With the coming of spring, many in the college world have focused not on spring sports, but on spring football. Every school in the nation is preparing for a conference, or, possibly, a National Championship.
Unfortunately for the Big Ten, this may be a second straight season of having to be the butt of the nation's jokes, as every team has major questions that need to be answered before the regular season begins in autumn.
The defending Big Ten Champions come into 2002 ripe with confidence for a repeat run.
: Who is going to replace quarterback Kurt Kittner at the beginning of the year?
Despite their record, last year's team was a shadow of previous Wolverine teams.
: Will Head Coach Lloyd Carr still stay with quarterback John Navarre or is a young freshman going to step into the spotlight?
The Buckeyes destroyed Michigan on the road without the services of outgoing quarterback Steve Bellisari due to a DUI charge.
: Will Head Coach Jim Tressel's highly touted recruiting class make a meaningful impact this year, or in 2003?
While the program has not completely turned around, Head Coach Kirk Ferentz got over a major hurdle winning seven games, including a 19-16 victory in the Alamo Bowl.
: Can the Hawkeyes rebound from the loss of 18 senior lettermen?
For a team that lost an all-American caliber player in Drew Brees two years ago, the Boilermakers' performance last year was nothing to be ashamed about.
: Is sophomore quarterback Brandon Hance capable of leading the Boilermakers by himself?
For a team that did not have much in the way of offensive punch, to lose a player the caliber of Antwaan Randle-El is a major blow.
: Will new Head Coach Gerry DiNardo get the Hoosiers to buy into his system this year?
Now that Head Coach Joe Paterno has the all-time record for career wins, the focus can turn back to the team's performance, which was quite remarkable after a miserable 0-4 start.
: Can sophomore quarterback Zach Mills lead his team to a bowl game for the first time in three seasons?
With the quarterback carousel ending, upcoming junior quarterback Jeff Smoker should have the reins to himself on offense.
: How much of an impact will losing running back T.J. Duckett have on a team that seemed to play its best football at the end of last season?
The Badgers may have the most potent offense in the conference entering the season with senior wide receiver Lee Evans back for one more year.
: Will the Badgers' defense improve, or will the Camp Randall crowd be treated to scores of 45-42 every week?
A 2001 that was full of promise now changes into a 2002 that has Head Coach Randy Walker retooling a young squad.
: Can the Wildcats find replacements for quarterback Zak Kustok and running back Damien Anderson?
Head Coach Glen Mason must find a way to regroup a team that failed to live up to preseason expectations in 2001.
: Without departed wide receiver Ron Johnson, where will the offense come from?
