Six games into the 2012 college football season, a few things are clear: the Big Ten is not the power conference it hoped it would be, and the old guard is once again in control of the standings.
Ohio State’s return to glory and Michigan State’s stumbles have dominated the headlines. We’ve seen things we never expected (a position coach getting the ax two games in) and have been introduced to a few new stars (Venric Mark of Northwestern, Mark Weisman of Iowa). A poor non-conference showing aside, the first half of the Big Ten season has offered plenty of excitement.
Here are a few midseason awards …
Best story – Penn State
Consider everything the Penn State players have gone through, and all of the players that have transferred in the wake of the Sandusky scandal, the Nittany Lions have played beyond expectations. Most years, a 4-2 mark would be disappointing (and probably still is for this group). But all things considered, it’s remarkable. And the play of Matt McGloin and Michael Mauti (returning from a second season-ending knee injury) has also been a pleasant surprise.
Biggest disappointment – Michigan State
You could make a case for Michigan or Wisconsin here, but whereas both of those clubs seem to have corrected their early-season woes, the Spartans are still stuck in a tailspin. Mark Dantonio’s club was blown out by Notre Dame and lost a pair of conference heartbreakers (Ohio State and Iowa) in East Lansing. The year began with high hopes; now it seems nothing more than a cruel joke.
Top offensive player – Braxton Miller, QB, Ohio State
Where would the Buckeyes be without their sophomore signal caller? Miller keeps defenses guessing, and his development as a passer (11 touchdowns, four interceptions) has done wonders for his ground game. He has averaged at least 5.0 yards rushing in every contest, and he’s connected on three passes of 60-plus yards. Without question, the best player from the Big Ten’s best team.
Top defensive player – Chris Borland, LB, Wisconsin
Borland is the prototypical college linebacker – tough, rangy. Two weeks ago he dove over a blocker to stuff an opposing ball carrier for what may have been the prettiest (or baddest) tackle of the season. He ranks among the conference leaders in tackles and sacks. If he doesn’t win the defensive player of the year award, it’ll be because teammate Mike Taylor steals some of the spotlight, but both are worthy of first team recognition.
Best coaching – Kevin Wilson, Indiana
Yes, the Hoosiers are 2-4 and winless in the conference. But good coaching doesn’t always show in the win column (regardless of what that Lombardi guy says). Wilson’s team scored 49 against No. 8-ranked Ohio State; they lost late to Michigan State; and lost in the final seconds to Ball State. In football, close doesn’t count, but in this case it earns Wilson recognition for pushing Indiana in the right direction.
–– Big Ten Notes —
• Illinois has allowed 8.3 yards per passing attempt (no other Big Ten defense allows 7.0 or more) and ranks dead last in touchdown passes allowed (13).
• Not long ago, it appeared Montee Ball was not going to reach the all-time touchdown mark. He scored just three touchdowns in the Badgers’ four non-conference games. Now, though, Ball is a good bet to make history, with eight scores in the past three weeks. His 11 touchdowns are tied for first in the conference with Northwestern’s Venric Mark, and Ball is now six shy of the all-time touchdown record (78) and seven shy of the rushing touchdown record (73).
• Penn State’s defense tightens up in the red zone. Opponents have made 16 trips inside of Penn State’s 20-yard line this season but have walked away with points on just 11 of those trips (68.8 percent success rate). Wisconsin’s defense has allowed the fewest red zone trips (14), but has allowed scoring on all but one (92.9).
— This week’s schedule —
Saturday, Oct. 20
Purdue at Ohio State, 11 a.m.
Minnesota at Wisconsin, 11 a.m.
Nebraska at Northwestern, 2:30 p.m.
Michigan State at Michigan, 2:30 p.m.
Indiana at Navy, 2:30 p.m.
Penn State at Iowa, 7 p.m.
**all times CT
–– Spotlight —
LB Max Bullough, Michigan State
Bullough and the Spartans defense will have its hands full trying to contain Denard Robinson in unfriendly Ann Arbor this week. Bullough is among the Big Ten leaders in tackles and tackles for loss, and will be keying on Robinson. Last year when Michigan visited East Lansing, Robinson was held to just 2.3 yards per carry, but only a few weeks ago the Spartans gave up 136 yards rushing to Ohio State dual threat quarterback Braxton Miller. The Spartans will need to get the best from Bullough and company this week.
— He Said It (quote of the week) —
Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson describing the injury that sidelined him for one first quarter possession in the Wolverines’ 45-0 win over Illinois (Robinson finished with two touchdown passes and two touchdown runs):
“It was just a boo-boo. It’s all good. It didn’t bother me at all.”
— Big Ten Mailbag —
Brian from Minnesota: Will the Gophers make a bowl this year?
It’s a fair question. After a strong start (4-0) it does not appear Minnesota will have enough to become bowl eligible. Why? Because the Gophers will not be favored in any of their remaining contests, including a home date against Purdue. And it certainly does not help matters that MarQueis Gray is hobbled with a bum ankle. Sure, Minnesota could beat rival Wisconsin this weekend, and they could win in Champaign next month. But don’t expect it. Might be time to hibernate, Gophers fans.
Tweet your questions to Mike Beacom @mikebeacom, or email him at [email protected]. Each week one question will be selected for this column. Be sure to include your first name and city/state.
Mike Beacom is the Big Ten football editor for Lindy’s. Follow him on Twitter @mikebeacom