Top 10 Backfield Duos in the Big Ten for 2010

You can call this article the best 10 in the Big Ten for '10. There are several players returning in 2010 at quarterback/running back and dare I say it the Big Ten could actually shape up to be an offensive conference this upcoming season, at least somewhat.

Most seasons the conference champion is, of course, decided by solid defense, however this year offense should play a larger role.

Here is a list of guys to look for to become the top stars in the Big Ten. This list is basically intended as an overall gauge of talent, chemistry, and expected results from the following duos.

10. Illinois-Eddie McGhee/Mikel Le Shoure

There are a lot of people who are expecting Jacob Charest to start at quarterback, and he very well might early in the season, especially since he fits Paul Petrino's new offense.

However, Eddie McGhee may very well give Illinois the best chance to win. McGhee is an excellent athlete and has a great deal of potential.

Le Shoure is a guy who has an excellent opportunity to improve off of a solid 2009. He had 734 yards and five touchdowns with a 6.8 yards per carry average.

Don't be surprised if Le Shoure becomes one of the league's top tailbacks and gains over 1,000 yards rushing in 2010.

9. Indiana-Ben Chappell/Darius Willis

Ben Chappell had 2,941 yards and 17 touchdowns last year, as well as completed 62.6 percent of his passes. However, he only had a 126 rating and 15 interceptions and given his age, I only expect minimal improvement. He still has the opportunity to improve and become a solid passer.

The only problem with Darius Willis is that he is limited to more of a speed back role. He will probably never become a 1,000-yard back but he still has tremendous athleticism and speed. He can still improve on his 607 yards in 2009.

8. Minnesota-MarQueis Gray/DeLeon Eskeridge

MarQueis Gray may be the most athletic quarterback in the Big Ten, he just needs more exposure and playing time to show it on the field. He is a former high school All-American, and is poised to take over the offense at Minnesota and become a premier player.

Duane Bennett was the leading rusher in 2009, but he has a group of young guys ready to step up and challenge. Eskeridge may be the most prepared to take over and become the next every-down back at Minnesota.

7. Purdue-Robert Marve/Ralph Bolden

Robert Marve certainly had his ups and downs in 2008 as a Miami Hurricane. Nonetheless, he started as a true freshman in a BCS conference and definitely had his moments.

Given another off-season to develop in an offense that lends itself to his talents, I firmly believe he will make a splash in 2010, albeit a small one.

Ralph Bolden is a serious talent. Familiarize yourself with his name Big Ten fans, that is if you don't already recognize it. Bolden had 935 yards as a redshirt freshman in 2009 and is poised to become one of the top running backs in the conference.

6. Iowa Hawkeyes-Ricky Stanzi/Jewel Hampton

I may catch a lot of flack for ranking the Hawkeyes backfield this low but what the hay. I think that Stanzi has a lot to prove.

He was productive certainly, but he had a lot of help surrouding him and was an experienced Big Ten quarterback and yet his rating slipped a bit.

As far as Jewel Hampton, Adam Robinson and Brandon Wehger shared duties last season, however I believe Hampton has the best chance to be a star in 2010.

Certainly the Hawkeyes will have a solid team and a strong committee of backs but Hampton is the best of the bunch for now.

5. Penn State Nittany Lions-Kevin Newsome/Evan Royster

Granted, Kevin Newsome is young and hasn't proven much yet, but he is an excellent runner and compliments the offense well. I wouldn't expect him to be as good as Daryll Clark immediately, however he may have better potential.

Evan Royster is probably as good as any running back in the conference except John Clay. Penn State has a crew of talented backs but Royster and Newsome form a pretty formidable duo.

4. Michigan State Spartans-Kirk Cousins/Edwin Baker

Kirk Cousins is as good of a pure passer as you can get in the conference and certainly showed all the tools to be a future all-conference candidate. He has pretty good athletic ability to match his 142.63 passer rating.

Larry Caper is a guy who showed flashes is 2009, and may have the first crack at starting this coming fall, but I expect Baker to be the better back between the two based mostly on what he did in more limited action and recruiting reputation.

3. Michigan Wolverines-Tate Forcier/Fitzgerald Toussaint

Tate Forcier had eight or nine really solid games as a true freshman mixed with a few meldowns and struggles. No doubt given another spring and nine returning starters on offense around him, he is poised to be the next big thing, possibly even on a national scale.

There is another name to keep in mind for next season, and that is Fitzgerald Toussaint at running back. Certainly, Michigan has other backs, however Toussaint has the ability to pick up where Brandon Minor started according to practice reports.

Also, Toussaint had a great high school career in football and track, and is rumored to be up to 205 pounds at 5'9".

2. Ohio State Buckeyes-Terrelle Pryor/Brandon Saine

Terrelle Pryor quietly recorded 779 yards rushing in 2009, and may be ready to have a true breakout season. Ohio State returns 10 starters on offense and Pryor is as good as any offensive player in the conference.

The Buckeyes have a chance to have a strong rushing attack and several backs to choose from, but Saine is probably their best tailback. Saine had 739 yards and over 5 yards per carry so watch out for him if he is fully healthy.

1. Wisconsin Badgers-Scott Tolzien/John Clay

In 2009, Scott Tolzien came out of seemingly nowhere to record over 2,700 yards passing and lead the conference in efficiency. He needs to cut down on interceptions but will have a great deal of help in doing so with virtually his entire supporting cast around him.

John Clay was the offensive player of the year in 2009, but frankly Wisconsin's entire stable of backs should frighten any opposing defense and leave Badger fans elated.

If you like old-school, traditional Big Ten football than look no further than Clay, Zach Brown, Montee Ball, and the Wisconsin Badgers.

My apologies to Northwestern fans, as the Wildcats will certainly find guys to step up as they consistently do, however I may do a post-spring list to recap the best backfield.