Terry Gilliam / AP

Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor led the Big Ten as a freshman with a pass-efficiency rating of 151.3 in conference games.

WISCONSIN — Key players: RB John Clay, So.; DE O’Brien Schofield, Sr.; LB Jaevery McFadden, Sr. Returning starters: 6 offense, 5 defense.

Notes: Another year, another new starting QB? Redshirt freshman Curt Phillips could take job at from fifth-year senior Dustin Sherer, who took over at midyear last season. ... Top three receivers return, including TE Garrett Graham.

MICHIGAN — Key players: RB Brandon Minor, Sr.; DE Brandon Graham, Sr.; P Zoltan Mesko, Sr.. Returning starters: 10 offense, 5 defense.

Notes: Year 2 of coach Rich Rodriguez’ rebuilding project finds freshman Tate Forcier taking over at quarterback. ... Wolverines last year gave up 347 points, the most in school history. Greg Robinson, fired last year as coach at Syracuse, takes over as defensive coordinator.

NORTHWESTERN — Key players: QB Mike Kafka, Sr.; DE Corey Wootton, Sr.; S Brad Phillips, Sr. Returning starters: 5 offense, 8 defense.

Notes: The 6-foot-7 Wootton had 10 sacks last season, but is recovering from right knee surgery after getting injured in the Alamo Bowl. ... Wildcats must replace top RB Tyrell Sutton and top three receivers. ... Northwestern doesn’t have to play Ohio State or Michigan.

MINNESOTA — Key players: QB Adam Weber, Jr.; WR Eric Decker, Sr.; LB Lee Campbell, Sr. Returning starters: 9 offense, 8 defense.

Notes: Gophers move home digs from dingy Metrodome to new, open-air TCF Bank Stadium on campus. ... Weber-to-Decker combo among best in Big Ten, though Gophers must boost rushing attack (3.1 yards per game in 2009).

PURDUE — Key players: RB Jaycen Taylor, Sr.; CB Brandon King, Sr.; CB David Pender, Sr. Returning starters: 5 offense, 7 defense.

Notes: Danny Hope takes over as coach for Joe Tiller after spending 2008 as coach-in-waiting. ... Senior Joey Elliot, voted captain, likely replaces Curtis Painter at QB.

INDIANA — Key players: DE Jammie Kirlew, Sr.; DE Greg Middleton, Sr.; QB Ben Chappell, Jr. Returning starters: 6 offense, 9 defense.

Notes: Former starting QB-turned-receiver Kellen Lewis booted off team in April for violating team rules. ... Kirlew’s 10.5 sacks tied for second in Big Ten, but Middleton trying to reclaim ’07 form (16 sacks) after just four last year.

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