Big Ten Football Predictions 2011: 5 Best Quarterbacks

With college football right around the corner, it's time to start looking at the teams that will be contenders and their players.

The Big Ten Conference features many great players, but this year it has more outstanding quarterbacks than it has in years past.

Despite losing outstanding quarterbacks Terrelle Pryor and Ricky Stanzi, the Big Ten will maintain a handful of quality quarterbacks.

A few of these quarterbacks have gained consideration as Heisman Trophy Candidates.

This season, the Big Ten will be as competitive as ever, and there will be a large number of quarterbacks who will make sure this is true through their great play on the field.

Here are my Top Five quarterbacks from the Big Ten this season.

5. Kirk Cousins

The state of Michigan has two great college quarterbacks this season, with Michigan State occupying one of them.

Michigan State's Kirk Cousins is a great quarterback, and one that will be throwing the ball all over the field this season.

Last season, Cousins threw 20 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions, but probably the most impressive statistic was his 66.9 completion percentage.

Cousins is a very responsible quarterback. Few question his ability.

Cousins has been the man at Michigan State for the past two seasons and is looking to continue his stellar play this year.

If Michigan State wants to make some noise in the Big Ten this season, they are going to need their star senior to play at a very high level.

4. Russell Wilson

No matter what year it is, the Wisconsin Badgers always compete for a Big Ten Championship.

Expect the Badgers to be in consideration again this year, due in large part to the play of their new quarterback, Russell Wilson.

After transferring from N.C. State, Russell Wilson provides the Badgers with a quarterback who can lead them to contention in the Big Ten.

In 2010, Wilson threw for almost 3,600 yards and 28 touchdowns. He can throw the football very well.

It's always hard to predict if a guy can replicate success after switching conferences, but the statistics that Wilson has put up give us no reason to not see him being a star this year in the Big Ten.

Wilson definitely has skill, and it should be fun to see how much he shows it off while playing behind a great offensive line like the one the Badgers should provide him with.

3. Taylor Martinez

While he may not be the best passer in the conference, man, oh man can this kid run.

Taylor Martinez is a true dual-threat quarterback who will keep defenses on their toes all season.

The Nebraska Cornhuskers should come in and be instant contenders in the Big Ten.

Many people predict Nebraska's stingy defense to be the main reason for their success, but Martinez will also play a major role.

Last season, the Cornhuskers didn't rely on Martinez's arm too often, as he only threw the ball more than 20 times in a game three times.

Martinez can beat defenses on his feet, and the conference should be ready for him.

Martinez had five 100-yard rushing games last season, including a 241-yard performance against Kansas State.

After learning a great deal about the college game during his freshman season, Taylor Martinez is now ready to show the teams in the Midwest what running is all about.

2. Dan Persa

In 2011, the Northwestern Wildcats return the ninth-rated passer in the country in quarterback Dan Persa.

After an injury ended his season a few games short last year, Persa is back and ready to be one of the best players in the conference.

Fittingly for a Northwestern quarterback, Persa is simply an intelligent player.

Last season, he threw just four interceptions on 302 attempts.

It isn't like Persa sits back and holds on to the ball either, last season Persa threw for over 300 yards on four separate occasions.

While Persa is a tremendous passer, he also can beat defenses with his feet.

He is another true dual-threat quarterback and a nightmare for opposing defenses to plan against.

If Persa can return from an Achilles tendon injury from last season, he can be not only one of the best quarterbacks in the conference, but also one of the best quarterbacks in the country.

1. Denard Robinson

Hands down the most exciting player in the country, Denard Robinson is ready to thrill the nation once again with his stellar play for the Michigan Wolverines.

Although both Taylor Martinez and Dan Persa are dual-threat quarterbacks, Denard Robinson is the true definition of a dual-threat quarterback, and one that is virtually impossible to stop.

Robinson jumped onto the national scene last year when he went to South Bend and threw for 244 yards in the win against Notre Dame.

While he had a great game passing, that wasn't even the impressive part. Robinson destroyed the Irish by rushing for 258 yards as well.

He is a terrifying weapon to try and defend against, as Robinson routinely breaks the 100-yard mark.

He also ran for 14 touchdowns for the Wolverines last season.

If Robinson is given any room to run, he is a threat to break for the end zone.

The guy is a flat-out star and one of the best players in the country.

Look for Robinson to beat teams with his arm this year, but also look for him to continue running circles around defenders.