Mitch Sherman, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Big Ten morning links

Urban Meyer makes news when he thinks about the quarterback decision that he faces before next season. He actually talked about it Tuesday.

Meyer said the dilemma has started to "eat away" at him.

In this report by Tim May of the Columbus Dispatch, Meyer praised the Ohio State quarterbacks for their positive attitude in spring practice, specifically mentioning a compliment offered by Braxton Miller to Cardale Jones. Miller and J.T. Barrett talked a little football at practice, he said.

These are insignificant details, though they remain fascinating in the context of the OSU QB race, especially when offered by Meyer. The battle won't actually hit its stride until August of course, when all three accomplished players presumably will enter preseason camp in good health.

Meyer said Tuesday that he was moved to feel this way about the quarterbacks because he has "such great respect for all three guys."

He also offered a dose of reality. "The negative: Two people are going to have to watch."

This storyline has already taken on a life of its own. It's in danger of spinning out of control at some point before August, at least in the uncontrolled environment away from the Ohio State campus. Twelve practices remain for the Buckeyes this spring -- more time for the media and fans to anticipate and overanalyze every minor twist.

And if Meyer is already feeling a burden now, imagine how he'll feel in August.

Let's get to the links:

  • Five pressing questions ahead of spring practice at Rutgers, which opens work Monday, and at Iowa, which starts Wednesday.

  • A spring preview of the Indiana wide receivers.

  • Maryland’s backup QB competition is back on track after a hiatus from practice for spring break.

  • Previewing Penn State's spring and the importance of the improvement on the offensive line.

  • Poignant words from former Michigan center Jack Miller.

  • Receiver Macgarrett Kings Jr. and running back Delton Williams are not listed on Michigan State’s spring roster or depth chart.

  • Purdue will play the Big Ten’s toughest schedule in 2015, according to the NCAA formula and listed by Phil Steele.

  • Adam Weber, Minnesota’s most prolific all-time quarterback, is back with the Golden Gophers to help tutor Mitch Leidner.

  • A highly motivated walk-on is headed to Nebraska from Loveland, Colorado.

  • Should Illinois and Tim Beckman be happy about a 6-7 record? Spencer Hall makes the case.

  • Paul Chryst has confidence in Corey Clement to replace Melvin Gordon in the Wisconsin backfield.

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