Adam Rittenberg

  (1:00 PM)

Happy Thursday to all. I cover the Big Ten, which finally opens league play this weekend. Some good matchups are on tap. I'm all yours for the next 45 minutes or so. What's on your mind?

Sara (Washington, DC)

Is Beanie going to healthy enough against Minnesota to make an impact, or is this game going to be on Pryor's shoulders/legs?

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:01 PM)

Sara, he'll be somewhat limited, and I can't see them giving him more than 20 carries. But the emotional lift he'll provide will be huge for a struggling offense. The line should play better and the receivers will test Minnesota's new-look secondary, which has performed well to this point.

Craig Thompson (Mountain West Commissioner)

How 'bout my boys? Don't you think we should be a BCS conference?

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:02 PM)

I love the MWC! But I always thought the bottom teams would drag it down. The way UNLV has played really strengthens the argument for another BCS berth. It'd help to get SDSU on track, but that's a very solid league.

jay (port lavaca, texas)

Why does Fresno get the media hype every year? Boise is 6-1 against them in WAC play. Why doesnt Boise get more love? anybody, anywhere, any time...and lose!

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:03 PM)

Boise definitely was overlooked heading into this season. The Broncos remain the gold standard in the non-BCS, and they proved it against a depleted Oregon team. It'd be great to see Boise State and BYU face off at some point this fall/winter

Joe (Baltimore)

Is Northwestern for real or are they looking at 6-6, 7-5 only to get smoked by an ACC/Big12 team in a bowl?

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:04 PM)

It's tough to tell, Joe. I watched the highlights from last week and I haven't seen the defense play like that since the glory era (1995-96). The problem is the offense. Haven't got their timing down with the new coordinator. If the offense steps up a bit, NU could get to 8-9 wins.

Andrew (Janesville, WI)

Do you think Wisconsin is the class of the Big 10 now since Ohio State has been unimpressive and Penn St. thus far has played all pushovers?

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:05 PM)

Penn State is getting more hype because of the way it has won, and Wisconsin admits it's not a sexy team. But the Badgers have by far the best non-league win for a Big Ten team (Fresno). Penn State gets its first test from Illinois, so we'll see how it goes.

Ben (Philadelphia, PA)

I don't know if typing a question before you start actually gets in so I will type it again.... If the BSC standings were announced today where would Penn State fall. And if they run the table do you think they will get in the national championship game?

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:06 PM)

I mean, they'd probably fall about where they are in the polls. The strength of schedule would kill them. But if they run the table, which would include road wins against Wisconsin and Ohio State, Penn State gets to the national title game unless there are two undefeated teams from the Pac-10, SEC and Big 12

Russell (Florence, AL)

Give me your feelings on UA / UGA. Seems like it is gonna be a great one.

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:07 PM)

I can't wait to get back to my hotel after Michigan-Wisconsin to catch the end of that one, Russell. The athleticism on defense for both teams makes it a really intriguing matchup. Alabama's D is much better than I thought it would be.

Randy (St. Paul)

Adam - Love the blog, but I think your underestimating my Gophers again. Ohio State only put up 30 on the worst D in the country last year, with a healthy Wells. This game will be a lot closer than people think.

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:08 PM)

Yeah, but it's in Columbus, and I really think Ohio State will feed off having Wells back in the fold. This offense will be an upgrade from what Minnesota has seen. Still love what the Gophers have done, especially D-coordinator Ted Roof, but they'll go down in Columbus.

Steve (Ann Arbor, MI)

I am sick of hearing everyone clamoring for MSU, and what they've done so far this season. Do you think that Sparty is getting to much respect for way to little and will fold hard like they always do?

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:09 PM)

Michigan State's October slides have become a regular part of the Big Ten season. Even Mark Dantonio couldn't prevent one last season. So we'll see. They'll need Brian Hoyer to win some games at some point, and he'll need to be much better in Big Ten play. But Javon Ringer is the truth. He should get more Heisman hype, and all Big Ten fans should get behind this kid.

Jimmy (Kansas City)

Do you think Turner Gill will be at Buffalo for much longer? If not, where do you see him moving up to? Syracuse perhaps?

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:10 PM)

I remember doing something on Gill last year when it was clear Callahan would be done at Nebraska. Syracuse certainly seems like a good fit. There aren't many other FBS programs in that area, and being able to win at Buffalo is truly a tremendous feat.

Austin (Columbus, OH)

Since Michigan will most likely have to step it up and beat one of ILL, WISC, PSU or OSU to make a bowl game, which team do they have the best shot at?

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:11 PM)

If the Wolverines make the necessary improvements after the bye week and play Wisconsin close, I could see them winning next week against Illinois. They'll be used to seeing Illinois' offense because of the parallels to what Rich runs. But all four of those games will be tough.

Dan (Rochester, MN)

True or False? If Jake Christensen ever plays again for Iowa Ferentz should be fired on the spot.

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:12 PM)

Kirk has given Christensen a lot of changes to cement himself as the starter. If Ricky Stanzi performs decently against Northwestern, limits big mistakes, he's probably your guy the rest of the way. But I'd imagine Jake will get in there as well at some point this season.

Greg (Houston, TX)

Adam, you're right, Wisconsin isn't sexy but they remind me of past Texas teams with strong running games and 3 yard gains with a cloud of dust. They shouldn't be underestimated.

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:13 PM)

They shouldn't, Greg. People forget that football games usually are won at the line of scrimmage, and Wisconsin wins there more often than not.

Jackson (IA)

Is everyone back of the ND bandwagon again? Last week, I was reading people saying they'd get to 9-10 wins! They're clearly much, much closer to the team that opened the season (and the team from last year) than the one that sent thank you notes to Michigan last week for making them look MUCH better than they actually are...

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:14 PM)

That's what I thought last week watching the Irish. Still can't run the ball. Still have major issues on the offensive line. The schedule still sets up very favorably, though, and seven wins or so shouldn't be too much to ask. It's ridiculous how high and low people get on Notre Dame. Fact is, they're just an average, somewhat boring football team, like a lot of average, somewhat boring football teams. They'll win 6-8 games.

Bradford (Boise, ID)

Adam, Vegas has Illinois as a 15 point underdog against Penn St. Dont you think it'll be closer than that or is Penn State really as good as the hype?

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:15 PM)

I picked the Lions by 14, but it could be a larger margin. If Penn State gets some confidence early, that offense should roll over an Illinois defense that hasn't stopped the run well at all. Juice Williams is the reason I think it'll be closer. Penn State hasn't seen a quarterback like him this season.

Corey (Chicago)

If Hoyer improves his play in Big Ten games, can MSU make a run to the Rose Bowl similar to Illinois last year? This team has the talent, and its defenese is vastly underrated in the Secondary (Wiley), Linebackers (Jones), and up front.

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:17 PM)

It will be tough for the Spartans, but they do get both Ohio State and Wisconsin at home. The defense has been better than I thought, particularly in the secondary, led by Otis Wiley. I'm a huge Greg Jones fan as well. But I just don't see enough senior-like moments out of Hoyer to envision a Rose Bowl run.

Joe - LA

Adam: basically every team that wins 6-8 games is average or boring, or is it just ND?

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:18 PM)

Exactly. What's hard for people to understand is Notre Dame is just like those other 20-30 teams that win 6-8 games every year. They're not a bad team, not a great one. And not a special one.

Nate (Madison)

I'm a UW fan but I just have this feeling PSU runs the table this year.

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:18 PM)

It could happen, but keep in mind the Lions must win in both Madison and Columbus. Won't be easy.

Bradley (Atlanta)

What do you think of Florida State at this point in the season? Another hopeful year down the drain or was Wake Forest that good?

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:20 PM)

Wake Forest is an underrated team with one of the best coaches in the country. But I'm still waiting for Jimbo Fisher to show why he's the answer at Florida State. Last week's offense showing was laughable. I know there's some youth there, but feel free to score a touchdown.

Bradley, (Coronado Ca)

Bama or the Dawgs? Whos going to win it?

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:20 PM)

I like the Dawgs, but it will be close, no more than a 4-point difference.

Lou (Bethesda, MD)

Adam, you wrote yesterday about the Big Ten bowl logjam. Do you think some of the 6-6 big ten teams could go to other bowl games since it may be very hard for the ACC and PAC-10 to fill all their spots?

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:21 PM)

It's possible, Lou, but remember that any team with a 7-5 record -- regardless of its conference -- will go over a 6-6 team. So all those strong Mountain West teams might finish with more wins, which would squeeze out a 6-6 Big Ten squad.

Jerry (Dayton, OH)

With so many returning starters, why has the Ohio State defense looked so unimpressive?

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:22 PM)

The defensive tackle position was a concern before the season, and it has played out that way. There was some more shuffling up front this week as well. Everything starts up front, and though Lawrence Wilson has played well at times, that's where the defense is a little weak.

Jackson (IA)

I see Iowa is giving nine points to Northwestern...they really shouldn't be favored against Iowa City High!!

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:23 PM)

I would take Northwestern with that spread. It should be a close game, but I have Iowa winning 20-17. Hawkeyes' defensive line is just too strong for the Wildcats.

Seth (Lafayette)

What is Purdue's main priority to get a win in South Bend? Curtis Painter stepping his game up or Purdue's defense getting to Claussen early and often?

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:24 PM)

Painter will need to be sharper than he has been at times this season, but I really like the balance Kory Sheets brings to the offense. The key for Purdue will be continuing to get solid play from the secondary against ND's deep threats (Tate, Floyd).

Thomas (New Jersey)

What's happend to Rutgers?

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:25 PM)

It's amazing to me, Thomas. Biggest disappointment of the young season so far. It looks like Schiano missed his window for a bigger job. Penn State won't want him now.

Bernard (Princeton, NJ)

PSU does in fact have to play at Wisconsin, but that is the week after Wisconsin plays home vs OSU. I dont know if Wisky can recover quick enough for the Nittany Lions.

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:26 PM)

It's certainly a tough stretch for the Badgers, Bernard. But they've never lost at home under Bret Bielema, and I'm guessing they'll be fired up for another Saturday night clash. The concern is injuries, which have dogged Wisconsin all through the winter and spring. The Badgers can't afford to get banged up any more to beat both OSU and PSU.

Paul (Minnesota)

Are you impressed with what Butch Davis has done so far in a short amount of time at North Carolina? They almost and should have beat Va Tech.

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:27 PM)

I'm definitely impressed, Paul. I watched the Heels against Notre Dame in 2006 and saw plenty of talent on that team, especially Hakeem Nicks. That's a great state for high school talent, so there's no reason Carolina shouldn't be in contention in the ACC.

Cosmo (Anytown, USA)

The PSU offense vs. Illini defense - or - PSU defense vs. Illini. Which are you more looking forward to seeing?

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:28 PM)

I'm really interested to see if Illinois' defense can slow down the Lions. Ron Zook has called his defensive line the team's strength for some time, but they haven't performed to expectations so far. Illinois has a lot of talent with DE Will Davis and LBs Brit Miller and Martez Wilson. They'll blitz Penn State more than the Lions have seen before.

David(Grove City, OH)

Do you think Michigan TE Carson Butler needs to get more balls thrown his way? That kid is a freak!

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:29 PM)

I thought the same thing when I saw Butler during a practice in August. He should play a bigger role in the offense, really creates a matchup problem for teams. I know Rich likes the smaller, faster receivers, but Butler brings a lot to the table.

Chip (NY, NY)

I am suprised that not enough people are taking about Northwestern. This is possibly the best NW team in a long time. How far are they going to go this year. I'm not saying I smell Roses or anything, but I don't think the Outback bowl is to out of reach.

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:30 PM)

Chip, a lot of people don't know what to think right now. The defense is great, the offense isn't. That hasn't been the case for a while. There's certainly reason to think that seniors like C.J. Bacher and Eric Peterman can start performing better, but Northwestern could easily be 2-2 or 3-1 without such a strong defensive effort.

Mike, Chicago

Now, I'm not saying Iowa is going to win the Big Ten but people are writing them off. Ferentz and Co. really wanted to lose to Pitt, and did that by not playing Stanzi and throwing entirely too much. If the coaches can get their act together, can Iowa get to 9 wins?

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:31 PM)

I really like a lot of things about Iowa, most notably running back Shonn Greene and a favorable schedule. If the quarterback position gets in order, Iowa could get to 8 or 9 wins.

Jennifer (Newport Beach, CA)

How much weight do you give to fan events like the "Black Out" as far as its effect on the game? It seemed to work really well for UGA the last two times.

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:32 PM)

It can help a bit, but like Nick Saban said, only if players let it affect them. Juice Williams was asked this week if it's hard to pass against Penn State when everyone's wearing white. He said he doesn't think about it. So I don't put too much stock in gimmicks.

Steve (Indianapolis)

Is Tyrell Sutton really 100%? Northwestern has no chance against Iowa without him.

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:33 PM)

It's a hamstring injury, so I doubt he's fully 100 percent. He told me yesterday he feels it on runs but is able to block out the pain. I doubt Northwestern will overextend him on Saturday, especially with a bye week coming up, but the offense just isn't the same without him. They need Sutton on the field.

Steve (Austin, TX)

How good is Colt McCoy? Is he in the same league with Daniel and Bradford?

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:34 PM)

He could be quietly getting in the discussion. Daniel makes so many mind-boggling plays, and Bradford plays in an offense guaranteed to score at least 35 a game. So it won't be easy for McCoy to get as much attention, but if he keeps winning ...

Buckley (Ohio)

Do you think OSU will start recruiting smaller faster defenders since they have so many problems with the spread which everyone is pretty much running now a days?

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:35 PM)

I think the entire Big Ten will start recruiting differently. Speed is obviously a greater priority at Michigan with Rich Rodriguez there. Danny Hope told me he wants a lot more speed at Purdue, and he's got the Florida recruiting ties to get it. Ohio State's speed isn't as bad as people say, but every team needs to keep up with the spread.

Mike, OH

OSU will still win the Big Ten Title, for some reason Tressel gets his boys more ready for big ten play than anything else, and until they are beaten, they are stil on top. Having Beanie back puts them right back on top, and even better now that Pryor is playing. Don't you agree Adam?

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:37 PM)

Beanie gives them a huge lift, but the Buckeyes have more problems than just the run game. The offensive line admittedly has underperformed, and I'm not crazy about the defensive front, either. My inclination is that Ohio State won't win the league this year, but like you mention, Tressel always has them prepared for Big Ten play.

Mike (Detroit, MI)

Are the OU Sooners for real? With the implementation of their new offense, they look like they can score 50 on anyone. There defense is solid as usual. USC vs. OU may be a classic.

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:37 PM)

That would be a tremendous game. I'm continually impressed with Oklahoma's firepower on offense. Everyone loves the SEC and rightfully so, but I'd rather watch teams like OU and Missouri zoom around the field.

Ed (Baltimore)

my boy Toohey wants to know: who would you rather have a beer with: JoePa or Bowden?

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:38 PM)

I'm a Yankee, so I'd have to say Paterno, though both have great stories to share.

Tonya (Chicago, IL)

Will Javon Ringer make it through the season at this pace?

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:39 PM)

It will be awfully tough. I really think Michigan State should pull him off kickoff returns. The pounding he takes every week will build up. Javon is an extremely tough kid who does incredible things in the weight room, but everyone has a limit, and Michigan State is pushing his.

ataylor (Provo, UT)

Let's say USC plays in the championship game as expected and the Rose Bowl takes an undefeated BYU team instead of the Pac-10 runner up. What Big Ten team would provide the most entertaining game?

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:40 PM)

That won't happen, but I'll play along anyway. It'd be fun to see Penn State go up against the Cougars. There could be 100 points scored.

Tonya (Chicago, IL)

What Big10 team would stand the best shot playing in a BCS bowl against a "faster" paced team?

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:40 PM)

Penn State. The Lions' speed on offense can match up with a lot of teams.

Mike (Baltimore, MD)

Will Derrick Williams be the best WR in the Big Ten this year, or will that go to a Buckeye wideout?

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:41 PM)

Well, Williams is the third best wideout on his team right now, so I'd say no to that one. Keep an eye on Eric Decker from Minnesota, people. He's putting up ridiculous numbers in an offense that allows him to do so.

Tonya (Chicago, IL)

With the Badgers keeping true to a prostyle offense and the rest of the Big10 trending toward the spread, where does this put the Badgers? Good or bad position?

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:42 PM)

It could hurt a bit in recruiting, but it helps because other teams have a tougher time preparing for a "traditional" system because everyone is running the spread.

Brad (Rancho Cucamonga, CA)

Any score prediction for Wisconsin-Michigan?

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:43 PM)

Yep, already did it this morning. Badgers 27-17

Jacob (Dublin, Ohio)

Could Ohio State benefit from a change in assistant coaches under coach Tressel?

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:44 PM)

The Buckeyes will have to consider some changes after the season. The offense needs to modernize in some way, especially with Pryor as the team's future at QB. If the defense under-performs with so many seniors and potential All-Americans, I could see a change there, too.

Chris (Columbus)

How long until Pryor is the absolute #1 guy at quarterback for the Buckeyes?

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:44 PM)

It's happening right now. He's your quarterback.

skyy( va)

how many more consecutive wins until miami is ranked?? im thinking 2 more

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:45 PM)

Depending on what happens elsewhere, I could see you being right. The Canes have UNC and Florida State at home, which will help.

Steve (Madison, WI)

Will Rich Roriguez stay at Michigan long enough to run his offense or will the fans run him off due to a disappointing season?

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:45 PM)

Rich isn't going anywhere. He'll have enough time to get this thing going.

Scott Ohio

Since everyone thinks Ohio State sucks, in your opinion, how do you think Penn State and Wisconsin would have done against USC? On top of that lets subtract their best player.

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:46 PM)

Wisconsin probably would struggle, too. Penn State, I'm not so sure. Who would be the Lions' best player? They have so many weapons on offense. Multiple RBs, three solid WRs. Hmmm, kind of sounds like a team that plays in L.A.

ataylor (Provo, UT)

Wait, why wouldn't that happen? It's entirely possible. If USC plays in the championship game, the Rose Bowl gets to pick first from the at-large BCS teams. Given BYU's record, geography, and the number of BYU fans in California, they'd have to be an appealing invite for the Rose Bowl.

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:47 PM)

It would only happen maybe if no other Pac-10 teams were eligible for selection. The Rose Bowl will take Cal or Oregon over BYU. No doubt.

Dan H (Los Angeles, CA)

Do you think the fact that NU doesn't have to play the top 2 teams in the conference (PSU and the Badgers) this year will make the difference in their drive to reach a good bowl game?

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:48 PM)

It's a huge help for the Wildcats, who don't play Michigan or Ohio State the next two years. A win this weekend would be absolutely huge going into a bye.

Weyman (DC)

Which game will you be at this weekend? ESPN paying for a charter into State College "International" Airport?

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:49 PM)

Ha, I wish, Weyman! Actually the Penn State-Illinois game will be in the very capable hands of Ivan Maisel. I'll be in Ann Arbor for Wisconsin-Michigan. Hope to get to Penn State soon, though.

Miles (PHL)

What if the MWC expands to 12 teams by adding Boise, Fresno and team to be named later, (maybe Tulsa). BCS conference?

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:50 PM)

Boise has expressed interest in leaving the WAC for the MWC, so that would be interesting. A league with so many strong teams would definitely make a case for BCS consideration down the line.

Adam Rittenberg

  (1:50 PM)

Hey guys, I've got to get back to the blog. Had a lot of fun chatting. Enjoy the games this week!