Big Ten Football: Most Disappointing Aspect for Each Team So Far
College football has gotten off to a surprising start.
Despite undefeated records, Ohio State and Michigan State appear beatable, Michigan's defense is better than anyone could've imagined and Nebraska's game management has been questionable.
Let's take a look at the most disappointing aspects of each Big Ten team thus far.
Ohio State Buckeyes
1 of 14
Entering the season, analysts pinned Ohio State as the heavy favorite to repeat as the national champion. Five games into the season, the Buckeyes look beatable.
The most disappointing aspect so far has been Cardale Jones.
In his first season as the starting quarterback, Jones has been underwhelming at times and has just five touchdowns to go with five interceptions on the year. He ranks No. 9 among Big Ten quarterbacks with 867 yards, according to ESPN.
If Ohio State hopes to win back-to-back national championships, it needs better play from Jones.
Honorable Mention: J.T. Barrett
Michigan State Spartans
2 of 14
Michigan State holds its own destiny.
Win out and the Spartans are looking at a playoff spot, but even one loss could crush their playoff aspirations.
MSU hasn't exactly dominated the competition. After narrowly escaping a major upset against Purdue, the Spartans dropped two spots in the AP poll (they're now at No. 4), and some analysts question whether they have a "killer instinct."
With games still left against Michigan and Ohio State, the Spartans need to figure out what's holding the team back.
Honorable Mention: Montae Nicholson
Michigan Wolverines
3 of 14
Michigan has a stifling defense. The Wolverines are second in the nation in total defense and hold opponents to just 3.10 yards per play.
Finding a quarterback is coach Jim Harbaugh's biggest challenge.
Jake Rudock is No. 11 among Big Ten quarterbacks with a 117.4 passer rating. He has five touchdowns, six interceptions and has been sacked five times.
Despite subpar play at quarterback, Harbaugh has his team winning football games.
Honorable Mention: The running game
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Penn State Nittany Lions
4 of 14
The Penn State offense has struggled this season.
Christian Hackenberg has the second-worst completion percentage in the Big Ten at 52.8 percent, he's been sacked 15 times and he has a quarterback rating of 118.2.
Coach James Franklin told Audrey Snyder of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette the team is working on correcting those issues.
"Do we need to get better on offense? Yes, there is no doubt about it," he said. "Have we identified what those issues are and things we need to improve on? Yes. Are we working hard on them every single day? Yes. Am I going to come in here and tell you exactly what those things are in my opinion? No."
Honorable Mention: Depth at running back
Indiana Hoosiers
5 of 14
Indiana is a much improved football team.
The Hoosiers came close to pulling off an upset over No. 1-ranked Ohio State, but despite a good start, recent history suggests Indiana will falter against conference opponents. The team has a 9-48 conference record over the past eight seasons.
The Hoosiers have a test against Penn State this weekend to see if they can reverse their misfortunes.
Honorable Mention: Injuries
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
6 of 14
Rutgers has just one player ranked in the Big Ten's top 30 in receiving yards.
Leonte Carroo has seven receptions for 181 yards and three touchdowns.
But despite having an excellent quarterback, Rutgers doesn't have many dynamic playmakers.
Honorable Mention: Defensive line
Maryland Terrapins
7 of 14
Quarterback play has been dismal for Maryland.
Caleb Rowe has the worst completion percentage in the Big Ten at 44 percent, averages just 4.7 yards per pass attempt and has thrown 12 interceptions compared to four touchdowns. His passer rating is a putrid 71.6.
Honorable Mention: There isn't anything close.
Northwestern Wildcats
8 of 14
Despite being ranked No. 13 in the nation, Northwestern needs better consistency from Clayton Thorson at quarterback. He's thrown three interceptions and just four touchdowns on the year.
Justin Jackson has been one of the best running backs in the conference and has racked up 636 rushing yards, but consistent play at quarterback could balance the offense.
Honorable Mention: Wide receiver
Iowa Hawkeyes
9 of 14
Iowa has a good quarterback in C.J. Beathard and an excellent running back in Jordan Canzeri.
The Hawkeyes haven't found a consistent threat at wide receiver.
The team's leading receiver is Matt VandeBerg with 31 receptions, 303 yards and two touchdowns.
Honorable Mention: Depth
Illinois Fighting Illini
10 of 14
The biggest issue for Illinois is stopping the run.
Quality opponents have racked up the rushing yards against Illinois' defense, so stopping Jordan Canzeri will be a massive chore for the defense when it faces the Iowa Hawkeyes on Saturday.
Honorable Mention: Injury
Wisconsin Badgers
11 of 14
Replacing Melvin Gordon has been a difficult task for the Badgers.
Wisconsin doesn't have a home run threat at running back. Taiwan Deal's longest run is just 17 yards.
Michigan State alone has two running backs who have accumulated more yards than Deal.
Honorable Mention: Overall offense
Minnesota Golden Gophers
12 of 14
Mitch Leidner falls under the same category as Rudock: unspectacular.
His 112 passer rating is middle of the road, and he's thrown three interceptions compared to just four touchdowns. His longest throw has been for 38 yards.
Honorable Mention: Defensive line
Nebraska Cornhuskers
13 of 14
Mike Riley is feeling heat from a fanbase angry over Nebraska's 2-3 start.
Game management has been a question and was significant in the team's loss to Illinois.
Nebraska desperately needs a win over Wisconsin this weekend.
Honorable Mention: Inability to finish
Purdue Boilermakers
14 of 14
QB Austin Appleby was ineffective.
The junior had the second-lowest passer rating (109.7) in the Big Ten, threw six interceptions and lost his job to a redshirt freshman.
David Blough has been better but needs to limit turning the ball over.
Honorable Mention: Depth
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