ESPN Big Ten Blog

Posted ESPN.com's Graham Watson

I'm filling in for Adam while he's on vacation so I'm sorry about the lateness of the links.

• WLFI.com did a Q&A with new Purdue offensive coordinator Gary Nord and defensive coordinator Donn Landolm.

• Bill Kurelic, the Midwest recruiting blogger for ESPN.com, writes that recruiting in the Big Ten has picked up in the past couple of weeks.

• Shannon Shelton of the Detroit Free Press compares the similarities between former Michigan running back Mike Hart and current Michigan State signee Nick Hill.

• Ohio State earned its seventh commitment for the 2010 class with a pledge from running back Roderick Smith of Fort Wayne (Harding), Ind.

• Three former Ohio State stars are in the process of building a trainer center for serious athletes to train for professional careers.

ESPN.com's Ivan Maisel and Adam Rittenberg discuss the Big Ten's red-hot rivalries for '09.

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

Ticket scalping at Penn State, a potential blockbuster nonconference game for Michigan and, as always, recruiting, lead today's stories. 

• According to this list, Illinois is the only Big Ten team with a notable nonconference schedule. Of course, all eyes will be on the Horseshoe on Sept. 12 
• Iowa has picked up a commitment for its defensive line. 
• Rumor: Michigan might be scheduling a humdinger to open its 2010 season. College football needs more of these.
• A couple of incoming Michigan State frosh are trying to win a world title. Against Mexico.
• An interesting exploration of ticket scalping and the Penn State fan, a subculture that has been kicked to the curb by a new system.
• Sophomore Albert Evans' shoulder is better as he eyeballs playing safety for Purdue. He's just one Boilermaker focused on his opportunity... maybe that should be a slogan?
• This Big Ten notebook leads with trouble for an Illinois offensive lineman.

Posted by ESPN.com's Brian Bennett

Greetings, Big Ten fans. I'm filling in for Adam, who thinks that just because he's had eight posts per day for a year that he's entitled to take a week off for his honeymoon. The nerve of some people, right?

• With 10 early commitments, Penn State is off to one its best recruiting starts in years, and maybe ever, Frank Bodani writes in the York Daily Record.

• Michigan, which has lost some ground on in-state recruiting to Michigan State, is trying to regain the upper hand, Josh Hemholdt writes in the Detroit Free Press.

• Angelique S. Chengelis has a Q&A with Rich Rodriguez in the Detroit News.

• Indiana got a commitment from a highly-coveted offensive lineman from Cincinnati who wanted to make an impact somewhere, Terry Hutchens says in the Indianapolis Star.

• The Fort Wayne News-Sentinel's Pete DiPrimio takes a look at the Hoosiers' seven early commitments and the two newest Purdue Boilermakers.

• Retiring Ohio State director of football operations Bob Tucker was Jim Tressel's right-hand man, Ken Gordon writes in the Columbus Dispatch.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

Happy Monday.

Here are a few lunchtime links I'm contributing today for my fellow Midwesterner, Big Ten blogger Adam Rittenberg.

Former Michigan wide receiver Braylon Edwards tells the Detroit Free Press says he's "fine" with Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez nearly awarding the No. 1 jersey that Edwards had endowed several years earlier.

Lindsay Willhite of Athlon Sports writes that Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald hopes that he will be entrenched as the Wildcats' coach for many years.

Jim Tressel tells the Columbus Dispatch's Tim May about sleeping in one of Saddam Hussein's palaces during his trip with other football coaches earlier this month to various military installations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The Lansing State Journal's Dan Kilbridge analyzes why heralded quarterback prospect Joe Boisture changed his commitment from Boston College to Michigan State.

Mike Dyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer writes about the booming proliferation of Web sites devoted to recruiting.

Even with Terrelle Pryor set as Ohio State's quarterback, the Buckeyes still are actively looking for quarterbacks, Steve Hemmelgarn of the Parkersburg (W. Va.) News and Sentinel reports.

Despite Iowa's 26 arrests or citations on alcohol-related charges since mid-April 2007, Iowa associate athletic director Fred Mims tells Scott Dochterman of the Cedar Rapids Gazette that the incidents are "not an epidemic in any sense."

A "Who's Who" of Big Ten coaches, including Ohio State's Jim Tressel, Michigan State's Mark Dantonio and Penn State assistant Jay Paterno are visiting Youngstown, Ohio, the last several days. The Tulsa World's Dave Sittler reports those coaches are in town for a bocce tournament and coaching clinic Monday at Cardinal Mooney High School, where they will provide on-the-field instruction and lectures for high school players in the area.

The Big Ten Network's Gerry DiNardo tells the Detroit News' Angelique Chengelis that Penn State will win the conference this season.

Penn State has added an oral commitment from mammoth 6-foot-4, 302-pound guard DaQuan "DaDa" Jones of Johnson City, N.Y., Phillip Cmor of the Altoona Mirror reports. Jones, the Nittany Lions' 10th 2010 commitment, is projected as a defensive tackle when he arrives at college.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Just a quick note to let you know I'll be on vacation until July 7. After nearly a full year of blogging, it comes at a great time.

You probably won't be able to find me, though you're welcome to try. 

Not to worry, though, the Big Ten blog will still be active, as my colleagues will provide you with daily lunch links and any major news updates on the league and its teams.

Somehow, some way, you'll survive, and I expect productivity levels in the workplace and the classroom to skyrocket during the next eight days. 

That's all for now. Talk to you in July.  

Adam

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Chris from Minneapolis writes: Hi Adam. Great work on the blog! I feel confident the upgrade in talent and addition of Coach [Tim] Davis will make this year's Gopher OL a vast improvement over last years. Plus Gray or Webber have a solid number 2 this year with Carpenter. Assuming Jedd Fisch's system clicks with the players right away, do you think Minnesota will have a chance to become one of the top two or three offenses in the Big Ten this year?

Adam Rittenberg: Thanks, Chris. There are a lot of new things to digest, not only Fisch's system but a dramatically different approach on the offensive line. I think that group is the key to Minnesota's season. Adam Weber is a very smart player and will pick up the system, and MarQueis Gray really hasn't played in any other scheme. The receivers will be solid, but it all comes down to that offensive line. If that group comes together, Minnesota could definitely be among the league's top offenses.

Tom from Charlotte, N.C., writes: Very sad news about the death of Michael Jackson. To commemorate his legacy, which Michael Jackson song best describes each team in the Big Ten? I think "Man in the Mirror" is appropriate for Indiana. Considering the recent Hawkeye arrests, maybe "Smooth Criminal" applies to Iowa?

Adam Rittenberg: Wow, I'm guessing you're not planning any trips to the state of Iowa any time soon. Hawkeye fans won't appreciate that one. But to honor the King of Pop, a few suggestions.

• "Beat It" for Ohio State, since no one has consistently matched the Buckeyes in the Big Ten this decade.
  
• "Remember The Time" for Michigan, which is trying to restore some glory after the worst season in team history.
  
• "You Are Not Alone" for Penn State, a former Division I independent now welcomed into the Big Ten.
• "Thriller" for Northwestern, which has been involved in several of the Big Ten's most exciting games since 1995.
  
• "Come Together" for Illinois, which needs to have better team chemistry in 2009 than 2008.
  
• "They Don't Care About Us" for Indiana, which needs more support for its football program (and is finally getting some).
  
• "Fly Away" for the Iowa Hawkeyes (get it? get it?)
(Read full post)

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

As I prepare to hit the road next week for some much needed R&R, I thought we should take a look at the most pivotal road games for each Big Ten team this season. Winning on the road in the Big Ten is never easy, and there might not be a greater factor to a team's success or failure than its performance away from its home turf.

Here are the road games that could make or break the season in the Big Ten. These aren't necessarily the toughest road games for a team, just the most important ones.

ILLINOIS

Fork in the road: Nov. 7 at Minnesota

The Illini will be coming off a fairly manageable stretch against Indiana, Purdue and Michigan, the league's worst three teams last season. If they haven't dug too big a hole to open Big Ten play, they could make a serious bowl push beginning at TCF Bank Stadium. But a loss could trigger a down-the-stretch slide, much like last year.

INDIANA

Fork in the road: Sept. 19, at Akron

Indiana enters the season with its head coach on the hot seat and serious doubts about the team's ability to get on track again. That's why an early trip to Akron and the new InfoCision Stadium is so critical. Indiana could be 3-0 after a win against Akron, or it could be 1-2 with a loss and starting the death march.

IOWA

Fork in the road: Sept. 26 at Penn State

One of the nation's toughest road schedules has been well-documented, and it all begins in Happy Valley. The Hawkeyes will get a huge boost from a victory at night in front of Penn State's white-out -- never easy to do -- and can validate themselves as a serious league title contender. A loss would reinforce Iowa's recent struggles on the road (the Hawkeyes went 2-3 last year) with more challenges ahead.

MICHIGAN

Fork in the road: Oct. 3 at Michigan State

Michigan's first road game will be pivotal in a number of ways. It could mark the first road start for a freshman quarterback (Tate Forcier or Denard Robinson), and it kicks off a tough stretch of games against the Big Ten's upper tier. Michigan might head to East Lansing at 4-0, but another loss to in-state rival Michigan State could sidetrack Rich Rodriguez's team.

MICHIGAN STATE

Fork in the road: Sept. 26 at Wisconsin

I'm starting to get really excited about this game because it could mean so much for both teams. Michigan State might be coming off its seventh consecutive victory at Notre Dame and looking to establish itself as a factor in the Big Ten title race. But the Spartans have dropped four of their last five games at Camp Randall Stadium, which will provide a tough setting for a new starting quarterback.

MINNESOTA

Fork in the road: Sept. 26 at Northwestern

The Gophers don't get many favors with their Big Ten road schedule, and their league-opening trip to Northwestern provides the best opportunity for a win. Minnesota will be coming off two emotional home games against Cal and Air Force, and could be anywhere from 3-0 to 1-2 entering Ryan Field. If the Gophers have taken the next step, they need to show it against Northwestern, which has delivered consecutive heartbreaking losses to Tim Brewster's team.

NORTHWESTERN

Fork in the road: Oct. 17 at Michigan State

For the second straight year, Northwestern could enter its showdown against Michigan State undefeated because of an easy opening stretch. The Wildcats took themselves out of last year's contest with a miserable first quarter, but they've had pretty good success at Spartan Stadium since 1995. A win could propel Northwestern toward a major bowl, while a loss would lower expectations.

OHIO STATE

Fork in the road: Nov. 7 at Penn State

An obvious choice here as Ohio State likely will take one of the nation's most impressive win streaks into Happy Valley. Provided the Buckeyes handle Purdue and Indiana, they will own a 17-game Big Ten road win streak. The last team to beat Ohio State at home? Penn State in 2005. A win in the Big Ten's premier game could clinch a league title for Ohio State. A loss could put the Buckeyes out of the BCS mix.

PENN STATE

Fork in the road: Oct. 3 at Illinois

Penn State plays six of its first seven games at Beaver Stadium, but a trip to Champaign could prove problematic. Illinois boasts the league's best passing attack, and Penn State's secondary likely will be its weakest link this fall. The Lions lost their last game at Memorial Stadium and struggled to contain Arrelious Benn last year in Happy Valley. A win likely means Penn State will be 7-0 heading to Michigan on Oct. 24.

PURDUE

Fork in the road: Oct. 10 at Minnesota

Like Indiana, Purdue is a team that needs some early success to keep things afloat. The opening stretch won't be easy, and Purdue hosts Ohio State and Illinois after its visit to the Twin Cities. The Boilers will have a rough time winning at Oregon in Week 2, so this game provides quarterback Joey Elliott and his teammates a chance to build confidence away from home.

WISCONSIN

Fork in the road: Oct. 10 at Ohio State

Wisconsin's overall schedule is extremely favorable this fall, but the team's biggest test arrives in Columbus. This isn't necessarily a must-win for Wisconsin, but the Badgers need to show they can play with the league's best on the road. Wisconsin faces Ohio State and Iowa in back-to-back weeks, and its performance in those games will determine whether or not the Badgers are back.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Well they say the sky's the limit
And to me that's really true
But my friend you have seen nothing
Just wait till I get through ...

• A new supporting cast at Ohio State could serve Terrelle Pryor well this fall, ESPN Insider's Chris Sprow writes. 
• Former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr likes what the Wolverines have at running back in 2009, Steve Foley writes in the Petrosky News-Review. 
• Joe Tiller is done coaching football, but the former Purdue boss remains pretty busy, Mike Carmin writes in The (Lafayette) Journal and Courier. Also, the Boilers pick up two wide receivers for their 2010 class. 
• Both Michigan and Michigan State are pursuing defensive line recruit Jibreel Black, Sam Webb writes in The Detroit News. 
• A big recruiting week for Indiana continues with the commitment of Ryan Phillis, Chris Korman writes in The (Bloomington) Herald-Times. 
• Unsure of when they'll step on a field in a college game, Ohio State recruits Storm Klein and Jack Mewhort are geared up for the Junior World Championship, Zach Swartz writes in The Columbus Dispatch. 
  

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

If dues-paying was an official NCAA statistic, Austin Spitler would be among the national leaders. 

Few players have remained on the runway as long as Spitler, waiting for their careers to truly take flight. He redshirted at Ohio State in 2005 and watched as James Laurinaitis stepped into a featured role following two key injuries at linebacker. For the next three years, Spitler backed up Laurinaitis, who became arguably the most decorated linebacker in Ohio State history.

	Jeff Mills/Icon SMI
	Austin Spitler, right, has been stuck behind James Laurinaitis the past few seasons, but is finally getting his chance to start.

Laurinaitis won the Nagurski and Butkus awards, twice was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and appeared in all 51 games the last four seasons, starting the final 39. 

"Spitler's been around forever," Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Heacock said. "But James never came out."

Laurinaitis has finally moved on to the NFL, and Spitler will take over a starting job this fall, either at middle linebacker or strongside 'backer. 

"Of course it's been tough," said Spitler, who has recorded 44 tackles (3 for loss) in his career. "There's been struggles, but then again, you've got to look at the light at the end of the tunnel and just know that your time is coming. Obviously, I always had this year in mind, that whenever James left, hopefully my time was there."

Spitler has logged only 99 minutes of field time in his career, but he'll be looked upon to help lead a Buckeyes linebacking corps that loses both Laurinaitis (993 career minutes) and Marcus Freeman (832 career minutes). The Buckeyes have reloaded at linebacker throughout coach Jim Tressel's tenure -- from Matt Wilhelm and Cie Grant to A.J. Hawk and Bobby Carpenter to Laurinaitis and Freeman -- but there's more uncertainty than usual heading into this season.

Despite his limited action in games, Spitler has seen what it takes to succeed. He worked alongside Hawk, Carpenter and Anthony Schlegel as a true freshman and competed with Laurinaitis and Freeman the last few years. Ohio State's tradition on defense isn't lost on the 6-foot-3, 234-pound fifth-year senior. 

"It's not just going to continue by itself," he said. "We have to make it happen. We want to have our own identity. You never want to let those guys down that paved the way for us and made the Ohio State defense what it is today."

Spitler isn't the most vocal player, but he also recognizes the leadership role he inherits entering the fall. Laurinaitis served as a captain in each of the last two seasons, and Spitler would love to follow the same path. 

"He's a senior now, and I'm really excited about his progress and his performance," Heacock said. "He's finally getting his shot, and he's taking full advantage of it. He's coming to work every day and doing a good job."

Spitler admits that transferring crossed his mind during the lengthy wait for playing time, but the coaches convinced him to stick it out in Columbus. It's a decision he doesn't regret. 

"I never once had a day where I said I wasn't going to work hard because I always wanted to be the best and that's what I strive to be," he said. "There's been difficult times, but just knowing there is light and there are better things to come, it's exciting."

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The fresh faces series wraps up with three newcomers to watch for Penn State this fall. 

OFFENSE -- Justin Brown, WR, Fr.

Penn State has tabbed several older players to step in for Derrick Williams, Deon Butler and Jordan Norwood, but the fact remains that the team loses three multiyear starters at the same position. There's a need for playmakers, and Brown should get a chance to contribute immediately as the one of the highest-rated recruits in Penn State's 2009 class. He's a big target at 6-foot-3, 209 pounds, and his physical style should translate well to the college level. 

DEFENSE -- Gerald Hodges, S, Fr. 

Along with classmate Darrell Givens, Hodges should see the field immediately this fall as Penn State loses all four starters in the secondary. Hodges will benefit from enrolling early and participating in practice this spring. He's a physical presence at safety who has the versatility to be effective in the Cover 3 and Cover 2 schemes. 

SPECIAL TEAMS -- Anthony Fera, K, Fr. 

Fera is the team's long-term solution at kicker, and he could step into the starting role this fall. Penn State loses first-team All-Big Ten selection Kevin Kelly, and Fera arrives with a good deal of hype, having been ranked as the nation's No. 2 kicker by ESPN's Scouts Inc. Junior Collin Wagner appeared to end spring ball as the projected starter, but Fera's strong leg should get him on the field soon.  

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

OFFENSE -- Arby Fields, RB, Fr.

Besides having the perfect name for a running back, Fields fills a need for Northwestern, which loses four-year starter Tyrell Sutton and backup Omar Conteh. Running back traditionally is a position where the Wildcats give true freshmen a look, and though Pat Fitzgerald likes to redshirt a lot of players, Fields will have a chance to compete this summer. Like Sutton, Fields is a smallish back with good speed who will earn some playing time if he shows versatility.

DEFENSE -- Ben Johnson, LB, So.

Johnson qualifies as a newcomer because he really hasn't played much. He earned a starting job this spring alongside Quentin Davie and Nate Williams, and brings a lot of athleticism to the outside. Johnson probably could add a bit more weight but has good overall size and impressed Fitzgerald with what he did in spring ball.

SPECIAL TEAMS -- Jeff Budzien, K, Fr.

Northwestern's problems on special teams have been well documented in this blog, and the team will look to Budzien for immediate help. Budzien is expected to take over the kicking duties, and he also could fill in at punter if need be. Ranked as the nation's 19th best kicker by ESPN's Scouts Inc., Budzien converted 8 of 11 field goal-attempts as a high school senior and had 70 touchbacks.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

After somewhat of a slow start, Michigan State's recruiting has really picked up in recent days.

Still buzzing from William Gholston's pledge last week, the Spartans reportedly have added quarterback Joe Boisture to their 2010 recruiting class. According to Scout.com, Boisture switched his commitment from Boston College to Michigan State, giving head coach Mark Dantonio another solid in-state prospect.

Boisture grew up in Saline, Mich., and his grandfather, Dan, coached at Michigan State under Duffy Daugherty.

An ESPNU 150 Watch List prospect, Boisture has excellent size (6-foot-6, 200) and polished mechanics. He joins a quarterback mix that includes Kirk Cousins, Keith Nichol and Andrew Maxwell.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

In honor of Jon and Kate, here are eight items for you. 

• As expected, TCF Bank Stadium will be completely dry as Minnesota's Board of Regents approved a ban on alcohol sales, Alex Ebert writes in the Star Tribune.
  
• Wisconsin's big recruiting week continues with a commitment from Berlin (not that Berlin), Jim Polzin writes in The Capital Times. Purdue also picked up a recruit in wideout Charles Torwudzo, Mike Carmin writes in The (Lafayette) Journal and Courier. 
• Penn State and Ohio State gear up for a big recruiting weekend, colleague Bill Kurelic writes.
  
• The Gazette's Marc Morehouse weighs in on Iowa's handling of disciplinary incidents, the death of Ed Thomas and other topics. Wisconsin's Bret Bielema and Northwestern's Pat Fitzgerald had Twitter tributes to Thomas. 
• A gambling Web site thinks Ohio State could soon be in hot water with the NCAA, Rob Oller writes in The Columbus Dispatch. 
• If Mark Dantonio keeps to his word, he could become one of Michigan State's greatest coaches, the Detroit Free Press' Jamie Samuelsen writes in his blog.
  
• Illinois adds a defensive back for the 2010 recruiting class, The (Champaign) News-Gazette's Bob Asmussen writes in his blog. 
• Joe Paterno is right in demanding a playoff system, but he shouldn't expect to be rewarded for weak scheduling, Cory Giger writes in The Altoona Mirror. 

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Anyone who watched the gruesome replays of University of Houston wide receiver Patrick Edwards crashing into an equipment cart behind the end zone at Marshall last season understands the importance of field safety in college football.

Northwestern athletic director Jim Phillips is no exception. 

Phillips is pushing hard to schedule a future Northwestern game at Wrigley Field in Chicago, which served as the Chicago Bears' home from 1921-70. But he knows that no game will be played unless the field is safe for players, coaches and officials. 

Phillips and Wildcats head coach Pat Fitzgerald went to Wrigley two weeks ago to assess the field dimensions. The good news is a regulation football field does fit at Wrigley, but just barely.

Northwestern is working with the NCAA to find ways to fit the field and have enough room beyond the end zones and along the sidelines. Phillips has taken a closer look at unorthodox college football setups, including AT&T Park in San Francisco, which hosts the Emerald Bowl each December, and Idaho's Kibbie Dome, which has very little room behind the end zones and along the sidelines.  

"We're continuing to look at the other facilities out there that are dealing with some of the same issues that come up at Wrigley," Phillips said. "[The game] is not for '09, so it's not like it's got to be done today."

If the Wrigley game gets approved, it likely would take place in 2010 or 2011. Because of the Cubs' season, Northwestern would need to play sometime in mid to late November. In 2010, the Wildcats face Iowa (Nov. 13) and Illinois (Nov. 20). A better bet could come in 2011, when Northwestern wraps up against Michigan (Nov. 19) and Rice (Nov. 26). 

Northwestern and Illinois played at Wrigley Field in 1923.