West

Iowa

The Quad City Times’ Steve Batterson wrote a feature on how new starting quarterback C.J. Beathard is developing confidence as the Hawkeyes’ lead man. And, according to cornerback Greg Mabin, Beathard is a completely different quarterback.

Illinois

Mikey Dudek’s absence means that Illinois is looking for a variety of guys to step up at receiver, writes Chicago Tribune’s Shannon Ryan. Dudek, who tore is ACL in the spring, said he doesn’t plan on wasting a redshirt season if he’ll only miss four games.

Minnesota

Minnesota got an injury scare on Sunday when left tackle Ben Lauer went down with a right knee injury. Even though it doesn’t appear to be serious, it raised questions about the Gophers’ depth at offensive line, Joe Christensen writes.

Nebraska

Lincoln Journal Star columnist Steve Sipple said he’d be surprised if Memorial Stadium got any bigger than its current maximum capacity. Like Michigan Stadium, it’ll have some altercations to allow for more comfortable seating in 2015.

Northwestern

bloomberg.com did a story on the allowance of college football unions that was founded by former Northwestern quarterback Kain Coulter. The ongoing battle may be decided as soon as this week, according to Jim Snyder’s story.

Purdue

The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette wrote about the Boilermakers’ new look at running back, and why power, not speed, will be the focus this season.

Wisconsin

scout.com’s Benjamin Worgull wrote about the long, winding journey for Wisconsin linebacker Kellen Jones to end up in Madison, which is the fourth different school he’s attended.

East

Indiana

WTHR columnist Bob Kravitz says it’s now or never for Kevin Wilson at Indiana. A soft non-conference schedule, he said, should mean bowl or bust in Bloomington.

Maryland

Washington Post reporter Roman Stubbs took a look at Maryland’s immediate future. Though Randy Edsall just inked a new three-year deal to stay in College Park, this season could see some rebuilding.

Michigan

Former Iowa quarterback Jake Rudock is competing for the starting job in Ann Arbor, where he’ll look to bring more consistency than he did at Iowa, mlive.com’s Nick Baumgardner writes.

Michigan State

Detroit Free Press Michigan State beat reporter Joe Rexrode did a story on a future leader that has emerged as a freshman. Even though Khari Willis will likely redshirt, his practices are making a lasting impression.

Ohio State

With Buckeye camp kicking off on Monday, the well-documented quarterback battle between J.T. Barrett and Cardale Jones will finally take shape, Columbus Dispatch writer Tim May writes.

Penn State 

The Penn State secondary will be the backbone of the defense with the return of Jordan Lucas and Trevor Williams, victorybellrings.com’s Barry Leonard Jr. says.

Rutgers

NJ.com’s Steve Politi wrote a column on running back Paul James’ comments that Rutgers shouldn’t be satisfied with eight wins. He said the team looked “too satisfied” following an eight-win season that ended with a Quick Lane Bowl victory. James, who dealt with a torn ACL last year, will be able to try to lead Rutgers past last year’s mark.