OAC commends Barnett's cooperation, says Strikeforce fighter will be licensed

Josh Barnett has passed a pre-fight drug test and will be licensed to fight at a Sept. 10 Strikeforce event bearing his name.

Ohio Athletic Commission Executive Director Bernie Profato today confirmed the news to MMAjunkie.com.

"In fairness to this young man, he cooperated 110 percent," the executive said.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/V1xf1gkQzKE/oac-commends-barnetts-cooperation-says-strikeforce-fighter-will-be-licensed.mma

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Video: Examining Ryan's claims on Jets D

Skip Bayless, Rob Parker debate Rex Ryan's comments that the New York Jets' defense be the best in the NFL.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/30902/video-examining-ryans-claims-on-jets-d

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Exclusive pictures from UFC on Versus 5

Check out pictures from UFC on Versus 5 by Tracy Lee. Look for Lytle's last win in the Octagon, Henderson's domination and more.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Exclusive-pictures-from-UFC-on-Versus-5?urn=mma-wp5972

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UFC on Fox: How will ?The Ultimate Fighter? change?

Thursday's landmark announcement that the UFC has a new partnership with the Fox network included the news that the UFC's relationship with Spike TV will end after the upcoming season of "The Ultimate Fighter." The revamped show will air on Fox's sister network, FX.

Its home is far from the only change that will be made for the reality show that helped kickstart the UFC's popularity but has grown stale as of late. Instead of featuring a taped, edited show with taped fights, the fights will be shown live. Packages from life in the fighter house and training will be cut from the things that happened during the week leading up to each fight.

Also, fans will have a chance to help decide the fights, as they will get to vote on upcoming match-ups. The coaches will conduct their training camps over the 12-week period of the show alongside their fighters, and fight at the end of the season. Over the course of two seasons in a year, 24 live fights will be aired on Friday nights.

Of course, there are plenty of questions that will need to be answered about how the UFC will run the show. Will the finale still be an event, like it has been for the past seasons, or just be a part of the show? Will the fight-in shows still happen, or will the cast be decided by the time the show starts?

It also will ask much of both the contestants and the coaches. The winners of the show will be decided as much by their health and ability to withstand the rigors of the show as their fighting potential. Coaches will have to move their training camps to Las Vegas, where the show is taped. Plenty of fighters like to be cloistered off from the rest of the world during training camp, and the temptations of Sin City could be a bit much to handle during camp. That could limit the pool of fighters who want to serve as coaches.

But those are minor quibbles for a show that lost its must-watch edge years ago. The UFC promised a fresh start with Fox, and the changes to "The Ultimate Fighter" shows that they're headed in the right direction.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/UFC-on-Fox-How-will-The-Ultimate-Fighter-chan?urn=mma-wp6068

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UFC on Fox: How will ?The Ultimate Fighter? change?

Thursday's landmark announcement that the UFC has a new partnership with the Fox network included the news that the UFC's relationship with Spike TV will end after the upcoming season of "The Ultimate Fighter." The revamped show will air on Fox's sister network, FX.

Its home is far from the only change that will be made for the reality show that helped kickstart the UFC's popularity but has grown stale as of late. Instead of featuring a taped, edited show with taped fights, the fights will be shown live. Packages from life in the fighter house and training will be cut from the things that happened during the week leading up to each fight.

Also, fans will have a chance to help decide the fights, as they will get to vote on upcoming match-ups. The coaches will conduct their training camps over the 12-week period of the show alongside their fighters, and fight at the end of the season. Over the course of two seasons in a year, 24 live fights will be aired on Friday nights.

Of course, there are plenty of questions that will need to be answered about how the UFC will run the show. Will the finale still be an event, like it has been for the past seasons, or just be a part of the show? Will the fight-in shows still happen, or will the cast be decided by the time the show starts?

It also will ask much of both the contestants and the coaches. The winners of the show will be decided as much by their health and ability to withstand the rigors of the show as their fighting potential. Coaches will have to move their training camps to Las Vegas, where the show is taped. Plenty of fighters like to be cloistered off from the rest of the world during training camp, and the temptations of Sin City could be a bit much to handle during camp. That could limit the pool of fighters who want to serve as coaches.

But those are minor quibbles for a show that lost its must-watch edge years ago. The UFC promised a fresh start with Fox, and the changes to "The Ultimate Fighter" shows that they're headed in the right direction.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/UFC-on-Fox-How-will-The-Ultimate-Fighter-chan?urn=mma-wp6068

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Tito and ?Big Nog? repped the old guard, fellow veterans hope to stay alive during the fall

The victories by Tito Ortiz and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira produced high drama at UFC 132 and UFC 134, respectively.

Without a win over Ryan Bader, Ortiz was on his way out of the UFC. A a bad loss by Nogueira against Brendan Schaub, would've inevitably prompted retirement talk. They live another day.

Nothing in the fall will match the stories of Tito and Big Nog, but there are plenty of showcase fights where veterans need to avoid a bad loss to ensure their future with the UFC. The sport is evolving so quickly, a veteran fighter can go from a UFC contender to the minor leagues or even retirement in just a few fights.

The fall slate is filled with older fighters who are under the gun.

Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic vs. Roy Nelson - UFC 137

There's some pressure on Nelson, but this is really about Cro Cop. Following a loss at UFC 128, Dana White said it was time for the legendary heavyweight to walk away. Because of contractual obligations to the 36-year-old, the promotion had to give him another fight. Cro Cop (27-9-2, 4-5 UFC) was competitive in the losses Frank Mir and Schaub, but seems to run out of gas in the middle of fights and lacks the athleticism to use his trademark kicks as a big weapon. Cro Cop was the No. 2 heavyweight in the world from 2004-2006.

Mark Hunt vs. Ben Rothwell, UFC 135

Hunt is another strange case. Believe it or not, he made his UFC debut coming off of five straight losses (Melvin Manhoef, Fedor Emelianenko, Alistair Overeem, Gegard Mousasi, Josh Barnett). He got the shot solely because of an old PRIDE contract the UFC had to honor. Hunt, 37, saved himself at UFC 127 with a surprise win over Chris Tuchscherer. Give him credit, Hunt used to fight at a sloppy 290-plus pounds. Now he's dedicated himself to better conditioning. Hunt certainly has the one-punch knockout power to keep on trucking with a win over Rothwell.

Yves Edwards vs. Rafaello Oliveira - UFC on Versus 6

Edwards is far from ancient, but the 34-year-old does have 58 fights under his belt. One has wonder how he'll bounce back from a devastating knockout against Sam Stout. His job may still be safe even if loses to the 29-year-old Oliveira. After all, the UFC has some loyalty to Edwards (40-17-1, 8-5 UFC) who first fought for the promotion back in 2001.

Stephan Bonnar vs. Kyle Kingsbury -UFC 139

Bonnar is the most unique name on this list. As a participant in the biggest fight in UFC history (Dana White's words) the finale of "The Ultimate Fighter 1," the promotion is extremely loyal to Bonnar and his opponent Forrest Griffin. That said, Bonnar absorbs a lot of abuse during his fights and has little hope of ever getting back into the light heavyweight top 10. If he suffered a loss, you wonder if White and Co. tell Bonnar it's time to walk away from the Octagon. It's a much easier decision knowing the UFC will take care of him with a job for the rest of his life. That said, the 34-year-old has won two straight. So the decision will be left up to him. Maybe he gets to go out like Chris Lytle did when he walked away after a win over Dan Hardy.

Josh Barnett vs. Strikeforce heavyweight Grand Prix field

Barnett, 33, isn't back with the UFC, but he controls his own destiny. The former UFC champ, White adversary and two-time PED policy violator probably has to make the final to even be considered for a return. He faces Sergei Kharitonov on Sept. 10 and the winner of Antonio "Big Foot" Silva sometime in the beginning of 2012. Would a close performance in a loss in the final still get Barnett back in the UFC? It's a tough call.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Tito-and-Big-Nog-repped-the-old-guard-fellow-?urn=mma-wp6437

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Aggies take the biggest leap on road to SEC

The first sign came at a word.

"Uncertainty."

When it came to Texas A&M's relationship with the Big 12, Texas and its Longhorn Network had created it.

Texas A&M's regents met on July 20 before Texas A&M president R. Bowen Loftin told waiting media of the uncertainty, and a day later, Loftin dialed-up his good friend, SEC commissioner Mike Slive, who Loftin says he'd last spoken to at the Cotton Bowl months earlier.

The league's board of directors met, and everyone appeared to be on the plane, but Texas Gov. Rick Perry let slip that the Aggies and SEC were engaging in "conversations."

But those conversations couldn't get far unless Loftin had the power to turn them into movement toward the SEC. So, on Aug. 15, the university's board of regents gave it to him.

And with that power, he decided to go for a leisurely "conference exploration."

Call it a nature hike, I suppose, full of wild boars, some new breeds of Tigers, �a wild Game or two and some Gators way east.

He asked the Big 12 to let him know, if, by some chance, he wanted his university leave, what it would take.

They responded, and most importantly, agreed to mutual waivers of legal claims. There won't be any drawn out litigation between Texas A&M and the Big 12, regardless of who is the plaintiff and who is the defendant.

But now, with Wednesday's news that the Texas A&M plans to withdraw from the Big 12 if its application to a new conference is accepted, the Aggies have taken by far the biggest leap on their road to the SEC.

Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe released a statement shortly after.

"The presidents and chancellors of the nine remaining member institutions are steadfast in their commitment to the Big 12. As previously stated, the Conference will move forward aggressively exploring its membership options," he said.

So for now, nobody's hiding intentions and keeping a foot in both camps.

Texas A&M is ready to leave.

The Big 12 is ready to move on.

Texas A&M presumably has gotten some assurance that the necessary nine of 12 votes are accounted for to be accepted into the SEC and officially leave the Big 12.

And now, there's the issue of "exit fees," which is incoming conference revenue withheld from the university as part of the Big 12 bylaws.

Texas A&M has given less than one year's notice of withdrawal and more than six months, which means the league's bylaws state it will be subject to forfeit 90 percent of its revenue from the 2010-11 and 2011-12 school years.

That number is somewhere in the ballpark of $28-30 million.

But there's a precedent that it may be less.

Nebraska was due to lose 80 percent of its revenue when it left the league last summer, but settled on 48 percent for a total of $9.255 million.

Could Texas A&M do the same? It's hard to see why it couldn't, but those negotiations may heat up very soon.

Or not. Nebraska announced it was leaving in June 2010. The league and school settled in September 2010.

The Aggies won't be in limbo that long, but the school says there won't be a news conference to announce a move today. A spokesman also said the focus is on game week.

Which means, for now, this could be all the public hears.

But next week?

Texas A&M is off following its Sunday night opener against SMU.

Look for an announcement during the bye week, before a Sept. 17 date with Idaho.

Until then? The wait may be painful. It might get a bit awkward.

But for Texas A&M, life is good out on the limb.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/45607/aggies-take-the-biggest-leap-on-road-to-sec

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Rua or Griffin? Evans says Forrest, video experts like ?Shogun?

The most intriguing fight at UFC 134 might be Mauricio "Rua" Shogun against Forrest Griffin. Griffin manhandled Rua at UFC 76. Yet he's a huge underdog heading to the fight in Rio De Janeiro. Remember this is also the same Rua who was destroyed by Jon Jones back in March. So who wins? Fellow UFC light heavyweight star Rashad Evans sees a repeat of the first meeting.

"There's something that happens in a fight sometimes, and the way Forrest beat him the first time, he took a piece of him with him. And when you take a piece of somebody with you?well, Shogun recognizes that. I think they might pick up right where they left off, because there's no fear. That's gone. You know, Forrest is going to go in there, and Forrest is going to push the pace. Let's be honest here. Shogun does not have the best conditioning. I think that was a problem in their first fight, and I think it's going to be a problem in this second fight."

RawVegas.tv panelists Damon Martin (MMAWeekly.com) and Larry Pepe (ProMMARadio.com) don't agree with Evans. They're both worried about Griffin's passion for the fight game.

You can watch UFC 134 right here on Yahoo! Sports

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Rua-or-Griffin-Evans-says-Forrest-video-expert?urn=mma-wp6165

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Serena dominates, Nadal shaky in Open

The emotions were muted Tuesday night on Arthur Ashe Stadium court. The late-night crowd received Serena Williams with polite applause and Williams offered nothing but an expressionless face.

Source: http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/breaking/chi-wozniacki-saves-the-intrigue-for-later-at-open-20110830,0,6459901.story?track=rss

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Jaime Garcia Skipped By St. Louis Cardinals; Brandon Dickson To Start Instead Vs. Brewers

Source: http://stlouis.sbnation.com/st-louis-cardinals/2011/8/30/2392410/jaime-garcia-st-louis-cardinals-vs-brewers

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MMAjunkie.com Radio: "Let's Get It On" co-author Loretta Hunt

MMAjunkie.com Radio today welcomes to the show veteran MMA journalist Loretta Hunt.

Hunt co-authored legendary referee "Big" John McCarthy's autobiography, "Let's Get It On: The Making of MMA and Its Ultimate Referee," which is now in stores.

MMAjunkie.com Radio airs from 12-2 p.m. ET (9-11 a.m. PT) live from Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Listen to and watch a video stream of the two-hour show at www.mmajunkie.com/radio, or watch it live on select television markets as part of Fight Now TV.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/yp6edT2zVkU/mmajunkie-com-radio-lets-get-it-on-co-author-loretta-hunt.mma

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Keith Jardine: I'm returning to Strikeforce in December, headed to middleweight

"The Dean of Mean" apparently is returning to the Strikeforce scene.

Keith Jardine recently announced via Twitter that he expects to compete on December's currently unannounced Strikeforce card.

No details about his contract or opponent were disclosed, and officials haven't formally announced his the booking.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/BVeh2-TiWZs/keith-jardine-im-returning-to-strikeforce-in-december-headed-to-middleweight.mma

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Better UFC promo video? UFC 134 ?shocked crowd? or Brock ?screwed? with the wrong guy pre-UFC 121?

Not many casual fans know Yushin Okami, so the UFC has wisely put of all of its UFC 134 eggs in the Anderson Silva basket. The commercial currently running for UFC 134 is brilliant. Showing shots of an amazed and dazed crowd following Silva's front knockout of Vitor Belfort is a hit.

The only promo I've enjoyed as much or more was the video produced by a "mystery" source with Cain Velasquez and Co. poking fun at Brock Lesnar before their tilt at UFC 121 (NSFW). Understandably, this one never made it to television.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Better-UFC-promo-video-UFC-134-shocked-crowd-?urn=mma-wp5990

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Guillen wants to stay, wants extension

Manager Ozzie Guillen said Tuesday that he hopes he manages the Chicago White Sox in 2012 - and beyond as long as he's offered an extension.

Source: http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/breaking/chi-guillen-says-he-wants-to-stay-with-sox-in-2012-and-beyond-with-an-extension-20110830,0,4174384.story?track=rss

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Kickboxing champ Tyrone Spong considering MMA debut, promises title run

Sick and tired of lay-and-pray? Tyrone Spong might just be your new favorite fighter.

The soon-to-be-26-year-old Dutch-Surinamese kickboxer, who opened his striking career unbeaten in his first 65 outings, may soon make the transition to mixed martial arts in the U.S.

If (when) he does, Spong has one promise: You will be entertained.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/1Wg2DBAfFTQ/kickboxing-champ-tyrone-spong-considering-mma-debut-promises-title-run.mma

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Despite losing streak, Dan Hardy still happy with "surreal" life of UFC fighter

Onetime UFC title challenger Dan Hardy makes no attempt to hide how difficult it's been to cope with four-consecutive octagon losses.

However, he also makes no attempt to hide how good his life still remains.

"To be honest, every day is a little bit surreal for me," Hardy recently told MMAjunkie.com Radio. "Living in Vegas and fighting in the UFC and being able to walk through the streets and being recognized, it's very odd. I've got an action figure, and I'm on video games. Every day is surreal."

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/7y-wlWJxjuw/despite-losing-streak-dan-hardy-still-happy-with-surreal-life-of-ufc-fighter.mma

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Ex-DePaul star Chandler to play in China

Nuggets restricted free agent Wilson Chandler, who starred at DePaul, will play in China this season and won't be able to opt out of his deal and return to the NBA if there is a 2011-12 season.

Source: http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/breaking/cbsports-exdepaul-star-chandler-to-play-in-china-20110829,0,3052093.story?track=rss

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Donald Cerrone replaces Sam Stout at UFC 137, meets Dennis Siver

Donald Cerrone has stepped in for Sam Stout and now meets Dennis Siver at October's UFC 137 event.

As MMAjunkie.com first reported earlier today, Stout recently withdrew from the event for undisclosed reasons. Event sources confirmed the opponent switch.

Fellow lightweight Cerrone now takes his spot on the card and fights for the fourth time in 2011.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mmajunkie/~3/9Ien35JsY9k/donald-cerrone-replaces-sam-stout-at-ufc-137.mma

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FOX deal with the UFC announced tomorrow? Report says GSP, Evans and Edgar all headed to L.A.

All signs point to something big going down in Los Angeles tomorrow. FOX has announced a major press conference set for 1 p.m. PT in Los Angeles. Is FOX revealing a new deal with the UFC?

Sports Business Journal broke a story on Tuesday stating FOX� won the sweepstakes to lock up the UFC for the next 7-8 years.

UFC president Dana White is already in Los Angeles and MMAWeekly reports that some of the promotion's biggest stars are heading to the Golden State as well:

[...] names including UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre, lightweight champion Frankie Edgar and current top light heavyweight contender Rashad Evans.

If you're a longtime fan of mixed martial arts, the potential deal that would place the UFC on several FOX-owned channels, has to get the juices flowing. The sport has come a long way.

Bloody Elbow is covering the potential deal from every angle.-

- Will the UFC's decision-making be altered?

- What could FOX deal do for the future of MMA?

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/FOX-deal-with-the-UFC-announced-tomorrow-Report?urn=mma-wp6021

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New Big Ten finally on display this week

Every college football season brings new faces and new storylines, but the Big Ten hasn't had a makeover like this before.

The conference will feature a new member (Nebraska), new divisions (Legends and Leaders) and a new championship game, the first in its history. Five new coaches join the league, and at least six teams will start new quarterbacks. Not surprisingly, the league race appears wide open.

As the Big Ten season kicks off Thursday night in Madison, let's take a look at all the newness around the conference.

NEW TEAM

Nearly 15 months after being admitted to the Big Ten, Nebraska will play its first game as a member of the league. The Huskers have enjoyed a honeymoon of sorts as the rest of the league familiarizes itself with the program's history, the school and a talented team projected to be in the mix for the Big Ten championship.

There will be much more hype surrounding Nebraska's first Big Ten game -- Oct. 1 at Wisconsin -- and rightfully so, and Saturday's opener against FCS Chattanooga won't be the best barometer for Bo Pelini's squad. The game will, however, provide a look at Nebraska's new offense under coordinator Tim Beck. Quarterback Taylor Martinez is healthy and supposedly more mature, while running back Rex Burkhead has received high marks throughout the offseason. Who steps up among Nebraska's talented young offensive skill players?

Those of us who haven't watched Big Red regularly also will get a sense of the defense and the complex scheme defensive tackle Jared Crick, coordinator Carl Pelini and others have cited. Don't expect Nebraska to reveal too much against Chattanooga, but after discussing the Huskers ad nauseum, it'll be nice to see them on the field.

NEW COACHES

Four Big Ten coaches will make their debuts with new teams Saturday, while Nebraska's Pelini works his first game as a Big Ten member.

Luke Fickell's job interview at Ohio State begins Saturday against Akron, as the former Buckeyes defensive lineman and longtime assistant makes his head-coaching debut for his alma mater. Fickell's in-game decisions, sideline demeanor and perhaps even his game-day attire (vest? no vest?) will be closely examined. Ohio State shouldn't have trouble with Akron, and anything less than a strong opening statement after a tough offseason will elicit some grumbling.

Another highly anticipated debut takes place in Ann Arbor as Brady Hoke leads Michigan out of the tunnel. Hoke has made few missteps since his hiring in January, and his approval rating among Michigan fans has soared. But things can change on game day, and a team going through quite a bit of transition must deliver a strong performance against Western Michigan.

Jerry Kill also has energized a fan base in Minnesota, and he begins another turnaround project with the Gophers after successfully rehabilitating programs at lower levels. Kill has been realistic about his team's prospects this season, and an opener at USC provides a huge challenge for Minnesota.

After years as one of the nation's top assistants, Kevin Wilson begins his head-coaching career Saturday as Indiana takes on Ball State at Lucas Oil Stadium, site of the Big Ten championship game. Wilson's personality and coaching style differ sharply from his predecessor, Bill Lynch, and Indiana fans hope the on-field results do, too. A new attitude certainly is taking root in Bloomington.

NEW QUARTERBACKS

At least half the Big Ten will be starting new quarterbacks in Week 1: Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio State, Purdue and Wisconsin. Penn State could play two quarterbacks with previous starting experience (Rob Bolden and Matt McGloin), while Northwestern might have to play multiple signal-callers because of Dan Persa's lingering injury issues.

Terrelle Pryor's departure from Ohio State in June leaves the Buckeyes with virtually no proven experience under center. Senior Joe Bauserman and freshman Braxton Miller emerged in camp, and both men could see significant time against Akron.

The Big Ten's most anticipated player debut takes place Thursday in Madison as Russell Wilson leads the Wisconsin offense against UNLV. Wilson, who started the past three season at NC State, has seamlessly transitioned to a new team and performed well in preseason practices.

Familiar names step into leading roles at Minnesota and Iowa. MarQueis Gray, the Gophers' No. 2 wide receiver in 2010, will start at quarterback, while James Vandenberg, who nearly led Iowa to a Big Ten championship in 2009 after Ricky Stanzi went down, leads the Hawkeyes offense against Tennessee Tech.

Purdue didn't expect to be in this category again, but Rob Henry's knee injury last week marked the latest blow for a star-crossed team. With Robert Marve still hobbled, Caleb TerBush will start the opener, making his first appearance since 2009.

Indiana's quarterback competition has been wide open throughout camp, as Dusty Kiel, Ed Wright-Baker and Tre Roberson try to separate themselves.

The season also brings some new challenges for returning quarterbacks. Michigan's Denard Robinson will have to adjust to a new offense after flourishing in the spread, while Northwestern's Persa might have to reinvent himself as a pocket passer because of limited mobility. Nebraska's Martinez aims for greater consistency in Beck's offense after mixed results in 2010.

As you can see, new is the norm for the Big Ten in 2011. Enjoy the ride.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/45463/new-big-ten-finally-on-display-this-week

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