Big Ten spring preview: New coaches, new problems

Spring practice opens: March 7
Spring game: April 14
Buzz: Beckman is a former defensive coordinator, but his teams at Toledo had prolific offenses. The question with his first Illini team is whether there are enough offensive playmakers. QB Nathan Scheelhaase still needs to improve as a passer, and it would help in that regard if someone steps up as a go-to receiver to replace A.J. Jenkins. Developing depth at tailback is important, and the line needs to jell after losing two starters, including star T Jeff Allen. There are far fewer questions offensively. The Illini needs someone to prove this spring they can provide a consistent pass rush off the edge. Illinois also needs a new kicker.

Spring practice opens: March 3
Spring game: April 14
Buzz: The defense needs a ton of work. The coaching staff desperately needs some playmakers to emerge on that side of the ball, and the rush defense needs to make huge strides. The offense has some potential, though the line is a potential trouble spot. A go-to wide receiver needs to come to the fore.

Spring practice opens: March 24
Spring game: April 21
Buzz: There are new coordinators on both sides of the ball, so this will be an interesting spring for the Hawkeyes. The Hawkeyes need a new tailback, a new go-to receiver and three new starting linemen. The Hawkeyes were disappointing offensively last season, and perhaps Greg Davis, Texas' former coordinator, can breathe some life into the passing attack. TB Marcus Coker's decision to transfer is a huge blow. The defense had trouble stopping the run last season, and that was with an experienced line. This spring, coaches have to rebuild that line and find a new middle linebacker. The secondary is in flux, as well. In short, a lot of work has to be done by the revamped coaching staff.

Spring practice opens: March 17
Spring game: April 14
Buzz: For the first time in a while, Michigan is heading into spring practice coming off a good season. QB Denard Robinson's return obviously is good news, and TB Fitzgerald Toussaint came on strong in the second half of last season. The line has some questions, particularly at center, where All-American David Molk is gone. Some young receivers need to prove they can be counted on as complementary types. The defense made huge strides last season under coordinator Greg Mattison, but Mattison will earn his dough this spring as he tries to rebuild his line. He's a former line coach, so he should enjoy the process at least. The back seven actually looks as if it could be a strength. For the most part, this spring will be about developing depth, which has to make coach Brady Hoke happy.

Spring practice opens: March 27
Spring game: April 28
Buzz: Outside of tailback, where the Spartans have a solid group, there is a lot of work to be done at the skill positions. QB Kirk Cousins is gone, as are the top three wide receivers; the top two tight ends have departed, as well. The line should be a strength, though. The defense looks solid, as well. There is work to be done this spring replacing the two starting tackles, and FS Trenton Robinson will be missed. But for the most part, the spring work on defense will be finding even more depth.

Spring practice opens: March 24
Spring game: April 21
Buzz: Minnesota this spring has to get better throwing the ball and stopping the run. The receiving corps is a huge concern; the Gophers need a new go-to guy, and also need No. 2 and No. 3 receivers, as well. A new starting tailback needs to be found, and the line has to get more physical. Defensively, the Gophers have to rebuild up the middle after losing both starting tackles, the starting middle linebacker and a starting safety. Coaches also need to find some pass rushers.

Spring practice opens: March 10
Spring game: April 14
Buzz: There is solid skill-position talent offensively, but the line must be rebuilt. In addition, while QB Taylor Martinez obviously is a good runner, just as obvious is that he remains a mediocre passer. The offense has to become more diverse if the Huskers truly are to compete for the league title. The rush defense was a disappointment last season, and the Huskers have to become more physical in their front seven. LB Lavonte David's departure leaves a hole that can't be filled. Despite the loss of two starters, the secondary should be fine.

Spring practice opens: March 3
Spring game: April 14
Buzz: There's a lot of defensive work that needs to be done. The Wildcats struggled against the run and the pass last season and are searching for five new defensive starters. The pass rush was horrendous last season, and coaches have to find someone to provide pressure off the edge. Kain Colter takes over as the fulltime starting quarterback, and it would help his cause if a true every-down back emerges this spring. The Wildcats also are looking for a new go-to receiver, a new tight end and two new starting linemen.

Spring practice opens: March 28
Spring game: April 21
Buzz: QB Braxton Miller looks to be an excellent fit for Meyer's version of the spread. But there are questions everywhere else on offense. The line has to replace its three best starters. The Buckeyes have to uncover a new feature back. And the wide receivers corps looks barren; while there appears to be talent, none of these guys have done anything at the college level. While Meyer prefers a run-heavy spread, there has to be some semblance of a passing attack and two or three guys who can make plays in space. Does Ohio State have those types of guys? There is a lot less concern about the defense. Ohio State had some trouble against the run last season, but the potential exists for a dominating front seven. The secondary should be fine. Developing depth at linebacker will be a spring key.

Spring practice opens: March 26
Spring game: April 21
Buzz: There are numerous holes on both sides of the ball. The entire starting secondary is gone, as are three members of the starting front seven, including star T Devon Still. The secondary obviously is a huge concern. Offensively, the Nittany Lions have to find a way to get consistent production at quarterback. The biggest issue there is that none of the candidates truly seems to be a Big Ten-caliber guy. TB Silas Redd played well at times last season, and he is the most proven skill-position player on the roster. The Nittany Lions need to find a solid No. 2 tailback, as well as develop depth in the receiving corps. Another problem: The Nittany Lions need four new starting linemen.

Spring practice opens: March 7
Spring game: April 14
Buzz: The rushing attack should be OK, assuming the coaching staff can adequately replaced three starting linemen. While there is no standout at receiver, it should be an OK group. Quarterback remains a trouble spot. Does coach Danny Hope go with one guy, or use the group approach? He has three contenders, and while each does some good things, each has also has a weak spot or two. The defensive staff has been overhauled, and look for the Boilermakers to experiment with some 3-4 looks this spring. Coaches need to find a way to make Purdue tougher against the run. They also need to find someone who can provide a pass rush from off the edge.

Spring practice opens: March 17
Spring game: April 28
Buzz: QB Russell Wilson's departure leaves a huge hole, as do the departures of C Peter Konz, G Kevin Zeitler and T Josh Oglesby. Still, Wisconsin has developed an offensive-line assembly line, so the biggest issue is at quarterback. TB Montee Ball's decision to stay means he'll be even more of a focal point for the offense. Some young receivers need to step up as potential complementary guys. Wisconsin was quite suspect against the run last season, and work has to be done with the line. The linebackers look fine, but the secondary needs two new starters. Wisconsin also needs a new kicker and a new punter. There are holes, then, on both sides of the ball, and this is an important spring for a revamped coaching staff.