COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Greetings from central Ohio, where it's a bit on the gloomy side but shouldn't be at The Shoe, where I'll be heading in a bit. There could be multiple new quarterbacks today in the Big Ten. I'm not saying, I'm just saying. Let's take a look around the league, starting with the game I'll be watching:
USC will be watching Buckeyes quarterback Terrelle Pryor today, Doug Lesmerises writes in The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Trojans linebacker Rey Maualuga expects Pryor to run, so it might be important for Ohio State's coaches to let him test the arm. The Buckeyes' backfield depth will be tested, Ken Gordon writes in The Columbus Dispatch. Star left tackle Alex Boone is fine after being treated for an infection this week.
Don't expect Indiana to beef up its schedule any time soon, not with bowl games as the priority, Terry Hutchens writes in The Indianapolis Star. It doesn't look like IU is getting nailed with some of the high guarantee costs.
"This year, IU will pay $750,000 combined to its four visiting nonconference opponents. Murray State will receive the largest amount, $250,000. Last week, IU paid Western Kentucky $150,000. Later this season, Ball State will earn $150,000 and Central Michigan $200,000. With gate revenues exceeding $5 million for home games last year, IU sees it as a smart investment."
Michigan fans need to be patient with Rich Rodriguez and a transitioning team, Drew Sharp writes in the Detroit Free Press. Steven Threet gets the start at quarterback, but he'll need help from others in a work-in-progress offense, John Heuser writes in The Ann Arbor News.
Tim Brewster wants to know just how much Minnesota has improved, Kent Youngblood writes in the Star Tribune. He'll find out today against Bowling Green.
Northwestern's defense gets a big piece back tonight with the return of tackle John Gill, Shannon Ryan writes in the Chicago Tribune.
Penn State's depth and versatility will be vital today against Oregon State after the suspensions of two defensive starters, Ron Musselman writes in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Lions are hurting themselves with the off-field issues, Bob Flounders writes in The (Harrisburg) Patriot-News.
Purdue linebacker Kevin Green draws inspiration from his (much) older brother, Stacy Clardie writes in The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette.
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Adam Rittenberg
Adam Rittenberg joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four years at the Arlington Heights (Ill.) Daily Herald, where he covered sports at Notre Dame, Northwestern, DePaul and several other colleges. He lives in Chicago.
Adam Rittenberg joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four years at the Arlington Heights (Ill.) Daily Herald, where he covered sports at Notre Dame, Northwestern, DePaul and several other colleges. He lives in Chicago.
