Things couldn’t have fallen much better for the Hawkeyes on Saturday. When all was said and done at the end of the day, it appeared they will now make a New Year’s Day bowl, facing a very un-SEC-like South Carolina team in the Outback Bowl in Tampa.

They key, of course, was Oregon blasting Oregon State 65-38, which likely knocked the Beavers out of the Rose Bowl and began a domino effect that moved the Hawks up to Tampa. Oregon State could still make the Rose Bowl if USC loses to UCLA next Saturday, but I wouldn’t count on that happening.

Meanwhile, South Carolina lost to Clemson and looked bad doing it. The Gamecocks fell to 7-5 with that loss, but still figure to be the fifth choice from the SEC (behind Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi), which puts them in Outback. I watched some of that Clemson-South Carolina game on television and the Gamecocks didn’t appear to be as fast and athletic as SEC teams often are. It looks like a very favorable matchup for the Hawks.

Of course, none of these bowl selections will become official until next Sunday but at this point, it looks good for Iowa.

As Eric Page noted, he has moved on to another line of work. That means I will be picking up the ball and running with it on the Hawkmania football blog … at least for now.

Although the Hawkeyes have completed the regular season, Iowa fans still have a game to watch intently this Saturday. The outcome of the Oregon-Oregon State game in Corvallis, Ore., should have a major impact on Iowa’s bowl placement.

If Oregon State wins that game, it will be the Pac-10 representative in the Bowl Championship Series, which means USC is in line for an at-large berth in the BCS. That bumps Ohio State out of the BCS picture and into the Capital One Bowl, which probably puts Michigan State in the Outback Bowl and Iowa in the Dec. 27 Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando. Fla.

If Oregon wins, USC gets the Pac-10 slot in the BCS, Ohio State probably gets an at-large spot, Michigan State goes to the Capital One and Iowa slides into a New Year’s Day berth at the Outback Bowl in Tampa, Fla.

So, it’s time to root for Oregon, Hawk fans. It looks like a fairly even matchup anyway. Both teams are 8-3, both are ranked in the top 25 (Oregon State is No. 17, Oregon No. 23) and Oregon State may be without freshman phenom Jacquizz Rodgers. Rodgers, who already has broken the Pac-10 freshman rushing record, injured his shoulder last week against Arizona and is “doubtful’’ for this game.

– Don Doxsie

Tuesday was my last day at the Times. As I’ve written in previous posts, I’ve taken a job in Web development at Augustana College here in the Quad-Cities. I just wanted to post one final time to thank all of you for following our Hawkeyes coverage at Hawkmania.com and for joining in the live chats and other discussions. I hope it has been as fun for you as it has for me.

I’m launching a new blog today, where I’ll write about everything from Iowa sports to the Big Ten to college sports in general, so I hope you’ll continue to follow along there. Who knows? If I get enough traffic going, I’ll have regular live chats there, too, which will give you a chance to join in the conversation again. I’ll welcome your questions or comments. The URL for my new blog is www.eyeonthehawks.wordpress.com. Like I said, I’ll be getting it going today.

Covering this Iowa football team has been a lot of fun. It’s been interesting to watch the program fight through the off-field stuff and a sub-par season in 2007 to regain its form this fall. I really think, this week, the Hawkeyes are one of the top 20 teams in America and would give any SEC team but Florida fits in a New Year’s Day bowl game.

Again, thanks to all of you. Have a happy Thanksgiving.

Take care.

MINNEAPOLIS — What a game for the Hawkeyes Saturday night at Minnesota. Iowa has had a lot of memorable games at “Kinnick North” over the years, and this one will be remembered for the near-flawless performance the Hawkeyes put together to cap off an 8-4 season.

There are a few bowl scenarios that could play out from here. First, if Oregon State loses to Oregon next week, Ohio State is BCS-bound, and Iowa is a lock to head to Florida. But after talking to the bowl reps Saturday night, I’m thinking the Hawkeyes are going to be playing in Florida on New Year’s Day regardless. Yes, Michigan State and Northwestern each are 9-3 and each beat Iowa head to head, but Iowa will bring more fans, and all these bowls look at is dollar signs. So, even if Oregon State wins and goes to the Rose Bowl, kicking Ohio State to the Capital One, I say the Outback takes Iowa over MSU and Northwestern regardless of record and head-to-head results. And if Oregon State loses, sending Ohio State to a BCS bowl, I wouldn’t be shocked to see the Cap One grab the Hawkeyes off the board. 

Right now, I think Iowa can play with any SEC team it draws. The defense is good enough to keep it low scoring, and if Shonn Greene can average 4 or 5 yards a carry, which he should be able to do, that will keep the chains moving. It’ll be fun to watch, and I’ll be sorry to not be there in person.

As I wrote in my blog Friday, I’m leaving my job at the Times and won’t be covering the bowl game. I will, however, be continuing to blog on Iowa, the Big Ten and college sports in general at my new blog, www.eyeonthehawks.wordpress.com. So, check it out.  

Back to Minnesota. Not much bad to say. It’s been fun to watch this team make the journey from pretty bad in 2007 to pretty darn good at the end of 2008. Here’s how I graded the performance.

Offense (A+)

The numbers are pretty ridiculous. And it’s scary to think what it could have been like had Iowa’s starters stayed in the game in the fourth quarter.

Shonn Greene — c’mon folks, he’s the best running back out there.

You know it. I know it.

Let’s see what those talking heads out in Connecticut have to say this week.

Ricky Stanzi made some poor throws early, but he bounced back. He really seemed to find himself on the drive early in the second quarter when he converted on four straight third down plays.

Derrell Johnson-Koulianos finally looked like the kind of receiver we all think he can be, and the offensive line moved the Gophers front around like pieces to a puzzle.

Saturday, Iowa’s offense was a perfect fit.

Defense (A+)

Speaking of ridiculous numbers, the Hawkeyes embarrassed an offense that, coming in, had put up pretty decent numbers.

It looked like Bettendorf playing Davenport Central out there. Minnesota never stood a chance — 134 yards, six first downs, seven yards rushing.

Total domination.

The highlight was Amari Spievey’s 57-yard interception return for a touchdown that put Iowa up 27-0 before the half. Spievey, only a sophomore, by the way, was helped out by Tyler Sash on that play. Sash later had a 52-yard interception return to boot.

Special teams (A+)

It looks like Daniel Murray has taken back the kicking job, and he connected on two field goals Saturday night. It was good to see Trent Mossbrucker bounce back from a tough week last week, when he missed a pair of extra points.

And, of course, Brett Morse came up with a big fumble recovery on punt coverage early in the third quarter, which led to a 34-0 lead.

Coaching (A+)

What a weight off Kirk Ferentz’s shoulders.

And this is more a grade for the entire season. To take this team from 3-3 to 8-4, with an upset of then No. 3 Penn State along the way, is no small feat. Ferentz will be considered for Big Ten coach of the year honors, and he should be. His entire staff should be credited with a remarkable turnaround.

And to think, this team finishes the regular season with four losses by a combined 12 points.

For those of you who didn’t read it in Thursday’s live chat or hear it in my podcast this morning, I am leaving my job at the Quad-City Times next week. I’ve accepted a position in communications and Web development at Augustana College here in the Quad-Cities, so Saturday’s game at Minnesota will be my last as the beat writer for the Times and Hawkmania.com.

It’s been a fun two years … well, this year anyway. I’ve really enjoyed watching this team grow up and interacting with you, the fans. While I’m leaving the Times, I won’t be leaving journalism altogether. I’m going to be freelancing for the Associated Press, covering home Iowa men’s basketball games and other events here and there in Iowa City. And I’m going to be launching a blog dedicated to Iowa football and men’s basketball, as well as the Big Ten, in the coming weeks. (www.eyeonthehawks.wordpress.com) I’d love to continue interacting with you there in the future.

Anyway … back to the original purpose of this post. Here is a quick primer for Saturday’s game between Iowa and Minnesota, which kicks off at 6 p.m. at the Metrodome, the last Gophers game ever in that miserable excuse for a college venue.

FIVE THINGS TO WATCH

Greene day

With 1,585 yards and 15 touchdowns, Shonn Greene needs only 106 yards and two scores to reach Tavian Banks’ single-season school records set in 1997. Greene has gone over 100 yards in each of Iowa’s 11 games and leads the country in total rushing yardage. There is no reason to think the Gophers will end his streak. 

Road woes

The Hawkeyes are 2-7 on the road the past two seasons, with wins coming at Indiana this year and Northwestern in 2007. They haven’t beaten a winning team on the road since Wisconsin 2005. So, this trip to the Metrodome won’t be a cakewalk. The Gophers have lost three straight, but they’ll put up a fight on Senior Day. 

Opportunity knocks

Two of the Big Ten’s most opportunistic defenses will be on the field today. Minnesota has forced a league-leading 30 turnovers, while Iowa leads the conference with 18 interceptions as part of 24 turnovers forced. The difference: The Hawkeyes have been careless with the ball on offense, turning it over 21 times to Minnesota’s 15.

Weber to Decker

When healthy, Eric Decker is the most reliable receiver in the Big Ten. He has been nursing a sore ankle, which kept him out of last week’s loss at Wisconsin, but is expected to play today. He is quarterback Adam Weber’s favorite target, and the Gophers no doubt will challenge the Iowa secondary.

Kinnick North

Thousands upon thousands of Iowa fans will make the trip north for the Hawkeyes regular-season finale in what is to be the Gophers’ final game in the Metrodome. Over the years, it’s been the site of some classic and not-so-classic moments for the Iowa football team. Either way this one goes, it will be another.

WHO HAS THE EDGE

When the Hawkeyes have the ball

Shonn Greene seems to be getting better and better each week, and, after two weeks wearing gloves in cold weather, Ricky Stanzi should have an easier time completing passes. Minnesota gives up 140 yards a game on the ground, so expect Greene to get his average. Advantage: Iowa

When the Gophers have the ball

Minnesota’s offense has been potent at times. Like Northwestern and Purdue, the Gophers will hit you with short passes all the way down the field. But Iowa’s defense has been bending without breaking all season, stiffening in the red zone and limiting scores. Advantage: Iowa

Special teams

Iowa’s special teams struggled against Purdue last week. The kicking situation is uncertain with Daniel Murray expected to take over for Trent Mossbrucker, and Ryan Donahue has been off. The Gophers have a reliable kicker in Joel Monroe, and Justin Kucek is an artist landing punts inside the 20. Advantage: Minnesota

Prediction

These are two teams seemingly headed in opposite directions. Minnesota has lost three straight since a 7-1 start. Iowa has won four of five since a 3-3 start. Momentum will carry the day, but it will be close and provide Hawkeyes fans one last memorable win at the Metrodome. Iowa 27, Minnesota 21

IOWA CITY — With his team coming off a 22-17 win against Purdue, Kirk Ferentz met with the state media Tuesday afternoon to discuss the Hawkeyes’ regular-season finale at Minnesota. Here are some notes from his news conference:

-Derrell Johnson-Koulianos has taken back his starting job at wide receiver, moving past Trey Stross. Stross had started the past two games.

-Adrian Clayborn is back as the starter at defensive end. Clayborn started last week, but he was listed as the co-starter with Chad Geary because of an ankle injury suffered at Indiana.

-Daniel Murray is listed as the starting kicker. Murray, a sophomore, kicked the game-winner two weeks ago against Penn State and then replaced Trent Mossbrucker in the second half against Purdue after Mossbrucker missed two PATs. Murray made a 45-yard field goal in the third quarter of the 22-17 win. He later hit his only PAT.

-No other changes to the depth chart.

-Captains for this week will remain the same: Rob Bruggeman, Shonn Green, Mitch King and Matt Kroul. It’s been that way for most the season. Four guys who mean a lot to the team and will be missed next season — I’m assuming at this point that Greene is going pro.

-There are about 2,000 tickets remaining for Saturday’s game at Minnesota.

-Minnesota receiver Eric Decker is listed on the updated depth chart released Tuesday. Decker, the Big Ten’s leading receiver, missed last week’s 35-32 loss at Wisconsin because of a high ankle sprain. He won’t be 100 percent this weekend, but the junior is expected play.

-News flash … Iowa’s “O” flag has been stolen. You know, the I-O-W-A flags that go around the stadium after a score. Someone took the “O.”

-Injuries: Andy Kuempel (leg strain) and Tony Moeaki (leg) probably won’t play this weekend. Sounded like Kuempel was for sure a no-go, but Moeaki has a chance.

-Ferentz congratulated Shonn Greene on winning Big Ten player of the week honors and then repeated a bunch of the same things he said Saturday … that he has been impressed with Greene’s consistency, the way he plays the same week in and week out. He also praised Greene’s humility in this whole process.

-Ferentz asked the media to not ask about Greene leaving for the NFL or about the team going to bowl games. He said the team isn’t worried about either issue right now — the players and coaches just want to focus on Minnesota this week.

-Ferentz on Mossbrucker: “He had a tough day Saturday. That was pretty well-documented. The answer is simple. What he needs to do this week is have a great week of practice and then go out and kick the ball on Saturday. He needs to get back to what made him a successful kicker. We’ll see how the week goes. If he doesn’t have a good week of practice, I can’t see him being out there Saturday.”

Pretty uneventful weekend of college football. As evidence, the top 16 in the AP poll remained unchanged. No changes at the top of my ballot, either. People seem to be pretty high on Florida, but I still go back to losing at home to a bad Ole Miss team. You look at the others’ losses — Texas to Texas Tech, Oklahoma to Texas — and their bodies of work are more impressive. So, the Gators remain No. 5 as far as I’m concerned.

The Big 12 South could turn into a real mess this weekend when Texas Tech and Oklahoma collide in Norman. If there is a three-way tie in the division, the BCS rankings will decide who goes to the Big 12 Championship Game.

Here is my Week 12 ballot:

1. Texas Tech (10-0, 6-0 Big 12): The Red Raiders are getting no respect from the national media. This team is going to give Oklahoma all it can handle. Next up: Saturday at Oklahoma

2. Alabama (11-0, 7-0 SEC): With a week off before a rivalry game with Auburn, the Crimson Tide should finish the regular season undefeated. Should. Next up: Nov. 29 vs. Auburn

3. Texas (10-1, 6-1 Big 12): The Longhorns have won 10 or more games eight seasons in a row, but their chances of a BCS Championship berth appear slim. Next up: Nov. 27 vs. Texas A&M

4. Oklahoma (9-1, 5-1 Big 12): The Sooners control their own destiny for a BCS title game berth. Wins over Texas Tech and Oklahoma State would lock up a trip. Next up: Saturday vs. Texas Tech

5. Florida (9-1, 7-1 SEC): Everyone seems to think Florida is the best team in America. I don’t. But an SEC championship will give them a chance to prove me wrong. Next up: Saturday vs. The Citadel

6. USC (9-1, 7-1 Pac-10): It’s amazing to think the Trojans could miss out on a BCS bowl if Oregon State wins out and claims the Pac-10 championship. Next up: Nov. 29 vs. Notre Dame

7. Utah (11-0, 7-0 Mountain West): The Utes have one final hurdle between them and the program’s second BCS bowl berth. This team is deserving. Next up: Saturday vs. BYU

8. Boise State (10-0, 6-0 WAC): The Broncos are deserving of a BCS bid, too, but I hope they’re not matched up with Utah. Give ’em a shot at one of the big boys. Next up: Saturday at Nevada

9. Penn State (10-1, 6-1 Big Ten): The Nittany Lions bounced back from a loss at Iowa and can claim a share of the Big Ten championship with a win this week. Next up: Saturday vs. Michigan State

10. Ohio State (9-2, 6-1 Big Ten): The Buckeyes need help from Michigan State to gain a Rose Bowl berth. There’s a good chance they’ll land in the BCS anyway. Next up: Saturday vs. Michigan

11. Oklahoma State (9-2, 5-2 Big 12): It took a while for the Cowboys to get warmed up, but they took care of Colorado. Now, they can play the spoiler to rival Oklahoma. Next up: Nov. 29 vs. Oklahoma

12. Missouri (9-2, 5-2 Big 12): I thought that 27-point spread against Iowa State was a little low. Chase Daniel threw for 328 yards, and the Tigers covered easily. Next up: Nov. 29 vs. Kansas

13. TCU (9-2, 6-1 Mountain West): The Horned Frogs were off this week and will need a little help from BYU to gain a share of the Mountain West championship. Next up: Saturday vs. Air Force

14. BYU (10-1, 6-1 Mountain West): The Cougars were all about busting the BCS at the beginning of the season. Even with a win against Utah, it’s highly unlikely now. Next up: Saturday at Utah

15. Georgia (9-2, 6-2 SEC): The more I see this Georgia team, the more I think Iowa would have a chance if that was the draw in a New Year’s Day bowl game. Next up: Nov. 29 vs. Georgia Tech

16. Ball State (10-0, 6-0 MAC): The Cardinals can make a statement with wins the last two weeks against teams with a combined record of 17-4. Next up: Saturday vs. Central Michigan

17. Michigan State (9-2, 6-1 Big Ten): The Spartans’ bye week came at just the right time, but they need Michigan to knock off Ohio State for a shot at the Rose Bowl. Next up: Saturday at Penn State

18. Pittsburgh (7-2, 3-1 Big East): The next two weeks will make or break the Panthers’ season. If they can sweep Cincinnati and West Virginia, they’ll be BCS-bound. Next up: Saturday at Cincinnati

19. LSU (7-3, 3-3 SEC): Wow! Great comeback Saturday night against Troy. But how in God’s name did Troy take a 31-10 lead on LSU? Figure that one out. Next up: Saturday vs. Mississippi

20. Oregon State (7-3, 6-1 Pac-10): Two winnable games stand between the Beavers and their first Rose Bowl berth since 1965. A rematch with Penn State would be interesting. Next up: Saturday at Arizona

21. Cincinnati (8-2, 4-1 Big East): A win Saturday against Pitt would all but lock up the Big East title for the Bearcats. Only Syracuse is left on the schedule. Next up: Saturday vs. Pittsburgh

22. Western Michigan (9-2, 6-1 MAC): The Broncos dropped Toledo over the weekend and will have had 10 days rest when they play Ball State for the MAC West title. Next up: Nov. 25 at Ball State

23. Maryland (7-3, 4-2 ACC): I’ve never seen anything like the ACC this season. No one wants to win two games in a row. Nine teams are within a game of division leads. Next up: Saturday vs. Florida State

24. Miami (7-3, 4-2 ACC): The Hurricanes have a chance to get themselves back on the map a year ahead of schedule under Randy Shannon. Next up: Thursday at Georgia Tech

25. Northwestern (8-3, 4-3 Big Ten): It was either the Wildcats or Iowa at No. 25 this week, and the Hawkeyes lost the head-to-head at home. Next up: Saturday vs. Illinois

Dropped out: No. 20 North Carolina, No. 21 Florida State, No. 24 Tulsa

IOWA CITY — A big step for the Iowa football team today, finding a way to beat Purdue despite not playing its best game. The Hawkeyes avoided an emotional letdown after scoring the big upset of Penn State, and that was crucial. They’ll go to Minnesota next weekend with a chance to secure a Jan. 1 bowl berth.

Here’s how I graded Iowa’s performance:

Offense (C)

The Hawkeyes didn’t exactly have offensive balance Saturday.

Sure, they piled up 248 yards rushing, but Ricky Stanzi threw for only 72 yards.

Iowa took pretty much an entire quarter off from late in the second through the end of the third and committed two turnovers, fumbles by Andy Brodell and Derrell Johnson-Koulianos.

Stanzi was off all day, completing only 8 of 15 attempts.

The good news was the line dominated — again. Stanzi had time to throw, and Shonn Greene had room to run. A lot of room.

The Hawkeyes came out on their opening drive and established the ground game, marching 68 yards in eight plays — all rushing — to take a 6-0 lead.

The balance will have to be there, though, for Iowa to win next weekend.

Defense (B)

Kory Sheets was the fourth 1,000-yard rusher Iowa’s defense has faced this season, and he was the fourth 1,000-yard rusher the Hawkeyes have held under 100 yards. In fact, only one back — Maine’s Jhamal Fluellen — has managed to reach the century mark against Iowa this season.

You’ve got to wonder why Purdue’s Curtis Painter didn’t play a little bit more. When he was on the field, the Boilermakers moved the ball, and Iowa’s defense bent and even broke on occasion.

Painter threw for 190 yards and two touchdowns but wasn’t able to get into the end zone on the game’s final play. He sure made the Hawkeyes defense sweat, though.

Special teams (D)

Iowa won in spite of some pretty poor performances on special teams.

Trent Mossbrucker missed two extra points. The kickoff team gave up a 64-yard return that shifted field position early in the third quarter, Ryan Donahue shanked a punt 31 yards when the Hawkeyes really, really needed a good one midway through the fourth, and the punt coverage botched a chance to pin the Boilermakers inside the 5.

If not for a 45-yard field goal by Daniel Murray — who might have taken back his starting job — and a late 52-yard kickoff return by Jewel Hampton, this might have been an F.

Coaching (B)

This was a game Iowa probably would have lost early in the season, and it showed how much growth the team has made over the past 12 weeks.

Coming off the emotional high of an upset of Penn State, the Hawkeyes avoided a letdown. That says there was some pretty good coaching going on in practice this week and at the stadium Saturday.

The defensive scheme again was effective, and the offensive play calling timely. The staff put the players in position to win the game, and they did.

Here is a quick primer for Iowa’s game against Purdue, which kicks off at 11 a.m. Saturday:

FIVE THINGS TO WATCH

Greene’s still going

Shonn Greene kept his streak of 100-yard games alive by going for 117 last week against Penn State. Can he do it again? He should be able to against a Purdue defense allowing 172 yards a game on the ground. With 1,374 yards, Greene ranks third in the nation in rushing. He is just 317 shy of Tavian Banks’ single-season school record. 

Who’s it going to be?

Sophomore Daniel Murray was the hero last week, making a 31-yard field goal to give Iowa the upset of then-No. 3 Penn State, but coach Kirk Ferentz said he isn’t sure if it’ll be Murray or freshman Trent Mossbrucker handling field-goal duties against Purdue. Mossbrucker has made 13 of 15 attempts this year. Murray is 2-for-4.

No letdown

Coming off the emotional high of the program’s biggest upset in … well, maybe ever, no one will be surprised if the Hawkeyes come out flat against a 3-7 Purdue team. But the Boilermakers are no pushover. They have played tough against the best teams in the conference, so Iowa can’t afford a letdown in performance.

Questions at QB

Purdue’s Curtis Painter, who lit up Iowa for 315 yards last season, has missed the past two games because of a separated throwing shoulder. Sophomore Justin Siller has played well in his stead, winning Big Ten player of the week honors in his first career start. Both could play today. Painter is a potent passer. Siller is a threat on the run. 

Senior redemption

Last year’s senior day went about as badly as one possibly can — Iowa lost to Western Michigan, which cost the team a bowl berth, and the Hawkeyes were booed off the field. Not the lasting memory this year’s group wants to take away from Kinnick Stadium. Sixteen players will be suiting up for the final time at home with a chance to guarantee a bowl trip.. 

WHO HAS THE EDGE

When the Hawkeyes have the ball

Iowa is going to give the Boilermakers defense a healthy dose of Shonn Greene, and Purdue likely will try to stack the line of scrimmage to limit Greene’s production. Ricky Stanzi seems due for a game where he puts it all together, and with the receiving corps coming on, this might be it. Advantage: Iowa

When the Boilermakers have the ball

The Hawkeyes defense has shown it can stop just about anyone from LeSean McCoy to Javon Ringer to P.J. Hill to Evan Royster. There’s no reason Purdue’s Kory Sheets will be any different. Iowa’s secondary is playing well and should be able to limit the Boilermakers’ big plays. Advantage: Iowa  

Special teams

Trent Mossbrucker has been one of the most reliable kickers in the Big Ten inside 40 yards, and Daniel Murray’s confidence should be at an all-time high after beating Penn State with a 31-yarder last week. The Hawkeyes are more consistent across the board on special teams. Advantage: Iowa

Prediction

Iowa might come out flat after an emotional win over Penn State, but it won’t last long. Greene will get his 100-plus yards, Ricky Stanzi will hit his groove and an opportunistic Hawkeyes defense will create a few turnovers. This year, Iowa’s seniors will leave Kinnick Stadium happy. Iowa 27, Purdue 10

IOWA CITY — Coming off a 24-23 upset of No. 3 Penn State, Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz met with the media Tuesday. Here are some notes from Ferentz’s news conference:

-No changes to the depth chart this week. Seth Olsen is back as the starter at right guard. He started against Penn State, but he wasn’t listed as the starter last week.

-Chad Geary and Adrian Clayborn still are listed as co-starters at defensive end.

-There are 2,000 tickets remaining for Saturday’s game against Purdue.

-Shonn Greene has been named the Rivals.com national player of the week, and defensive coordinator Norm Parker has been named the Rivals.com national defensive coordinator of the week.

-Greene has been named one of 10 semifinalists for the Doak Walker Award, which honors the nation’s best running back.

-Injury report: Tony Moeaki (leg) and Andy Kuempel (muscle strain) are doubtful for this week’s game against Purdue.

-Same captains: Rob Bruggeman, Shonn Greene, Matt Kroul and Mitch King.

-Ferentz said he doesn’t think anyone has done a better job in the Big Ten than Purdue coach Joe Tiller. Tiller is in his final season with the Boilermakers.

-Talking about Ricky Stanzi’s ability to play well in the fourth quarter, Ferentz said the sophomore quarterback has a tremendous ability to move on from mistakes. That’s just the kind of kid he is, Ferentz said.

-Wes Aeschliman probably won’t be back for a bowl game. Aeschliman is on crutches right now after dislocating his hip at Illinois.