Storylines and Questions heading into the big ten media days

The Big Ten Media Days begin Thursday in Chicago and signal that another season of Big Ten football is not far off. Below are potential storylines for each team, as well as a question where the answer could be vital to the team’s fortunes this year.

Illinois
The Illinis’ eight home games and sophomore quarterback Nathan Scheelchaase make Illinois a possibility to surprise in the Leaders Division and go bowling for the second straight year.
The big question: Will Scheelchaase and senior running back Jason Ford be able to fill the shoes of second-round NFL draft pick and First Team All-Big Ten running back Mikel Leshoure?

Indiana
After churning out Heisman-winning quarterbacks at Oklahoma, new head coach Kevin Wilson will be working with sophomore quarterbacks Dusty Kiel and Edward Wright-Baker.
The big question: How can co-defensive coordinators Mike Ekeler and Doug Mallory improve a defense that allowed over 34 points per game in 2010?

Iowa
The Hawkeyes lost both quarterback Ricky Stanzi and defensive end Adrian Clayborn. Kirk Ferentz will have to lead the team through transitions this team from losses on both offense and defense.
The big question: Iowa’s five losses came by a combined 18 points, so what changes can they make to ensure that they finish games and hold onto leads?

Michigan
New coach Brady Hoke will implement a different offenseive system in Ann Arbor from the spread option of Rich Rodriguez.
The big question: Will Hoke be able to transform 2010 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year Denard Robinson into an effective pocket passer while still utilizing his athleticism?

Michigan State
With quarterback Kirk Cousins and running back Edwin Baker, Mark Dantonio’s Spartan squad looks to build on an 11-2 season. The offensive and defensive lines look to be improved, though they must replenish the linebacker core that lost Greg Jones and Eric Gordon.
The big question: Will a tough road schedule and only 12 returning starters be too much for the Spartans to overcome or will they cement themselves as one of the elite teams in the Big Ten?

Minnesota
New head coach Jerry Kill has had a history of helping struggling teams like Southern Illinois and Northern Illinois. He will try to turn around the Minnesota program that went 3-9 last year.
The big question: Will a tougher mindset and a flood of returning players be enough to improve the defense?

Nebraska
The Cornhuskers will immediately be a contender in the Legends Division, as they bring sophomore quarterback Taylor Martinez and senior defensive tackle Jared Crick to the Big Ten.
The big question: Now that Nebraska has shifted to the Big Ten, will the Huskers develop a de facto rivalry with the Iowa Hawkeyes that could rival the intensity of recent Nebraska-Oklahoma games?

Northwestern
Senior quarterback Dan Persa set the team record for completion percentage (73.5%) of the team’s offense when healthy. Northwestern returns 16 starters, but all eyes are on their returning quarterback.
The big question: Will Persa be able to stay healthy for an entire season, and if so, will he be able to continue his statistical dominance on the field?

Ohio State
Along with a mess of NCAA violations, the Buckeyes lost their starting quarterback in Terrelle Pryor and defensive end Cameron Heyward to name a few. Even with these losses and a new head coach, the Buckeyes are still talented enough to compete for the Big Ten Championship.
The big question: With four of their best players suspended for the first five games, will the Buckeyes be able to get past early tests Miami (FL) and Michigan State to make a run for a Big Ten title?

Penn State
Both starting quarterback candidates sophomore Rob Bolden and junior Matt McGloin showed flashes of brilliance last year, making the decision tough for Joe Paterno and the Nittany Lions. Either Bolden or McGloin will have one of the best targets available in the Big Ten in senior WR Derek Moye, but will miss the presence of Penn State career rushing leader Evan Royster in the backfield.
The big question: Will the Nittany Lions be able to settle on one starting quarterback for the season and find some consistency on offense?

Purdue
The Boilermakers found almost no consistency from the quarterback position, as injuries plagued the unit. Mobile sophomore quarterback Rob Henry showed a great deal of promise during his freshman campaign before suffering a cut on his finger. On the defensive side of the ball, Purdue loses Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year defensive end Ryan Kerrigan, but are optimistic in head coach Danny Hope’s third season.
The big question: If Henry and junior running back Ralph Bolden remain healthy, will they prove to be the difference the Boilermakers are looking for on offense?

Wisconsin
Bret Bielema’s squad is deep enough that many still view the Badgers as the class of the Leaders Division, especially with the arrival of transfer Russell Wilson.
The big question: Are the Badgers deep enough to fill the spots left vacant by five All-Americans and overtake Ohio State and win the Leaders Division title?