Josh Moyer, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Big Ten morning links

Three bite-sized opinions, with links below, to start off your morning:

1. Larry Johnson deserves cheers, not jeers from Penn State fans. The longtime Nittany Lions assistant, now an Ohio State coach, is returning to Happy Valley for a Saturday night game. One fan tweeted at me, referring to LJ as “Larry Judas.” He’s not the only PSU fan that still harnesses some bitterness toward Johnson. But that really misses the mark. Johnson knew James Franklin was big on defensive line coach Sean Spencer -- he admitted as much Monday -- so Johnson simply stepped aside. This is the same man who declined a defensive coordinator position with Illinois in 2008 which would’ve reportedly doubled his salary. And who, in 2011, declined to put his name in for Maryland’s next coordinator job because he already promised Penn State’s recruiting class he’d coach them the next season. Just because a coach leaves somewhere doesn’t mean he’s “disloyal.” I’m not 100 percent certain what kind of reception he’ll receive Saturday night, but a standing ovation seems much more appropriate than any boos.

2. Purdue fans have a reason to be excited -- finally. Danny Etling was heralded as Purdue's savior before he ever took a snap last season. And when he did finally step under center for the first time, against Northern Illinois, the crowd offered him a standing ovation. Well, it turns out the quarterback to turn this Boilermakers team around might just be the lesser-known Austin Appleby. At least, he was lesser-known until a few weeks ago. In his last three starts, the Boilermakers are averaging 35.7 points a game. Before Appleby, that number was 23.8. He has some weapons on offense and, if this defense can step up, Purdue could really be a good team. Seriously. Appleby stuck with it after Etling twice beat him out for the starting job, and Appleby still has no shortage of confidence. He said last week that Purdue "could've hung 40" on Michigan State.

3. Illinois’ “Gray Ghost” uniforms deserve a thumbs-up. Maybe it’s just because I’m a sucker for history, but I really dig the uniforms the Fighting Illini plan to wear this weekend for Homecoming. It’s not necessarily how they look -- and they look fine -- but it’s the story behind them that really gets me. Ninety years ago, during Illinois’ Homecoming against Michigan, Red Grange scored four touchdowns in the first 12 minutes of the game. He ended up with six TDs as the Illini became the first team to beat Michigan in two years. After that game, famous sportswriter Grantland Rice referred to Grange as a “gray ghost.” So, that’s the idea behind Illinois’ uniforms. Wish more teams would honor history like that. Seems like fans are embracing the new design, too. The jerseys have already sold out online.

Now, on to the links ...

East Division

  • Last year's beatdown against Michigan State still lingers for Michigan.

  • The Spartans are setting their sights on the College Football Playoff.

  • Urban Meyer expects more from Ohio State's offense.

  • Four-star offensive tackle Sterling Jenkins is eager to arrive at Penn State.

  • The Hoosiers must stay aggressive despite some mistakes.

  • Tackling woes doomed Rutgers in its loss to Ohio State.

  • Notes about Maryland, including how the Terrapins plan to stick with their punter.

West Division

  • Minnesota's latest top-25 ranking is a big victory for a team off to its best start since 1990.

  • Bo Pelini is glad to have Nebraska quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. on his side.

  • Wisconsin must "keep its eye on the ball" against Maryland.

  • Purdue's defense is giving up too many big plays.

  • Tim Beckman will utilize a two-quarterback system against Minnesota.

  • Reviewing four factors in Iowa's loss to Maryland.

  • Three takeaways from Northwestern's loss over the weekend.

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