Scouting reports: Big Ten, Big 12

Big Ten

How they'll finish

(2001 records in parentheses)

1. Michigan (6-2, 8-4): Will last two losses produce enough resolve for return to top?

2. Ohio State (5-3, 7-5): Searching for leadership at QB, but SS Mike Doss could be a three-time All-American.

3. Michigan State (3-5, 7-5): Road record an issue with games at Michigan, Penn State.

4. Wisconsin (3-5, 5-7): QB Brooks Bollinger is four-year starter.

5. Illinois (7-1, 10-2): BCS appearance becomes tough act to follow.

6. Penn State (4-4, 5-6): Another bowl-less season will raise louder questions of JoePa's future.

7. Purdue (4-4, 6-6): Is soph QB Kyle Orton ready to take charge?

8. Iowa (4-4, 7-5): Next step is challenging for top-three finish.

9. Minnesota (2-6, 4-7): Minor bowl victory would be major step.

10. Northwestern (2-6, 4-7): Reshuffled defense can only improve.

11. Indiana (4-4, 5-6): Just 37 returning letter winners.

Players to watch

Michigan State: WR Charles Rogers (1,470 receiving yards, 67 receptions, 14 TDs); QB Jeff Smoker (162.8 passing efficiency, sixth nationally)

Ohio State: SS Mike Doss (87 tackles, 10 tackles for loss)

Wisconsin: WR Lee Evans (1,545 receiving yards); RB Anthony Davis (conference-leading 1,466 yards as freshman)

Penn State: DT Jimmy Kennedy (6-5, 330, 51 tackles); RB Larry Johnson (conference-leading 26.7 KO return average, 337 rushing yards)

Michigan: DE Dan Rumishek (6-4, 277, 7 sacks); QB John Navarre (2,435 yards, 19 TDs)

Purdue: DB Stuart Schweigert (98 tackles, 6 INTs, tied school career record with 11 INTs)

Illinois: DB Eugene Wilson (30 passes broken up, 70 tackles, 6 INTs); WR Brandon Lloyd (1,006 receiving yards); OT Tony Pashos (6-6, 320)

Iowa: DB Bob Sanders (122 tackles, 4 INTs); G Eric Steinbach (6-7, 284)

Minnesota: RB Marion Barber III (742 rushing yards)

Big 12

How they'll finish

(2001 records in parentheses)

North

1. Colorado (7-1, 10-3): Favorite in North.

2. Nebraska (7-1, 11-2): Big shoes to fill at QB.

3. Iowa State (4-4, 7-5): Nebraska should be wary of Sept. 28 trip to Ames.

4. Kansas State (3-5, 6-6): Who'll it be at QB, Ell Roberson or Marc Dunn?

5. Missouri (3-5, 4-7): Gary Pinkel has upgraded speed and athleticism, but it's young.

6. Kansas (1-7, 3-8): Mark Mangino has generated excitement; wins might come harder.

South

1. Oklahoma (6-2, 11-2): Built to win second national title in three years.

2. Texas (7-1, 11-2): Time to cash in on four stellar recruiting classes.

3. Texas A&M (4-4, 8-4): Defense looks to be true Wrecking Crew.

4. Texas Tech (4-4, 7-5): Book it: Kliff Kingsbury and Co. will pile up yards, points.

5. Oklahoma State (2-6, 4-7): 'Pokes fanned hope with season-ending upset of Sooners.

6. Baylor (0-8, 3-8): Slight progress under Kevin Steele: from 1-2-3 victories.

Players to watch

Baylor: DL A.C. Collier (6 sacks, 11 tackles for loss)

Colorado: TB Chris Brown (946 yards, 5.0-yard average, 16 TDs rushing)

Iowa State: QB Seneca Wallace (2,044 yards passing, 475 yards rushing, 18 TDs)

Kansas: WR Harrison Hill (108 career receptions; back from shoulder injury)

Kansas State: DB Terence Newman (51 tackles, two blocked kicks)

Missouri: WR Justin Gage (74 catches, 5 TDs)

Nebraska: DE Chris Kelsay (5 sacks, 17 tackles for loss)

Oklahoma: DL Tommie Harris (16 tackles for loss)

Oklahoma State: WR Rashaun Woods (80 catches, 10 TDs)

Texas: QB Chris Simms (59.1 percent, 2,603 yards, 22 TDs passing)

Texas A&M: CB Sammy Davis (74 tackles, 5 INTs)

Texas Tech: QB Kliff Kingsbury (completed 68.9 percent, 3,502 yards, 25 TDs passing)