As written about in today's Sun, the Big Ten has formally proposed an early three-day signing period for college football recruits that would begin on the third Wednesday of December. Many coaches like Purdue's Joe Tiller are strong advocates for the policy, arguing that it strengthens the verbal commitments of prospects and saves money for universities. Some, like Illinois' Ron Zook, feel an even earlier signing period gives coaches even less time to get to know the personalities of recruits.

Personally, I can't make up my mind on this either way. On the one hand, I understand Tiller's perspective and on the other I get Zook's attitude as well. What do you think? Is this a good thing for recruits? Is it a good for the game?

Stud running back Rashard Mendenhall has moved on to the NFL, but Illinois is still loaded for Bear. Of course, to challenge for the Big Ten title, quarterback Juice Williams will have to throw like he did in the upset of Ohio State, and Arrelious Benn should be primed for a huge year. The defense also must continue to improve.

Jeff Dooley over at ESPN The Magazine ranked the Big Ten as the third best conference in the nation this season behind the SEC and Big 12.

His analysis of the Big Ten this season was clear: Ohio State is the only real deal. It's a tune that Big Ten fans are all too familiar with every season. Sure, OSU is my pick to win the conference. They have 18 starters coming back and this year the Buckeyes smell like the real deal, but, as a whole, is the Big Ten getting the shaft this season? Seems to me that Wisconsin, Penn State and Illinois will all have strong programs this season. Michigan State has a great running back in Javon Ringer. I think 2008 has the potential to be a good year for the Big Ten.

What do you think? Is OSU a sure thing? Will Illinois fall apart without Mendenhall? What excites you or concerns you about Big Ten football this season?

This is quite possibly the worst vocal performance I've ever heard, and I sat through the video of Karl Rove rapping and John Ashcroft singing "Let the Eagles Soar," which I suppose wasn't bad so much as it was just odd. Still, unlike Tony Romo, the Zooker remembered all the words and was pretty enthusiastic. I give him points for that.