Big Ten tour stops in IC

The Big Ten Network's Football Tour bus makes its final stop today in Iowa City. Host Dave Revsine and analysts Gerry DiNardo and Howard Griffith will break down what they see at Iowa's practice today. The 90-minute show will air 9 tonight on the Big Ten Network.

The BTN trio said Monday that they planned to eye Iowa's running back situation, defensive tackles, offensive line and wide receiver.

Of course, Iowa's running back spot is question mark with sophomore Jewel Hampton nursing a knee injury.

"I've always thought Hampton was a talent, but conceptually and schematically, they need to be good enough at running back where they can't be stopped with a seven-man front," said DiNardo, former LSU and Indiana coach. "I think (Jeff) Brinson can do that. I know Hampton can. If they do that, I think (quarterback Ricky) Stanzi becomes more effective.

"I think the combination of Stanzi and the back that forces the eighth man in the box will be more productive than just Shonn Greene. I think they can be more productive with Stanzi and a good tailback than they were with, say, (former QB Jake) Christensen and a great tailback in Greene. I think they'll have more total yards, be a better total offense."

The big "if" is having that back who demands eight defenders on the line of scrimmage.

With Iowa being the last stop, all three members of the BTN trio mentioned Illinois as the "team no one is really talking about but should be."

"That's the team that's the most prevalent answer to that," DiNardo said. "I think the question is, 'who can really win the conference?' And Illinois is the one team that has the talent to win the conference if you have a low opinion of them now."

Said Revsine, "They just look the part at every position. Their wide receivers are incredible."

They also see the league more competitive in the middle than in recent seasons. For example, they said, a team like Northwestern could finish anywhere from third to seventh. They also believe Michigan's struggles have hurt the league's perception.

"Michigan being down has helped Ohio State," DiNardo said. "On the other hand, it's all on their shoulders."