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Spring ball might be done around these parts, but the Big Ten blog never stops.

• Quarterback Kenny Guiton and left tackle Mike Adams were among the spring game standouts for Ohio State, Doug Lesmerises writes in The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Spring game stars often are forgotten by the fall, Bob Hunter writes in The Columbus Dispatch.
• Penn State is in no rush to decide on its starting quarterback, Mark Wogenrich writes in The (Allentown) Morning Call. Evan Royster likely will become Penn State's all-time leading rusher this fall, Bob Flounders writes in The (Harrisburg) Patriot-News.
• Football is driving the Big Ten's expansion push, leaving a basketball-heavy league like the Big East vulnerable, Pete Thamel writes in The New York Times. The Big Ten should expand, and it shouldn't stop there, Blair Kerkhoff writes in The Kansas City Star.
• Minnesota hasn't officially announced its starting quarterback, but all signs point toward Adam Weber retaining the job, Marcus Fuller writes in the (St. Paul) Pioneer Press. Neither the offense nor defense dominated Minnesota's spring game, which is what the coaches like to see, Kent Youngblood writes in the Star Tribune.
• After getting lit up last year in the spring game, Michigan State's defense struck back a bit Saturday, Joe Rexrode writes in the Lansing State Journal. Spartans wide receivers Mark Dell and B.J. Cunningham are grateful for their second chances, Terry Foster writes in The Detroit News.
• It wasn't a great day for Illinois' top quarterbacks, but Nathan Scheelhaase showed why he's the front-runner, Shannon Ryan writes in the Chicago Tribune. Illini safety Walter Aikens is suspended following his arrest on possession of stolen property. A comprehensive breakdown of spring ball at Illinois from The (Champaign) News Gazette's Bob Asmussen.
• The Wrigley Field game could be a tough ticket for Illinois fans, Loren Tate writes in The (Champaign) News-Gazette.
• The defense carried the day in Northwestern's spring game, Rodger Sherman writes in The Daily Northwestern.

The 2010 NFL draft is in the books, so let's take a look at the 34 Big Ten players who heard their names called in New York. When the full list of undrafted free agents comes out, I'll post it later in the week.

ROUND 1

• Michigan DE Brandon Graham, Philadelphia Eagles, No. 13 overall
• Iowa LT Bryan Bulaga, Green Bay Packers, No. 23 overall
• Penn State DT Jared Odrick, Miami Dolphins, No. 28 overall

ROUND 2

• Indiana LT Rodger Saffold, St. Louis Rams, No. 33 overall (first pick of Round 2)
• Illinois WR Arrelious Benn, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, No. 39 overall
• Penn State LB Sean Lee, Dallas Cowboys, No. 55 overall
• Purdue DT Mike Neal, Green Bay Packers, No. 56 overall
• Iowa LB Pat Angerer, Indianapolis Colts, No. 63 overall

ROUND 3

• Iowa CB Amari Spievey, Detroit Lions, No. 66 overall
• Illinois G Jon Asamoah, Kansas City Chiefs, No. 68 overall
• Minnesota WR Eric Decker, Denver Broncos, No. 87 overall
• Penn State LB Navorro Bowman, San Francisco 49ers, No. 91 overall
• Iowa TE Tony Moeaki, Kansas City Chiefs, No. 93 overall

ROUND 4

• Northwestern DE Corey Wootton, Chicago Bears, No. 109 overall
• Ohio State DE/LB Thaddeus Gibson, Pittsburgh Steelers, No. 116 overall
• Wisconsin TE Garrett Graham, Houston Texans, No. 118 overall
• Iowa LB A.J. Edds, Miami Dolphins, No. 119 overall
• Northwestern QB Mike Kafka, Philadelphia Eagles, No. 122 overall
• Wisconsin DE/LB O'Brien Schofield, Arizona Cardinals, No. 130 overall

ROUND 5

• Illinois TE Mike Hoomanawanui, St. Louis Rams, No. 132 (first pick of fifth round)
• Northwestern CB Sherrick McManis, Houston Texans, No. 144 overall
• Michigan P Zoltan Mesko, New England Patriots, No. 150 overall
• Penn State TE Andrew Quarless, Green Bay Packers, No. 154 overall
• Minnesota LB Nate Triplett, Minnesota Vikings, No. 167 overall

ROUND 6

• No Big Ten players selected

ROUND 7

• Penn State TE Mickey Shuler, Minnesota Vikings, No. 214 overall
• Michigan State CB Jeremy Ware, Oakland Raiders, No. 215 overall
• Iowa RT Kyle Calloway, Buffalo Bills, No. 216 overall
• Indiana DE Jammie Kirlew, Denver Broncos, No. 232 overall
• Ohio State DT Doug Worthington, Pittsburgh Steelers, No. 242 overall
• Ohio State S/CB Kurt Coleman, Philadelphia Eagles, No. 244 overall
• Indiana CB/KR Ray Fisher, Indianapolis Colts, No. 246 overall
• Michigan LB/S Stevie Brown, Oakland Raiders, No. 251 overall
• Ohio State LB Austin Spitler, Miami Dolphins, No. 252 overall
• Penn State LB Josh Hull, St. Louis Rams, No. 254 overall

Here are the selections according to Big Ten team:

Illinois: 3
Indiana: 3
Iowa: 6
Michigan: 3
Michigan State: 1
Minnesota: 2
Northwestern: 3
Ohio State: 4
Penn State: 6
Purdue: 1
Wisconsin: 2

Quick thoughts:

• Three of the biggest draft steals from the Big Ten were pass-catchers in 2009: Illinois wideout Arrelious Benn, Minnesota wide receiver Eric Decker and Iowa tight end Tony Moeaki. Benn had first-round skills but a fourth-round college résumé. Decker most often was compared to former Broncos wideout Ed McCaffrey, and if healthy, he could do big things in Denver. If Moeaki stays healthy, the Chiefs might have found the next Tony Gonzalez. Kirk Ferentz puts Moeaki right up there with Dallas Clark in Iowa's top tight ends.
• Love the Colts' pick of Angerer, who could be a very good pro in a great situation in Indy. With Angerer and Indiana's Fisher going to Indianapolis, the Colts now have drafted 26 Big Ten players under Bill Polian.
• Northwestern's Kafka also goes to a very good situation in Philly, as the Eagles love to pass the ball and will run some shotgun.
• Penn State's Lee, Purdue's Neal, Wisconsin's Schofield and Northwestern's Wootton and McManis could all be steals for their teams. Health has been an issue for Lee, Schofield, Wootton and McManis, so they need to find ways to get on the field and stay there.
• It was interesting how one Big Ten left tackle, Indiana's Saffold, rose up the draft boards late in the process, while another, Iowa's Bulaga, dropped.
• Ohio State had four players drafted, but this has to be the Buckeyes' weakest draft class in recent memory. I thought Gibson would go in the second or third round, but Worthington, Coleman and Spitler barely made the cut. Did Jim Tressel deserve Big Ten Coach of the Year over Ferentz? The case looks stronger now.
• Draft snubs included Michigan State wide receiver Blair White, Michigan cornerback Donovan Warren, Penn State quarterback Daryll Clark and Purdue quarterback Joey Elliott. Warren was the only Big Ten junior not to get drafted. His decision to leave looked reasonable at the time, but he clearly could have used another year in Ann Arbor. All four players have reportedly signed free-agent deals.

The Big East is digging for a fight, and the league appears to have found a new mouthpiece in Paul Tagliabue.

Tagliabue, the former NFL commissioner, was hired this week by the Big East as an unpaid consultant. But like everyone else in college sports, he spent time this week talking about the Big Ten and had some harsh words toward the league and the potential ramifications of its expansion push.

Tagliabue told The New York Times that the Big Ten's expansion study is "very disruptive" to everyone else in the college sports world.

"Everything outside the Big Ten is held in artificial suspension," Tagliabue told the newspaper. "The Big Ten looks at a bunch of choices and everyone else has to deal with the depreciating value and a ton of negativity. I hope there’s a better way. Otherwise it’s going to have a terrible negative effect on everyone other than the schools in the Big Ten.”

Tagliabue also questioned whether adding schools in the New York area, such as Rutgers and Syracuse, could really help the Big Ten or its television partners.

"One of the real challenges for the networks is to provide value, but you only provide value in markets where you provide traction," he said. "Is Minnesota and Rutgers going to get a big rating on Long Island? Give me a break. Every game isn’t Michigan and Michigan State.” He added, "Am I going to rush home from a tennis game on Saturday to watch Minnesota and Rutgers if I live on Long Island?"

Rutgers, for the record, is still a member of the Big East. I'm sure the folks in Piscataway loved hearing those words from a new consultant to their league.

Is Tagliabue correct in his comments? For the most part, yes. The Big Ten's expansion decision certainly will have a major impact on college sports, and it could decimate leagues like the Big East or even the Big 12. And a Minnesota-Rutgers game probably doesn't move the needle much, but having Ohio State or Penn State coming to Rutgers would create some more buzz in the area.

Once again, I see this as a reaction to the Big Ten. Since Dec. 15, everyone has reacted to the Big Ten. And that's not a bad thing at all for Jim Delany and his league.

Six spring games on tap Saturday, and then another college football Sahara begins. Ugh.

• Not sure I believe this, but Notre Dame isn't in the Big Ten's expansion mix, Mark Blaudschun writes in The Boston Globe.
• All eyes will be on the quarterbacks, but Penn State has a few other things to sort out in the Blue-White Game, Bob Flounders writes in The (Harrisburg) Patriot-News. Things would have been different in Happy Valley had QB Pat Devlin stayed a Nittany Lion, Keith Pompey writes in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
• Tight end Jake Stoneburner has been Ohio State's breakout star on offense this spring, Ken Gordon writes in The Columbus Dispatch.
• Bryce McNaul and the other Northwestern linebackers want to carry on the school's tradition started by head coach Pat Fitzgerald, Teddy Greenstein writes in the Chicago Tribune.
• Michigan State's depth at running back should spark the rushing attack this fall, David Goricki writes in The Detroit News. The Spartans' spring game player draft offered clues on who is stepping up this spring, Shannon Shelton writes in the Detroit Free Press.
• Indiana tackle Rodger Saffold is still waiting for the call from the NFL (should come tonight), Dustin Dopirak writes in The (Bloomington) Herald-Times (subscription required).
• Minnesota AD Joel Maturi says the football team must improve its off-field conduct, Sid Hartman writes in the Star Tribune.
• The (Champaign) News-Gazette's Bob Asmussen lists three reasons to be happy and three reasons to worry about Illinois heading into Saturday's spring game. Illinois' new coordinators are emphasizing accountability this spring, Shannon Ryan writes in the Chicago Tribune.

Question of the day: Do you have enough patience to wait for Big Ten expansion?

• Colleague Ted Miller recaps Day 2 from the BCS meetings.
• The Big East is prepared to fight if the Big Ten tries to poach its teams, Tom Luicci writes in The Star-Ledger. The Big Ten might not be the only conference looking to go big through expansion.
• An interesting comment from a Big 12 official in this story by the Los Angeles Times' Chris Dufresne.
• Ohio State safety Tyler Moeller talks about the ugly incident that cost him the 2009 season as well as his hope to return this fall. Terrelle Pryor might not play much in the Buckeyes' spring game, but the quarterback went No. 1 in Wednesday's player draft, Doug Lesmerises writes in The Cleveland Plain Dealer.
• Michigan State also held its spring game player draft Wednesday, and running back Edwin Baker might feel a little snubbed, Shannon Shelton writes in the Detroit Free Press. The Green squad looks to be the clear favorite, Joe Rexrode writes in the Lansing State Journal.
• Penn State defensive tackle Jared Odrick is a virtual lock to go in the first round of the NFL draft tonight, Joe Juliano writes in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
• Minnesota's spring game is being likened to a final exam for quarterback candidates Adam Weber and MarQueis Gray, John Hageman writes in the Minnesota Daily.
• As Purdue wrapped up spring ball Wednesday, the secondary remains a concern, Mike Carmin writes in The (Lafayette) Journal & Courier.
• Former Iowa tight end Tony Moeaki wants to prove his body can hold up in the NFL, Pat Harty writes in the Iowa City Press-Citizen. Here's the draft outlook for all of Iowa's NFL hopefuls from The (Cedar Rapids) Gazette's Scott Dochterman.

D.J. Burris doesn't need to be reminded of the way it used to be at Minnesota.

The Golden Gophers weren't just a good rushing offense, but a record-setting one. Minnesota didn't just produce good offensive linemen, but great ones like All-Americans Greg Eslinger and Ben Hamilton.

The team's history isn't lost on Burris and his linemates this spring.

"We're definitely aware of the tradition here about running the football," said Burris, Minnesota's starting center. "That's why we're taking it upon ourselves to get it back."

Pride is the word Burris and even non-linemen like quarterback Adam Weber use to describe what's happening up front this spring in Minneapolis. The team's running game hasn't merely slipped off its perch, but plummeted to the bottom of the Big Ten.

The last two seasons have seemed extremely un-Gopher-like:

• 2008: Minnesota finished last in the Big Ten and 104th nationally in rushing offense (103.8 ypg)
• 2009: Minnesota finished last in the Big Ten and 111th nationally in rushing offense (99.5 ypg)

Part of the problem has been a lack of continuity. Minnesota ran the spread offense under Mike Dunbar in 2007-08, and then switched to a pro-style system, designed to emphasize the power run, under Jedd Fisch last season.

The Gophers are adjusting to another new coordinator this spring, as Jeff Horton takes over the offense. But Horton's top goal, one the players clearly appreciate, is simplifying a convoluted system and identifying the hallmarks for the unit to succeed.

"We know where we're going as an offense," said Burris, who started at guard as a freshman before moving to center the last two seasons. "Our playbook's a lot thinner, and we know exactly what we're doing on every play now, so it's nice. Every season, it's been something new, something new, and then this year we simplified it with what we've already been doing.

"That makes us a lot more comfortable."

Head coach Tim Brewster didn't hide the fact he wanted more toughness from the line this spring, and he has seen the group respond. All five starters are back and continuing to work in the top spots, but they're being pushed by players like Ed Olson and Brooks Michel. Returning starters like Matt Carufel and Jeff Wills are healthier, and massive tackle Jeff Wills has slimmed down a bit.

During an April 10 scrimmage, the line started slow but got stronger as things went along, creating holes for backs DeLeon Eskridge and Duane Bennett.

Weber, who has a vested interested in the line's performance, has seen a difference this spring.

"They’re playing with confidence and they’re playing with pride," he said. "You can definitely tell, when it’s third-and-1, when it’s fourth-and-1, they can sense that they need to pick up their game a little bit, and we've been winning a lot of those battles."

After being pushed around too much the last two seasons, Burris and his crew expect to turn the tables this fall.

"As an offensive line, that's where your pride comes from, when you can walk into a game and you can run the ball up and down the field," he said. "That's when you feel good about yourself."

The Big Ten has announced kickoff times and TV plans for three more games this season, to go along with the nine I posted earlier Wednesday.

Indiana will open the season Sept. 2 against Towson in a game to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET and be televised by the Big Ten Network. Illinois' home opener against Southern Illinois on Sept. 11 will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET and be televised by the Big Ten Network. And Indiana will host Akron on Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. ET in a game televised by the Big Ten Network.

So here are the 12 games hosted by Big Ten teams that we know right now:

Sept. 2: Marshall at Ohio State, Big Ten Network 7:30 p.m. ET; Towson at Indiana, Big Ten Network, 7:30 p.m. ET
Sept. 11: Miami at Ohio State, ESPN, 3:40 p.m. ET; Southern Illinois at Illinois, Big Ten Network, 7:30 p.m. ET
Sept. 18: Notre Dame at Michigan State, ABC, 8 p.m. ET
Sept. 25: Akron at Indiana, Big Ten Network, 7 p.m. ET; Northern Illinois at Minnesota, Big Ten Network, 8:30 p.m. ET
Oct. 2: Penn State at Iowa, ABC or ESPN or ESPN2, 8 p.m. ET
Oct. 9: Purdue at Northwestern, Big Ten Network, 7:30 p.m. ET
Oct. 16: Ohio State at Wisconsin, ESPN or ESPN2, 7:15 p.m. ET
Oct. 30: Ohio State at Minnesota, ABC or ESPN or ESPN2, 8 p.m. ET; Michigan at Penn State, ABC or ESPN or ESPN2, 8 p.m. ET

Every Big Ten team will play at least one prime-time game this season, and nine schools will host a prime-time game. Ohio State will play four games in prime time, while Indiana, Minnesota and Penn State each will play two each.

In case you forgot, Big Ten policy prohibits home night games after Nov. 1.

Forget about this expansion chatter. The moment you've been waiting for has arrived, as ESPN today announced six football matchups involving Big Ten teams for the 2010 season.

Without further ado, here are the game times and TV plans (not all are night games):


Sept. 11: Miami at Ohio State, ESPN, 3:40 p.m. ET
Sept. 18: Notre Dame at Michigan State, ABC, 8 p.m. ET
Oct. 2: Penn State at Iowa, ABC or ESPN or ESPN2, 8 p.m. ET
Oct. 16: Ohio State at Wisconsin, ESPN or ESPN2, 7:15 p.m. ET
Oct. 30: Ohio State at Minnesota, ABC or ESPN or ESPN2, 8 p.m. ET
Oct. 30: Michigan at Penn State, ABC or ESPN or ESPN2, 8 p.m. ET

Also, the Big Ten Network announced several primetime matchups.

Sept. 2: Marshall at Ohio State, 7:30 p.m. ET
Sept. 25: Northern Illinois at Minnesota, 8:30 p.m. ET
Oct. 9: Purdue at Northwestern, 7:30 p.m. ET

It's no surprise Ohio State will get top billing as it makes a push for the national championship. I'm glad to see Penn State-Iowa at night, as last year's game in Happy Valley had an electric atmosphere and Kinnick Stadium is a great setting for night football. Penn State, of course, will get to host a game under the lights as Michigan visits on Oct. 30.

Minnesota has one of the nation's most attractive home schedules, as USC, Ohio State, Penn State and Iowa visit TCF Bank Stadium. The Gophers play two home night games.

It looks like the Big Ten will stick to its original timetable for the expansion study, 12-18 months. But commissioner Jim Delany addresses reporters today at BCS meetings, so it'll be interesting to see what he has to say.

• Pac-10 blogger Ted Miller is at BCS meetings all week -- follow him here -- and he recaps the expansion buzz of Day 1. Pac-10 commissioner Larry Scott, by the way, doesn't see an urgent need for his league to expand, Miller writes.
• Everyone else is waiting to see what the Big Ten does, SI.com's Andy Staples writes.
• Penn State president Graham Spanier says you'll keep waiting because nothing is imminent, Dave Curtis writes in The Sporting News.
• SI.com's Stewart Mandel has a good look at frequently asked questions about possible Big Ten expansion.
• There's a slight leader in Illinois' quarterback race, and it's redshirt freshman Nathan Scheelhaase, Shannon Ryan writes in the Chicago Tribune.
• Purdue adds junior college safety Max Charlot to help its revamped secondary this fall, Mike Carmin writes in The (Lafayette) Journal and Courier.
• DeLeon Eskridge and Duane Bennett are still competing for a starting job at Minnesota, but both backs look improved this spring, Kent Youngblood writes in the Star Tribune.
• Bryan Bulaga is the latest promising offensive lineman to come out of Iowa, Dan Pompei writes in the Chicago Tribune. Iowa is on the board for 2011 recruiting, and the team addresses a need at wide receiver, Andy Hamilton writes in the Iowa City Press-Citizen. Iowa has named its leadership group for 2010.
• Michigan's spring game helped its recruiting efforts, Josh Helmholdt writes in the Detroit Free Press. The problems continue for former Wolverines cornerback Boubacar Cissoko.
• Indiana football players pay an important visit to a children's hospital in Indy, Dustin Dopirak writes in The (Bloomington) Herald-Times.

Penn State went through a spell of player arrests. So did Iowa. Michigan State wants to finally move past the residence hall mess that resulted in 11 players pleading guilty to assault.

Now Minnesota appears to be the Big Ten team struggling to keep its players out of the blotter.

Gophers junior linebacker Gary Tinlsey faces two felony charges and three misdemeanors following his arrest early Sunday. According to Minneapolis police, Tinsley, 20, and another person were driving mopeds in the wrong direction down a one-way street when an officer ordered them to stop. Both kept driving and one of them, later identified as Tinsley, fled on foot before being caught by University of Minnesota police.

Tinsley, a projected starter at linebacker, faces felony charges of fleeing police in a vehicle and on foot, as well as misdemeanor charges of driving while intoxicated, reckless driving and traffic law enforcement. He remained in Hennepin County jail as of Monday night. No disciplinary action has been announced yet, but Minnesota officials, including athletics director Joel Maturi, are gathering more information about Tinsley's case.

"We're disappointed," Maturi told the (St. Paul) Pioneer Press. "We're frustrated. I believe we'll handle it appropriately. Once we know all the facts, we'll make a decision on how to respond."

Tinsley also was cited for underage drinking and fleeing police following an alleged fight in late September, though he wasn't suspended from the team.

Minnesota has endured several other player arrests in the last four months. Starting safety Kyle Theret was indefinitely suspended last month after being cited for driving while impaired. Linebacker Sam Maresh, a candidate for a starting position whose comeback from a heart ailment attracted national attention, twice has been cited for underage drinking in recent weeks.

Two other Minnesota players, running back Kevin Whaley and offensive lineman Ryan Wynn, were arrested during the team's trip to the Insight Bowl in Arizona. Whaley, who came to Minnesota with a checkered past, left the team following a suspension, while Wynn is practicing this spring. Cornerback Michael Carter was arrested in November but didn't face a suspension.

The incidents are adding up, which isn't a good sign heading into a pivotal year for this program and its coaching staff.

Head coach Tim Brewster started his Minnesota tenure by making a strong statement on conduct when he dismissed four players allegedly involved in a rape of an 18-year-old woman, including star cornerback Dominic Jones.

"We spend a considerable amount of time addressing our players regarding their personal conduct and we will not compromise our values," Brewster said in a statement at the time. "We are establishing a culture of integrity and we will demand that our players are held accountable for their actions."

Sounds like it's time for this message to be relayed to Minnesota players once again.

We'll begin with a little under-the-radar topic called conference expansion, and move forward from there.

• Conferences are thinking about both expansion and extinction this week at BCS meetings, Pete Thamel writes in The New York Times.
• CBSsports.com's Dennis Dodd rates the Big Ten expansion candidates.
• A bigger Big Ten is not necessarily a better one, Brian Cook writes in The Sporting Blog.
• A good look at the Big Ten and the BCS meetings from the Chicago Tribune's Teddy Greenstein.
• My ESPN.com colleague Ted Miller, who covers the Pac-10, will be at BCS meetings all week, and he's got a primer here.
• Missouri coach Gary Pinkel loves the Big 12, but he sounds willing to leave the league because of its uneven revenue sharing, Vahe Gregorian writes in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
• Colleague Brian Bennett wonders if this is the beginning of the end for the Big East.
• The (Cedar Rapids) Gazette's Scott Dochterman looks at a possible 16-team Big Ten.

Had enough expansion? Never! OK, some actual football links.

• Mikel LeShoure's ankle injury has kept the Illinois' running back competition open, Bob Asmussen writes in The (Champaign) News-Gazette.
• Speaking of open competitions, Purdue's offensive line has plenty of them, Mike Carmin writes in The (Lafayette) Journal and Courier.
• The off-field troubles continue for Minnesota as linebacker Gary Tinsley was arrested early Sunday.
• Converted quarterback Keith Nichol continues to make strides for Michigan State at wide receiver, Shannon Shelton writes in the Detroit Free Press.
• Recruit Jamel Turner's future with Ohio State is uncertain after the shooting incident last weekend, Ken Gordon writes in The Columbus Dispatch.
• A look at Iowa's retooled offensive line and the rest of the team coming out of spring ball from The (Cedar Rapids) Gazette's Marc Morehouse.

Gearing up for a big week in the Big Ten.

• The Big Ten needs to force Notre Dame's hand with the expansion push, Bob Hunter writes in The Columbus Dispatch.
• Ohio State's defense dominated Saturday's jersey scrimmage, leaving the offense stunned, Doug Lesmerises writes in The Cleveland Plain Dealer.
• Ron Zook's top recruits at Illinois this winter were his new coordinators, Herb Gould writes in the Chicago Sun-Times.
• Wide receiver Kraig Appleton won't return to Wisconsin, while two teammates could work their way back, Jeff Potrykus writes in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Badgers backup quarterback Jon Budmayr looked shaky in the spring game, Tom Oates writes in the Wisconsin State Journal.
• Iowa passes the eye test in spring practice, Pat Harty writes in the Iowa City Press-Citizen. Jeff Tarpinian steps up as the Hawkeyes' top middle linebacker, Marc Morehouse writes in The (Cedar Rapids) Gazette.
• Michigan's quarterbacks scramble and buy time, just like head coach Rich Rodriguez, and all parties need to make progress in 2010, Bob Wojnowski writes in The Detroit News. Wolverines' safety Cameron Gordon stepped up for the team and switched positions, Mark Snyder writes in the Detroit Free Press.
• With few healthy running backs on the field, Purdue's quarterbacks stood out in Saturday's spring game, Mike Carmin writes in The (Lafayette) Journal and Courier.
• Michigan State is building depth at running back with freshmen Nick Hill and Le'Veon Bell, Joe Rexrode writes in the Lansing State Journal.
• Minnesota safety Kim Royston underwent leg surgery Friday, and there's a chance he could be back for the season opener, Kent Youngblood writes in the Star Tribune.
• Former Penn State linebacker Sean Lee could be a sleeper pick in this weekend's draft, Keith Pompey writes in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Just a quick note about e-mails before I get started. Feel free to write as long as you'd like, but if you want to see something posted in the mailblog, try to keep it as brief and to the point as possible. It also helps me read through things a little faster if you write shorter.

OK, now let's get started.

Sam from Minneapolis writes: Hey Adam-Would love to hear about anything Gopher related that doesn't have to do with the QB competition or Brewster's hot seat. Any other positions or matchups that you can break down for us?Thanks

Adam Rittenberg: Sam, I'll get into this more next week, but Minnesota's offensive line seems to be turning a corner this spring, which is a very good sign. From talking with center D.J. Burris, the linemen know their play the last few years hasn't been up to par, and they've really rededicated themselves to becoming better run blockers and playing as a unit. Quarterback Adam Weber told me he sees a clear difference with the line this spring, and Burris pointed to a more simplified offense under coordinator Jeff Horton as being beneficial. I was also struck by this quote from tackle Jeff Wills to the Star Tribune about former coordinator Jedd Fisch: "Last year [Fisch] preached running the ball. But we knew, deep down, he wasn't into running the ball. I think this coach [Horton], with his history, we know he's down to run the ball. He wants a physical team." Pretty candid stuff there from Wills.

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Vince from San Diego writes: How about Iowa-PSU to end the season? The PSU-MSU game has not been competitive or even watchable the last two years. PSU won 6 of 8; of those six wins, four wins were by 54, 24, 31 and 28. It makes for an anticlimactic ending to the Big Ten regular season. Iowa has had their way with Minnesota and its not like their is any tangible rivalry there. The Big Ten could end with OSU-UM and PSU-Iowa for a really good last weekend of football to tide us over until the bowl season.

Adam Rittenberg: Interesting thought, Vince. Since I'm not as emotionally tied to the rivalries as Big Ten fans, I'll throw this out there for you folks to debate. Send me your responses for Tuesday's mailblog. I doubt Penn State and Michigan State would mind moving their game. I'd imagine there would be a little more resistance for Iowa and Minnesota fans, since their rivalry has much more history and goes back generations. The Iowa-Minnesota rivalry is real, but the recent games haven't been memorable. Since I've started this blog, the Iowa-Penn State rivalry has certainly grown and will continue to do so for future years. It would be a fun end-of-season game.

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Jordan from Iowa City, Iowa, writes: I wanted to know your take on the eye black/taunting rules approved by the NCAA. I for one think taunting is tacky...looking at you SEC and Pac 10 (2-5 bowl record complaining about the weather and the officials, could you tell Ted Miller to suck it up)... and I must say I'm pretty impressed with the class the Big Ten players and coaches display by winning the right way. As for the eye black...not such a big deal for me, but it seems a little too much to make it a rule.

Adam Rittenberg: I don't like the taunting rules, unless it's a real blatant case. You need emotion to play college football, and 19-year-olds shouldn't have to tone it down so some geezers can feel better about watching games. Again, if it's blatant and disrespectful, throw a flag. But I hated seeing what happened to Jake Locker a few years ago against BYU. Terrible call there. As for the eye black, I don't have a strong opinion either way. These players know they get a ton of exposure, and they'll find ways to get their messages out there.

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Greg from East Lansing, Mich., writes: I?ve always read your blog with a skeptical eye. You being a California native who didn?t start out covering the Big Ten, I always kind of assumed one of the Big Ten biased media had Trojan horsed his way into a Big Ten blog. But after you got a little feisty with that Oregon fan in your mail-blog, my respect for you grew. I know you?ll say that your comments on Big Ten defenses, and the bowl results, came from an objective, journalistic place?but I can?t help but feel that maybe you?re time blogging these past few years has Big Tenned you a little?

Adam Rittenberg: Wow, Greg, I'm surprised you remembered that much about my past. I try to keep my coverage as unbiased as possible, but I'm definitely a Big Ten guy now. Grew up rooting for Cal, but I've been in Big Ten country for almost 11 years now. Attended a Big Ten school and seen multiple Big Ten games on every campus. I love covering this league. I'll always defend the Big Ten when I think it's necessary, but when the league deserves some heat, I'll provide it without hesitation.

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Michael from St. Louis writes: If the B10 adds another member, gets its championship game, but loses a BCS berth in the process the teams will end up splitting the same-sized pie more ways. Could expanding by 3 or more teams be a way to get the championship revenue AND keep the seemingly annual at-large BCS berth? Out of 14 teams the odds seem better that 2 will be in the top 10.

Adam Rittenberg: Good comment here, Michael. It would depend on which three teams you add. If you're adding three teams without much history of reaching BCS bowls, either with automatic berths or at-large berths, you're probably not helping. If one of those additions is Notre Dame, however, you greatly enhance your chances of an at-large berth because BCS bowls will take the Irish without hesitation as long as they're eligible (big question mark). So it has to be the right three teams. Do Rutgers, Connecticut and Pitt really enhance your chances? I'd feel better about Nebraska and Notre Dame.

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Dustin from Clive, Iowa, writes: What's up with [Adrian] Clayborn not being on the Lott trophy watch list? Is it because of the misdemeanor he received for the incident with the cab driver? That would be the only thing I can think of, otherwise that is just a huge oversight by whoever chooses the watch list candidates.

Adam Rittenberg: You know, Dustin, I was thinking about this very thing while driving to Iowa City today. I don't know the ins and outs of the Lott Trophy selection, but I might give them a call to ask about Clayborn. The cab driver incident certainly could have played a role, but Clayborn has been portrayed as a model citizen and teammate by Iowa coaches and players. He's one of the Hawkeyes' team leaders, and he seems like a great guy in my interactions with him. That was a bit surprising to see him off the list.

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Edward from Chicago writes: Adam, saw you on campus at North Park today (unless it was your twin). I made a friendly wager with a close friend that my Illini will end the season with more wins than Michigan. Should I be worried?

Adam Rittenberg: Ha, that was me! My wife works at North Park, and we were out enjoying what likely will be the last 80-degree day in Chicago until July. As for your bet, it could be tough. While Michigan has a ton of issues and scrutiny right now, the Wolverines boast more talent than Illinois and should be potent on offense. Illinois really needs to surprise people on both sides of the ball, especially after all the changes. Maybe your bet will come down to the No. 6 game between the Illini and Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. That would be fun.

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Kelly from Manassas writes: One of these days you will come to grips with the fact that I know more about what is going in at Michigan than you do. 10 wins is what he needs to keep his job, and those are not my words but rather a former player and booster who I will not name.

Adam Rittenberg: Kelly, I came to grips with that a long time ago. I'd be highly surprised if Michigan fires Rich Rodriguez after a 10-2 season, and somewhat surprised if he goes after a nine-win season. Eight wins is sort of the hazy area in my mind. Would they keep him at 8-4? Depends on the NCAA stuff and who the wins came against. Anything less than eight wins, and it'd be tough to see this staff back in 2011.

In Hawkeye Country today.

• Quarterback Tate Forcier's sprained foot might keep him out of Michigan's spring game, annarbor.com's Dave Birkett writes. Michigan picks up a quality commitment from defensive end Brennen Beyer.
• Penn State running back Michael Zordich receives his second alcohol-related citation, Bob Flounders writes in The (Harrisburg) Patriot-News.
• Playing football is a dream for Indiana defensive end Kevin Bush after he served a tour in Iraq, Dustin Dopirak writes in The (Bloomington) Herald-Times (subscription required).
• Jermale Hines and Tyler Moeller are Ohio State's top two safeties this spring, but the Buckeyes want a third contributor to emerge at the "star" spot, Doug Lesmerises writes in The Cleveland Plain Dealer.
• After a rough 2009 season, Michigan State cornerback Johnny Adams is back in the fold, Joe Rexrode writes in the Lansing State Journal. Keith Nichol's switch to wide receiver is paying off, Eric Lacy writes in The Detroit News.
• Iowa offensive coordinator Ken O'Keefe knows Ricky Stanzi must cut his interceptions total "dramatically," Marc Morehouse writes in The (Cedar Rapids) Gazette. You won't see Iowa's top running backs in Saturday's spring game, Don Doxsie writes in the Quad-City Times.
• Northwestern turns in its best practice of the spring, Teddy Greenstein writes in the Chicago Tribune.
• This spring, Minnesota's offensive linemen are welcoming a simplified scheme and a coordinator truly committed to the run game, Kent Youngblood writes in the Star Tribune.
• Penn State's lack of seasoning this spring is frustrating JoePa, Jeff Rice writes in the Centre Daily Times.
• Wisconsin picks up a 2011 commitment from tight end Sam Arneson, Tom Mulhern writes in the Wisconsin State Journal.

Safety figured to be one of Minnesota's strongest positions in 2010, but the Gophers' situation in the secondary is very much in doubt after Tuesday's practice.

Starting free safety Kim Royston broke two bones in his lower left leg Tuesday and is sidelined indefinitely. Royston, a transfer from Wisconsin who started all 13 games last season, underwent surgery Tuesday night to stabilize the leg and will have another surgery later in the week.

His status for the 2010 season is unknown at this stage. Royston's father told the (St. Paul) Pioneer Press that they'll know more after the second surgery.

"It's a tough loss," head coach Tim Brewster told the Star Tribune. "We were in a 7-on-7 drill. He just got tangled up and fell awkwardly and broke his lower leg pretty good."

Brewster, in a text message to ESPN.com, wrote that there's a chance Royston can return for the fall.

Royston finished third on the team in tackles with 86 last season to go along with seven passes defended, an interception, a forced fumble and a sack. He finished with his best performance in the Insight Bowl, recording 15 tackles and a forced fumble against Iowa State.

Minnesota is already practicing without its other starting safety, Kyle Theret, indefinitely suspended after being cited for driving while impaired last month.

The Gophers need several unproven players to step up at safety during the final week and a half of spring ball.