Big Ten Update

With fantasy stud Rashard Mendenhall gone to the NFL, its on Juice Williams to become the big play-maker for the Fighting Illini in 2008.

Bad news for Illini fans as starting wide receiver Jeff Cumberland injured his foot and had to have a pin inserted. He is expected to miss 2-4 weeks.

Indiana

Kellen Lewis completed six of his 16 passes and rushed for eight yards on ten carries (0.8 ypc) in Indiana's latest scrimmage. Numbers that do not bode well for a player who is still involved in a quarterback battle.

Lewis has begun to explain as to why he was suspended from the Hoosier football team.

Iowa

Head coach Kirk Ferentz was not pleased with the effort of his offense over the weekend even though the top three pass catchers were not available (tight end Tony Moeaki and receivers Andy Brodell and Trey Stross). The defense did not have the same issues apparently.

Michigan

RichRod may have finally decided on a quarterback. Or two.

True freshman are becoming an important part of the Michigan offense this fall. Sam McGuffie, Michael Shaw and Darryl Stonum are the names to watch. Stonum could be the deep threat that the Maize and Blue will need now that Super Mario Manningham is gone.

Michigan State

MLive's Chris MacKinder says watch out for freshman Keshawn Martin.

Quarterback Brian Hoyer is taking it upon himself to raise the expectations for the 2008 version of the Spartans. A heart-breaking loss to Wisconsin last season has him motivated. With all the fantasy talent on Sparty's offense, this could be bad news for the rest of the conference.

Starting safety Roderick Jenrette "has been asked to take an indefinite leave of absence from the team to address a personal matter." Also, Spartans sophomore Enrique Shaw has left the program voluntarily creating an area of concern for Mark D'Antonio.

Minnesota

The Golden Gophers defense was horrendous in 2007. So a solid day on the field against the starting offense was a welcome sign in Minnesota camp this weekend.

Offensively, coach Tim Brewster is excited about his spread offense, but is aware there will be growing pains. Freshman Brandon Green and Broderick Smith have already begun to impress.

Northwestern

The only real question for an offense loaded with fantasy options is how will the team adapt to the new system of a new coach. Eric Peterman seems to be very excited to be playing in the new Mike McCall offensive scheme.

A healthy Tyrell Sutton could mean big things for this Northwestern Wildcats football team.

The Wildcats wrapped up their final practice after 10 days of camping in Kenosha, Wis.

Ohio State

We all know about Terrelle Pryor's unreal athletic ability. On Saturday, he was out to show us his arm too.

Among other pre-season awards candidates, three Buckeyes were named to the Walter Camp Award Watch List: running back Chris Wells, cornerback Malcolm Jenkins and linebacker James Laurinaitis.

The first open practice for the Buckeyes was held at Ohio Stadium Monday night. Tim May of the Columbus Dispatch along with 12,000 fans observed the session.

Penn State

The hype surrounding reshirt freshman tailback Stephfon Green continues to grow and will soon be at mythical proportions. While he may not even be the starter, Green will certainly open eyes in Happy Valley this fall.

After losing standout linebacker Sean Lee for the season with a torn ACL, the Nittany Lions have been dealt another blow to the defensvie depth chart.

Purdue

Running back Jaycen Taylor was headed for the starting line-up ahead of Kory Sheets. However, a leg injury has put Sheets back into the starting backfield. At least for now.

If Sheets expects to be a top fantasy option - even with Taylor out - he will have to do a better job of holding onto the football. He is working on it.

Wisconsin

P.J. Hill is back and lighter than ever, however, Badger fans can still expect at least three guys to consistently get carries this fall.

The Badgers, like many other college football teams right now, are trying to work through a rash of injuries. Tight end Travis Beckum, linebacker Jonathan Cassillas and both injured corners Aaron Henry and Allan Langford are working to get back on the field - among others.

Wisconsin is expected to name a starting quarterback on Wednesday.

Head coach Bret Bielema has joined the blog-o-sphere.