The Big Ten has been wildly unpredictable over the last two years, which has allowed nine different schools (all but Indiana and Penn State) to reach a bowl game in that short span. And with relatively little experience at quarterback throughout most of the conference this season, almost every team has a legitimate chance to dream as big as the Rose Bowl. Will traditional powers Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State return to their places at the top, or is there another Cinderella story waiting to unfold?

Illinois Fighting Illini

2001 overall record: 10-2
Conference record: 7-1

Returning starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 7
Specialists: 1

2001 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Antoineo Harris* (629 yds)
Passing: Kurt Kittner (3,256 yds)
Receiving: Brandon Lloyd* (1,062 yds)
Tackles: Jerry Schumacher* (125)
Sacks: Jerry Schumacher* (6)
Interceptions: Eugene Wilson* (6)

What's new
Because of the major renovation/rebuilding of Soldier Field in Chicago, the Bears will be playing their home games at Memorial Stadium in Champaign for the next two seasons. As a result, the Bears are pitching in for some upgrades to the Illinois locker rooms, training rooms, meeting rooms and adding a video replay screen to the north endzone scoreboard.

Battling it out
Certainly, the talent and leadership of Kurt Kittner will be difficult to replace, but the new candidates at quarterback have strong arms and better athleticism. John Beutjer started four games as a redshirt freshman at Iowa in 2000 and completed 61 percent of his passes with six TD. Because of that, he has the edge in experience, but Dustin Ward benefits from having been in the system at Illinois for three years. Both had a good spring and are listed as co-starters entering the fall.

Eye catcher: RB Morris Virgil
Like Ward, Virgil is a local kid from the Champaign-Urbana area. He redshirted last season but showed good hands and elusiveness in spring workouts. He also has good speed and could be used as a kickoff return specialist, as well. Virgil (5-foot-10, 195 pounds) is a good change of pace from the physical running style of Antoineo Harris, and Ron Turner has a history of using both backs when he has two good ones.

Budding star: DE Derrick Strong
Strong hasn't yet started a game at Illinois but has shown plenty of potential. As a backup to Terrell Washington last year, he made 33 tackles, six tackles for loss and four sacks. A good-sized frame (6-4, 250) and a quick first step make him a natural end. With significantly more playing time awaiting him this season, he has the talent to be one of the better pass rushers in the Big Ten.

Indiana Hoosiers

2001 overall record: 5-6
Conference record: 4-4

Returning starters
Offense: 5
Defense: 7
Specialists: 2

2001 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Levron Williams (1,401 yds)
Passing: Antwaan Randle El (1,664 yds)
Receiving: Levron Williams (289 yds)
Tackles: Justin Smith (99)
Sacks: Kemp Rasmussen (6.5)
Interceptions: Marcus Floyd (3)

What's new
Gerry DiNardo is now the Hoosiers' head coach and brings in an entirely new group of assistants. Gone with Antwaan Randle El is the option-based offense, and DiNardo's staff has installed the West Coast variety -- affectionately being referred to as "the Midwest Coast offense." Four starting offensive linemen are returning, but they will be asked to do more things in this scheme and need to improve their conditioning.

Battling it out
Indiana will miss Randle El, but must now find a quarterback who can showcase a different kind of talent. Last year's first-game starter, Tommy Jones, is still in the mix and is competing with Gibran Hamdan for the top spot. Both are pocket passers with strong arms, and they shared first team duties in the spring game. Hamdan missed some spring practice while playing with the baseball team, but the race is wide open entering the fall.

Eye catcher: DL Kris Dielman
Last year, Dielman (6-5, 285) started at tight end, where he was not able to have an impact within the offensive scheme. The new staff moved him to the defensive line, and he was probably the most noticeable player at that position during spring practice. Dielman has been used at both end and tackle but seemed to settle in at tackle in the final weeks. He will be counted on for production there this season.

LB Herana-Daze Jones
At just 6-0, 200 pounds, Jones is undersized for a linebacker but makes up for it with great athleticism. Last spring, he was moved from safety to outside linebacker and caught on well enough to play in all 11 games and make 28 tackles as a redshirt freshman. He also impressed the new coaches with his play this spring and is the leading candidate to earn a starting role at that spot in the fall.

Iowa Hawkeyes

2001 overall record: 7-5
Conference record: 4-4

Returning starters
Offense: 5
Defense: 7
Specialists: 2

2001 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Ladell Betts (1,056 yds)
Passing: Kyle McCann (1,867 yds)
Receiving: Kahlil Hill (792 yds)
Tackles: Bob Sanders* (111)
Sacks: Aaron Kampman (9)
Interceptions: Bob Sanders* (3)

What's new

	Kirk Ferentz led Iowa to an upset of Penn State.

There's a new dimension at quarterback this year, as Brad Banks offers much more versatility than the departed, but effective, Kyle McCann. After transferring from junior college last year, Banks saw action in 10 games and rushed for 151 yards and two TD. He also passed for 582 yards and four touchdowns. His mobility should allow Iowa to do some different things offensively to utilize his talents.

Battling it out
Both receiver positions are up for grabs after the departure of Kahlil Hill and Chris Oliver. The most experienced returnee is C.J. Jones, who made 34 catches last season after transferring in from a JuCo. He is competing at one spot with Ramon Ochoa, who has just two catches in his career, and Warren Holloway, who had one catch as a freshman last year. The other wideout spot is being contested by a pair of redshirt freshmen. Ed Hinkel stood out with six catches for 183 yards and a TD in the spring game and is battling Darius Butler. None of these players has yet shown the type of big-play skills possessed by Hill, however.

Eye catcher: RB Fred Russell
Russell saw limited action last season but still averaged 6.7 yards on just 21 carries. He got a chance to show a lot more of his abilities during the spring, when starting tailback Aaron Greving sat out with an ankle injury. Russell (5-8, 185) is much smaller than Greving, but is an elusive back with good receiving skills. If nothing else, he seems to have plenty of potential as a third-down situational player. He rushed 17 times for 80 yards in the spring game.

Budding star: DB Bob Sanders
Last season, Sanders led the team in tackles and interceptions and was named first-team All-Big Ten. At just 5-8, he is a big hitter in a small frame and has been an impact performer since breaking the starting lineup as a true freshman in the latter stage of the 2000 season. He is an on-field leader, as well, and made 25 tackles in a win over Indiana last year. Sanders has worked hard to improve his pass defense skills, and that came in handy in the Alamo Bowl, when he intercepted a game-winning pass attempt on the final play against Texas Tech.

Michigan Wolverines

2001 overall record: 8-4
Conference record: 6-2

Returning starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 8
Specialists: 0

2001 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: B.J. Askew* (902 yds)
Passing: John Navarre* (2,435 yds)
Receiving: Marquise Walker (1,143 yds)
Tackles: Larry Foote (82)
Sacks: Dan Rumishek* (7)
Interceptions: Marlin Jackson* (3)

What's new
Stan Parrish left for the Tampa Bay Bucs, so Michigan named Terry Malone the new offensive coordinator. Malone coached the offensive line last year, and he is committed to re-establishing the running game this season. The Wolverines' mode has always been run to set up the pass, but last year's team, at times, was almost exclusively dependent on Marquise Walker to move the ball. The committee of running backs should get more of a workout in 2002.

Battling it out
B.J. Askew moved back to fullback in the spring and will still be used in the one-back set because of his versatility, but that opens the door for more playing time to several other tailbacks. Chris Perry is the biggest name of that bunch and has rushed for almost 1,000 yards over his first two seasons. He is a more physical runner than the others, but Tim Bracken and David Underwood can both be dangerous in the open field. Underwood saw some action as a freshman but has looked better on the practice field this spring. Bracken was held out of contact while he continues to recover from a broken leg. He would definitely be a contender for the spot if he returns to 100 percent.

Eye catcher: WR Tyrece Butler
Butler (6-3, 206) put on more size in the offseason and provides a big, strong target. He had only four catches for 99 yards last year, but that included a big 77-yard reception when the team was trailing late against Iowa. He also played on special teams and blocked a punt. Because he missed the 2000 season with an injury, he is still learning the position, but he has shown great potential and will be utilized more this year.

Budding star: LB Victory Hobson
If he can duplicate the steady improvement made by teammate Larry Foote as a senior last year, Hobson could be an All-America performer. He started his final five games as a redshirt freshman and has been in the lineup ever since. He was second on the team in tackles last year and has made four or more tackles in every game over the last two seasons. Hobson has 30 career tackles for loss. He has twice been second-team All-Big Ten and is already a preseason candidate for several national awards.

Michigan State Spartans

2001 overall record: 7-5
Conference record: 3-5

Returning starters
Offense: 8
Defense: 7
Specialists: 1

2001 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: T.J. Duckett (1,420 yds)
Passing: Jeff Smoker* (2,579 yds)
Receiving: Charles Rogers* (1,470 yds)
Tackles: Josh Thornhill (128)
Sacks: Mike Labinjo* (5)
Interceptions: Broderick Nelson* (5)

What's new

	Spartans QB Jeff Smoker will be handing off to a new featured back this year.

For the first time since 1968, there is natural grass on the field at Spartan Stadium. The Field will be composed of seven varieties of Kentucky bluegrass, which began growing in May of last year and will be inserted in modules this June. The jerseys also have a new look this season with colored panels on the sides and striping across the shoulders and down the sleeves. The words "MICHIGAN STATE" on the front of the jersey have been replaced with an arched "STATE" above the number.

Battling it out
The school's all-time leader in catches by a tight end, Chris Baker, has finally departed after starting the Spartans' last 47 games at that position. There is a two-man battle to replace him. Jason Randall backed up Baker last year but had no catches; he is competing against Eric Knott. Knott was recruited as a tight end but played defensive end in 2001 before returning to his natural position this year. He moved up the depth chart during spring drills but is still listed as No. 2 behind Randall.

Eye catcher: RB Dawan Moss
Moss has been a three-year starter at fullback but was moved to tailback this spring to fill the void created by the early departure of T.J. Duckett. He played at 258 pounds last year and dropped 22 of those in the offseason to better fill his new role. He moved well enough at that weight to earn the starting job, despite rushing for only 93 yards a season ago. There is not a lot of depth at the position, so the Spartans are hoping he can carry the load.

Budding star: QB Jeff Smoker
Smoker has started since his freshman year and had a very solid 2001 season, throwing for 21 TDs and leading the Big Ten in efficiency. The receivers got a lot of hype last year, and deservedly so, but Smoker has quietly developed into possibly the best QB in the Big Ten entering this season. As long as Charles Rogers continues to make big plays, Smoker will receive more notoriety across the country.

Minnesota Golden Gophers

2001 overall record: 4-7
Conference record: 2-6

Returning starters
Offense: 6
Defense: 8
Specialists: 2

2001 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Tellis Redmon (1,091 yds)
Passing: Asad Abdul-Khaliq* (1,393 yds)
Receiving: Ron Johnson (895 yds)
Tackles: Jack Brewer (147)
Sacks: Greg White (7.5)
Interceptions: Bradley Vance* and Michael Lehan* (2 each)

What's new
For the first time in three years, there is no uncertainty at quarterback entering the season. Asad Abdul Khaliq is firmly entrenched as the starter after splitting time with Travis Cole over the last two years. He took over the job about a month into last season and started the final seven games. He closed strong, throwing six TD passes in the final two games. Khaliq's play gave the Gophers some stability for spring workouts that allowed them to focus on other areas of the offense. And despite losing Ron Johnson, Khaliq still has plenty of options at receiver.

Battling it out
The early exit to the NFL by Tellis Redmon cleared the way for two other talented running backs to get more carries. Marion Barber III was the team's second-leading rusher last season with 742 yards and 7 TDs, and his 6.3 yards per carry ranked second in the Big Ten. He is competing with Thomas Tapeh, who was the Gophers' No. 2 rusher the previous season but was passed on the depth chart by Barber while recovering from a foot injury last year. The coaches want to find ways to get both on the field together, and Tapeh will certainly play some fullback, as he did last year.

Eye catcher: DE Charlton Keith
Keith (6-5, 230) is a little undersized for an end, but then again, he has a similar build to Minnesota's most recent star pass rusher, Karon Riley. Keith showed that type of potential in his first spring and hopes to carry it onto the field this fall. He signed as a linebacker last year and was moved to defensive end on the scout team toward the end of his redshirt season. He still hasn't played an official down, but the coaches like what they have seen.

Budding star: TE Ben Utecht
Utecht came to the Gophers as a receiver before being converted to tight end. He has excellent speed for his position to go with a receiver's hands and has become a dominant player as his blocking skills have developed. Utecht (6-6, 255) finished strong last season with two catches of 40-plus yards in the finale versus Wisconsin. He was named second-team All-Big Ten after leading conference tight ends with five TD receptions and averaging 15.7 yards per catch.

Northwestern Wildcats

2001 overall record: 4-7
Conference record: 2-6

Returning starters
Offense: 4
Defense: 6
Specialists: 1

2001 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Damien Anderson (757 yds)
Passing: Zak Kustok (2,692 yds)
Receiving: Sam Simmons (807 yds)
Tackles: Kevin Bentley (147)
Sacks: Colby Clark* and Onaje Grimes* (4 each)
Interceptions: 4 players tied with 2 each

What's new
The offense has changed along with the coordinator. Mike Dunbar was H-backs and tight ends coach last year and was promoted to coordinator after Kevin Wilson left for Oklahoma. The spread offense is not being phased out, but it is being altered to better accommodate the talent on that side of the ball. Expect to see more formations and use of the tight ends. The two best players are linemen Austin King and Jeff Roehl, so the 'Cats will attempt to assert more power on offense, especially in short-yardage situations. The defense also has a new coordinator with Greg Colby coming from Kent State. The base formation is a 4-3 with a lot of linebacker walkup to help stop the run.

Battling it out
A replacement must be found for Damien Anderson, and one of the top candidates to do so, Kevin Lawrence, was not able to practice in the spring. Lawrence, however, did average 5.1 yards per carry last season before injuring his knee against Iowa. Torri Stuckey took his place after that and ran for 127 yards in the final game versus Illinois. They are joined in the competition by redshirt freshman Jeff Backes, who was Ohio's Mr. Football in 2000, and by Louis Ayeni, who has plenty of talent but is trying to evade the injury bug. Jason Wright also joins the fray after returning to running back from a stint at receiver.

Eye catcher: DB Jarvis Adams
Adams missed three games with a high ankle sprain last year but still registered 39 tackles and made two interceptions. His best game came at Ohio State with 10 tackles -- seven of which were solo. He is solidly built (5-10, 205) and has shown good instincts to go with his physical style of play. After an impressive spring, he has the inside track to be the starter this fall.

Budding star: DB Marvin Ward
Ward (5-11, 200) took over as a freshman starter last season against Minnesota and held that spot for the final seven games. He finished with 55 tackles and broke up 10 passes. He projects to be the starter at right cornerback this year and gives Northwestern another much-needed quality athlete in the secondary. Coaches believe Ward has the ability to be a high draft pick if he continues to improve.

Ohio State Buckeyes

2001 overall record: 7-5
Conference record: 5-3

Returning starters Offense: 5
Defense: 7
Specialists: 2

2001 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Jonathan Wells (1,294 yds)
Passing: Steve Bellisari (1,919 yds)
Receiving: Michael Jenkins* (988 yds)
Tackles: Mike Doss* (87)
Sacks: Will Smith* (4)
Interceptions: Derek Ross (7)

What's new
The Buckeyes will play a 13-game regular season that begins by hosting Texas Tech in the Pigskin Classic on Aug. 24. Thanks to a road game versus Cincinnati at Paul Brown Stadium, they won't even leave the state until traveling to Northwestern on Oct. 5. In all, there are eight home games, and the only open date comes on Aug. 31.

Battling it out
The quarterback derby was wide open entering the spring and is still fairly tight heading into the fall. Craig Krenzel may have a slight lead because of his game experience against Illinois and Michigan while filling in for the suspended Steve Bellisari last season. The primary competition is Scott McMullen, who had even more limited playing time as a backup last year. But don't be surprised if highly-touted incoming freshman Justin Zwick makes a run at both of them when fall camp opens.

Eye catcher: WR Chris Gamble
Michael Jenkins and Chris Vance had solid seasons last year, but the most talented wideout on the roster might be Gamble. He had a modest five catches as a true freshman last year, but showed big-play ability in spring practice. The Buckeyes are searching for a new gamebreaker in the mold of Joey Galloway, Terry Glenn or David Boston. Gamble (6-2, 180) could be that option if he continues to improve.

Budding star: DE Will Smith
Smith (6-4, 250) came into his own as a sophomore last season and finished with 47 tackles, including nine for loss and a team-leading four sacks. He had an outstanding spring and has truly developed into a top-notch pass rusher. He may be the best player on one of the best defensive lines in the country and has the talent to become an All-American.

Penn State Nittany Lions

2001 overall record: 5-6
Conference record: 4-4

Returning starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 7
Specialists: 2

2001 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Larry Johnson* (334 yds)
Passing: Zack Mills* (1,669 yds)
Receiving: Bryant Johnson* (866 yds)
Tackles: Shawn Mayer* (97)
Sacks: Michael Haynes* (4)
Interceptions: Bruce Branch and Shamar Finney (2 each)

What's new

	Joe Paterno and Penn State have been increasingly critical of Big Ten officials.

For first time since Curtis Enis was a junior in 1997, the running game will be focused on just one player. Larry Johnson led the team with only 334 rushing yards last year but is now clearly the most talented option and will be the featured back in 2002. Eric McCoo led the team last year with just 7.5 carries per game, and the plan is get the ball to Johnson at least 20 times per game this year.

Battling it out
Deryck Tolls returns as a starter at one outside linebacker spot but is limited to 30-something plays per game by an enzyme deficiency. Therefore, it is important to have plenty of depth behind him. Gino Capone and LaMar Stewart have both looked like solid options to also receive playing time at that position. On the other side, Derek Wake returns after taking a medical hardship redshirt last year. He tore an MCL in the first quarter of the opener versus Miami and missed the remainder of the season. He is now being challenged by Jimi Mitchell.

Eye catcher: LB Sam Ruhe
Ruhe played as a reserve defensive end last year, recording 10 tackles with three for loss. He was moved to inside linebacker for the spring and may have been the most pleasant surprise on the team. At 6-5, 264 pounds, Ruhe provided a real physical presence inside and took over the top spot on the depth chart at the position vacated by Shamar Finney.

Budding star: RB Larry Johnson
In addition to leading the team in rushing, Johnson also led the Big Ten in kickoff returns last year with a 26.7-yard average. He had a 97-yard TD return late in the game versus Illinois that almost propelled the Lions to a huge road win. That big-play potential should surface more often this year with an increase in touches. Johnson has not yet gotten more than 75 carries in a season and has not reached the 400-yard plateau because of it.

Purdue Boilermakers

2001 overall record: 6-6
Conference record: 4-4

Returning starters
Offense: 9
Defense: 8
Specialists: 0

2001 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Montrell Lowe* (640 yds)
Passing: Brandon Hance (1,529 yds)
Receiving: Taylor Stubblefield* (910 yds)
Tackles: Stuart Schweigert* (98)
Sacks: Akin Ayodele (9)
Interceptions: Stuart Schweigert* (6)

What's new
A little game of musical chairs is being played at linebacker. See if you can follow along. Outside linebacker Gilbert Gardner broke his leg last season versus Ohio State and was replaced by Niko Koutouvides. This spring, middle linebacker Joe Odom switched spots with Koutouvides and went outside to help better utilize each player's individual skills. Linebacker is probably the deepest position on the team and could be strengthened further if Gardner is able to return to action.

Battling it out
What else is new? Running back Montrell Lowe is once again facing competition for his job. Joey Harris backed up Lowe a year ago and had 255 yards with three touchdowns. Also getting a look are redshirt freshmen Jerod Void and Brandon Jones. Production from the running game was way down last season, and it is difficult to say whether it was poor blocking, poor running or the diminished threat of a big play in the passing game.

Eye catcher: DB Marc Huddleston
Huddleston is a 2002 signee who graduated high school early and enrolled at Purdue in January. He had played several positions in his prep career, but coaches tried him at strong safety and were pleasantly surprised at his immediate impact. He made an interception and recovered a fumble in the spring game and has already put himself into position for playing time this fall.

Budding star: DB Stuart Schweigert
Big Ten players, coaches and fans know Schweigert well, but this could be the year he expands his popularity base. He has led Purdue in tackles and interceptions in each of first two seasons -- already tying the school record for interceptions that is co-held by Rod Woodson. Schweigert was the only sophomore on the Thorpe semifinalist list last year and earned first-team All-Big Ten honors after having been named Freshman of the Year the previous season.

Wisconsin Badgers

2001 overall record: 5-7
Conference record: 3-5

Returning starters
Offense: 8
Defense: 3
Specialists: 2

2001 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Anthony Davis* (1,466 yds)
Passing: Brooks Bollinger* (1,257 yds)
Receiving: Lee Evans* (1,545 yds)
Tackles: Nick Greisen (167)
Sacks: Wendell Bryant (8)
Interceptions: 3 players with 3 each

What's new
Eight starters departed on defense, so there are a lot of new faces, including linebacker Broderick Williams. He was competing for the starting tailback job last spring before tearing an ACL. When he finally returned to action in the fall, he was not able to challenge Anthony Davis for the starting spot. He was moved to inside linebacker this spring and brought much-needed speed to the position.

Battling it out
Punter Kevin Stemke won the Ray Guy award in 2000 but was more than difficult to replace last season. In fact, the battle to fill his shoes is still going on between Kirk Munden and R.J. Morse. Both had serviceable campaigns last year, averaging around 40 yards per punt. Neither separated himself in the spring, and the job is still open -- as are a lot of spots on special teams, which is a point of emphasis for improvement this fall.

eye catcher: RB Erik Bickerstaff
According to Barry Alvarez, Bickerstaff stood out the most during spring practice, which completes a tremendous turnaround for a player who was suspended for the beginning of the 2001 season. Three-year starter Chad Kuhns vacated the fullback position with his graduation, and Bickerstaff has made the most of that opportunity. He drew the most attention from his running this spring, busting many carries into the defensive backfield. Suddenly, the Badgers seem to have one more threat in their already formidable rushing attack.

Budding stars: OL Al and Ben Johnson
Senior cousins Al and Ben have both started for the last two years and continue to show noticeable improvement. Ben was second-team All-Big Ten last year as a left tackle, and Al was honorable mention all-conference as a center. This season, they will be paving the way for Anthony Davis as he seeks Wisconsin's 10th straight season with a 1,000-yard rusher, which would tie for the second-longest such streak in major college football history.

NOTE: Starting wide receiver Lee Evans suffered ligament damage in his left knee during the Badgers' spring game and will have surgery early in the summer. His rehabilitation progress will determine when and if he returns this year. In 2001, Evans set a Big Ten single-season record with 1,545 receiving yards.

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