Big Ten Football: All-Conference Team for September
As hard as it may be to believe, we're already a month into the college football season.
And with nonconference play down and league schedules set to start for most teams, there may not be a more talked about conference in all of college football than the Big Ten.
Between the nation's top two ranked teams (Ohio State and Michigan State), perhaps the country's biggest surprise (Northwestern) and an offseason juggernaut that has brought its momentum into the regular season (Michigan), there's been no shortage of storylines in the Big Ten through the first four weeks of the season. A big reason for that, of course, has to do with the league's players, including some expected stars and even more much-welcomed surprises.
It's a relatively small sample size, but through the first third of the regular season, some players have stood out above all the others. With that in mind, let's take a look at the Big Ten's all-conference team for the month of September.
Quarterback: C.J. Beathard
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After being hand-picked by Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz over now-Michigan starter Jake Rudock, it appears C.J. Beathard is the right man for the job for the Hawkeyes.
Because while it was Cardale Jones, Connor Cook and Christian Hackenberg who captured the headlines heading into the season, it's been Beathard who's been arguably the most effective signal-caller in all of the Big Ten through the first month of the season. Leading Iowa to a 4-0 record, including wins over Pittsburgh and Iowa State, the junior quarterback leads the Big Ten in passing efficiency (157.8), ranks third in passing yards (962) and has posted six passing touchdowns to just one interception.
In a 62-16 win over North Texas on Saturday, Beathard looked particularly impressive, completing all 15 of his pass attempts en route to an 18-of-21, 278-yard, two-touchdown day.
"I didn't know it was that clean until a few minutes ago," Ferentz said during his postgame press conference. "Can't do any better than that, certainly."
But with Big Ten play around the corner, the bulk of Beathard's junior campaign remains ahead of him. That will start this Saturday when the Hawkeyes head to Madison to take on No. 19 Wisconsin in a game that could ultimately make for a big statement from one of the Big Ten's biggest surprises this season.
Running Back: Jordan Howard
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If there were any questions as to whether Indiana would be able to replicate the record-breaking production of Tevin Coleman from a season ago, Jordan Howard has put them to rest.
Through the first four weeks of the season, the UAB import has been the Big Ten's most impressive back, rushing for a league-high 675 yards and four touchdowns on the year. The 6'1", 230-pounder has been a big reason why the Hoosiers own a 4-0 record heading into Big Ten play, marking Indiana's best start to a season in 25 years.
"Jordan's strong," Hoosiers head coach Kevin Wilson said of Howard following his 203-yard performance against Western Kentucky on Sept. 19. "I think he gets stronger."
But while Indiana and Howard have flown under the radar through the first month of the season, that won't be the case this weekend when the Hoosiers welcome No. 1-ranked Ohio State to Bloomington for their Big Ten opener. Indiana's newest star will certainly have his work cut out for him against the Buckeyes, who currently rank sixth in the country in total defense.
Running Back: Ezekiel Elliott
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If there's been one reliable piece of what's been an otherwise enigmatic Ohio State offense, it's been running back Ezekiel Elliott. The preseason Heisman Trophy front-runner may not be posting the type of numbers that he did during last postseason's run to a national title, but he has tallied four consecutive 100-yard games to start the year despite moving pieces at quarterback and surprisingly disappointing play from the Buckeyes offensive line.
"Zeke is our most consistent offensive player," Urban Meyer asserted after Ohio State's 38-12 win over Western Michigan on Saturday, where Elliott rushed for 124 yards against the Broncos.
Currently ranking third in the Big Ten in rushing (455 yards) and second in rushing touchdowns (five), it only seems like it will be a matter of time until Elliott busts out for a big 200-yard game, just as he did in three consecutive postseason matchups at the end of last year. But while his highlight reel-worthy plays haven't come as consistently as they did last winter, he has busted out one new move, showcasing a hurdle no fewer than four times in the first four weeks of the season.
"I'm tired of taking those shots to the legs, those thigh bruises," Elliott said. "So I decided to go up top a couple times."
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Wide Receiver: Jordan Westerkamp
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Nebraska quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. may lead the Big Ten in total offense, but it may be wide receiver Jordan Westerkamp who's benefited most from Mike Riley's new pro-style system in Lincoln. The junior wide receiver currently ranks first in the Big Ten in receptions (26), fourth in yards (351) and is tied for first in receiving touchdowns (four).
Westerkamp hasn't been just a one-hit wonder either, recording a receiving touchdown in each of the Cornhuskers' first four games.
Despite jumping out to a disappointing 2-2 start, which has included losses to BYU and Miami (Fla.), Westerkamp has served as a steadying force for the Nebraska offense in Riley's first season as the Huskers head coach. That rang especially true in last weekend's win over Southern Mississippi, where Westerkamp recorded 11 receptions for 118 yards and yes, a touchdown.
Wide Receiver: Aaron Burbridge
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Entering a 2015 season with no shortage of expectations, perhaps the biggest question facing the Michigan State offense was who will be Connor Cook's most reliable weapon.
Through the first four games of the year, Aaron Burbridge has answered the call.
Helping lead the Spartans to a No. 2 ranking in both major polls, Burbridge has been the Michigan State quarterback's go-to-guy, ranking second in the Big Ten in receiving yards (405), third in receptions (24) and first in touchdowns (four). More importantly, the senior wideout has provided a presence that some thought may be lacking in the Spartans offense following the departures of NFL draft picks Tony Lippett and Keith Mumphery.
After starting the season with three consecutive 100-yard games, Burbridge was held to just 31 yards on four receptions in Michigan State's 30-10 win over Central Michigan on Saturday. The Spartans will need their new No. 1 receiver to get back on track now that Big Ten play is here, especially with an Oct. 17 date with Michigan looming.
Center: Graham Glasgow
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After getting off to a slow start against Utah in the season opener, Michigan's improved running game has been one of the most pleasant surprises for the Wolverines in their first season under Jim Harbaugh. De'Veon Smith has emerged as the team's No. 1 back with 331 yards and four touchdowns and Ty Isaac and Drake Johnson have both shown flashes while running back the new and improved Michigan offensive line.
That starts with center Graham Glasgow, who entered the season as a question mark for the Wolverines following a suspension due to a probation violation. Through the first four games of the season, however, Glasgow has been a bright spot for Michigan, helping provide a power-running game that wasn't present until Harbaugh came to town.
Guard: Ted Karras
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According to analytics site ProFootballFocus.com, Illinois guard Ted Karras hasn't been just the best pass-blocking guard in all of the Big Ten, but in all of college football in 2015. Through four games, the Fighting Illini have allowed just three sacks on the season, and the stellar play of Karras has been a big reason why.
With Illinois jumping out to a surprising 3-1 record after head coach Tim Beckman was fired just one week prior to the start of the season, keeping quarterback Wes Lunt standing upright will continue to be a key piece to any success further enjoyed by the Fighting Illini. That starts with Karras, the rare guard who doubles as one of his offense's most important players.
Guard: Dan Feeney
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Ranking second in the Big Ten and 21st in the country, Indiana's running attack has been crucial in the Hoosiers' 4-0 start to the season. And while it's been Howard carrying the ball, it's been an underrated Indiana offensive line paving the way.
The most impressive of the group has been guard Dan Feeney, a 6'4", 310-pound junior who was named honorable mention All-Big Ten for his play a season ago. More distinctive honors, however, could be in order at the end of this year should Feeney and the Hoosiers continue on their current pace.
Tackle: Jack Conklin
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The good news for Michigan State is that through four games, Jack Conklin has looked like the projected first-round pick that many slotted him as heading into the 2015 season. The former walk-on left tackle has been critical in keeping Cook standing upright, with the Spartans having allowed just three sacks through the entire nonconference schedule.
The bad news for Michigan State, however, is that in the first half of the team's nonconference finale, Conklin suffered an apparent leg injury and did not return in the second half. After the game, Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio declined comment on the situation, per Kyle Austin of MLive.com, as Conklin's status moving forward remains unclear.
Tackle: Taylor Decker
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Expected to be a bright spot for the Buckeyes this season, the Ohio State offensive line has been inconsistent through its first four games of the 2015 campaign, although that has been no fault of senior Taylor Decker. The 6'8", 315-pounder continues to look like a potential first-round pick in the 2016 NFL draft and has been a steadying force on a unit that's allowed just three sacks in four games.
As Cardale Jones appears to have taken a hold of the Buckeyes' staring quarterback job, the OSU offense should soon return to the form that many expected it to take prior to the season. That will be much easier to accomplish with the Buckeyes' signal-caller standing upright, something that hasn't been difficult for Ohio State to do with Decker standing in the way of opposing defenders.
Tight End: Jake Butt
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While Michigan's season-opening 24-17 loss to Utah was disappointing, Harbaugh couldn't help but laugh when it came to recalling the positives he saw in his Wolverines head coaching debut. Namely, the play of tight end Jake Butt stood out to the former San Francisco 49ers head coach, after the 6'6", 248-pounder recorded eight receptions for 93 yards.
"Jake Butt played one heck of a football game," Harbaugh said with a smile. "He's a tremendous competitor."
Through the first four games of the season, Butt has looked like a perfect fit in Harbaugh's pro-style offense, recording 15 receptions for 173 yards and a touchdown. More importantly, he's been a consistent safety valve for Rudock, who at times has struggled with moving the ball down field as the Wolverines quarterback.
Defensive Line: Adolphus Washington
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It all happened so fast that Ohio State's head coach could hardly recall it.
"All I saw is Adolphus running with the ball," Meyer said following the Buckeyes' win over Western Michigan on Saturday. "I'm not quite sure what happened."
What happened was that defensive tackle Adolphus Washington had grabbed an interception, before returning it 20 yards for a touchdown. Despite the rarity of a defensive lineman landing in the end zone with the ball in his hands, the play wasn't all that rare for Washington, who's been making plays on a consistent basis for the defending national champions this season.
While he may play in the shadow of Joey Bosa—who actually took his job as a starting defensive end when he arrived in Columbus two years ago—Washington is the Ohio State defensive lineman who's stood out most through the first month of the season. In four games, Washington has tallied 18 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for a loss, one sack and the first interception of his career.
Whether he will record another pick this season remains to be seen. But Meyer should be used to seeing his 6'4", 290-pound defensive tackle making big plays by now.
Defensive Line: Carl Nassib
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Four games into the 2015 season, there may not be a more impressive defensive lineman in the Big Ten—if not all of college football—than Penn State's Carl Nassib.
The nation's leader in sacks with seven, Nassib has made a habit of getting to opposing quarterbacks on a consistent basis. The 6'7", 272-pound defensive end has also tallied 21 tackles and an interception on the season, while costing opponents a total of 52 negative yards by tackling their quarterbacks.
With the rest of their Big Ten season ahead—the Nittany Lions do already own a conference win over Rutgers—Nassib and Penn State's toughest tests are still to come. But thus far, it's hard not to like a defense that ranks first in the country in sacks, with 18 total already on the year.
Defensive Line: Shilique Calhoun
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Another Michigan State player who's lived up to his billing thus far this season, Shilique Calhoun picked up right where he left off a year ago. The two-time All-Big Ten selection has already tallied five sacks on the season, costing opponents 34 negative yards in the process.
As the Spartans continue on their quest to crash the College Football Playoff, the importance of Calhoun's ability to disrupt opposing backfields will only increase. The Michigan State senior looks every bit like the future first-round pick he's projected to be and will only see a bigger spotlight placed on him as matchups with Michigan and Ohio State loom around the corner.
Defensive Line: Anthony Zettel
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Through the first four weeks of the college football season, it'd be tough to find a story more worthy of attention than the play of Penn State defensive tackle Anthony Zettel.
After his father passed away last Friday, the Nittany Lions senior opted to honor his late father by playing in Penn State's matchup with San Diego State. In a heartwarming effort, Zettel led the Nittany Lions with a team-high seven tackles, 2.5 of which came for a loss in what was ultimately a 37-21 Penn State victory.
"That was up to him," Nittany Lions coach James Franklin said of Zettel playing, per ESPN.com's Josh Moyer. "I felt like that’s what his family—his dad—would’ve wanted him to do."
Having bounced back from a season-opening loss to Temple, Penn State now lays claim to three consecutive wins. And with matchups against Army and Indiana ahead, the Nittany Lions could very well be sitting at 5-1 heading into a prime-time matchup with No. 1 Ohio State on Oct. 17.
Linebacker: Joe Schobert
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With six sacks to his credit through the season's first four games, there may not have been a better pass-rusher from the linebacker position in the month of September than Wisconsin's Joe Schobert. The 6'2", 239-pounder has also recorded 25 tackles on the year, 9.5 of which have come for a loss.
Schobert's best play of the year also happened to come against the Badgers' best opponent thus far, with the outside linebacker recording two sacks in Wisconsin's season-opening loss to Alabama. That should bode well for continued success come Big Ten play, where the Badgers will look to repeat as the conference's champion of the West Division.
Linebacker: Darron Lee
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Bursting onto the scene as the Defensive MVP of the Sugar Bowl in last season's College Football Playoff, Ohio State outside linebacker Darron Lee has picked up right where he left off.
In four games, Lee has recorded 15 total tackles, 3.5 of which have come for a loss and 2.5 sacks.
More importantly for the Buckeyes, Lee has continued to be one of the nation's top playmakers in the country on the defensive side of the ball. His third-quarter pick-six interception served as the deciding play in Ohio State's 20-13 win over Northern Illinois on Sept. 19 and also earned him big-time praise from his head coach.
"He's one of the best players in the country," Meyer said of Lee. "I love that kid. And he's a high-energy guy. He's got great, offensive skilled hands and really is a great player for us."
Linebacker: Riley Bullough
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While several of Michigan State's key contributions this season have come from established players, Riley Bullough is just now making a name for himself. Emerging from the shadow of his older brother Max, a former Spartans middle linebacker, Riley has become one of Michigan State's most dependable defensive players through the first month of the regular season.
After the first four games of the 2015 campaign, Bullough leads the Big Ten in tackles with 39. He's also made his presence felt in opponents' backfields, with 3.5 tackles for a loss and three sacks on the season.
As Big Ten play approaches, Dantonio and the Spartans will need for the Bullough name to remain a consistent part of his defense's play.
Cornerback: Jourdan Lewis
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Through the first month of the season, there may not be a more pleasant surprise in all of the Big Ten than Michigan's defensive play. The Wolverines rank second in the nation in total defense and fifth in pass defense, despite taking on two potent passing offenses in Utah and BYU.
A big reason for Michigan's success against the pass has been the play of cornerback Jourdan Lewis, who ranks third in the Big Ten in pass breakups with six. Lewis' breakout performance came in a Sept. 19 win over UNLV, where he broke up a career-high four passes against the Running Rebels.
"I hoped they kept throwing at me," Lewis said, per the Associated Press. "I wanted a pick. Pass breakups are great, but the ultimate goal is the interception."
Through four games, Lewis is still waiting on one. But at his current rate, it shouldn't be long.
Cornerback: Eli Apple
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Through the first four games of the season, there's a logical explanation for why Gareon Conley seems to be the Ohio State cornerback making the most plays: Because opponents simply aren't challenging Eli Apple.
And when they are, they aren't having much success doing so.
Having established himself as one of the nation's top corners during the Buckeyes' run to the national title a season ago, Apple has only continued to prove himself in his sophomore campaign. In four games, Apple has recorded five pass breakups and one interception, despite opposing quarterbacks having been more willing to go after the less experienced Conley.
And as long as Apple continues to make the most of his opportunities—no matter how few and far between they may be—that should only continue to be the case.
Safety: Vonn Bell
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Asked to describe the play of safety Vonn Bell, Ohio State defensive coordinator Chris Ash didn't mince words last week.
"If you were to ask, 'What is a Silver Bullet?' look at Vonn Bell," Ash said, referencing the Buckeyes defense's nickname. "He's got that 'it' factor and knows how to get to the ball."
Bell has always had good ball skills and that hasn't changed in 2015, with the junior safety recording six pass breakups and an interception four games into the year. He also returned a fumble for a touchdown in Ohio State's 38-0 win over Hawaii on Sept. 12.
But through the first month of the season, perhaps what's been most impressive about the play of Bell has been his tackling ability. On a defense loaded with talent, Bell has arguably been the Buckeyes' surest tackler, recording 21 tackles in nonconference play.
Safety: Montae Nicholson
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As far as sophomore slumps go, Michigan State safety Montae Nicholson has endured no such thing. Through the first four games of the second season of his college career, Nicholson has actually made a jump and become one of the key players on the Spartans defense.
Whether it be in passing coverage or run support, the 6'2", 220-pounder has made his presence felt. In the first month of the season, Nicholson recorded two interception in addition to tallying 23 tackles, 1.5 of which have come for a loss.
As the Big Ten season approaches, Nicholson already qualifies as one of the league's breakout stars. And if Michigan State is going to crash the college football playoff, expect its sophomore safety to be a big reason why.
Kicker: Jack Mitchell
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Ranking 16th in the country with a 4-0 record, Northwestern has been one of college football's biggest surprises this season. And that's something that may not have been possible without the steady play of Wildcats kicker Jack Mitchell.
Through four games, Mitchell has made the most field goals in the conference with eight, having missed just two of his 10 attempts on the season. He also played a key role in Northwestern's season-opening win against Stanford, connecting on three of his four field-goal tries against the nation's then-21st ranked team.
And with more close games likely around the corner in conference play, count on Mitchell to continue to be a big part of the Wildcats' surprise season.
Punter: Cam Johnston
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With the type of offense Ohio State was projected to possess this season, Cam Johnston was expected to spend most of the year standing on the sideline. But through the first month of the season, the Buckeyes have kept the Australia native busy, as he's already attempted 18 punts on the year—the second most in all of the Big Ten.
To his credit, Johnston has made the most of his opportunities, laying claim to 47.4 yards per punt, the second-best average in the conference. With a long of 67 yards, Johnston's 853 punting yards qualify as the second most in all of the league as well.
But if it's up to Meyer, Johnston won't be taking over the top spot anytime soon.
Ben Axelrod is Bleacher Report's Big Ten lead writer. You can follow him on Twitter @BenAxelrod. Unless noted otherwise, all quotes were obtained firsthand. All statistics courtesy of cfbstats.com. Recruiting rankings courtesy of 247Sports.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
