Austin Ward, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Big Ten morning links

Wake up twice more and Big Ten football is back in action. Why isn't it the weekend already?

1. Michigan Meltdown: Now the Wolverines are right back where they started, restoring Devin Gardner as the starter at quarterback and hoping for different results. Based on his disappearance from the depth chart, it's a safe bet that the injuries Shane Morris sustained Saturday forced the swap, but Brady Hoke went right back to highlighting the continued lack of communication both inside and outside Schembechler Hall right now in the press conference announcing the change. Hoke clearly hasn't learned anything from the last few days, falling right back to his policy of not discussion the health of his players at a time when transparency would almost certainly work in his benefit. Pointing out the problems Michigan has had getting players at 100 percent might actually be a useful excuse for some of the on-field issues the program has had during its 2-3 start. Maybe it's too late for that now anyway, but pulling back the curtain and trying to be a bit more open and honest could at least be a start in trying to fight back in the public-relations battle he is badly losing at the moment.

2. Undercard Bout of the Week: All the attention is focused on the prize fight under the lights between Nebraska and Michigan State, and deservedly so given the standing of those marquee teams and how important the matchup will be for the College Football Playoff selection committee. But there's a battle in the afternoon that could be just as entertaining, and what it might lack in implications for the national title, it makes up for it with intrigue in the East Division. Maryland has the athletes at wide receiver to test the Buckeyes and their suspect secondary. Ohio State is rolling offensively with J.T. Barrett at quarterback, and the Terps were gashed in their biggest test of the season against West Virginia. There could be plenty of fireworks, and the winner will establish itself as a contender in the East -- and potentially the favorite depending on what happens with the Spartans.

3. Trophy talk: The votes have been unanimous for a couple weeks now, but Ameer Abdullah's standing as the unquestioned Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year at this early stage could be threatened as early as this week given the head-to-head matchup with one of his closest competitors. Obviously the Nebraska tailback isn't directly squaring off with Connor Cook on the field, but if the Michigan State quarterback puts up another impressive statistical outing, knocks off the Huskers and keeps his team in line for a potential playoff berth, Abdullah might find himself lower than the No. 1 spot next week despite his gaudy numbers. On the flip side, a road win that keeps the Huskers unbeaten with Abdullah gouging one of the most feared defenses in the nation would only solidify his push for the Heisman Trophy. Of course, there is plenty on the line for both teams, but individual honors are up for grabs on Saturday evening as well.

East Division

  • Defensive tackle Damon Knox could be returning just in time for Michigan State.

  • Brady Hoke has a "great relationship" with embattled athletic director Dave Brandon.

  • Some key players are taking it easy during Penn State's bye week.

  • Rutgers wide receiver Leonte Carroo is earning just as much praise for his blocking as he does for his catches.

  • Maryland is breaking out some special helmets for its first Big Ten home game.

  • Ohio State is looking forward to welcoming the Terps to the conference.

  • Griffin Oakes has been a threat from long range since high school, and he's already forced Indiana to update its record book.

West Division

  • Nebraska linebacker Zaire Anderson beat the clock for a memorable play.

  • The hit that has caused so much scrutiny at Michigan has been a teachable moment for Minnesota.

  • If Northwestern is going to pull off another upset this week, it will need to generate some turnovers.

  • There are still tickets available for Iowa's last four home games.

  • Purdue didn't win last week, but it showed signs of finding some consistency on defense.

  • Lessons learned about Illinois coming out of its loss at Nebraska include some ugly defensive numbers.

  • Wisconsin quarterback Tanner McEvoy is looking for faster starts offensively.

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