Big Ten media days are in the books, and there's plenty to fill your plate today.
Hope you brought your appetite.
NATIONAL COLUMNS
ESPN.com's Mark Schlabach: When (Bill) O'Brien spoke to the media in Chicago last year, he didn't even know whether Penn State would have enough players to field a team in 2012. ... Now, there are no questions about who is committed to the Nittany Lions.
SI.com's Stewart Mandel: (Urban) Meyer is hardly the only college coach to have players get in trouble, but he's certainly become the most criticized. Why is that exactly?
CBSSports.com's Dennis Dodd: The show-stopping question for Meyer, though, now becomes: What's easier, coaching when there's nothing to play for or everything to play for? "We try to push it out of everybody's mind because I hear that a lot," Meyer said. "I think that's a distraction."
CBSSports.com's Jeremy Fowler: Michigan isn't letting the Big Ten's perceived dearth of talent or Ohio State's perceived headlock on the league's title chances put the Wolverines on the spot. They did that to themselves all offseason by setting a firm line on where the program belongs.
USA Today's Dan Wolken: But whereas the Nittany Lions were able to stay united last season through adversity, the second year without a postseason opportunity provides another test. As Penn State gets further removed from the emotions that carried them through last season, will the limitations of their roster and reality of their situation impact their play?
Sporting News' Matt Hayes: So while others celebrate a third-place division finish like it’s winning the lottery (hello, Texas A&M); while some talk about a tipped pass from winning it all (that’s you, Georgia); while they throw up garish signs to honor a team that won every game but did so under NCAA probation (see: Ohio State), (Brady) Hoke and everyone at Michigan want to be perfectly clear about the last two years in Ann Arbor. Abject failure.
TEAM COVERAGE
Illinois: Tim Beckman's goals in coaching go beyond wins and losses, David Haugh writes. Beckman also expects on-field improvement in Year 2. Illini QB Nathan Scheelhaase gears up for one more run at success.
Indiana: The Hoosiers are loaded at wide receiver entering the fall. Coach Kevin Wilson knows IU's defense must get tougher. Mitch Ewald isn't a typical kicker (subscription required).
Iowa: The Hawkeyes' QB candidates are on equal footing entering camp. Loyalty has paid off for longtime coach Kirk Ferentz. A full transcript of Ferentz's Thursday comments. The Iowa-Nebraska game soon could move off of Black Friday.
Michigan: After considering a transfer, Devin Gardner discovered himself by staying at Michigan. The Wolverines' offensive line remains an area of concern. Michigan and Ohio State would embrace the chance to play in back-to-back games.
Michigan State: Mark Dantonio learned a lot from working under Nick Saban. Dantonio let his personality out during media days. Connor Cook must upgrade his decision-making to win Michigan State's QB competition.
Minnesota: Coach Jerry Kill is pushing for better facilities. RB Donnell Kirkwood eyes a 1,000-yard season.
Nebraska: Bo Pelini isn't too thrilled to talk about the SEC. The Huskers' veterans are challenging their younger teammates. The Nebraska-Northwestern battle gets Steve Sipple's attention.
Northwestern: The Wildcats' offense is rooted in versatile players and formations. Northwestern will practice under the lights to prepare for its late opener at Cal. Wildcats kicker Jeff Budzien crashes media days.
Ohio State: QB Braxton Miller leads "The Chase" for a national title, Bill Livingston writes. Urban Meyer starts a leadership class for his Buckeyes players. Five Ohio State takeaways from Big Ten media days. A look at the Buckeyes' next big star, Dontre Wilson.
Penn State: A look at what it takes to play quarterback for Bill O'Brien at PSU. Penn State is close to finalizing a series with West Virginia, Jeremy Fowler reports. RB Bill Belton should be academically eligible for camp. A Q&A with athletic director Dave Joyner.
Purdue: The Boilers' training camp is an invitation-only affair. DT Bruce Gaston sets his sights on dominating the line of scrimmage.
Wisconsin: The three-time defending Big Ten champs are overshadowed at media days, Tom Oates writes. RB Vonte Jackson will try to come back from another major knee injury. Lessons about the Badgers from media days.
Check out BTN.com's Big Ten player poll.
