Adam Rittenberg

  (2:00 PM)

Hey guys, happy Big Ten preview day. Spring practice is in the books, so lots to discuss. Let's kick it off.

Charlie (Gustine, California)

With the top teams in the Big Ten all playing each other is it possible we could see the champ with 2 conference losses?

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:01 PM)

It's possible, Charlie, but pretty unlikely. Not since 2000 has the Big Ten had a two-loss champion, and that was pretty unique. I could definitely see another shared title (collective groan) at 7-1.

Jim (Columbus, Ohio)

My shirt is not hideous, you just don't have good taste. Now get me a Diet Coke!

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:02 PM)

Sorry, Jim, I'm permanently blinded after seeing that shirt. You want a straw with that diet coke?

Sylvain (Calgary)

How much fun will it be under the lights in Ohio Stadium seeing Pryor Dancing in the open field only to see Taylor Mays going after him step for step?

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:02 PM)

Those are two pretty big bodies flying around. Should make for some exciting collisions on Sept. 12.

Jon (Westerville, Ohio)

Could Ohio State split carries with its tailbacks starting in 2009? It's never happened under coach Tressel, but there seems to be a lot of depth however not one proven back. It works for USC.

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:03 PM)

I think that's the way to go. Both Dan Herron and Brandon Saine made progress this spring, and both guys deserve a chance to attack the defense. Herron probably will be the main guy, but Saine is too dynamic to keep off the field. If Saine stays healthy, expect a few highlight-reel runs.

James (Columbus, OH)

that shirt was awesome. Now lets talk about your glasses, Adam...

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:04 PM)

you got me there, James.

Bob(Denver)

What do Big 11, err 10, schools need to do to compete with, let alone beat USC?

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:05 PM)

It's awfully tough, Bob. For starters, Big Ten teams need to beat USC when the opportunity presents itself, like it does Sept. 12 in Columbus. That game is on Big Ten soil, and Aaron Corp or whomever starts at quarterback for USC will still be pretty green. It's a great chance for Ohio State to knock off the Trojans. But in the long term, Big Ten teams must recruit better and develop QBs better.

devin michigan whitmore lake

Adam do you see Michigan win 6 or 8 . i see Tate six or more rushing touch downs.

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:07 PM)

I'd put Michigan's win total right in the 6-8 range. If the quarterback position works out decently, the schedule certainly favors the Wolverines winning eight. As for Forcier's rushing TDs, he could get six or more, but only as the full-time starter (not a guarantee).

Chris (East Lansing, Michigan)

Greetings from East Lansing. Concerning Michigan State, how likely is it that one of the two freshman running backs make the start this fall? I've heard a lot about Baker and Caper and the returning players seemed quite unimpressive this spring. If one of them does get the nod this fall, do you see them making an impact?

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:08 PM)

Greetings from Chicago. Mark Dantonio really likes Baker and Caper, and since no one really stepped forward this spring, both freshmen will definitely be in the mix for the starting job. I would expect a rotation at running back of two and possibly three players.

Ed (PA)

Totally NOT an OhSt fan here, but if it's Pryor's out in the open field, only guy who can stop him is Mays, then I think Mr. Mays might be in some trouble. On an island with Pryor = not a good place to be

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:08 PM)

Totally agree, Ed. There might not be a more dangerous QB in the country on the edges than Pryor, who could have had a ton more rush yards in the Fiesta Bowl.

Edmund (Anaheim, CA)

Is expanding really necessary, since Jim Delaney could just push the schedule back by adding another bye week (if the time off is a problem)? It didn't seem to help the ACC and it's just one more school to split up revenue to.

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:10 PM)

They're adding a permanent bye week starting in 2010 and will have the regular season go a week longer, so that will help. I could also see more teams adding second bye weeks to push their final games into December. Wisconsin and Illinois are doing that this year. Delany has a point about the ACC, but a Big Ten championship game would be much more successful than the sparsely attended affair in Jacksonville

Ed (PA)

Bigger problem for PSU to solve this summer; replacing the secondary or replacing the WR corps?

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:11 PM)

Definitely the secondary, Ed. They might not have a bona fide deep threat at wideout with D-Will and Butler gone, but there's more variety at the position with some bigger receivers. The secondary, meanwhile, is a huge concern.

Howard (Grand Rapids, MI)

How good is MSU linebacker Greg Jones compared to the rest of the Big 10's linebackers?

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:12 PM)

He's good, Howard, and very underrated nationally. Jones is an assignment-sound linebacker who can blitz but also clean up others' mistakes against the run. I'd put him right at the top of the league with Lee, Bowman and Angerer.

Tom (River North)

I'm completely against the title game because I feel like it devalues the regular season and is just a money grab. If two teams play each other in the regular season and then again in the title game, and both games are close, why does the title game mean more? College football is about the whole season, not just one game, right?

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:13 PM)

Are you sure this isn't Jim D. from Park Ridge? Kidding, kidding. But you bring up a good point, Tom. I personally hate seeing rematches in league title games, and that would be the case from time to time if the Big Ten added one. The anti-playoff crowd is right about the regular season. It's pretty special.

Greg (Troy, NY)

Do you think Marvin McNutt will have a big impact on Iowa's recieving corps? And is Iowa TE U?

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:15 PM)

I do, Greg. McNutt clearly impressed the coaches this spring, and with Johnson-Koulianos falling off a bit, he could become Ricky Stanzi's No. 1 target this fall. Iowa is building a solid reputation for tight end play, and if Tony Moeaki can finally stay healthy, he might be the next Hawkeye star.

Charles (Charlotte, NC)

Besides showing up at high schools in stretch limos (which is genius), what else does Coach Chizik and need to do to bring Auburn's recruiting back up or past Alabama and the dirty Saban

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:17 PM)

He needs to sell kids on a chance to play right away, especially on offense. It shouldn't be too tough to convince kids to play in Gus Malzahn's offense. But Chizik needs to play on the fact that a recruit could be waiting longer at Alabama than Auburn to get on the field.

Tony (Salt Lake City)

Adam, have you ever tried to eat at campus or famous restaurants on your travels to Big Ten campuses a la Todd Blackledge? And have you ever thought about jumping in Mirror Lake at OSU for an ESPN story?

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:18 PM)

I'm usually too busy to sit down for meals on the road, but I'll try to do a better job of sampling the Big Ten fare this fall. As for jumping in a lake, not happenin' any time soon, my friend.

Adam (Boone, NC)

The Gophers haven't won a bowl game since 2004. Any chance they get a post-season win this year?

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:19 PM)

It could happen, Adam, but getting to the postseason should be Minnesota's first priority. Though the Gophers return a ton of starters, their schedule will be significantly harder. Minnesota could be a better team with the exact same record, but certainly a mid-tier bowl win is possible.

Travis (Detroit, MI)

Some QB questions in my state Adam: Who will get the majority of snaps for the Spartans this year? How much do you think Denard Robinson will factor in to UM's QB situation this year?

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:20 PM)

Very tough to call Michigan State's QB situation right now, but I still feel that Kirk Cousins will walk out there first. Robinson is definitely a factor in Michigan's quarterback race, especially with his speed. But he has to catch up to Tate Forcier, who had a strong spring.

Scott (State College, PA)

Can PSU's Jack Crawford effectively replace Maybin at end?

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:21 PM)

From everything I've seen, he might be able to. Crawford clearly has a ton of raw talent, and he's being molded into an elite football player after picking up the game a bit late. I'm very excited to see him this fall, and with some depth concerns at D-end, Penn State will need big things from him.

Alex (Michigan Man living in Ireland)

Do you see Michigan being able to beat Michigan State or Ohio State, or do you think it'll be at least another year?

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:23 PM)

How goes it in Ireland? Always wanted to visit there. ... If the Michigan State game wasn't so early, I'd give Michigan a pretty decent shot there. And if the QB situation works itself out quickly and Michigan State struggles a bit under center, Michigan can win that one. Not so sure about Ohio State. Jim Tressel does a masterful job of emphasizing that game all year round to his players.

Will (Atlanta, GA)

How good of a game would you expect OSU or PSU to give florida, texas, or oklahoma if they met one of them for the national title?

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:24 PM)

I'd like Ohio State's or Penn State's chances against Texas or Oklahoma. I wasn't overly impressed with Texas at the Fiesta Bowl. Florida looks scary good right now, and I don't see a Big Ten team staying close with the Gators.m

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Adam: I didn't see Stephfon Green at the Blue-White Game. Did I just miss him or is there something going on at State College?

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:25 PM)

Stephfon Green is recovering from ankle surgery and sat out all of spring practice. He's expected to be fine for preseason camp.

James (Urbana, IL)

Does the Big Ten have a secret agenda to wait for Notre Dame FOREVER much like Susannah Fincannon did for Tristan Ludlow in Legends of the Fall? I am afraid the Big Ten will suffer the same fate as Ms. Fincannon if they continue to pursue and pine over an unrequited lover. Other than Notre Dame, Mizzou seems to be the best fit for the Big Ten from what I hear from Beano Cook. Do you agree?

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:26 PM)

Ha, love the reference, James. From talking to the commish, Notre Dame still is and always will be the most natural fit as a 12th team in the Big Ten. But until the BCS rules change or Notre Dame loses it TV contract, I can't see the Irish joining the Big Ten, which might not be interested in another run for ND. Totally agree on Missouri. From all the suggestions I get for a 12th team, Missouri makes by far the most sense to me.

JP (Gainsville, FL)

I know everyone i thinking about this question: Who is your heisman pick this year. Obviouslly ive got Tebow. Do you think hes going to join Archie Griffin as the only other player to win two heismans?

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:27 PM)

I do, JP. As long as he stays healthy and leads Florida to the SEC title game, Tebow will win the Heisman.

Etan (New York, NY)

Hey Adam, what do you think of Michigan state in the next few years? Mark Dantonio has revitalized the program, and the recruiting has been rated among the best. How long do you think it will take until we compete regularly for Big Ten titles?

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:28 PM)

It shouldn't take too much longer if Dantonio and his staff continue to recruit like they did this year. Michigan State still lacks the across-the-board talent of Ohio State, Michigan and Penn Sate, but when some of these young, heralded recruits mature, the Spartans will be right in the mix for league titles. Heck, they were right there last year but showed they're still a good distance behind Ohio State and Penn State.

TN ( MICH)

Do you think Brandon Minor will be among the players in the Heisman talk?

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:30 PM)

I doubt it, TN. So much of the Heisman race depends on preseason buzz, and while Minor did some nice things last year, he won't be on the radar until October at the earliest. Can't see him challenging the quarterbacks from the Big 12 and SEC.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Is Quarless/Shuler the best TE combination in the Big Ten? Two big kids with good hands from what I see.

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:31 PM)

Don't think so, J.B. I really like Graham and Kendricks at Wisconsin. Michigan State also has a stockpile of good tight ends. Until Quarless can consistently get it done on Saturdays and stay out of trouble, I can't put him among the league's elite.

Mike (Akron)

Do the Buckeyes win the Big Ten this year? What do you project Pryors numbers will be? Who will he throw to the most?

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:32 PM)

Ohio State is my early pick for the league title, but things could change this summer. Pryor will throw for around 2,100 yards, with DeVier Posey or Dane Sanzenbacher as his top target. Pryor and Posey are best friends, which should help.

Mike (Creedmoor, NC)

Ugh! No love from you taking my questions today, so I'll try another: impact freshman for the Nits this coming year?

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:34 PM)

Sorry, Mike. Given the need in the secondary, I could see Givens, Hodges or Thomas stepping in nicely. Also excited to see Justin Brown at wide receiver. Penn State fans hope it doesn't come to this, but Kevin Newsome could have a major impact if Clark goes down.

Shareef (Chicago)

Will my Illini sport the best passing attack in the conference this year Adam?

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:35 PM)

Yes, and possibly by a long shot. I was very, very impressed with what I saw from Illinois' receivers this spring, and I attended a practice without Arrelious Benn on the field. Really like what Jarred Fayson brings to the mix. It will be interesting to see if the run-pass balance shifts this fall. Though Jason Ford and Mikel LeShoure clearly made strides during the offseason, there will be a lot of temptation to pass the ball just as much as they did last season.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Do you see the Big Ten title being decided in Happy Valley on November 7th?

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:37 PM)

That seems like a good bet, but a lot could change depending on games like Iowa-Penn State, Penn State-Illinois, Ohio State-Illinois, Iowa-Michigan State, etc.

Vernon (Franklin, KY)

How many running backs will the Spartans use this year, and who will get to start there the first game?

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:38 PM)

Mark Dantonio told me wants to use no more than three backs. Depending on how the two freshmen perform, it could be just two main ball-carriers.

Tom (Philly)

What is your take on the discipline lapses at PSU? Normal college behavior, or something different? J.B. gets all the love man...spread it around.

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:39 PM)

Sorry, Tom. Not going to go into specifics because no charges have been filed at this time, but yes, this is pretty normal college behavior. On the other hand, you would hope players on a team that has gone through a wave of disciplinary problems would make smarter choices. Do you look at each case individually, or do you factor in the team and the history of problems there? That's a question I've thought about a lot the last few days.

Bill (Phoenix, AZ)

Adam, what do you think of OSU's tight ends this year? Do you see them throwing to them more or primarily being blockers?

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:40 PM)

I would expect the tight ends to be more involved in the passing game. Jim Tressel loved the play of Jake Stoneburner this spring, and with Jake Ballard also back, the Buckeyes shouldn't waste what they have there.

Reggie (Hoover, AL)

In reference to your answer for Vernon, who would those two or three main backs be for the Spartans in your point of view?

Reggie (Hoover, AL)

In reference to your answer for Vernon, who would those two or three main backs be for the Spartans in your point of view?

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:41 PM)

Good follow-up, Reggie. I would go with Ashton Leggett, Andre Anderson and one of the two freshmen (Baker or Caper). Leggett showed at times this spring that he could pull away from the others.

The Oracle (Delphi)

Adam - last year nothwithstanding, the Big 10 already has a championship game: the Michigan - Ohio St. game, every November.

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:42 PM)

That was the case for some time, but the power balance in the conference is changing with teams like Penn State and Michigan State entering the mix. Iowa also has been a contender for league titles for much of the decade.

Steph(Cincy)

Here is what I don't get. You are getting to attend and play for one of the most premier school/teams in the Nation and be the BMOC, FOR FREE! Is it so much to ask to suck it up for a couple years and stay out of trouble?

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:43 PM)

I definitely agree with you, Steph. You have to factor in the rough backgrounds of some of these players, but many simply don't appreciate the opportunity given to them.

Brody (Valdosta, GA)

How about some love for my school, Northwestern. What can I expect from them this year?

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:45 PM)

Should be very solid on defense, especially if Corey Wootton comes back at 100 percent. I liked that they figured out the starting linebacker corps this spring. I'm still concerned about the offensive skill positions, though. Didn't seem like Mike Kafka had a great spring, and his consistency as a passer is a bit troublesome, especially with a new set of receivers. Still, with such an easy schedule, Northwestern should get 7-9 wins.

Jack (Grand Rapids, MI)

Who do you see finishing last in the Big 10 this year and why?

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:46 PM)

It'll be one of the Indiana schools, Jack. Purdue has a ton of questions on offense, though the Boilers' defense looks fairly solid to me. Indiana lost its best player (Kellen Lewis) after what seemed to be a very encouraging spring. I don't see either team winning five games.

The Oracle (Delphi)

MSU was a one year fluke, PSU will regress this year. we are entering another era of OSU/UM co-dominance. The Oracle has spoken

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:46 PM)

All hail The Oracle. Don't agree with you, though. Too many schools have elevated their recruiting -- Illinois, MSU, Minnesota -- and the power balance has evened out.

Justin (Chicago)

Not a single Wisco question. So here's this: Sounds like both Phillips and Scherer played above average in the spring game. Why wouldn't Bielema start Phillips? Scherer could "keep" at the QB position, but what will another 7-8 win season get them? Plan for 2010 with Phillips while having the same chance at 7-8 wins (hopefully more) this year.

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:49 PM)

It's a very interesting dilemma in Madison. You have to play the best player ultimately, but I certainly would be tempted to go with the younger quarterback to provide more continuity. On the other hand, Jon Budmayr might be the best QB on the team, and he could beat out Phillips next year. I sense they're going to stick with Sherer.

Christ (Dayton, OH)

Will one of the two incoming freshmen running backs (Berry or Hyde) get significant carries for the Buckeyes this year?

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:50 PM)

There's more hype surrounding Berry, and from what I've seen on film, he looks very impressive. But both Herron and Saine created some distance at running back with strong performances this spring, so it will take a lot for the true freshmen to get in the mix for carries.

Jesse (305)

Greetings from Coral Gables. Who fell off the map more this past year: Miami, FSU, or Michigan?

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:50 PM)

Considering both Miami and Florida State made bowls (and FSU won), it's got to be Michigan. Historic lows in a bunch of categories.

Adam Rittenberg

  (2:51 PM)

OK guys, that's all the time I've got. Enjoy the Big Ten preview on the blog today. Like many of my colleagues, I'll be counting down the 25-30 best Big Ten players in the coming weeks, so stop by and check it out.