After posting a 2-4 bowl record in both 2000 and 2001, the Big Ten bounced back in a huge way in 2002. Not only did Ohio State win the national title, but the conference also won the ESPN Bowl Challenge Cup with a 5-2 overall record. Four of the five teams even won as an underdog. For at least another half year, the Big Ten holds national bragging rights.

Illinois Fighting Illini

2003 Schedule 8-30 vs. Missouri (St. Louis) 9-6 Illinois State 9-13 at UCLA 9-20 California 9-27 Wisconsin 10-4 at Purdue 10-11 Michigan State 10-18 at Michigan 10-25 Minnesota 11-1 at Iowa 11-8 at Indiana 11-22 Northwestern 2002 overall record: 5-7 Conference record: 4-4 Returning starters Offense: 6 Defense: 7 Kicker/Punter: 1 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Antoineo Harris (1,330 yds) Passing: Jon Beutjer* (2,511 yds) Receiving: Brandon Lloyd (1,010 yds) Tackles: Jerry Schumacher (122) Sacks: Jerry Schumacher and Derrick Strong* (5 each) Interceptions: Michael Hall (2) Spring Answers: The Illini are feeling pretty good about their depth at linebacker. Two of three starters return, and both are fighting to keep their starting jobs. Matt Sinclair emerged in the middle as both a starter and a leader. … True freshman E.B. Halsey enrolled in January and showed great potential at running back. Whether he starts or not, he should share time with Morris Virgil this fall. … A needed replacement at FG kicker was found in kickoff man John Gockman. He beat out J.J. Tubbs by showing better consistency on short-range kicks. Fall Questions: The top-four receivers from last year are gone, and only one returning receiver has a catch in a college game (1 catch for 12 yards). Safety Eric McGoey might be called on to play some at wideout. … Both starters at corner were also lost. Christian Morton, who has previously started, will man one corner, but the other side will have almost no experience. … Bucky Babcock moved from right guard to right tackle, leaving very little playing experience at guard, as well. Production from that position will be key to sustaining the level of play the line has developed under coach Ron Turner.

Indiana Hoosiers

2003 Schedule 8-30 at Connecticut 9-6 at Washington 9-13 Indiana State 9-20 Kentucky 9-27 at Michigan 10-4 at Michigan State 10-11 Northwestern 10-25 Ohio State 11-1 at Minnesota 11-8 Illinois 11-15 at Penn State 11-22 Purdue 2002 overall record: 3-9 Conference record: 1-7 Returning starters Offense: 7, Defense: 7, Kicker/Punter: 1 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Yamar Washington* (688 yds) Passing: Gibran Hamdan (2,115 yds) Receiving: Courtney Roby* (1,039 yds) Tackles: Herana-Daze Jones* (108) Sacks: Kris Dielman (5) Interceptions: Damien Jones* (3) Spring Answers: Notre Dame transfer Matt LoVecchio solidified himself as the starter at quarterback, showing a very good handle of the Hoosiers' West Coast offense. He will have plenty of help in the passing game, as Indiana returns its top six receivers from last season. … Herana-Daze Jones led the team in tackles as a linebacker last season but was moved to strong safety in the spring. He continued to make plays there, giving IU the ability to get more of its best players on the field. … Sophomore linebacker Kyle Killion and redshirt freshman defensive end Kenny Kendal also earned starting jobs from great productivity in the spring. Fall Questions: The biggest battle might be at running back, where Yamar Washington and Brian Lewis are in competition. They split time last season when Lewis was healthy, but Washington seemed to have better instincts on the goalline. … The team still needs to increase size and depth on both the offensive and defensive lines, and the hope is that several members of the incoming signing class will help toward that end. Offensive lineman Brandon Joyce and defensive linemen Luis Hernandez and Joel Stubblefield could all potentially make an impact this fall.

Iowa Hawkeyes

2003 Schedule 8-30 Miami (Ohio) 9-6 Buffalo 9-13 at Iowa State 9-20 Arizona State 9-27 at Michigan State 10-4 Michigan 10-18 at Ohio State 10-25 Penn State 11-1 Illinois 11-8 at Purdue 11-15 Minnesota 11-22 at Wisconsin 2002 overall record: 11-2 Conference record: 8-0 Returning starters Offense: 4, Defense: 7, Kicker/Punter: 2 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Fred Russell* (1,264 yds) Passing: Brad Banks (2,573 yds) Receiving: Maurice Brown* (966 yds) Tackles: Fred Barr (114) Sacks: Matt Roth* (10) Interceptions: Jovon Johnson* and Derek Pagel (4 each) Spring Answers: Senior Nathan Chandler earned the starting spot at QB, replacing Brad Banks. He attempted only 20 passes last year, but still had a huge experience edge on the other two candidates, who are both redshirt freshmen. … Iowa lost four starters on the offensive line, but their replacements are mostly upperclassmen who just lack game experience. The coaches believe the new unit will be solid after a few games of working together. … There was also encouraged from the play at linebacker. Sophomore Abdul Hodge earned the starting spot in the middle, as did Chad Greenway on the weakside. Neither is extremely big, but they both have good speed. Fall Questions: With Jermelle Lewis injured in the spring and uncertain for the upcoming season, depth at running back behind Fred Russell is a concern. Incoming freshmen Albert Young and A.J. Johnson might have a shot to play. … Iowa also needs depth at receiver behind Maurice Brown and Ed Hinkle. Two key reserves missed much of the spring with injuries and still need more reps. … In addition to losing seven starters on offense, the Hawkeyes lost Indiana and Northwestern from the Big Ten schedule and added Ohio State and Illinois.

Michigan Wolverines

2003 Schedule 8-30 Central Michigan 9-6 Houston 9-13 Notre Dame 9-20 at Oregon 9-27 Indiana 10-4 at Iowa 10-11 at Minnesota 10-18 Illinois 10-25 Purdue 11-1 at Michigan State 11-15 at Northwestern 11-22 Ohio State 2002 Overall record: 10-3 Conference record: 6-2 Returning starters Offense: 7, Defense: 6, Kicker/Punter: 2 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Chris Perry* (1,110 yds) Passing: John Navarre* (2,905 yds) Receiving: Braylon Edwards* (1,073 yds) Tackles: Victor Hobson (99) Sacks: Victor Hobson and Shantee Orr (6 each) Interceptions: Marlin Jackson* (3) Spring Answers: Coach Lloyd Carr is very pleased with the depth in the defensive front seven. Linebackers Carl Diggs and Zach Kaufman did not practice in the spring, opening the door for Lawrence Reid and redshirt freshman David Harris to show their skills. … The offensive line continued to improve, and with four returning starters, it could be the best line Carr has had in Ann Arbor … The Wolverines also appear to be loaded at receiver. Five or six guys have experience, and a couple more showed ability in the spring. Don't be surprised to see more three-receiver sets than usual this season. Fall Questions: UM is a little thin at safety, which prompted a look at Marlin Jackson there during the spring. Don't count it out. Michigan has two other good corners, and it would allow them to put their three best cover men on the field at once. If Jackson doesn't make the switch, incoming freshmen Ryan Mundy and Prescott Burgess could compete for the spots. … The field goal kicking saga continues. All three players who attempted kicks last season return, and Adam Finley is helped by making 7 of his last 10 to end the year. True freshman Garrett Rivas will get a shot this fall.

Michigan State Spartans

2003 Schedule 8-30 Western Michigan 9-6 Rutgers 9-13 Louisiana Tech 9-20 at Notre Dame 9-27 Iowa 10-4 Indiana 10-11 at Illinois 10-18 at Minnesota 11-1 Michigan 11-8 at Ohio State 11-15 at Wisconsin 11-22 Penn State 2002 overall record: 4-8 Conference record: 2-6 Returning starters Offense: 6, Defense: 7, Kicker/Punter: 2 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: David Richard (654 yds) Passing: Jeff Smoker* (1,593 yds) Receiving: Charles Rogers (1,351 yds) Tackles: Thomas Wright (126) Sacks: Clifford Dukes* (4) Interceptions: Thomas Wright (4) Spring Answers: The Spartans came out with a new attitude and work ethic under John L. Smith. He declared all jobs to be open for competition and emphasized that there will be no looking back on last year. … Although three starters must be replaced in the secondary, the feeling about the corners is much better. Roderick Maples and Ashton Watson looked solid there in the spring. … After missing more than a year of action from a broken leg in 2001, Tyrell Dortch returned to the practice field and competed with Jaren Hayes at tailback. His appearance was inspirational to his teammates and made the coaches feel better about the position. Fall Questions: Damon Dowdell and redshirt freshman Drew Stanton are the leading candidates at quarterback. Jeff Smoker took only a few snaps with the first team and has not yet been allowed to compete for the starting job, so that he can focus on his off-the-field priorities. … Not only does MSU lose Charles Rogers to the NFL, but it now has an offense that utilizes at least three receivers on every play. There is very little experience or depth at the position, and incoming freshmen such as Terry Love and Jamar Jones could still come in and land a spot in the lineup. … Smith also believes he needs more depth at linebacker, which also translates to special teams talent.

Minnesota Golden Gophers

2003 Schedule 8-30 Tulsa 9-6 Troy State 9-13 at Ohio 9-20 Louisiana-Lafayette 9-27 at Penn State 10-4 at Northwestern 10-11 Michigan 10-18 Michigan State 10-25 at Illinois 11-1 Indiana 11-8 Wisconsin 11-15 at Iowa 2002 overall record: 8-5 Conference record: 3-5 Returning starters Offense: 8, Defense: 8, Kicker/Punter: 0 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Terry Jackson II* (1,317 yds) Passing: Asad Abdul-Khaliq* (2,190 yds) Receiving: Aaron Hosack* (649 yds) Tackles: Eli Ward* (116) Sacks: Charlton Keith* (7) Interceptions: Justin Isom* (3) Spring Answers: Marion Barber III played sparingly with a hamstring injury last year but was back and looking good in the spring, separating himself from Terry Jackson on the depth chart. Jackson ranked fourth in the Big Ten last year with 1,317 rushing yards. … The Gophers must stop the run better, and they addressed some size concerns on defensive line. Anthony Montgomery (315 pounds) was in a backup role last year, while Paul Nixon added 20 pounds and Darrell Reid also added weight. … There is more confidence in the offensive line after spring drill produced two solid replacements at tackle in Rian Melander and Mike Nicholson. Fall Questions: Middle linebacker Ben West didn't play in the spring because of a shoulder injury, so Dominique Sims was moved from safety to battle JuCo transfer Bryant Smith at that position. The spot is still very much up-for-grabs. … Tight end Ben Utecht sat out some of the spring with a foot injury, and his presence is critical to the success of QB Asad Abdul-Khaliq. … The Gophers must replace veterans at kicker and punter, and there is concern because nobody distinguished himself in the spring.

Northwestern Wildcats

2003 Schedule 8-30 at Kansas 9-6 Air Force 9-13 Miami (Ohio) 9-20 at Duke 9-27 at Ohio State 10-4 Minnesota 10-11 at Indiana 10-25 Wisconsin 11-1 at Purdue 11-8 Penn State 11-15 Michigan 11-22 at Illinois 2002 overall record: 3-9 Conference record: 1-7 Returning starters Offense: 8, Defense: 9, Kicker/Punter: 1 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Jason Wright* (1,234 yds) Passing: Brett Basanez* (2,204 yds) Receiving: Jon Schweighardt (719 yds) Tackles: Doug Szymul* (106) Sacks: 4 players tied (1 each) Interceptions: Raheem Covington (4) Spring Answers: Northwestern not only feels better about its defense for this year, but also for years to come. Nine starters return on that side of the ball, and only two are seniors. The focus of the spring was improving against the run, and coaches felt that progress was made. The team had eight sacks in the spring game after getting just six in all of 2002. Individually, Barry Cofield looked strong at defensive end after playing a reserve role as a freshman. … The coaches also feel good about the QB situation with Brett Basanez firmly entrenched as the starter and Alexander Webb as his backup. Fall Questions: Austin King and Jeff Roehl will be tough to replace on the offensive line, and injuries to some key players in the spring did not allow the unit to gain as much experience together as they would have liked. Depth is also a concern on the line. … Middle linebacker Pat Durr missed all but six plays of last season with an ACL injury and didn't have contact in the spring. His presence will be needed this season. … A couple of redshirt freshmen are competing for the field goal kicking chores, and they must be more consistent than they were in the spring.

Ohio State Buckeyes

2003 Schedule 8-30 Washington 9-6 San Diego State 9-13 North Carolina State 9-20 Bowling Green 9-27 Northwestern 10-11 at Wisconsin 10-18 Iowa 10-25 at Indiana 11-1 at Penn State 11-8 Michigan State 11-15 Purdue 11-22 at Michigan 2002 overall record: 14-0 Conference record: 8-0 Returning starters Offense: 11, Defense: 6, Kicker/Punter: 1 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Maurice Clarett* (1,237 yds) Passing: Craig Krenzel* (2,110 yds) Receiving: Michael Jenkins* (1,076 yds) Tackles: Matt Wilhelm (121) Sacks: Darrion Scott* (8.5) Interceptions: Chris Gamble* (4) Spring Answers: Since all 11 starters return on offense, the Buckeyes weren't looking for a lot of answers, but they were looking to solidify depth. Young receivers Santonio Holmes and Roy Hall both showed a lot of ability, so there is now plenty of confidence in three and four-receiver sets. Also, several underclassmen developed on the offensive line, and that unit seems to be at least two-deep at each position. … On defense, both safeties departed, including All-America Mike Doss, but everyone feels very good about Will Allen and Nate Salley. Fall Questions: OSU is hoping Fred Pagac Jr. will replace Matt Wilhelm at middle linebacker, but Pagac was very limited in the spring after shoulder surgery and doesn't have much chemistry with the first team yet. … Will the inexperienced receivers and DBs be ready to step up if the Buckeyes don't avoid serious injuries like they did last year? … Sustaining hunger is always a hot topic for a defending national champ, and Ohio State can't afford to play uninspired. There are non-conference games against Washington and NC State as well as conference games at Michigan and at Penn State.

Penn State Nittany Lions

2003 Schedule 8-30 Temple 9-6 Boston College 9-13 at Nebraska 9-20 Kent State 9-27 Minnesota 10-4 Wisconsin 10-11 at Purdue 10-25 at Iowa 11-1 Ohio State 11-8 at Northwestern 11-15 Indiana 11-22 at Michigan State 2002 overall record: 9-4 Conference record: 5-3 Returning starters Offense: 5, Defense: 6, Kicker/Punter: 1 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Larry Johnson (2,087 yds) Passing: Zack Mills* (2,417 yds) Receiving: Bryant Johnson (917 yds) Tackles: Shawn Mayer (144) Sacks: Michael Haynes (15) Interceptions: Shawn Mayer and Bryan Scott (4 each) Spring Answers: The Nittany Lions lost leading receiver Bryant Johnson, but four or five guys stepped up in the spring and eased concerns about the position. Kinta Palmer is currently leading the pack at Johnson's spot. … There was also a big loss at defensive tackle, where PSU had one of the nation's best tandems last year. Sophomore Tamba Hali established himself at one spot, while redshirt freshman Levi Brown took the other, giving the team a young duo that could play together for years. … Calvin Lowry broke a leg after starting two of the first four games last year as a true freshman. He has now recovered and looks like the probable starter at strong safety. Fall Questions: Replacing Larry Johnson will obviously be a huge challenge. At least four guys are still in the mix, including leading returning rusher Mike Gasparato (158 yards). The wildcard is star recruit Austin Scott, who rushed for 3,863 yards and scored 53 TD as a high school senior. … Chemistry on the offensive line is a concern after losing four starters, but there are encouraging signs. E.Z. Smith has previously started at guard, and center David Costlow was voted most improved offensive player. … The inexperienced lines will be tested early, as two of the first three games are against BC and Nebraska.

Purdue Boilermakers

2003 Schedule 9-6 Bowling Green 9-13 at Wake Forest 9-20 Arizona 9-27 Notre Dame 10-4 Illinois 10-11 Penn State 10-18 at Wisconsin 10-25 at Michigan 11-1 Northwestern 11-8 Iowa 11-15 at Ohio State 11-22 at Indiana 2002 overall record: 7-6 Conference record: 4-4 Returning starters Offense: 8, Defense: 9, Kicker/Punter: 2 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Joey Harris* (1,115 yds) Passing: Kyle Orton* (2,257 yds) Receiving: John Standeford* (1,307 yds) Tackles: Niko Koutouvides* (121) Sacks: Shaun Phillips* (6) Interceptions: Niko Koutouvides* (3) and Jacques Reeves* (3) Spring Answers: The QB battle between Kyle Orton and Brandon Kirsch might not be over yet, but Orton played extremely well in the spring and is clearly No. 1 at the moment. … One of the few concerns on offense was the left tackle spot, and redshirt freshman Mike Otto emerged as the starter there after an impressive spring. … Coaches are more than thrilled with the depth at running back. The top two rushers from last season, Joey Harris and Brandon Jones, are both back, as is Jerod Void, who led the team with 10 rushing TD. Many fans are also anticipating the debut of redshirt freshman Jerome Brooks, who was the leading rusher in spring scrimmages. Fall Questions: The Boilermakers' 2002 season was plagued by turnovers -- 34 of them, to be exact, and seven were taken back for a TD. New running backs coach David Mitchell emphasized ball control during the spring, and it must improve. … Another major issue for the team last year was field goal kicking with Berin Lacevic hitting just 1-8 beyond 35 yards. He is still in contention for the job, although Butler transfer Ben Jones is No. 1 coming out of the spring. … It will be difficult to replace three-year starter at strong safety Ralph Turner, and that job is now Deaunte Ferrell's to lose.

Wisconsin Badgers

2003 Schedule 8-30 at West Virginia 9-6 Akron 9-13 UNLV 9-20 North Carolina 9-27 at Illinois 10-4 at Penn State 10-11 Ohio State 10-18 Purdue 10-25 at Northwestern 11-8 at Minnesota 11-15 Michigan State 11-22 Iowa 2002 overall record: 8-6 Conference record: 2-6 Returning starters Offense: 7 Defense: 9 Kicker/Punter: 2 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Anthony Davis* (1,555 yds) Passing: Brooks Bollinger (1,758 yds) Receiving: Jonathan Orr* (842 yds) Tackles: Ryan Aiello* (105) Sacks: Jake Sprague (6) Interceptions: Jim Leonhard* (11) Spring Answers: Anthony Davis, of course, is the number one tailback, but the spring revealed that there is plenty of depth there. Dwayne Smith rushed for more than 500 yards as a freshman last year, and redshirt freshman Booker Stanley was very impressive in spring practices. … Jim Sorgi takes over for Brooks Bollinger at QB with plenty of playing experience and five starts under his belt. He connected well with WR Lee Evans in 2001. … Donovan Raiola played sparingly as a redshirt freshman last year with one start at guard, but he has assumed the starting role at center after a solid spring. Fall Questions: After a second surgery on his knee in November, Lee Evans didn't do much with the team in the spring, but he is expected to be ready in the fall. The question is how his knee will respond to contact. … With a new center and two other new starters on the O-line, how many games will it take them to mold into a unit? … Ron Lee will be the Badgers' third secondary coach in three years, and he needs to find someone to make plays in the secondary in addition to free safety Jim Leonhard. Leonhard led the nation with 11 interceptions last year, but Wisconsin ranked 67th in pass defense.

Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.