Around the Big Ten

[Hannibal]

That age gap is troublesome too. 44% of the fans are 55+

[WM Wolverine]

B10 was competing for market share against the SEC and ACC. The addition of Maryland & Rutgers was less about them adding 'money' (they are probably revenue neutral as far as paying their way) than the B10 kicking the ACC in the balls and grabbing some large markets in the Northeast that imo were considered ACC territory...

Having Michigan, Ohio State, Nebraska, Penn State games on in NYC, DC, Jersey, Maryland, Philly will be great for the B10 and bad for the ACC. That probably won't be a boon for the B10 but it's sure is a kick in the nuts for the ACC.

[Hannibal]

B1G games were already on in those areas. There are three nationally televised B1G games every week. They only ones that aren't are the ones that most people don't care about anyways.

[whodean]

I am unconvinced that this "population shift" is anything but a red herring

[Jeff Buchanan]

That age gap is troublesome too. 44% of the fans are 55+

.... and this is a shock?

Brandon has (or should have but must have missed it) that demographic for M football fans.

If you want to put some butts back in seats, you market to that age group. There is no denying they have the money to spend. There is nothing in the statistics regarding such matters that say blue hairs with their geezer husbands are going away.

They are certainly not going to be rapidly replaced by the wage stagnant upper-middle class which contains mostly 35-40 somethings that have a good deal of debt and not much left over every month to take their families of 4-6 to a weekend football game.

[UMStan White]

Brandon has never understood his market at any level in his professional life. HIs whole marketing scheme as AD has been to cater to the elite with suites and students who really don't give a shit. As the CEO of Dominoes his whole market was to suckers who would buy tomato sauce on cardboard.

[WM Wolverine]

He apparently doesn't understand his customers, raising ticket prices to students who didn't show up very well in '13 after having a lousy product on the field two years in a row?

[entropy]

Dienhart ranks big ten position groupss:

WR:

1. Maryland. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better tandem than Stefon Diggs and Deon Long, who each saw 2013 end early after suffering broken legs vs. Wake Forest. Even though he missed six games, Diggs still netted honorable mention All-ACC honors. Nigel King and Amba Etta-Tawo are back. Wait. There’s more. Levern Jacobs returns, too, after leading the team with 47 catches in 2014. And Marcus Leak, if back after re-enrolling, was the Terps’ second-leading receiver in 2012. P.J. Gallo is the tight end.

2. Nebraska. This unit teems with playmaking ability. Kenny Bell is the leader. He’s a rangy target with speed who will leave campus as one of the Huskers’ best-ever receivers. Players like Jordan Westerkamp, Taariq Allen, Sam Burtch and Jamal Turner round out this deep corps. Tight end is bolstered by Cethan Carter and Sam Cotton.

3. Ohio State. QB Braxton Miller is a great runner. But when he throws, he’ll have no shortage of top options. Devin Smith is a big-play wideout that defenses fear; he’s looking for a big finish. Dontre Wilson is an uber-fast water bug. Evan Spencer is a steady hand who can move the chains. Johnnie Dixon is an exciting youngster. Jeff Heuerman may be the top tight end in the Big Ten. Nick Vannett also is formidable.

4. Michigan. Jeremy Gallon will be missed, but some good options remain. Devin Funchess is a hybrid tight end/wideout who is becoming one of the Big Ten’s top weapons. True freshman Freddy Canteen emerged in the spring; can he carry it over to the fall? Amara Darboh, Jehu Chesson and Da’Mario James are other viable options. TE Jake Butt is rehabbing an ACL. He is a future star. A.J. Williams is another option at tight end.

5. Michigan State. Not long ago, this was an area of concern. No longer. Bennie Fowler is gone, but talent abounds in the form of Tony Lippett, Macgarrett Kings Jr., Aaron Burbridge, Keith Mumphery and Tennessee transfer DeAnthony Arnett. Josiah Price has made tight end a viable spot.
Bradley Leeb-USA TODAY Sports

Bradley Leeb-USA TODAY Sports

6. Northwestern. A nice, deep collection of veteran targets, led by Christian Jones and Tony Jones. This has to make QB Trevor Siemian smile. Rutgers transfer Miles Shuler adds to the arsenal. Will former USC transfer Kyle Prater finally pay dividends? And don’t forget about superback Dan Vitale.

7. Indiana. Losing Cody Latimer and Kofi Hughes hurts. And tight end Ted Bolser is gone. They combined to make 154 grabs for 2,155 yards and 22 TDs in 2013. But don’t weep for the Hoosiers. Many proven targets are back, headlined by and speedy Shane Wynn. Nick Stoner is another burner who is back. Mitchell Paige, Caleb Cornett and converted RB Isaiah Roundtree offer hope, as does touted true freshman Dominque Booth. Tight end Jordan Fuchs turned heads in the spring.

8. Penn State. How do you replace Allen Robinson? You don’t. That’s the conundrum of the new staff. It’s hoped Geno Lewis emerges as the next go-to guy. He made 18 grabs last season. Stay tuned. Also in the mix are Matt Zanellato and Richy Anderson. The tight ends are among the Big Ten’s best with Jesse James, Kyle Carter and Adam Breneman forming a monster trio that combined for 58 grabs and 741 yards in 2013.

[ MORE: Get all of Dienhart's 2014 schedule analysis ]

9. Iowa. This seemingly has been a sore spot for years. Is this the year some down-field threats emerge? Kevonte Martin-Manley is back after making 40 catches last year. Staffers are pumped about redshirt freshmen Derrick Willies, Andre Harris and Derrick Mitchell Jr. Yes, C.J. Fiedorowicz is gone, but the Hawkeyes will be OK at tight end with Jake Duzey, Ray Hamilton, Henry Krieger-Coble and George Kittle.

10. Rutgers. The staff knows what it has in Leonte Carroo and Ruhann Peele. But after that? Unknowns abound in the likes of rising sophomores Andre Patton, Carlton Agudosi and Janarion Grant. Good thing tight end Tyler Kroft is back after pacing the team with 43 receptions in 2013.

11. Illinois. Experience here won’t be an asset for the new quarterback. JC transfer Geronimo Allison—a big target–impressed in the spring. Ditto true freshman Mike Dudek, who arrived in time for spring drills. Martize Barr is the veteran hand. Matt LaCosse and Jon Davis are a nice tight end duo.

12. Wisconsin. With Jared Abbrederis—who made a school-record 78 catches for 1,081 yards last year–this was a pedestrian corps. Now, he’s gone. It’s time for Jordan Fredrick, Rob Wheelwright, Alex Erickson and Kenzel Doe to take the proverbial next step. They combined for 28 catches in 2013. It’s also hoped Sam Arneson and Austin Maly fortify tight end.

13. Minnesota. There has been a lot to like about Jerry Kill’s Gophers recently. The wideout corps hasn’t been one of the bright spots. But, that may be changing. Donovahn Jones and Drew Wolitarsky got thrown in as true freshmen in 2013 and impressed. Isaac Fruechte and KJ Maye are other options. Maxx Williams, the team’s leading receiver in 2013, and Drew Goodger are a strong tight end tandem. Williams led the team with 25 catches in 2013.

14. Purdue. There’s speed and playmaking ability in this corps, which figures to get a lot of work. Danny Anthrop is a burner. DeAngelo Yancey is the future; he led the team with 32 grabs as a true freshman. Shane Mikesky and Cameron Posey are underrated talents who could blossom. Tight end has been a void for years. Dolapo Macarthy? Gabe Holmes? Someone needs to emerge.

[entropy]

DL

1. Ohio State. This may be the finest front in the USA. Ends Noah Spence and Joey Bosa are formidable, combining for 15.5 sacks. Bosa was a true freshman phenom in 2013. Michael Bennett is a monster tackle. Running mate Adolphus Washington is an efficient force vs. the run and can get a push. Depth is good with the likes of Tommy Schutt, Steve Miller and Michael Hill.

2. Michigan State. The beat goes on for another strong Spartan front. Shilique Calhoun is back to reprise his role as a devastating end. He was the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2013. Marcus Rush brings pure speed off the other end. Demetrius Cooper is an intriguing prospect. Lawrence Thomas and Damon Knox are inside forces. Keep an eye on incoming freshman Malik McDowell impacting somewhere.

3. Iowa. This is a blue-collar group. The tackle duo of Carl Davis and Louis Trinca-Pasat has few peers. Davis is a mammoth space-eater. Trinca-Pasat is an effort guy. Depth behind them is good, with Darian Cooper, Faith Ekakitie and Jaleel Johnson. Ends Drew Ott and Mike Hardy aren’t flashy but get the job done.

4. Nebraska. Youth was served in recent years, and this unit struggled on occasion. Now, dividends will be reaped. Randy Gregory is a primo end, an athletic freak of the highest order. His presence makes fellow end Greg McMullen more effective. The tackle tandem of Vincent Valentine and Maliek Collins is coming on. Beware, Collins can also play defensive end. Depth is good, with players like Aaron Curry and Kevin Williams.

5. Michigan. This unit has enough talent to rank among the league’s best. It starts with ends Frank Clark and Brennen Beyer, who also has played linebacker. Big Willie Henry is on the nose. Lots of options at tackle, including Matt Godin, Chris Wormley and Maurice Hurst. It’s time to play to expectations.

6. Wisconsin. There is work to do along the three-man front. Still, this should be a good group. NG Warren Herring is a heavy anchor who tied for second on the club in sacks in 2013. The ends have a lot to prove. Chikwe Obasih is a promising youngster and potential star. Konrad Zagzebski is a senior looking for a big send-off.

7. Penn State. Deion Barnes can bring pressure off the edge, but he’s coming off a sophomore slump. Fellow end C.J. Olaniyan is coming off a breakout season. Tackle Anthony Zettel is a former end who lines up next to Austin Johnson, a lunch bucket player. Depth is pretty good, considering Penn State’s circumstances.

8. Maryland. All three starters are back in this 3-4 alignment. Nose tackle Darius Kilgo is a force who is difficult to move. He can stuff the run with aplomb. End Quinton Jefferson can bring the heat off the edge. Fellow end Andre Monroe was the club’s top lineman last season. Depth is good.

9. Rutgers. This is the best unit on the Scarlet Knights’ defense. Depth is good. How good? Maybe as many as eight guys can play. The issue: size. This group may not have the girth to hold up in the physical Big Ten. End Dwjany Mera is a steady force. Fellow end David Milewski has overcome two ACL injuries. Tackle Darius Hamilton can get a push inside. NT Kenneth Kirksey is coming off an injury that ruined 2013.

10. Indiana. Long a weakness, the front could be solid this season in what will be a new three-man base front. Three starters are back in defensive end Nick Mangieri and tackles Bobby Richardson and Ralph Green III. Young ends Darius Latham and David Kenney are both extremely talented. Adarius Rayner is an anchor inside.

11. Northwestern. There is talent, but end Tyler Scott’s rushing skills will be missed. End Ifeadi Odenigbo looks primed to breakout after arriving in Evanston with a fat scrapbook. Ends Deonte Gibson and Dean Lowry form a nice duo. Inside, the staff likes Chance Carter and Sean McEvilly.

12. Minnesota. How do you replace Ra’Shede Hageman? You don’t. Still, the Gophers have some nice options. Workmanlike tackle Cameron Botticelli is inside along with Scott Ekpe. Lithe Theiren Cockran is one of the Big Ten’s better rushers. Michael Amaefula is a vet on the other side. Depth is solid.

13. Purdue. This group disappointed last year. Concerns persist. Still, potentially, this could be a nice group. End Ryan Russell is looking for a big senior season. Fellow end Jalani Phillips is a good athlete. Ra’Zahn Howard has trimmed down and could be a disruptive force inside. Ex-LB Jake Replogle is coming on. Offensive tackle Ryan Watson arrived with some hype; he may be primed to deliver.’

14. Illinois. This group has struggled recently, as Illinois was 116th in the nation in rush defense in 2013. Losing ends Tim Kynard and Houston Bates exasperates things. The staff likes ends Kenny Nelson, Paul James and JC transfer Jihad Ward. No doubt, it looks like a speedy group. Austin Teitsma needs to be an anchor on the interior. Teko Powell is on the nose. Keep an eye on DeJazz Woods.





OL

1. Iowa. A strong line typically always is a calling card of this program under Kirk Ferentz. This season will feature another strong wall. Left tackle Brandon Scherff is one of the best in the nation. Not bad for a high school quarterback. Fellow tackle Andrew Donnal is a mauler. Center Austin Blythe transitioned from guard and is a standout. Depth is good all the way around.

2. Wisconsin. Another year, another solid Badger line. This is a veteran group, as the projected five starters have combined for 100 games and 64 starts. Center Dan Voltz could be special. The tackle tandem of Tyler Marz (left) and Rob Havenstein (right) has few peers. Right guard Kyle Costigan is a two-year starter who locks on defenders and is relentless.

3. Ohio State. Line coach Ed Warinner has his work cut out for him. But, he’s capable. Four starters are gone, with left tackle Taylor Decker the lone starter back. Right guard Pat Elflein is a battler on the interior. Those are the lone sure starters. The other spots will be determined in camp. Keep an eye on left guard Antonio Underwood, center Jacoby Boren and right tackle Darryl Baldwin. There is no shortage of talent. This is Ohio State, remember?

4. Minnesota. With four starters back, the Gophers will be strong along the line. Left tackle Ben Lauer is a young star. Josh Campion is a classic run blocker at 6-5, 326. He engulfs foes. Tommy Olson moved from guard to center last year and excelled. Left guard Zac Epping is the grizzled vet. Line coach Matt Limegrover does a good job with this group.

5. Michigan State. This underrated unit has three holes to fill from what many feel was the best front of the Mark Dantonio era. Center Jack Allen and left tackle Jack Conklin are among the best in the Big Ten at their positions. Mean, nasty, tough … they epitomize Spartan football under Dantonio. Right tackle Kodi Kieler looks primed to be a star. Left guard Travis Jackson is a veteran hand and ex-center.

6. Nebraska. Questions loom with the loss of five players who accounted for 120 career starts. But talent is in the ranks, as many players were forced into action last year when injuries hit the unit. Colorado transfer Alex Lewis, who was a stud in spring ball, could be the best of the bunch at left tackle. Left guard Jake Cotton is the lone starter back. Rangy Zach Sterup is set at right tackle; he’ll get a push. Mark Pelini is the man at center after an apprenticeship in 2013.

[ MORE: Get all of Dienhart's 2014 schedule analysis ]

7. Michigan. The Wolverines had one of their worst offenses in over 50 years. (Let that sink in for a while.) And a big reason for that was poor line play. There seemingly are some good parts to build around on the interior in Kyle Bosch, Kyle Kalis and Graham Glasgow. Erik Magnuson is first up at left tackle. A new right tackle also is needed. The good news: There is one way to go: up.

8. Maryland. This group was a mess when Randy Edsall arrived. Now, it is rounding into form and epitomizes two key Edsall traits: tough and physical. Three starters are back in left tackle Ryan Doyle, right tackle Michael Dunn and center Sal Conaboy. Depth needs to be augmented.

9. Penn State. The new regime has work to do with only one starter back in left tackle Donovan Smith. Left guard Derek Dowrey and right guard Brian Gaia were moved from defense in the spring. Yes, depth was that thin. Right tackle Andrew Nelson has potential. This unit bears close scrutiny.

10. Indiana. Long a weakness, the Hoosiers front looks to be the program’s best in years. Six players with starting experience are back. Center Collin Rahrig is the best. Left tackle Jason Spriggs is athletic and savvy. Guard Bernard Taylor is a physical blocker. These guys need to get a push in the running game.

11. Northwestern. All five starters are back. Is that a good thing after the unit disappointed last year? Paul Jorgensen has flipped from right to left tackle—a move you don’t see often. He must excel. Former No. 1 left tackle Jack Konopka is battling Eric Olson at right tackle. Brandon Vitabile is one of the league’s top centers.

12. Rutgers. This remains a work in progress but has potential. Mammoth left tackle Keith Lumpkin is a future pro. Ditto left guard Kaleb Johnson. Center Betim Bujari is a veteran pivot man who can make the calls and direct traffic. Depth could be an issue. A big issue.

13. Illinois. This has been a lackluster group in the Tim Beckman era, but potential looms with four starters back. Right tackle Michael Heitz is the bellwether; Simon Cvijanovic is a good book end. Alex Hill is capable at center and guard. Right guard Alex Karras may be the best of the bunch, a nasty blocker who plays with a defensive attitude.

14. Purdue: Center Robert Kugler is a keeper and the unquestioned stud of this front. Like Kugler, right guard Jason King is a returning starter. But questions abound after that. Most worrisome: the tackle spots. Right tackle J.J. Prince was a spring surprise. The key left tackle slot may be manned by a JC transfer who hails from Sweden. Really. Everyone in West Lafayette has their fingers—and toes, and arms, and feet–crossed.

[entropy]

Offensive Backfield:

1. Penn State. The Nittany Lions have an impressive array of talent led by QB Christian Hackenberg, who has few peers as a passer and is a sure-fire future first-round selection. There also is a collection of nice running backs, including the likes of Zach Zwinak, Bill Belton and Akeel Lynch. Each is capable of starting. The rugged Zwinak has rushed for 1,989 yards and 18 touchdowns the last two seasons.

2. Michigan State. QB Connor Cook was a revelation last season, emerging early on to become one of the top signal-callers in the nation. And just think: He has two years of eligibility left. No one saw RB Jeremy Langford rushing for 1,422 yards last season. Depth is solid, including Delton Williams.

3. Ohio State. Yes, RB Carlos Hyde is gone. But QB Braxton Miller is back to reprise his role as one of the nation’s most deadly weapons. This could be his Heisman season. The Buckeyes have no shortage of promising running backs, with Ezekiel Elliott leading the charge.

4. Iowa. If you see Kirk Ferentz crack a smile, it’s because of this unit. QB Jake Rudock will benefit from the growing pains he endured as a first-time starter in 2013. He needs to refine his down-field passing and go from game manager to playmaker. It has gone from famine to feast at running back with the likes of Mark Weisman, Damon Bullock and Jordan Canzeri at a position stocked with talent.

5. Nebraska. QB Tommy Armstrong had a baptism by fire last season, when Taylor Martinez endured an injury-filled season. Armstrong had his moments but needs to improve his accuracy, although it’s difficult to argue with his 7-1 mark as a starter. Ameer Abdullah is one of the nation’s finest running backs, a true game-breaker. Backup Imani Cross may be the most physical back in the Big Ten.

6. Wisconsin. You get the feeling Badger coaches feel they can do better at quarterback than Joel Stave. But is anyone on this roster a better option? In a perfect world, Gary Andersen would have a more mobile signal-caller. Melvin Gordon is primed to reprise his role as one of the nation’s top backs. He’s a Heisman threat. RB Corey Clement teems with potential.

7. Indiana. The transfer of Tre Roberson hurts depth at quarterback. But Nate Sudfeld looks primed for stardom. Tevin Coleman is one of the most underrated running backs in the nation, a bigger back with some giddy-up. D’Angelo Roberts is a shifty back.

8. Rutgers. Gary Nova is a steady hand under center for the Scarlet Knights. The good: 51 career TD passes. The bad: 39 career picks. Paul James is a quality back. But can he stay healthy? Depth is good behind him.

9. Minnesota. This is Mitch Leidner’s team. And coaches have to like how he played in the bowl game. But Leidner is a work in progress as a passer. RB David Cobb emerged from nowhere to run for over 1,000 yards. Depth is strong with Rodrick Williams, Donnell Kirkwood and speedy youngster Berkley Edwards.

10. Northwestern. The Wildcats will miss QB Kain Colter, who could make something out of nothing and was an underrated passer. Trevor Siemian assumes command. He’s a veteran hand and a good passer but is nowhere near the athlete that Colter was. Can RB Venric Mark regain his 2012 form when he ran for 1,366 yards? Injuries ruined 2013. Treyvon Green and Stephen Buckley can carry the load if needed.

11. Michigan. QB Devin Gardner teems with talent and has looked spectacular at times (remember the ND game?). He needs more consistency and can’t force things. Running back was a sore spot last season. Yes, a struggling line was an issue. But better play is needed behind Gardner, beginning with Derrick Green. Keep an eye on De’Veon Smith.

12. Maryland. QB C.J. Brown is back for a sixth season. He’s a better runner than passer, but he has made good strides in coordinator Mike Locksley’s offense. The search if on for a starting back. There are options galore, with Brandon Ross, Jacquille Veii, Wes Brown and Albert Reid in the hunt.

13. Illinois. This is one of the most intriguing backfields in the Big Ten. The X-factor is Oklahoma State transfer QB Wes Lunt. If he’s as good as many think, the Fighting Illini could improve and perhaps make a bowl push. Josh Ferguson is a jack-of-all trades running back who excels as a pass catcher.

14. Purdue. The Boilermakers may have found something in QB Danny Etling, who was thrown into the fire (and to the wolves) last season as a true freshman. But some think he’ll be pushed for his job by Austin Appleby and David Blough. Stay tuned. It’s hoped converted wideout Raheem Mostert will become a threat at running back with his super speed. Akeem Hunt is a diminutive back with slipperiness.

[Jeff Buchanan]

Maryland ... new comer .... has the top ranked set of receivers and the 12th ranked QB.

OK.

Dienhart, as a sports journalist, is the epitome of don't ever say anything you can't back down from and not ruin your rep .... but, but, but.

Worthless stuff actually.

"The team, the team, the team."

[whodean]

Stefon Diggs is real.

[Jeff Buchanan]

No doubt ...... but can QB C.J. Brown throw to him?

That's the point.

Denard was very "real." But the fact that every defense knew he couldn't throw the ball well allowed them to pound him unmercifully.

[iam416]

LOL@PSU with best backfield. I wouldn't trade OSU's backfield for PSU's in a million years.

I mean, this is the backfield that managed 14 points, half due to a heroic play by Allen Robinson, against a god-fucking-awful OSU defense. 14.

[Hannibal]

also -- LMAO at Iowa having the #1 line. What is it with Kirk Frerentz and the love that the media has for this guy? His offensive lines are almost always bad. Yet there is some mass hypnosis at work that makes people think they are awesome. When it comes to being a great offensive line coach, Frerentz has the most undeserved reputation in the country. Even RichRod's defenses didn't get pushed around by them.