Not the smoothest of offseasons in Big Ten

The Big Ten did not exactly roll into football spring practices with a full head of steam.

Another poor showing (3-5 overall) in bowl games -- highlighted by Ohio State's loss to Louisiana State in the national title game and Illinois' thumping at the hands of Southern California in the Rose Bowl -- left a sour taste as the league's collective thoughts and preparations shifted toward the 2008 season.

That's not to say the offseason has lacked juicy story lines. Michigan welcomed a new coach, Ohio State added the nation's top recruit to an already loaded roster, quarterback questions abound around the league and JoePa's contract situation has Penn State fans abuzz.

Here is a post-spring glance:

1 Ohio State reigns: Yes, the Buckeyes looked overmatched again in the final game last season. But behind Beanie Wells on offense and James Laurinaitis on defense, Ohio State should be in title hunt again. Last season proved that college football has more parity than ever, but the Big Ten looks like a one-team race at this point.

2 Rich Rod arrives: Rich Rodriguez is officially a Michigan Man, but it hasn't been smooth sailing so far. He needs to find a quarterback to run his spread attack. The Wolverines finished spring workouts without a clear starter, and insiders say Rodriguez likely will use multiple quarterbacks next season, possibly even tailback Carlos Brown and incoming freshman Justin Feagin. Rodriguez also is dealing with an ugly lawsuit over his $4 million buyout from West Virginia.

3 Injuries galore: According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's count, Wisconsin had 26 players miss time this spring because of injuries, including 18 guys who are projected to be either starters or key backups. That's not good. Notably, defensive end Matt Shaughnessy suffered a broken leg in the final week.

4 Big shoes to fill: Illinois lost its offensive leader (tailback Rashard Mendenhall) and its defensive leader (linebacker J Leman) from a Rose Bowl team. Those are two huge losses. The Illini didn't cement Mendenhall's replacement this spring, although Daniel Dufrene has the inside track. As for Leman's successor, senior Brit Miller moved to middle linebacker from the outside and had a productive spring.

5 Not-so-Happy Valley: Penn State's offseason has been, in a word, disastrous. The Nittany Lions have dealt with multiple player suspensions and arrests and lost star linebacker Sean Lee to a season-ending knee injury. But the contract status of coach Joe Paterno has been the biggest talker. University President Graham Spanier has tabled contract talks with the 81-year-old Paterno, who is entering the final season of his deal. He wants an extension, but Spanier said he won't address the situation until after the season.

6 Bad all the way around: Iowa's program has slipped considerably on the field and found trouble with the law. Since April 2007, the Hawkeyes have had 15 players either arrested or cited for crimes. The on-field losses and off-field trouble have turned up the heat considerably on high-priced coach Kirk Ferentz.

7 Fuel to the fire: The Ohio State-Michigan rivalry became more heated this spring, if that's even possible. First, the Buckeyes beat out Michigan for stud prep quarterback Terrelle Pryor. Then Ohio State coach Jim Tressel and Rodriguez traded barbs over Tressel's "only between the gentlemen" comment regarding a gentlemen's agreement between Big Ten coaches about pursuing recruits committed to other conference schools. Finally, offensive lineman Justin Boren left Michigan, citing an erosion of "family values" under Rodriguez. Boren promptly transferred to -- you guessed it -- Ohio State.

8 Hoosier quarterback? A feel-good story last season, Indiana began spring with a major distraction. Coach Bill Lynch suspended record-setting quarterback Kellen Lewis indefinitely for violating team rules. Lewis missed all of spring practice. His status for the season is unclear, but it's never good when the team's supposed leader and best player sets a bad example.

9 It's your turn: Coach Tim Brewster turned to former Duke coach Ted Roof to try to fix a unit that ranked last nationally in total defense last season. Roof becomes the team's sixth defensive coordinator since 2000, an alarming turnover rate for such a key position. Roof said he saw promising signs this spring, but the personnel could change dramatically once the incoming recruits arrive and the Gophers need to show improvement when it counts.

10 Take a number: Wisconsin fans have been salivating over prep All-America tailback John Clay, a top-50 recruit who was redshirted in 2007. Clay is big, fast and strong. He also ended spring No. 4 on the depth chart. The Badgers have serious talent and depth at running back with P.J. Hill, Zach Brown and Lance Smith. Smith spent some time at wide receiver this spring.