From Deseret News archives:
Big Ten at a glance
1. OHIO STATE — The Buckeyes' defense returns just two starters and loses ferocious linebacker A.J. Hawk and a trio of talented defensive backs in Ashton Youboty, Donte Whitner and Nate Salley. Besides wide receiver and first-round draft pick Santonio Holmes, the offense said goodbye to top linemen Rob Sims and Nick Mangold ... Versatile Ted Ginn Jr. becomes the top passing catching threat for Troy Smith, and 1,000-yard rusher Antonio Pittman returns ... Key game comes early in the second week when the Buckeyes play at Texas.
2. MICHIGAN — The Wolverines are coming off a five-loss season, their worst in Lloyd Carr's tenure that began in 1995, but have 18 starters returning ... Chad Henne, who threw 23 TD passes and just eight interceptions, heads an offense hoping for a healthy season from RB Mike Hart, who as a freshman two years ago led the league in rushing ... DB Leon Hall counted on for leadership.
3. IOWA — The Hawkeyes have RB Albert Young, who rushed for 1,334 yards, and Drew Tate, who threw 22 TD passes. It's defense where Iowa will have to plug holes, most notably those created by the departures of LBs Abdul Hodge and Chad Greenway ... Renovated Kinnick Stadium has received a $90 million overhaul.
4. WISCONSIN — The Badgers return eight defensive starters, a steady leader in John Stocco and an all-league OT Joe Thomas, but lost 1,600-yard rusher Brian Calhoun ... Rookie coach Bret Bielema is only 36 and was hand-picked by Barry Alvarez to succeed him. Alvarez's office as athletic director is not far away. But Bielema says the former coach who won three Rose Bowls has kept his distance.
5. PURDUE — A favorable league schedule didn't help much last season when the Boilermakers had their first losing season under Joe Tiller since he arrived in 1997. But for a second straight season, Purdue doesn't have to play Ohio State or Michigan ... Curtis Painter has a standout receiver in Dorien Bryant ... Bill Legg and Ed Zaunbrecher will share offensive coordinators' job.
6. PENN STATE — Joe Paterno, 79, is starting his 41st season as head coach with no plans to retire ... The Nittany Lions must replace 13 starters lost from offense and defense, none as important as the elusive and versatile Michael Robinson. Anthony Morelli attempted 20 passes last season ... Penn State is counting on preseason defensive player of the year Paul Posluszny to be full strength after hurting his knee in the Orange Bowl victory over Florida State.
