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"He's very much a fringe candidate to begin the season, but Taylor Martinez of Nebraska could get his name into the mix as the triggerman of what should be a prolific Cornhusker offense, but Nebraska will have to have a great season and Martinez will have to show improvement as a passer for him to factor in." The Big Ten does have some potential darkhorses in its quarterback ranks as well. If Northwestern has a great season — and that's Michigan State a lot to ask, considering its Michigan State middle linebacker Max Bullough is one of the leaders and stars on one grueling scheduling — then of the league's best defenses. The first-team All-Big Ten pick looks to build on his 27do-everything quarterback game consecutive start streak in 2013. Kain Colter could gain some 8-4 at Penn State only to watch the postseason on traction quickly. Ditto for Michigan QB Devin Gardner, relegated TV, their teams rendered ineligible by NCAA sancto wide receiver for a while as he waited his turn tions. Meanwhile, Illinois went 2-10 and winless in the behind Robinson. As for another possible darkhorse, how about Ven- Big Ten in its first season under Beckman. ric Mark, the Northwestern running back who might SURVIVAL MODE be one of the best players no one's ever heard of? Two coaches would seem to be on very thin ice as He ran for almost 1,400 yards last season, you know. 2013 approaches. Ferentz' greatest ally at Iowa might be his own WELCOME TO THE exorbitant contract, which might make it almost imBIG TEN Andersen and Hazell are new to the league, taking possible for Iowa to fire him should it come to that point. over at Wisconsin and Purdue, respectively After a four-win season in 2012, with no compelAndersen takes over a Badger program that's played in the first three Rose Bowls but needed a ling reason to believe a stark turnaround is forthreplacement for Bret Bielema, who moved to Arkan- coming, it might. Can a scandal-free coach really get fired after just sas. two seasons? Hazell replaces Danny Hope, who was fired afBeckman at Illinois is about to find out. ter guiding Purdue to back-to-back lower-rung bowl The Fighting Illini were 2-10 and played only one berths. Last season saw first-year coaching results finish Big Ten opponent, Purdue, close all season. The Illini natives are restless. all over the map, each debuting coach taking over a Already. j distinctly different situation. Meyer went 12-0 at Ohio State and Bill O'Brien GBIprint.com GoldandBlack.com Gold and Black IllustrateD • volume 23, issue 6 • 91