iowa to a Rose Bowl berth in his first career start. Iowa mounted one of its patented rallies, but the Buckeyes prevailed in the end as backup kicker Devin Barclay, a 26-year-old former Major League Soccer player, nailed the game-winning field goal in overtime. Honorable mentions go to Iowa-Michigan State (Oct. 24) and Michigan-Notre Dame (Sept. 12).