NEBRASKA
Feel good about: The jolt of electricity the team feels from joining a new conference. "It's going to be a lot of fun for the kids. I think they're really looking forward to it," coach Bo Pelini said. "The guys who have been around have played in most all the Big 12 stadiums; now they'll get to play in new stadiums. That means a lot to players."
Still concerned about: An offense that scored more than 20 points just once in its final five games. New offensive coordinator has designed an offense with more spread elements and even some no-huddle, but quarterback Taylor Martinez has been battling ankle and foot injuries much of the spring, setting the Huskers back.
IOWA
Feel good about: The ability of junior quarterback James Vandenberg and sophomore tailback Marcus Coker to revive Iowa's mediocre offense. Vandenberg started and performed well in a couple of games when Ricky Stanzi was hurt, while Coker announced his arrival with 219 yards and two scores in the Insight Bowl.
Still concerned about: Any lingering effects of a turbulent offseason that included the drug arrest of senior receiver Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, the dismissal of running back Adam Robinson, the departure for the NFL of safety Tyler Sash, and the sudden hospitalization of 13 players for a rare muscle disorder.
MINNESOTA
Feel good about: The learning ability of new quarterback MarQueis Gray, who moves from receiver to take over a Gophers offense that scored fewer points than every team but Purdue. New coach Jerry Kill made it clear that Gray would have to earn the job, but it didn't take the junior, who caught 42 passes last year, long to convince him.
Still concerned about: The lack of depth at most positions. The Gophers have enough talent in the starting lineup to remain competitive as Kill rebuilds, but any injury has the potential to be devastating because there is so little experience behind the starters.
NORTHWESTERN
Feel good about: The influx of young talent to shore up a defense that finished 10th in the league against the pass last year. Linebacker Collin Ellis leads a pack of red-shirt freshmen that coach Pat Fitzgerald said "have a chance to be a really impressive group."
Still concerned about: The health of quarterback Dan Persa, who completed 73.5 percent of his passes, then tore his Achilles' shortly before being named first-team All-Big Ten last fall. Persa has been throwing on the sidelines, but has not taken part in spring practices. He's confident he'll be ready in another month or so.
MICHIGAN
Feel good about: The emphasis new coach Brady Hoke and former Ravens defensive coordinator Greg Mattison have placed on the defense, a disaster for the Wolverines last season. Hoke is switching to a 4-3 defense to better take advantage of Michigan's size up front, in hopes of improving a unit that finished last in most defensive categories in 2010.
Still concerned about: How quickly Denard Robinson can adapt to coordinator Al Borges' new offense, which has him under center rather than simply running with the ball on each snap. Borges wants the Wolverines to be less dependent on the electrifying quarterback, but the offense lacks size at the skill positions.
MICHIGAN STATE
Feel good about: Their trio of experienced tailbacks -- Edwin Baker, James Caper and Le'Veon Bell, who combined to average almost 5.0 yards per carry -- and fifth-year senior quarterback Kirk Cousins, who has had a strong spring. The Spartans will be one of the most experienced teams in the Big Ten.
Still concerned about: The lack of experience on the offensive line, which could spoil the strides expected from the skill positions. At least three spots on the line are unsettled, and the Spartans' defensive line has occasionally been dominant during spring drills.
