Spate of injuries throughout Big Ten magnifies need for a bye week

Michigan coach Lloyd Carr has seen his team's morale grow with each adversity-driven victory.

The Wolverines have won games without quarterback Chad Henne, running back Mike Hart and other key contributors.

But the team's resolve hasn't changed Carr's opinion on whether the Big Ten should add a bye week like other BCS leagues.

"There is not a coach in the conference that does not think it's extremely important that we find a way to handle a bye week," Carr said Tuesday. "Hopefully we can do that."

A hot topic during Big Ten media days in August, the absence of a bye week is resurfacing as teams hobble toward the final stretch. Coaches agree a bye week is necessary despite the permanent 12-game schedule, but how to structure the slate remains tricky.

Carr wants the NCAA to begin the season a week earlier, allowing the Big Ten to maintain its practice of not playing past Thanksgiving.

"Some people just need a week to regroup sometimes," said Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio. "I do think it's a good idea to have (bye weeks). I don't know exactly how to do it."

Scott speaks: Suspended Penn State running back Austin Scott declared his innocence in an interview with the Philadelphia Daily News the day before a gag order was issued in his rape trial.

Scott, who faces charges of rape, sexual assault and aggravated indecent assault, told the Daily News that he had consensual sex with his accuser.

"I went to bed with a clear conscience and woke up the next day, my life was in a shambles," Scott told the newspaper. "All I keep thinking is, 'How did I get here?' "

Scott added that coach Joe Paterno swiftly suspended him instead of taking time to deal with the situation, as he did with other players who fell into legal trouble.

"He didn't want to hear my side of the story," said Scott, who last spoke to Paterno on Oct. 5. "He decided that I was at the bar drinking two nights before a game, and that was not the case."

Paterno has declined to comment on Scott's situation.

Red alert: Iowa junior tight end Tony Moeaki returned to practice last Tuesday and dressed for Saturday's game against Purdue, but his playing status remains uncertain.

The Wheaton-Warrenville South product has missed Iowa's last four games after dislocating his elbow against Wisconsin.

"I'm not overly optimistic right now," Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said. "We're at a point now where if he can't go, we're probably looking at a redshirt year for him."

Battle cry: In a departure from postpractice protocol, Northwestern senior cornerback Deante Battle addressed the team Tuesday, urging players to rally around the seniors for a four-game push for a bowl.

"We've seen it all by now," senior center Trevor Rees said. "We've had great seasons, not-so-great seasons. It's to be able to share that experience with the younger guys and let them know that it doesn't last forever."

Northwestern (5-3) is at Purdue on Saturday.

Inches to go: Junior Evan Sharpley likely will make his second consecutive start at quarterback when Notre Dame hosts Navy on Nov. 3. "I anticipate Evan being the guy again," coach Charlie Weis said. … In an effort to obtain positive momentum for the off-season, Weis is spending half of practice this week working exclusively with players who will return next season. "If things don't progress, on what basis would you go into the spring thinking everything is OK?" he said. …

Wisconsin officially will retire Ron Dayne's number at its Nov. 10 home game against Michigan. No player has worn No. 33 since Dayne, the 1999 Heisman Trophy winner and Football Bowl Subdivision career rushing leader, played his final game in 2000.