Best of the Big Ten, Part 1

With the college football season coming down to the wire, the Big Ten has gotten a bad rap this season. Nationally, the public seems to have little respect for what used to be America’s best conference.

Pollsters and fans alike have a bad taste in their mouths from Ohio State's big game collapses. They’ve seen perennial powers Michigan and Wisconsin struggle this season. And with Illinois, Iowa and Purdue underachieving, it’s difficult to argue. Still, Penn State has shown that, with great balance, they deserve to be mentioned among the nation’s elite. And while most of the big-name schools are playing poorly, Northwestern and Minnesota have surprised many. For every action, there is an opposite reaction. That seems to be the case in this year’s Big Ten schedule.

We’ve heard all about the Big 12 quarterbacks. And we’re all aware of the stars of the SEC. But while the overall play of the Big Ten may not be what people expected this year, there have been many great individual performances to speak of. You may not recognize some of the names, but these guys have been spectacular this year and deserve to get a little recognition. Based on this season (while taking injuries into consideration), here is Part 1 of my “Best of the Big Ten.”

Part of the reason that Big Ten is getting little respect this year is because they haven’t had outstanding quarterback play. From first year starters, to personnel issues, this young group isn’t exactly Big 12-caliber when it comes to signal-callers. But then again, who is? Here are the top five quarterbacks…

1. Daryll Clark (Jr.), Penn State – Name a guy that’s been better this year. Prior to the 2008 season, Clark wasn’t sure he’d even be the starter. Through nine games under center, he’s developed into a great leader for one of the best teams in the country. As of today, it’s hard to say that Clark isn’t the Big Ten’s MVP.

2. “Juice” Williams (Jr.), Illinois – Minus a three interception performance at Wisconsin, Juice has been awesome. He’s been more comfortable throwing the ball downfield this year (8.9 ypa) and his running ability is unmatched at the position. There is no quarterback in the Big Ten that’s more exciting to watch.

3. Adam Weber (So.), Minnesota – An unknown name to most, Weber has quietly led the Big Ten in completion percentage (65.9), protected the ball nicely (only 4 turnovers), and led Minnesota (1-11 record in ’07) to a 7-2 record and national ranking.

4. Ricky Stanzi (So.), Iowa – Playing on a run-first team, Stanzi has been both accurate and smart. After a poor performance versus rival Iowa State, he’s recovered nicely by throwing at least one touchdown against each of Iowa’s conference opponents. Plus, he’s done it all while holding off former Iowa starter Jake Christensen.

5. Brian Hoyer (Sr.), Michigan State – The only senior to make this list, Hoyer has struggled at times with an unreliable receiving corps and awful protection. How bad has the blocking been? Michigan State’s Heisman-wrothy running back, Javon Ringer, averages just 4.6 ypc. Sounds kind of crazy. Still, Hoyer rarely turns the ball over and keeps Michigan State in all of their games by not beating himself.

Honorable mention: Terrelle Pryor (Fr.), Ohio State