Big Ten Football: Midseason All-Big Ten Special Teams

I can't even begin to count the games that I have witnessed that have been won and lost on special teams.

Yet, so many football fans still treat them somewhat casually.

In the end, I think special teams performers are like firefighters. If all goes right, you won't have to depend on them that much. Furthermore, much of their time is spent on the sidelines. However, when called upon, all eyes are on them and it is imperative that they perform.

With that said, I don't think it's at all surprising that the majority of the best special teams players thus far in the season come from what has been the top of the conference.

Kicker

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COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 2: Devin Barclay #23 of the Ohio State Buckeyes kicks an extra point against the Marshall Thundering Herd at Ohio Stadium on September 2, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

First Team: The only thing sophomore Dan Conroy had to do was replace a Michigan State kicker that holds just about every team kicking record that a kicker could hold.

Well, he is not quite at the point where his name is in the record books, but after six games, he has arguably been the best kicker in the Big Ten.

He is currently a perfect 9-for-9 on field goals to go with a long of 50 against Florida Atlantic.

Second team: Senior Devin Barclay may never repeat his kick from last year's game against Iowa; a kick that gave his Buckeyes the Big Ten championship and clinched a spot in the Rose Bowl.

However, he has begun this year in top fashion.

He has made 11 of 12 field goal attempts, including an impressive five field goals against Miami (FL). His longest kick this year was a 42-yarder against Eastern Michigan.

Punter

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CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 02: Anthony Santella #87 of the Illinois Fighting Illini punts the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Memorial Stadium on October 2, 2010 in Champaign, Illinois. Ohio State defeated Illinois 24-13. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Ge

First Team: After five games, Illinois' Anthony Santella is second in the country in yards per punt with 47.92.

It would be easy to assume that Santella is just booming line drives to the opposing teams, who are returning them for 10 yards per return. However, the Illini also rank fourth in the conference in yards-per-punt-return.

This is saying quite a bit considering that, along with Iowa, Illinois is averaging the most punt returns per game in the Big Ten.

Needless to say, the strong Illini punting game has contributed greatly to their standing as the 20th-ranked defense in the country.

Second Team: The punter with the third best average in the conference is Iowa's Ryan Donahue. Along with that, the senior has landed eight of 22 punts inside the 20.

Moreover, of Donahue's 22 punts, only 12 have been returned. Furthermore, Iowa is the third best punt return defense in the conference, in no small part, due to the hang time Donahue puts up.

Kick Returner

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EVANSTON, IL - OCTOBER 31: Chaz Powell #2 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs after a catch against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on October 31, 2009 in Evanston, Illinois. Penn State defeated Northwestern 34-13. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty

First Team: Chaz Powell began last season as a receiver. This year, he has moved into the defensive backfield.

However, his key contribution to Penn State has been as a kick returner. He currently leads the Big Ten in kick return average, logging almost 30 yards per return.

He has also returned one for a touchdown. Playing for what is currently the worst scoring offense in the Big Ten, Chaz Powell's value to the Nits is immeasurable.

Second Team: Jamaal Berry ranks second in the conference in kickoff returns. He is currently averaging just over 28 yards per return.

Berry's average of over 40 yards per return against Miami (FL) had a good deal to do with keeping OSU consistently ahead in the field position battle.

Punt Returner

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EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 05: Wide receiver Keshawn Martin #82 of the Michigan State Spartans runs for a first down in the second quarter as Kyle Begger #81 of Montana State attempts to make the stop on September 5, 2009 at Spartan Stadium in East Lans

First Team: One of the Big Ten's most exciting playmakers has already returned one punt for a touchdown.

Keshawn Martin's punt return against Wisconsin gave the Spartans the lead in the game; a lead that they would never relinquish.

Martin is leading the Big Ten in punt return average, with over five yards per return more than his closest foe.

Second Team: As with kick returns, Penn State needs every bit of help they can get, and sophomore Devon Smith is doing what he can.

Smith is currently second in the conference with a 12.57 average. He is not the playmaker Martin is, but he is solid and steady. He has yet to bust a return over 20 yards. In effect, his 12.57 is a sign of just how consistent he has been.