ESPN College Football

Here are the non-AQ players of the week, as selected by each conference. The independent players are selected by a national media panel.

Conference USA

Offense: Darius Johnson, WR, SMU. Had a career-high-tying two receiving touchdowns, along with 12 catches and 152 yards as SMU defeated No. 20 TCU 40-33 in overtime. It was his third straight 100-yard game.

Defense: Tyson Gale, LB, Marshall. Had a team-high seven tackles against Louisville, including a tackle for loss and the biggest play of the game when he intercepted a pass with 4:32 left in a 17-13 win.

Special teams: Kase Whitehead, P, Marshall. Dropped four of his five punts inside the 20 in the 17-13 win at Louisville. On the season, 10 of his 30 have been downed inside the 20.

Independent

Co-offense: Riley Nelson, QB, BYU. Cierre Wood, RB, Notre Dame. Nelson came in in relief of starter Jake Heaps and accounted for 206 yards of total offense in four drives as BYU rallied from a 24-13 fourth-quarter deficit to beat Utah State. Nelson was 10-of-14 for 144 yards and two touchdowns, adding 62 rushing yards on 11 carries. Wood ran 20 times for a career-high 191 yards and a touchdown in a win against Purdue. His 55-yard scoring scamper was also a career-long run.

Defense: Manti Te'o, LB, Notre Dame. Had a team-high eight tackles unassisted, and a sack against Purdue.

Special teams: Alex Carlton, PK, Army. Made his first field goal of the season and made all six extra point attempts as the Black Knights beat Tulane. His six conversions moved him into sixth place on the Army career PAT made list.

MAC

East Division

Offense: Tyler Tettleton, QB, Ohio. Threw for over 250 yards for the third consecutive week as he finished with 276 yards passing and two touchdowns in a 17-10 victory over Kent State.

Defense: C.J. Malauulu, LB, Kent State. Had a game- and career-high 12 tackles in a 17-10 loss to Ohio. He also added three tackles for loss, a sack, a pass break-up and a forced fumble.

Special Teams: Boo Boo Gates, KR, Bowling Green. Had seven returns for 233 yards, including a career-best 77-yard return in the first quarter in a 55-10 setback at West Virginia. His seven returns are the second-most in school history, while the yards are the most ever in a game.

West Division

Offense: Alex Carder, QB, Western Michigan. Threw for a career high and school record 479 yards and five touchdowns, including three in the fourth quarter, in a 38-31 upset of UConn. His five touchdowns tied for second most in a game in school history.

Defense: Robert Bell, LB, Toledo. Had a career-high 12 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss and one recovered fumble in a 36-13 road win at Temple.

Special Teams: David Harman, K, Central Michigan. Was 6-of-6 on extra-point attempts and 2-of-2 on field goals for 12 total points in a 48-41 win over Northern Illinois.

Mountain West

Offense: Tim Jefferson, QB, Air Force. Went 9-of-10 for 136 yards and a touchdown, and rushed 18 times for 66 yards and two scores in a 35-34 overtime win at Navy. Jefferson, who scored the game-winning touchdown on a 1-yard run, led Air Force to its second-straight win over Navy and the first in Annapolis since 1997.

Defense: Brady Amack, LB, Air Force. Had a career-high 23 tackles (11 solo), a sack and two tackles for loss in a 35-34 overtime victory at Navy. The tackle total ranks as the sixth-highest in school history and tied for the most in Mountain West history. It also tied for the most in a FBS game this season.

Special teams: Alex Means, LB, Air Force. Blocked Navy’s extra-point try in overtime. Means has blocked two kicks this season and also tied a career-high with 12 tackles and intercepted a pass.

WAC

Offense: Matt Christian, QB, New Mexico State. Went 16-of-27 for a career-high 296 yards and a career-high four touchdowns with no interceptions in a 42-28 win at New Mexico. Christian also rushed for a career-high 101 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. He had 397 yards of total offense and accounted for five of the six Aggie touchdowns in the game.

Defense: Keith Smith, LB, San Jose State. Had a team-high 10 tackles and forced a fumble in a 38-31 win at Colorado State. The forced fumble occurred in the second quarter and was returned 20 yards for a touchdown to give the Spartans a 17-7 lead.

Special teams: Justin Hernandez, WR, Idaho. Blocked a punt that was returned for a touchdown with 3:11 left in Idaho’s game at Virginia. Idaho trailed 14-6 at the time and following the successful two-point conversion, the Vandals forced overtime. They lost 21-20 in the extra period.

Sun Belt

Offense: Ryan Aplin, QB, Arkansas State. Set a new school record for completions in a game when he completed 37 passes on 49 attempts in a 26-22 win at Western Kentucky. Aplin passed for a season-high 396 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions and also caught a touchdown pass against the Hilltoppers.

Defense: Lance Kelley, LB, Louisiana. Had eight tackles, a tackle-for-loss and an interception in a win over FAU. He currently leads the Cajuns and ranks fourth in the Sun Belt with 39 total tackles.

Special teams: Brett Baer, K/P, Louisiana. Scored 13 points in a 37-34 victory. He made field goals of 47 yards and 46 yards before hitting the game-winning 26-yard field goal as time expired. It was the first win for the Cajuns in the final 10 seconds of regulation since 2003.

Time for your non-AQ mailbag. You can keep your comments coming to me.

Jordan in Akron, Ohio writes: Last year, Miami (Ohio) went from 1 win to 10 wins and the MAC championship. While unlikely, which one-win team from the previous season could repeat that success or at least, who do you see winning the most games? (Akron 1-11), (San Jose St. 1-12), (New Mexico 1-11) or (Memphis 1-11).

Andrea Adelson: Wow, this is a toughie! I do not see any of those teams getting to 10 wins this season. But I think San Jose State will finish with the best record among those four teams. While the Spartans have a question mark at quarterback right now, they return 18 starters. Now you might say that can't be good considering they won one game last season. But San Jose State had the injury bug hit them so hard last season, the team ended the season with 43 healthy scholarship players. This year, they have Duke Ihenacho back, a former first-team WAC selection. They also have WAC freshman of the year Keith Smith at linebacker, along with Pompey Festejo returning and everybody else on defense. The schedule is hard, but not nearly as difficult as it was last season. So if the Spartans stay healthy, they could be most improved among the four you mentioned.

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Eric in Sacramento writes: Boise is in the Mountain West. Nevada, Fresno State and Hawaii are the contenders for the WAC championship and all will be heading towards the MWC next year. I believe a good way to say goodbye to one conference and hello to another is by winning the WAC this year. Who looks the strongest going into the season?

Adelson writes: I go back and forth on who I think is going to win the WAC this season between those three schools. Each has positives and negatives. Bryant Moniz returning to Hawaii is a huge plus, but he loses his best receivers and four starters on the offensive line. Will Nevada be able to ride the momentum of last season without Colin Kaepernick, Vai Taua and Dontay Moch? How will Fresno State do with Derek Carr at quarterback and a defense that needs to get better more quickly. I am more inclined to go with Hawaii because of the system in place, and I think the defense is going to be solid. But Nevada gets Hawaii and Fresno State at home, so that could make the difference.

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Alex in Cranston, R.I., writes: Hey Andrea, keep up the awesome work you do at ESPN!!! I love reading your columns on the non-AQs. They are very detailed, and you definitely know your stuff. I happen to have a question about Hawaii (I know, I'm from Rhode Island, it's odd). Obviously they have a relatively weak SOS, such as opening against Colorado, Washington, UNLV, and FCS opponent UC Davis, and with a down WAC because of Boise State's departure, the WAC really is only a 3 horse race, along with Nevada and Fresno State. Hawaii is the only contender from the WAC to return their starting QB, Bryant Moniz, who threw for 5,000 yards last year, and is on the preseason Watch List for both the Davey O'Brien and Maxwell awards. My question to you is this: If Hawaii is able to run the table in the WAC, and beat BYU the last game of the year to finish 13-0 (7-0), is there a realistic chance that they could maybe sneak into a BCS bowl? Or is their schedule too weak to be considered for that? From my perspective, it won't matter how hard they try this year, because they'll probably play an 8th home game in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl as they usually do, despite being undefeated.

Adelson writes: A lot depends on what happens with the other non-AQs. If Hawaii is the only undefeated non-AQ when the season ends, then the Warriors would get into a BCS game automatically if they finish in the Top 12 of the final BCS standings. But if you are asking whether an undefeated Hawaii would get in over an undefeated Boise State or undefeated TCU, that answer would be no. It is more than just the strength of schedule (which would be weaker). Those two programs are going to start the season ranked and with national attention on them already. Hawaii would have a long climb up. Plus the Warriors have to fight the perception that they are just a gimmicky team playing six hours behind everyone else. Hardly anyone gets to see them on TV. But as you know, nothing is impossible. See: 2007.

Ralph Bolden has been through this before.

The Purdue running back tore the ACL in his right knee as a high school senior and wasn't fully recovered by the time he arrived in West Lafayette, playing mostly on special teams in 2008. At full strength the following fall, Bolden rushed for 935 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning consensus second-team All-Big Ten honors.

Primed for an even bigger junior season, Bolden suffered an all-too-familiar setback. He tore the same ACL in spring practice and sat out the entire 2010 campaign.

After another lengthy rehab, Bolden is once again on the verge of a return.

"I'm so ready," he said last week. "I have dreams about playing games and everything. It's hard to explain."

Bolden notes some positive developments during his time away from the spotlight.

For starters, his leg is stronger and more explosive, and he can squat more than he used to. He feels more natural in his cuts after doing countless foot drills during the rehab process. The time away also allowed Bolden to spend more time studying film.

Bolden participated in most drills during spring practice but was held out of contact, just to be safe.

"There were a couple times I actually tried to get into practice, but the coaches were holding me out," he said. "They let me run around, skelly, all non-contact stuff, but they didn't want me to do contact stuff. They said, 'No rush.'"

Bolden's most recent ACL recovery differed from the first because he had to rehab both legs. Doctors used graft from his left leg to help reconstruct his right ACL during surgery.

Other than that, the rehab was standard for the 5-foot-9, 194-pound Bolden.

"I knew what to do," he said. "I knew how to do it."

Unfortunately, Bolden wasn't the only standout Purdue athlete going through ACL rehab last year. ACL injuries have become somewhat of an epidemic for the Boilers.

Bolden's teammates Robert Marve and Keith Smith suffered ACL tears last season, and Purdue basketball star Robbie Hummel tore his right ACL twice in an eight-month span.

"During the fall and summer last year, we were working out a lot together," Bolden said. "We pretty much went through the same thing. He'd ask me how my knee feels and he'd give me feedback on how his knee felt.

"When he tore it [again], I actually got scared. I was like, 'Oh man, we had the same surgeon and everything. It's going to happen to me.' But I'm not worried about it."

Bolden is only worried about returning to the field this season. Though he's a likely candidate to reclaim his starting job, nothing is guaranteed with coach Danny Hope, who never writes his depth chart in permanent ink.

Purdue's one-dimensional offense finished fifth in the league in rushing last fall but should have a more balanced attack as players get healthy.

"The best players are going to start," Bolden said. "I look at every year as a new beginning, so I'm going to go all out in camp to show the coaches what I can do."

When Jason David first met San Jose State's Keith Smith, there was nothing about him that screamed future football star.

Smith was a 5-foot-4, overweight eighth grader. David knew a little something about football, having won Super Bowl XLI as a cornerback with the Indianapolis Colts. But Smith was determined to make it in football, and asked David to teach him everything he knew. And by everything, he meant everything -- not only what it took to be great on the field, but off the field, too.

“Most guys want to go to the NFL, but they don’t want to put in the work or effort to get there,” David said in a phone interview. “One of the things that stood out about Keith was he was so eager for knowledge, he was so eager to get better, he was willing to do whatever it took. He studied film, worked out on weekends and got better and better.”

Now Smith is one of the best young players in the nation. The San Jose State linebacker has grown to 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds and was named a Freshman All-America after registering 115 tackles in 2010. That was tops among all freshmen on the FBS level. Not only that, he became the first San Jose State football player to make the FWAA Freshman All-America team since its inception in 2001.

Smith credits David, now his brother-in-law, for helping prepare him for the rigors of the college game.

“He’s been my biggest influence football wise and a big brother to me,” Smith said. “He just taught me to never be satisfied and always just have a mentality of trying to be the best and never settle for less.”

Both Smith and David credit the summer between Smith’s junior and senior seasons in high school as a turning point for him. They worked out together the entire summer, watched film together and lifted weights together.

“He went from being an OK player to being a dominant player,” David said.

David recalled one play in particular that senior year, when Smith made a goal line tackle on fourth-and-goal in overtime which sent his team to the next round of the playoffs. Smith has always been a sure tackler and that was evident last season, when he was pressed into major duty as a true freshman because of injuries at San Jose State.

The situation was so bad, Smith took all the reps in practice and took every snap in the final nine games of the season. He could not keep his weight up, and played at a paltry 208 pounds. He was so sore, he would take ice baths every day after practice and on Sundays as well.

But Smith was just grateful for the opportunity to play.

“It was deer in the headlights at beginning but then I started settling in and started playing football and playing with Vince (Buhagiar),” Smith said. “We started to click later in the season. That’s when I started having fun, when I started playing better.”

Smith has put on 20 pounds in the offseason thanks to the help of new strength coach Dave Forman and looks like a completely different player. Coach Mike MacIntyre predicts a much better year because Smith is bigger, stronger and more comfortable in the defense.

“I made a cut up of good plays and bad plays he had last year,” MacIntyre said. “He said, ‘Golly, I did have a lot of bad plays, but a lot of it was alignments or getting confused. I don’t think that will happen near as much this year for him. Strength wise, he’ll be able to be more physical on blockers and get off blocks and run through tackles and be a more punishing tackler.”

No doubt Smith has grown into a bona fide college football player. He can thank David in part for that.

“I still call him my little brother but he’s so much bigger than I am,” David said. “It’s incredible to see that transformation.”

You know how the old football cliché goes. When you get off the bus, you want your team to look like they could beat anybody.

“Last year, I think people were smiling at us,” San Jose State coach Mike MacIntyre joked.

The reason: the Spartans were racked by one injury after another. As a result, MacIntyre had 43 scholarship players available for the regular-season finale at Idaho. San Jose State finished 1-12, and ended up playing 18 true freshmen after all the injuries. MacIntyre lost nine senior starters by Week 6.

“I was looking at our third scrimmage from last spring and I was looking at the linebackers,” MacIntyre said in a phone interview this week. “There was not one linebacker that played for us last year in the last nine games of the year. They were all freshmen or guys we moved around.”

Two of those players ended up being among the best of what he had left. Keith Smith had 116 tackles, tops among freshmen in the nation. Vince Buhagiar moved from fullback to linebacker eight days before the season opener against Alabama because of injuries, and finished second on the team in tackles with 89. Depth was so bad, Smith and Buhagiar took every rep in practice and every snap in games for the majority of the season.

The good news is every starter on defense returns for 2011. So does Pompey Festejo, who was granted his sixth year of eligibility after breaking his foot last year, along with Kyler O’Neal. So does All-WAC safety Duke Ihenacho, who was granted a fifth season after hurting his foot.

MacIntyre is hopeful that center Robbie Reed and safety Manu Ngatikaura will be granted sixth seasons after getting hurt last year as well. All the adversity was a tremendous test not only for MacIntyre but his players as well.

“I hope that never happens again,” he said. “I don’t think I could handle another year like that. It was disheartening at times.”

When the season ended, MacIntyre hired former Stanford strength and conditioning assistant coach Dave Forman, giving the football players a strength coach dedicated only to them. MacIntyre has noticed an immediate difference in the way his players look and are playing. Smith and Buhagiar have put on nearly 20 pounds each, for example.

MacIntyre has also noticed an added spark to his players as they head into their spring game Saturday.

“We look better in our pads so to speak,” MacIntyre said. “The players feel stronger and bigger because they are, so it makes you feel better about yourself. Now you can knock somebody back and not absorb the blow, and that will help us injury wise too. We won’t get knocked around as much and hopefully that will prevent as many injuries.”

The Spartans still have a tough nonconference schedule, with games at Stanford and UCLA before the home opener against Nevada. They also have no starting quarterback yet, as Matt Faulkner, Dasmen Stewart and Blake Jurich compete to replace Jordan La Secla.

This is also a program that was hit by scholarship reductions because of poor APR. The Spartans will be back up to 85 scholarships in the fall, a giant step in the rebuilding process awaiting MacIntyre.

“We can beat anybody we play,” MacIntyre said. “Will we? Last year I knew we would play hard every game and give it all we had. This year, we have a chance to compete in every game. As far as the depth of having a team that can win the WAC week in and week out, we have to be another two recruiting classes away from being consistently that.”

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.

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Before we engage our topic -- Arizona quarterback Nick Foles -- let's pause for a moment and consider the Wildcats' NFL history at Foles' position. It will only require the briefest of pauses, however, so don't worry about your eyes glazing over.

In 1985, the Seattle Seahawks used their 10th-round selection -- the 277th overall pick in the NFL draft -- to select Arizona quarterback John Connor. Connor would later save the world from evil computers and indestructible robots that looked not unlike the former governor of California, so we should give him a break for not making much of a mark in the pro ranks.

In 1972, six years before the Wildcats joined the Pac-8, the Buffalo Bills used their first pick... of the 16th round (391st overall)... on Arizona quarterback Brian Linstrom. In 1962, quarterback Eddie Wilson went to the Detroit Lions with the 10th pick of the second round, 24th overall.

And so ends our history lesson entitled, "The NFL draft and Arizona Quarterbacks."

If Foles were in this class, he'd probably yawn. He's not much into history, even though he could have made it for the Wildcats if he'd opted to enter the draft instead of returning for his senior season. Heck, he's not much into the future either because he says -- convincingly, by the way -- that he's not thinking about the NFL.

"I grew up going to college football games and I wanted to play college football. I'm in a wonderful place because I'm living my dream right now," he said. "I know there is money and fame or whatever, but I love where I'm at. I love the University of Arizona. The most important thing right now is to focus on that. I think too many people get caught up in the, 'NFL this, NFL that,' and they don't focus on where they are now, the present moment. The most precious time you have is right now in the present. I don't want to think about a year down the road."

In the present time, Foles is headed into the 2011 season -- spring practices ended over the weekend -- on the cusp of becoming the best quarterback in program history, even if he doesn't break all of Willie Tuitama's records. After all, Tuitama, a four-year starter, wasn't drafted and didn't get invited to an NFL training camp. As for those records, Foles needs 3,478 yards passing to eclipse Tuitama's career record of 9,211 yards. Considering the talent Foles has surrounding him at receiver, it's possible that he could break Tuitama's single-season passing record (3,683 yards) and even reach his career TD mark (67; Foles has 39 touchdowns in two years as a starter).

Of course, stats aren't the only thing that matters. The Wildcats split the job between Keith Smith and Ortege Jenkins in 1998, and their middling numbers were nonetheless good enough to front a 12-1 team that finished ranked No. 4 in the nation.

The Wildcats don't look at first glance like a team that could go 12-1. All five starters must be replaced on the offensive line, while the defense loses premier pass-rushing ends Brooks Reed and Ricky Elmore, both of whom figure to be drafted. Further, the Wildcats are presently riding a five-game losing streak that took the shine off a 7-1 start in the 2010 season.

For Arizona to be a factor in the Pac-12 South's first season, Foles needs to be out front posting big numbers.

"He's grown a lot each year. I think you'll see a more polished player," coach Mike Stoops said. "He's going to be an elite player at the next level if he can continue to grow."

Foles, who missed two games last season with a dislocated knee cap, said he sees plenty of room for improvement when he watches game tape. While he completed a strong 67 percent of his passes, his 2:1 TD to interceptions ratio -- 20 TDs, 10 picks -- won't blow anyone away. Foles also was streaky. He seemed to often break out of lulls while running the two-minute offense in high-pressure situations -- see clutch drives produced in wins over Iowa and California and in a heart-breaking loss to Arizona State.

So while Foles talks about improving his recognition skills, his knowledge of opposing defenses and building consistency, he also finds a less cerebral area in which to improve.

"When I just play the game and don't think as much, and let it just come to me, that's when I play my best," he said. "When I'm trying to over-analyze a play or I am thinking too much, I play mechanically and that's just not where I'm good."

Stoops and Foles have talked about another area in which Foles needs to focus: Leadership. As a quarterback who could receive All-American consideration, Foles is the centerpiece of the Wildcats. Everyone in the locker room will turn to him this fall.

"I wish at times he showed more emotion," Stoops said. "But you don't want that to be forced. That has to be natural. Nick has to pick and choose. He should know when those times are."

Said Foles, "There's a time and place to be loud and emotional but I also think it comes with knowing your teammates. The most important thing with anything you do is being natural. There will be times when I need to be vocal, but it has to come naturally. When it doesn't come naturally, it's just doesn't feel right."

In other words, leaderships is complicated. Consider: In the Wildcats 34-27 win over Iowa, Foles led by being loose and saying just enough to make his team confident.

"Nothing rattles him," offensive tackle Adam Grant said after that game. "I've seen guys with fear in their eyes on the field. He was completely calm."

Foles said he talked to his parents about potentially entering this spring's draft, but also said he told them in advance that he wanted to return. By returning, he almost guaranteed that -- barring injury -- he will become the greatest quarterback in school history.

Ah, but that's all history and the future and destination talk. Foles is more focused on the present, on the process.

"I'll watch film and go, 'Man, I've got a lot to work on,'" he said. "But that's exciting to me. I love working on that stuff. It's a continual process."

Keith Smith doesn't sound bitter or defeated.

Like he has many times before, the Purdue receiver is taking the high road.

We're still waiting for an explanation as to why the NCAA denied Smith a sixth year of eligibility at Purdue. Another season in college would have allowed Smith to fully recover from knee surgery, improve his game and showcase his skills for NFL talent evaluators during the fall.

Instead, the pro process speeds up for the Boilers' All-Big Ten receiver, but he's taking the news in stride.

"It’s not that it’s disappointing," Smith said Tuesday in a conference call with reporters. "It’s just a different path now. It’s now to go further and play in the NFL. I’m sad I can’t go out there on Saturdays and play with my teammates anymore, but now it’s to take my life a step further and play on Sundays."

Smith remained optimistic while awaiting a decision, but the longer he waited, the more he prepared for the NCAA to deny his request. He admitted his situation is unique but felt he had presented a strong argument for a sixth year at Purdue.

Central to Smith's case was him redshirting the 2007 season. He left school that spring because of a family situation at home in Texas and fell behind academically. Although he returned before the fall, an ankle injury prevented him from practicing and required surgery after the season.

Would Smith have been granted a sixth year if his redshirt season was solely because of injury? Tough to tell.

"When it comes down to stuff like this, you don’t really know which way it’s going to go," said Smith, who hasn't been given an explanation for the denial. "You hope for the best but you’re planning for the worst. I’ve been preparing for this decision and now I’m ready to get rolling."

Smith started the process during the weekend as he attended the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis. Despite his eligibility situation, Smith received an invitation to the event.

Although his knee prevented him from participating in drills, Smith went through medical exams and interviewed with several teams, including the Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers and Carolina Panthers.

"The combine helped a lot," he said. "To see the business aspect of the NFL, it’s very straightforward and they let you know that from the first time you step into that building. I'm grateful they invited me."

Smith's rehab is going well and he's running routes at full speed. Although he won't be ready for Purdue's pro day, he plans to work out for NFL teams in mid April, just before the draft. His agent immediately started contacting pro squads after the NCAA's ruling Monday.

Although Smith's return certainly would have helped Purdue, Smith is optimistic about the receiver group, led by Justin Siller.

While Monday's ruling ended Smith's Purdue's career, he's excited about the future -- pro ball and then a career in law enforcement.

"It’s nice to finally get an answer," Smith said, "to know which path my life is going."

Can you feel the love?

It's Valentine's Day, and the celebration is on here at ESPN.com. As some of you scramble for those last-minute gifts, I'm going to pass out Valentine's Day cards to each Big Ten squad.

The cards represent a reason why each team should feel warm and fuzzy heading into the 2011 season.

ILLINOIS: Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase. He showed a ton of promise in his first season as the starter and made significant strides with his passing between the end of the regular season and the Texas Bowl. Scheelhaase boasts the maturity, poise and confidence to lead the Illini offense for the next three seasons. It also helps that he's a perfect fit for Paul Petrino's offense.

INDIANA: A demanding coaching staff led by Kevin Wilson. Mediocrity no longer will be tolerated in Bloomington, and while it might take some time to get things fully on track, Wilson is going to change the culture around the program. He comes from a big-time program (Oklahoma), has orchestrated a big-time offense and carries big-time expectations for the Hoosiers.

IOWA: Young playmakers on both sides of the ball. Iowa didn't win the Insight Bowl because of its seniors. It won because of a record-setting performance by freshman running back Marcus Coker and a pick-six by sophomore cornerback Micah Hyde. Quarterback James Vandenberg returns to the spotlight after impressing a lot of folks in 2009. Outside expectations likely will be tempered, but the future looks promising for Iowa.

MICHIGAN: Defensive coordinator Greg Mattison. Coach Brady Hoke hit a home run with his choice to rebuild an historically bad defense. Mattison boasts an impressive track record at the college and pro levels, and his recruiting prowess speaks for itself. Although Michigan's defense faces significant challenges in 2011, it no longer will be held back by coaching.

MICHIGAN STATE: A restocked offensive backfield. Most Big Ten teams lose their top quarterback or running back from 2010, but the Spartans bring back all of their leading men. Kirk Cousins enters his third season as the starting quarterback, making him the league's second-most experienced signal caller. He'll be joined by talented running backs Edwin Baker, Le'Veon Bell and Larry Caper.

MINNESOTA: Quarterback MarQueis Gray. Not only is Gray back at his preferred position of quarterback, but he'll be operating in an offense that best suits his talents. It likely will take some time for things to click, but Gray should eventually thrive in a system that values a dual-threat quarterback.

NEBRASKA: The return of three key defenders. Sure, the Huskers lose their share of defensive standouts, but to get defensive tackle Jared Crick, linebacker Lavonte David and cornerback Alfonzo Dennard all back for their senior seasons is huge. Crick will be the Big Ten's most decorated defensive tackle heading into 2011, and he and the other two form a very solid nucleus for Carl Pelini's unit.

OHIO STATE: No juniors departing to the NFL. The silver lining in the suspension saga is Ohio State returns all of its juniors for the 2011 season. If the Buckeyes can survive the first chunk of their season, they'll welcome back some of the league's more proven offensive performers. Ohio State also got a big boost when center Michael Brewster, who isn't among the suspended players, opted to return for his senior season to anchor the offensive line.

NORTHWESTERN: Dan Persa's work ethic. It's not easy to recover from a ruptured Achilles', but no player will work harder in his rehab than Persa, who already is well ahead of schedule. The quarterback had established himself as the team's hardest worker before the injury, and although time will tell if he reclaims his All-Big Ten form, you have to like his chances.

PENN STATE: A stockpile of offensive skill players. Whoever emerges as Penn State's starting quarterback will be surrounded by plenty of weapons in 2011. Derek Moye leads a receiving corps filled with playmakers, and Silas Redd and Stephfon Green give Penn State two home-run threats at running back. Devon Smith and Justin Brown both should see increased touches this coming season.

PURDUE: An offseason to get healthy. No college football team in America needed a healing period more than Purdue, which could be extremely explosive on offense if several players return at full strength. Quarterback Robert Marve, running back Ralph Bolden and receivers Keith Smith and Justin Siller are among the Boilers on the mend. Reserve quarterback Caleb TerBush also is expected to be back this fall.

WISCONSIN: Running backs Montee Ball and James White. Normally, a team losing its starting quarterback, its most experienced running back and two All-American offensive linemen would have reason to be concerned. But the emergence of both Ball and White plus tremendous depth along the offensive line should put Wisconsin in good shape entering the fall. The quarterback question is a valid one, but the Badgers will be able to run the ball effectively.

San Diego State running back Ronnie Hillman and six other players from non-AQ schools made the Football Writers Association of America Freshman All-America team Monday.

Hillman set the school record for rushing yards by a freshman with 1,532, breaking the mark of 1,429 yards Marshall Faulk set in 1991. In addition, Hillman also won Mountain West Freshman of the Year honors.

The other non-AQ players honored on the Freshman All-America team:

TCU WR Josh Boyce -- 34 catches, 646 yards, 6 touchdowns

Kent State DT Roosevelt Nix -- 10 sacks, 20 tackles for loss, 8 QB hurries, 43 tackles, 4 forced fumbles, MAC Defensive Player of the Year

San Jose State LB Keith Smith -- 116 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, WAC Freshman of the Year

Tulsa S Marco Nelson -- 86 tackles, 6 interceptions, Conference USA first-team

Memphis P Tom Hornsey -- 42.7 yards per punt

Western Kentucky KR Willie McNeal -- 968 yards in kickoff returns for 22-yard average, 1 TD

You can see the rest of the Freshman All-America team here.

Why did Purdue miss a bowl for the third consecutive season?

There's an easy answer and a more complicated one.

No college football team in the country endured more major injuries to key offensive players than Purdue did in 2010. The Boilers lost starting running back Ralph Bolden, the Big Ten's third-leading rusher in 2009, to an ACL tear in spring ball. All-Big Ten receiver Keith Smith was the next to go down, tearing both his ACL and MCL after recording 18 receptions in the first two games.

More bad news arrived in Week 4 as starting quarterback Robert Marve tore his ACL against Toledo, marking the second knee ligament tear for the Miami transfer in 15 months. Since backup quarterback Caleb TerBush was ruled ineligible just before the season, Purdue had to turn to a redshirt freshman, Rob Henry, who had auditioned at other positions in spring ball.

But Henry wasn't immune to the injury bug, either, suffering a laceration on his throwing hand against Ohio State after leading Purdue to back-to-back Big Ten wins. Justin Siller, the team's No. 2 wide receiver and a former starting quarterback in 2008, was sidelined with a foot injury, so Purdue turned to true freshman Sean Robinson at quarterback. When Siller returned to the field Nov. 13 against Michigan, he started at quarterback but re-injured his foot on the first play from scrimmage.

It was that kind of season for Purdue.

The injury wave certainly qualifies as a valid reason why the Boilers missed a bowl.

But Purdue still had a chance to go to the postseason despite all its misfortune on the health front.

The Boilers played Wisconsin tough for a half and had chances to win each of their final three games, squandering late leads against both Michigan State and Indiana. They boasted the Big Ten's best defender in end Ryan Kerrigan, the Big Ten's top freshman defender in cornerback Ricardo Allen, an improved defensive front and several offensive playmakers.

Why couldn't the Boilers get over the hump?

They still made too many major mistakes at inopportune times, like getting a punt blocked near the goal line late in the Michigan State game. Purdue ranked near the bottom of the Big Ten in several special-teams categories and struggled on third downs on both sides of the ball.

The Boilers certainly have the potential to end their bowl drought in 2011, especially if all the injured players get healthy. Smith has applied for a sixth year of eligibility and should receive it, and the return of players like Marve and Bolden will spark the league's worst offense. A new-look secondary this fall becomes a more experienced unit in 2011 with players like Allen and safety Logan Link leading the way.

Purdue's biggest challenge will be replacing Kerrigan. Although the Boilers led the Big Ten in both sacks (33) and tackles for loss (91), Kerrigan accounted for big chunks of those totals (12.5 sacks, 26 tackles for loss). Coach Danny Hope needs linemen like Kawann Short and Bruce Gaston to keep making progress.

It's unrealistic to think Purdue will replace Kerrigan, but the team's depth throughout the defense should be better in 2011.

And if the offense gets healthy, the Boilers will be bowling next year.

It's probably good that Wisconsin has an open week. I'm not sure Madison could handle a football game featuring the nation's No. 10 team and Freakfest in the same 24-hour span.

Oh, yes, it's Halloween weekend in Big Ten country. Hopefully, we'll get some crazy costumes and thrilling games, in no particular order. For the third straight Halloween, I'll be going as a tired sports blogger.

To get you scared and prepared, I've put together this Big Ten Halloween primer.

Enjoy ...

Haunted House: Ohio Stadium remains the most intimidating venue in the Big Ten, if not the country, especially at night. It has a lot to do with the team that calls The Shoe home, but a large, rowdy and passionate crowd decked out in red creates a Dante's Inferno-like environment for games.

Trick-or-treat: There's plenty at stake throughout the Big Ten on Saturday, but particularly at Kinnick Stadium. Michigan State can stay in the national title picture with a victory that would improve its record to 9-0, while an Iowa loss would effectively remove the Hawkeyes from the Big Ten title race. Rich Rodriguez and the Michigan Wolverines also face a pivotal game at Penn State after dropping two in a row.

Jigsaw team: Purdue has been piecing together its depth chart all season because of injuries and other factors. The Boilers entered the year without top running back Ralph Bolden (torn ACL) and backup quarterback Caleb TerBush (academically ineligible) and then lost starting quarterback Robert Marve and top wide receiver Keith Smith to season-ending knee injuries. Wideout Justin Siller (foot) also has missed time, and quarterback Rob Henry is a game-time decision Saturday with a laceration on his throwing hand. Coach Danny Hope and his assistants really have been challenged in their game-planning and preparation.

Witchcraft: Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson has been the most spellbinding player in the Big Ten and perhaps all of college football this season. The speedy sophomore already has recorded the top three offensive performances in team history this season. He ranks second nationally in rushing average (156.7 ypg) and has eclipsed 100 rushing yards in six of seven games. Robinson also ranks 16th nationally in quarterback rating (159.1).

Jack-O-Lantern: Penn State really needs the light to go on for senior running back Evan Royster down the stretch. Royster, a first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2009, has only one 100-yard rushing performance through the first seven games. Given the injuries on defense and now at quarterback with Rob Bolden, the Lions really need Royster to start producing if they want to make a bowl game.

Black Cat: They prefer purple, but the Northwestern Wildcats have three wins against ranked opponents in November since 2008. The Wildcats will get two more chances for upsets next month against Iowa (Nov. 13) and Wisconsin (Nov. 27), two teams they beat last season. Michigan also could play spoiler as it takes on both Wisconsin (Nov. 20) and Ohio State (Nov. 27). Penn State could be the ultimate spoiler if it hosts a potentially undefeated Michigan State squad on Nov. 27.

Twilight Zone: Minnesota would love a do-over after dropping seven consecutive games. Everything went downhill after a Sept. 11 loss to FCS South Dakota, which shredded the Gophers defense for 41 points. Minnesota never recovered and coach Tim Brewster was fired Oct. 17, becoming the first Big Ten boss dumped midseason since Michigan State dismissed Bobby Williams in 2002.

Thriller: This label applies to Michigan State, which has provided the most exciting play of the Big Ten season, a fake field goal in overtime that went for a touchdown to beat Notre Dame. The Spartans followed up "Little Giants" with "Mousetrap," a fake punt pass into the wind last week at Northwestern when they trailed 24-14 in the fourth quarter. It has been quite a thrill ride for the Spartans and their fans through the first eight games.

The injury bug has taken no mercy with Purdue's offense this season.

How bad have the Boilers been bitten?

"I've been here a year and a half," said offensive coordinator Gary Nord, hired at Purdue on Dec. 1, 2008. "For this week's game, we don't have a quarterback that was here when I got here. We don't have a receiver that's going to play who was here when I got here. And we don't have a tailback who was here when I got here."

A quick check of Purdue's depth chart for Saturday's game at Northwestern reveals that Nord is mistaken.

Senior running back Dan Dierking, listed as the starter, is expected to play Saturday night. He had just finished his sophomore season at Purdue when Nord came to West Lafayette.

But other than Dierking, Nord is spot on. The offense Nord will send on the field in Evanston will be filled with players not part of the program less than two years ago.

• Quarterback Rob Henry, who makes his first career start, is a redshirt freshman. He'll be backed up by true freshman Sean Robinson, who has yet to take a snap in a game.
• Backup running back Al-Terek McBurse is a true sophomore, while third-stringer Keith Carlos is a junior college transfer.
• The starting wide receivers consist of a junior college transfer (Cortez Smith), a true sophomore (Antavian Edison) and a redshirt freshman (Gary Bush). Purdue's No. 4 receiver is true freshman O.J. Ross.

It's the type of lineup Nord expected to use in 2012, not midway through the 2010 season.

"Everybody," he said, "is inexperienced."

Purdue has little choice after knee injuries have claimed its starting quarterback (Robert Marve, out for season with torn ACL), its No. 1 wide receiver (Keith Smith, out for season with ACL/MCL tears) and its top running back (Ralph Bolden, out indefinitely with ACL tear). More bad news arrived earlier this week as coach Danny Hope said No. 2 wideout Justin Siller will miss three to six weeks with a sprained foot.

At least Purdue caught a break with the schedule, as the bye week came at an ideal time to shuffle things before opening Big Ten play.

The Boilers went back to the basics during the open week, working on alignment, stance and "all those things you take for granted that kids get better at with experience," Nord said. This week, they transitioned to game-planning.

Henry relieved Marve in Purdue's loss to Toledo and played the final three and a half quarters. The redshirt freshman has all the qualities Purdue wants in its starting quarterback -- except experience.

"His strength is his athletic ability and his intelligence," Nord said. "He understands everything. His demeanor also is very good, and he's a very confident kid. He just hasn't been a quarterback very long."

The 6-2, 198-pound Henry is Purdue's second-fastest player behind Carlos. He owns the best vertical leap and shuttle run time on the team.

"He'll be one of the best athletes on the field no matter who we play every Saturday," Nord said.

Henry is such a good athlete that the coaches considered moving him to free safety this spring. The staff felt so good about Marve and backup quarterback Caleb TerBush, who took all of the snaps with the first-team offense in spring ball, and didn't want Henry's talent to be wasted on the sideline.

Nord said Henry also has worked at both wide receiver and running back in practice. Fortunately, Purdue's staff didn't make the move, a decision that looks better now that Marve is out and TerBush is academically ineligible.

"We don’t have to call a new offense because of Rob Henry," Hope said. "Whatever we have in the playbook that we’ve been utilizing or have in our arsenal so far this season, it’s still alive. Obviously, some quarterbacks like some throws better than others and we'll hand-pick some that he likes the best, but I don’t think we're limited at all from a playbook standpoint."

The bye week also allowed Purdue to get healthier at the running back spot.

Carlos logged seven carries against Toledo and should have an increased role Saturday. The Boilers also hope to get McBurse back in the fold, though Nord said Wednesday that the sophomore hasn't done much in practice. Edison and Ross, who moved to running back in emergency roles earlier this season, are back at wide receiver.

Hope has made speed his top priority in recruiting, and because of the injuries, youth will be served Saturday night and he'll get a glimpse at Purdue's future on offense.

"We still have some firepower," Hope said. "We’re still a relatively fast offense with Rob Henry as one of our fastest players. Keith Carlos, one of our faster players, [is] available now. O.J. Ross, one of our faster players, [is] available now. We still have some redeeming qualities.

"Thank goodness the open week came when it did, because it gave us some time to get ourselves squared away."

The news many had anticipated and Purdue fans had feared finally became official Thursday.

Starting quarterback Robert Marve is done for the season.

As was the case with No. 1 running back Ralph Bolden and No. 1 wide receiver Keith Smith, Marve suffered a torn ACL, a diagnosis confirmed Thursday by Purdue's team orthopedist. Making matters worse, it's the second time Marve has torn the ACL in his left knee; he also suffered a torn ACL in July 2009.

"Robert Marve is a big part of our football family, he has worked extremely hard to be the great player that he is and our heart goes out to him," head coach Danny Hope said in a statement. "Boilermaker Nation will rally behind him with all of its support through this tough time. I know he will continue to be an inspiration to his teammates and fans."

Two questions come to mind right now:

1.What did Purdue do to deserve this?

2. Did Marve rush back too soon after "tweaking" the left knee Sept. 18 against Ball State?

Hope said earlier this week that he's "under the assumption that the two injuries are completely isolated to one another." I'm certainly no doctor or trainer, but the fact Marve had suffered a serious injury to the same knee last summer had to be an important factor in determining when he should have returned.

You have to feel terrible for Marve, who really seemed like a changed man after the troubles at Miami, gaining the respect of his new coaches and teammates in his year away from the game field before claiming Purdue's starting quarterback job. He'll one again have to work his way back, but it's hard to know how the knee will respond when he returns to the field.

Purdue now turns to redshirt freshman quarterback Rob Henry, who relieved Marve against Toledo and is expected to start Oct. 9 against Northwestern. Defensive coordinator Donn Landholm said Tuesday that Henry and true freshman Sean Robinson are Nos. 1 and 2 on the depth chart. Purdue also could discuss moving Justin Siller back to quarterback, although it seems like a long shot.

I can't remember the last time a team lost its top quarterback, running back and wide receiver to serious knee injuries in the same season. Purdue obviously has a very tough challenge ahead, especially with the defense struggling a bit as well.

The only good news is the Boilers have the bye week to regroup before the Northwestern game.

Five lessons from the week that was in the Big Ten.

1. The Big Ten can pile it on: Lopsided scores are common throughout college football in September, but the Big Ten had stayed away from the really insane points totals until Saturday. Wisconsin set team records for points scored (70) and margin of victory (67) against hapless Austin Peay. Ohio State had its highest points total (73) since 1950 and eclipsed 70 points for the first time since 1996 (first time in the Jim Tressel era). Michigan only scored 65 against Bowling Green but racked up 721 total yards and 31 first downs. Iowa and Michigan State both scored 45 points, an impressive total that was dwarfed by the others around the league.

2. Penn State still a work in progress: Kudos to the Nittany Lions for a stifling second-half defensive performance, the resurrection of Evan Royster (187 rush yards) and an impressive 96-yard touchdown drive to seal Saturday's win against Temple. But I still have some major concerns about this team entering Big Ten play. Penn State simply has to get better in the red zone and stop settling for field goals. The Lions have scored only six touchdowns in 15 red-zone opportunities this season. And while the defense regained its swagger today, Temple didn't have much of a passing attack. Penn State's secondary will be tested a lot more this week at Iowa.

3. Tate Forcier can help Michigan win: After so much speculation about a possible transfer, Forcier took the field for the first time this season and showed that he's still a pretty good quarterback. The Michigan sophomore completed all 12 of his pass attempts for 110 yards and a touchdown. He moved Michigan's offense up and down the field after starting quarterback Denard Robinson went down with an injury, and Forcier might have established himself as the Wolverines' No. 2 signal caller. Robinson should be fine, but his long-term health remains an issue because of his playing style. If Forcier can keep his head in the game, he gives coach Rich Rodriguez another solid option.

4. Purdue is in serious trouble: The injury bug continued to strike the Boilers on Saturday, this time claiming starting quarterback Robert Marve. Coach Danny Hope isn't optimistic after Marve re-injured his left knee in the first half of Saturday's loss to Toledo. Marve tore the ACL in his left knee last summer and tweaked it last week. There's no official word, but expect Marve to miss a good bit of time. Purdue already has lost top receiver Keith Smith and top running back Ralph Bolden to knee injuries. An equally big concern could be the Boilers' defense, which surrendered 31 points and 378 yards to a Toledo team that entered the game ranked last nationally in total offense.

5. Minnesota's season is hanging by a thread: They might as well have played Taps at a mostly empty TCF Bank Stadium as Northern Illinois closed out a 34-23 win against Minnesota. Sure, the full Big Ten schedule remains, but Minnesota hasn't exactly fared well in league play the last decade or so. In fact, Minnesota will need a winning record in the Big Ten for the first time since 2003 to qualify for its third consecutive bowl appearance. And with a home schedule featuring Ohio State, Iowa, Penn State and Northwestern, it will be extremely difficult. The calls are intensifying for coach Tim Brewster to go, and unless we see a dramatic change soon, it's hard to see this ending well.