Michigan and four other Big Ten football teams wrapped up spring practice with games last week. The other six are in action Saturday. Here’s a look at the goings on at each program:

Illinois freshman quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase looks to pass during football practice in Champaign, Ill. Scheelhaase is one of the quarterbacks in line for the starting position to replace Juice Williams, who left after his senior season. (Photo: Associated Press)

Illinois 2009 record: 3-9 overall, 2-6 Big Ten Returning starters: 5 offense, 7 defense, 2 specialists Spring storylines: Can new coordinators Paul Petrino and Vic Koenning help save Ron Zook’s job? And with Arrelious Benn gone, presumptive new quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase inherits a pretty tame offense. Quote to note: “If there’s one thing that’s kind of stood out to me this spring is when we demand something we’re getting it. That’s maybe one of the things we weren’t getting before. When you say you got to get something done, we’re getting it done and we’re holding them to the fire, and I think that’s what’s important.” - Illinois coach Ron Zook

Michigan State 2009 record: 6-7 overall, 4-4 Big Ten Returning starters: 7 offense, 6 defense, 1 specialist Spring storylines: Greg Jones is back, Glenn Winston is gone and Keith Nichol has switched positions. As long as they steer clear of dorm fights, the Spartans should have enough players to field a competitive team. Quote to note: “You try to put your best players on the field, your best athletes, and I think both of those guys, (Kirk) Cousins and Keith, I think both those guys have leadership qualities, and I think both those guys have done a nice job balancing things. There's room for opportunities there.” - Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio on moving Nichol to receiver to accommodate Cousins at quarterback

Minnesota 2009 record: 6-7 overall, 3-5 Big Ten Returning starters: 9 offense, 2 defense, 1 specialist Spring storylines: Defense, shmefense. Minnesota lost its only returning defensive starters, safeties Kyle Theret and Kim Royston, to suspension and injury, respectively, this spring. In other good news, three-year starting quarterback Adam Weber is being pushed for his job by MarQueis Gray. Quote to note: “Toughness of our team is one of our themes this spring and just the ability to run the ball offensively and stop the run defensively. I think if you’re a team that can run it and a team that has the ability to stop the run, you’ve got a really good chance to win football games.” - Minnesota coach Tim Brewster, whose team finished last in the Big Ten in rushing (99.5 ypg) a season ago

Northwestern 2009 record: 8-5 overall, 5-3 Big Ten Returning starters: 8 offense, 6 defense, 1 specialist Spring storylines: QB Dan Persa has big shoes to fill after the graduation of Big Ten total offense leader Mike Kafka. The Wildcats still haven’t found a replacement for Tyrell Sutton. If they do, they could be looking a third straight bowl bid for the first time ever. Quote to note: “Dan has done a really good job of taking over the leadership of the team, especially the offense. He’s taken that to heart and he’s been a little bit more vocal of a guy than he has been the past, which he needs to be. We’re trying to go to his strengths a little bit and do some things that he does well.” - Northwestern offensive coordinator Mick McCall on Persa to NUSports.com

Ohio State 2009 record: 11-2 overall, 7-1 Big Ten Returning starters: 10 offense, 5 defense, 0 specialists Spring storylines: Terrelle Pryor is back from arthroscopic knee surgery and looking healthy. The Buckeyes are loaded defensively, though a little young in the back end. They’re the clear favorites to win a sixth straight Big Ten title, something never done before. Quote to note: “There are certainly holes to fill, depth to be created. I think the personality of our team is in the midst of being formed. I don’t know if you know the total answer to that until you’re thrust out there in actual competition.” - Ohio State coach Jim Tressel

Penn State 2009 record: 11-2 overall, 6-2 Big Ten Returning starters: 7 offense, 5 defense, 1 specialist Spring storylines: One-time Michigan commit Kevin Newsome is in line to replace Daryll Clark. He’s got lots of offense weapons at his disposal - Evan Royster, Derek Moye, Graham Zug. With Navorro Bowman, Sean Lee and Jared Odrick gone, the defense isn’t as stacked. Quote to note: “I don't need the glasses. It's amazing. People down there at the Eye Institute in Penn did a fantastic job. I don't really need the glasses but they want me to wear them anytime I'm outside to protect them. But I can read, the whole bit. I can read my notes without any glasses, and it says here, ‘Keep your patience with these guys.’” - Penn State coach Joe Paterno, who had eye surgery this off-season, on his young team

Dave Birkett covers University of Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at 734-623-2552 or by e-mail at davidbirkett@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.