College Football: Power Ranking the Big Ten Pass-Catchers In Week 1

The quarterback. He is the the leader of every team's offense, and the man who handles the football every play. And gets all the credit. However, without his tight ends, running backs, and wide receivers catching the beautiful spirals he throws, a quarterback is nothing. If no one is available to catch his passes, the quarterback is as helpless as a kitten, in most cases. That being said, some pass-catchers excel above the others, and the purpose of this list, is to give credit where credit is due. The rankings are based off of yards per catch as well as touchdowns scored. Opponent difficulty level is also factored into the rankings. So, without further ado, here are your Big Ten Pass Catcher Power Rankings after week one.

Honorable Mention: Keith Nichol: Michigan State Spartans

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MADISON, WI - SEPTEMBER 26: Keith Nichol #7 of the Michigan State Spartans looks to move the ball against the Wisconsin Badgers on September 26, 2009 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Nichol makes this list for two reasons. One, he is a converted quarterback. Last season he saw a ton of action at the helm of the Spartan offense. Two, I challenge you to find a better catch in the conference this week than his leaping grab in double coverage for a touchdown...

5. Mark Dell: Michigan State Spartans

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ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 1: Wide receiver Mark Dell #2 of the Michigan State Spartans looks for a warmup pass before play against the Georgia Bulldogs at the 2009 Capital One Bowl at the Citrus Bowl on January 1, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Al Messe

Dell grabbed six catches for 81 yards, and averaged 13.5 yards per catch in Michigan State's opener against Western Michigan. While Dell did not reach the end-zone, he was instrumental in several of the Spartans scoring drives, and had a 37 yard catch to cap off his day.

4. Damarlo Belcher: Indiana Hoosiers

Indiana's junior wide receiver, Damarlo Belcher, had a big day in the Hoosiers opening game victory over lowly Towson. Belcher snagged seven catches for 92 yards and a 13.1 yards per catch average. he also scored one of the Hoosier's two receiving touchdowns on a 41 yard strike from IU quarterback Ben Chappell.

3. Jeremy Ebert: Northwestern Wildcats

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MINNEAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 01: Jeremy Ebert #11 of the Northwestern Wildcats celebrates his touchdown for a 7-0 lead in front of Tramaine Brock #1 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first quarter at the Hubert H.Humphrey Metrodome on November 1, 2008

Ebert, a junior from Hilliard, Ohio, led the Northwestern receiving corps against the anemic Vanderbilt Commodore secondary. Ebert finished with 99 yards on only five receptions, and managed to find his way into the end-zone for a touchdown as well.

2. Brett Brackett: Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State wide receiver Brett Brackett started off his senior season with a bang, catching eight passes for 98 yards and two touchdowns. Brackett was one of only two Big Ten receivers to catch a pair of touchdown passes this week.

1. Dane Sanzenbacher

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher #12 of the Ohio State Buckeyes stands on the field during the game against the Oregon Ducks in the 96th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2010 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Image

While Sanzenbacher had only three receptions the entire game against Marshall, he managed to amass 113 yards receiving to go with a touchdown in the Buckeye's beat-down of the hapless Thundering Herd. Sanzenbacher's total of 113 yards receiving only 35 yards less receiving the the entire Marshall team mustered.