Wisconsin has been a bellwether Big Ten program, going to Rose Bowls from 2011-13 and just missing a BCS game last year before landing in the Capital One Bowl. Can the beat go on for Gary Andersen in Year Two? “Lots of questions on offense,” said Andersen. “Wide receiver is the big question mark. We need some men to step up.”

Looking for a bounce-back team? Look no further than Northwestern in what should be an intriguing and wide-open Big Ten West race. The Wildcats began 2013 glowing, coming off five bowls in a row with dreams of a division title dancing in their head. But after a 4-0 start, NU slumped to a 5-7 mark. Close losses were killer. There was a three-point defeat to Minnesota; seven to Iowa; three to Nebraska; and a triple-overtime loss to Michigan.

Quick! Who is the Big Ten’s returning passing yards leader? Chances are, you’re thinking it’s Christian Hackenberg or Nate Sudfeld, right? Nope, it’s Devin Gardner (2,960 yards). Who will find his name on top of the passing yards list at season’s end? See Tom Dienhart, Sean Merriman and Brent Yarina’s predictions in this post.

There is only one way for the Purdue offense to go after last season: up. That’s good news for coordinator John Shoop. He isn’t dwelling on the past. He’s trying to learn from it and move forward. Negativity won’t help. Positivity will. And Shoop emotes good thoughts.

Thousands of Big Ten fans and runners came out for the third annual BTN Big 10K in Chicago on Saturday and ran along the city’s lakefront with a variety of Big Ten celebrities, mascots and cheerleaders. Have a look at a few videos from the event and come back Monday for more photos.

In a Saturday afternoon press conference, Penn State President Eric Barron introduced the University’s new athletic director, Sandy Barbour — a 30-year veteran in leadership positions within athletics departments at several major institutions. Barbour will begin her tenure as AD on Aug. 18.