Fast Facts

2001 RECORD: 7-5 (5-3, 3rd in Big Ten )
FINAL RANKING: not ranked

TELLING NUMBER

17
Age of tailback Lydell Ross when he ran for 124 yards against Indiana—the youngest Big Ten player ever with a 100-yard game.

ENEMY LINES
An opposing coach's view

Doss is boss: The senior safety makes this D click

"Their defense thrives on applying pressure, and their blitz can change the complexion of a game. But that system leaves the secondary exposed, which could be a problem without a guy like [ NFL draft pick] Derek Ross back there at corner.... Even with the uncertainty at one cornerback,the secondary is the team's strength, since they have the best defensive back in the country in Mike Doss . The kid is phenomenal. He hits like a Mack truck. His energy on the field seems to get the team's engine running."

[This article contains a table. Please see hardcopy of magazine or PDF.]