In my last post, I named the top five quarterbacks of the Big Ten conference. After the top few names on that list, there seemed to be quite a drop in production. Curtis Painter has struggled at Purdue in Joe Tiller's final season, Ohio State changed quarterbacks and now plays it safe with Terrelle Pryor, and Allan Evridge wasn't the answer in Madison as the Badgers also changed from one bad QB to another. Just a couple months back, who thought that Todd Boeckman would be an afterthought today?
While the quarterback position is on a down year around the Big Ten, the conference's running backs have been very good. At least five guys will finish with 1,000 yards this season and multiple teams have very good tandems at the running back position and/or a run-first quarterback. The truth is, it’s rather difficult to pick just five running backs for this list. Injuries, the surprising emergence of some players, and a couple cases of RBBC have shaped the face of Big Ten running games. This is a conference known for smash-mouth football and this year is no different. Unfortunately, someone has to be left off the list. You’re top five probably differs from mine, but that’s what makes it fun to talk about it. The top backs this year are....
1. Shonn Greene (Jr.), Iowa – This may surprise you because of my man-crush on Javon Ringer and his biceps. But Shonn Greene, a converted defensive back, has been the best in the league this year. Check out this stat line (through 9 games): 139.7 ypg, 6.4 ypc, and 11 tds. Not good enough for your All-Big Ten First Team? Greene has netted over 100 yds in each game this season, scored in 8 of 9 games, and averaged a conference-best 150.2 ypg versus Big Ten teams.
2. Javon Ringer (Sr.), Michigan State – Despite his recent struggles, Ringer has been great this year. And as stated previously, the blocking has not been. About five weeks ago, I tabbed Ringer as my Heisman pick. Since then, two of his last three opponents (Ohio State and Wisconsin) have proved that he’s human and have most likely eliminated his name from the Heisman talk. Though he may not be the best in the Big Ten this year, I love Ringer’s versatility and his ability to carry a huge load.
3. Chris Wells (Jr.), Ohio State – An afterthought at this point of the season, Beanie was a serious Heisman contender before the year began. He’s missed three games this season, including Ohio State’s game out at So Cal. Take those games out of the equation and his only rough outing came against Penn State. But who doesn’t have a rough day against the Nittany Lions? Penn State's Evan Royster may have better numbers this year, but Chris Wells comes in at No. 3 based on sheer talent.
4. Evan Royster (So.), Penn State - This sensational young back reminds me a lot of Larry Johnson from his '02 campaign. He may not have the same running style, but his patience at the first level and balance at the second level is outstanding for such a young player. While losing a third of the team's carries to freshman Stephon Green this season, Royster has averaged 107.8 ypg at 7.2 ypc for 10 touchdowns.
5. Kory Sheets (Sr.), Purdue - The lone bright spot on an underachieving team, Sheets slashing style has been exciting to watch. It's tough to end your career on a losing note, but Sheets has
has been the only thing keeping the Boilermakers going. He is currently ranked 25th in the nation in rush ypg and has 13 TDs through nine games.
Honorable mention: Tyrell Sutton (Sr.), Northwestern
While the quarterback position is on a down year around the Big Ten, the conference's running backs have been very good. At least five guys will finish with 1,000 yards this season and multiple teams have very good tandems at the running back position and/or a run-first quarterback. The truth is, it’s rather difficult to pick just five running backs for this list. Injuries, the surprising emergence of some players, and a couple cases of RBBC have shaped the face of Big Ten running games. This is a conference known for smash-mouth football and this year is no different. Unfortunately, someone has to be left off the list. You’re top five probably differs from mine, but that’s what makes it fun to talk about it. The top backs this year are....
1. Shonn Greene (Jr.), Iowa – This may surprise you because of my man-crush on Javon Ringer and his biceps. But Shonn Greene, a converted defensive back, has been the best in the league this year. Check out this stat line (through 9 games): 139.7 ypg, 6.4 ypc, and 11 tds. Not good enough for your All-Big Ten First Team? Greene has netted over 100 yds in each game this season, scored in 8 of 9 games, and averaged a conference-best 150.2 ypg versus Big Ten teams.
2. Javon Ringer (Sr.), Michigan State – Despite his recent struggles, Ringer has been great this year. And as stated previously, the blocking has not been. About five weeks ago, I tabbed Ringer as my Heisman pick. Since then, two of his last three opponents (Ohio State and Wisconsin) have proved that he’s human and have most likely eliminated his name from the Heisman talk. Though he may not be the best in the Big Ten this year, I love Ringer’s versatility and his ability to carry a huge load.
3. Chris Wells (Jr.), Ohio State – An afterthought at this point of the season, Beanie was a serious Heisman contender before the year began. He’s missed three games this season, including Ohio State’s game out at So Cal. Take those games out of the equation and his only rough outing came against Penn State. But who doesn’t have a rough day against the Nittany Lions? Penn State's Evan Royster may have better numbers this year, but Chris Wells comes in at No. 3 based on sheer talent.
4. Evan Royster (So.), Penn State - This sensational young back reminds me a lot of Larry Johnson from his '02 campaign. He may not have the same running style, but his patience at the first level and balance at the second level is outstanding for such a young player. While losing a third of the team's carries to freshman Stephon Green this season, Royster has averaged 107.8 ypg at 7.2 ypc for 10 touchdowns.
5. Kory Sheets (Sr.), Purdue - The lone bright spot on an underachieving team, Sheets slashing style has been exciting to watch. It's tough to end your career on a losing note, but Sheets has
has been the only thing keeping the Boilermakers going. He is currently ranked 25th in the nation in rush ypg and has 13 TDs through nine games.
Honorable mention: Tyrell Sutton (Sr.), Northwestern
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