Big Ten Football: The 25 Best Offensive Players

The "conference up north" hasn't exactly been known in the past for high-flying, scoreboard-lighting, offensive juggernauts, and to an extent that remains true this year. If one surveys the box score every weekend, it is easier to find two teams that combine for 30 points in a game rather than two that combine for 60 or more.

Maybe it is the lack of ESS EEE SEE (SEC) SPEED, or just a dedication to old-fashioned, three-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust football like Woody and Bo preached, but successful Big Ten football tends to focus on defense first.

Despite this, the Big Ten has its share of playmakers on the offensive side. At the halfway point of the Big Ten season, let's look at the 25 best offensive players the conference has to offer.

Nathan Scheelhaase, QB, Illinois

Passing: 131/205 (64 percent), 1,687 yards, 8.23 ypa, 12 TDs, 5 INTs, 147.47 PE rating (25th in the nation)

Rushing: 137 carries, 501 yards, 5 TDs, 3.66 ypc, 55.67 ypg

Sophomore sensation Nathan Scheelhaase has been the backbone of the Illini offense the past two years. After winning the job as a redshirt frosh, he has continued to develop as a passer while providing a deadly running threat from the quarterback position that has allowed Paul Petrino's pistol offense to succeed.  

Despite Illinois' recent struggles, Scheelhaase is a big reason the Illini were able to run off six straight wins to start the season. If the team hopes to turn around its recent slide, it will start with Scheelhaase regaining his early-season form.

A.J. Jenkins, WR, Illinois

Receiving: 68 receptions, 1,030 yards, 7 TDs, 7.56, rpg, 15.15 ypr, 114.44 ypg

If there is any player on the Illinois offense that benefited from Scheelhaase's improved play over the first half of the season, it has been A.J. Jenkins. The quarterback-receiver combo were as in sync as any in the nation, leading to some impressive games—268 yards and three touchdowns against Northwestern, 182 yards and two touchdowns against Indiana. Jenkins is leading the conference in receiving yards and receptions per game.

Tre Roberson, QB, Indiana

Passing: 43/72 (60 percent), 524 yards, 7.27 ypa, 2 TDs, 2 INTs

Rushing: 62 carries, 267 yards, 2 tds, 4.3 ypc, 44.5 ypg

Like half the of the conference, Indiana came into the year with major questions under center. Unlike the rest of the conference, Indiana had four options to work through, and took its time doing so. After a few games, the Hoosiers seem to have found their man.

Tre Roberson emerged after original starter Edward Wright-Baker was forced out of the rotation with an ankle injury and backup Dusty Kiel was ineffective. After Wright-Baker struggled against Wisconsin, Roberson took the job and has done well. In three games (Ill, NU, Iowa) Roberson has more than 500 yards passing, two touchdowns and two interceptions while providing a counter threat on the ground that has totaled over 250 yards. Not bad for a true freshman.

Stephen Houston, RB, Indiana

Rushing: 111 carries, 577 yards, 6 TDs, 5.20 ypc, 64.11 ypg

Stephen Houston has been the other pleasant surprise in the Hoosier backfield. After struggling in the run game early in the season, Houston has provided a spark out of the backfield. Houston has two 100-plus yard games and two 65-plus yard games in the last four. Indiana hasn't been known for its rushing prowess the last few years, but Houston's continued development could be an important first step in rebuilding a consistent run game.

James Vandenberg, QB, Iowa

Passing: 140/225 (62 percent), 1,918 yards, 8.52 ypa, 17 TDs, 4 INTs, 155.21 PE rating (15th in the nation)

James Vandenberg came into the season with a set of large, red, white and blue cleats to fill, and has done an admirable job thus far. Ricky Stanzi was never the type of quarterback to put up huge numbers through the air, but so far Vandenberg has been that type of passer; he has the second-most yards and touchdowns in the Big Ten behind only Russell Wilson.

Vandenberg's only problem has been a very un-Stanzi-like habit of shrinking in big moments. Stanzi was a great end-of-the-game quarterback (few put up better fourth-quarter numbers than Stanzi did in 2009). A fourth-quarter comeback against Pitt doesn't make up for two big whiffs against Penn State and Minnesota late. Regardless, Vandenberg is the kind of quarterback who can kill lesser teams through the air—just ask the aforementioned Pitt Panthers, who saw Vandenberg pass for 399 yards and three touchdowns.

Marcus Coker, RB, Iowa

Rushing: 182 carries, 969 yards, 10 TDs, 5.32 ypc, 121.13 ypg

Receiving: 15 receptions, 94 yards, 1.88 rpg, 6.27 ypr, 11.75 ypg

Part of the reason James Vandenberg is so effective through the air is the luxury he has at running back. The 6-foot, 230-poiund sledgehammer Marcus Coker is Top 10 in the nation in yards per game and is leading the Big Ten in the category. Coker is a classic pro-style running back who does his best work between the tackles, and his 5.3 ypc is on par with the best workhorse backs in the conference. Coker is the engine that makes the Iowa offense run.

Marvin McNutt, WR, Iowa

Receiving: 48 receptions, 858 yards, 9 TDs, 6.00 rpg, 17.88 ypr, 107.25 ypg

The rest of the Iowa offensive equation? That would be downfield threat Marvin McNutt. He has already set the school record in career touchdown receptions this year and has been the second-most productive receiver on a yards per game average on the year with 107. His 17.8 yards per reception average is also second best among receivers with three or more catches per game.

Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan

Passing: 76/142 (53 percent), 1,325 yards, 9.33 ypa, 11 TDs, 11 INTs, 141.97 PE rating (fourth in the Big Ten)

Rushing: 127 carries, 779 yards, 10 TDs, 6.13 ypc, 111.29 ypg

Saying Denard Robinson is kind of important to the Michigan offense is like saying Ron Zook occasionally struggles with clock management—it is a gross understatement.

Robinson is going on year two of being the alpha and omega of everything Michigan hopes to do on offense—so much so that even with a regime change and the arrival of West Coast offensive mind Al Borges, Robinson is still getting the same focus of the running game this year.

When Robinson is on his game, the Wolverines are deadly (just ask Notre Dame). When he is off, well, let's just say the offense doesn't go very far (Michigan's only loss was to Michigan State; the team totaled just 250 yards and Robinson had only 165). Luckily for Michigan, he has been on enough to get the Wolverines seven wins to just one loss so far.

Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State

Passing: 147/231 (63 percent), 1,693 yards, 7.33 ypa, 11 TDs, 5 INTs, 136.59 PE rating (fifth in the Big Ten) 

Krik Cousins has been a far bigger part of the success—and failure—of Michigan State this year than Coach Mark Dantonio is probably comfortable with. The Spartans' raison d'etre is breaking down the will of opposing teams by running the ball early and often. However, as the last-place team in rushing yards per game and yards per carry, the burden often falls on Cousins' arm.

So far he has mostly been the player Michigan State has needed. In the biggest game of the season against Wisconsin, Cousins went for 290 yards and three touchdowns on 70 percent passing. Against Ohio State his 250 yards and a touchdown were the difference in the defensive shootout. In fact, in Michigan State's first loss, he was the only one on the team to do much of anything—329 yards and a touchdown.

Cousins still suffers from the occasional mental breakdown, and his road record is still spotty (11/27 for 86 yards and an interception last week in Lincoln), but when he is at the top of his game, he is one of the most precise quarterbacks in the conference.

B.J. Cunningham, WR, Michigan State

Receiving: 48 receptions, 723 yards, 3 TDs, 6.00 rpg, 15.06 ypr, 90.38 ypg

Of course, any quarterback would look like an all-star throwing to B.J. Cunningham. Michigan State's career reception leader has come on strong this year and is having a monster year. Cunningham is averaging 90 yards and six receptions per game (third in the conference) and has absolutely abused opposing secondaries. Against Wisconsin, Cunningham had 102 yards and a touchdown, and against Ohio State he had 154 yards and a touchdown. That is more than enough to establish Cunningham as one of the three best receivers in the conference.

MarQueis Gray, QB, Minnesota

Passing: 67/132 (50 percent), 940 yards, 7.12 ypa, 4 TDs, 4 INTs, 114.52 PE rating

Rushing: 105 carries, 500 yards, 3 TDs, 4.76 ypc, 71.43 ypg

MarQueis Gray made the move back from wide receiver, and has been the cornerstone of the Minnesota offense. Gray has been passable as a signal caller this year, but his work on the ground has been a huge help to the team. Gray currently leads the Gophers in rushing yards and total offense.

Taylor Martinez, QB, Nebraska

Passing: 90/164 (55 percent), 1,256 yards, 7.66 ypa, 8 TDs, 7 INTs, 126.77 PE rating

Rushing: 122 carries, 659 yards, 9 TDs, 5.40 ypc, 82.38 ypg

This may be Taylor Martinez's first year playing in the Big Ten, but he has made himself right at home so far. Martinez is averaging 82 yards per game on the ground while continuing to throw the ball well enough to keep the Huskers offense a viable run/pass threat.

Martinez is still growing as a passer—especially in his first year under new offensive coordinator Tim Beck—but most of the year he has played well enough to keep the Huskers moving forward on offense.

Rex Burkhead, RB, Nebraska

Rushing: 165 carries, 882 yards, 12 TDs, 5.35 ypc, 110.25 ypg

Receiving: 9 receptions, 95 yards, 2 TDs, 1.13 rpg, 10.56 ypr, 11.88 ypg

Not only has Martinez been great on the ground, but his contribution, combined with the great play of running back Rex Burkhead, has been a huge boon for the Husker offense—ranked second in the conference.

Furthermore, Burkhead has been his best in big games. Against Ohio State, he ran for 119 yards and a touchdown while catching a touchdown pass (59 yards receiving), and last week against Michigan State, he topped that with 130 yards rushing and two touchdowns with another touchdown through the air (27 yards).

So far, Burkhead fits right in in his new conference.

Dan Persa, QB, Northwestern

Passing: 114/151 (75 percent), 1,251 yards, 8.28 ypa, 9 TDs, 3 INTs

Rushing: 42 carries, 34 yards, 1 TD

Persa has been so good through the air during his five games this year that he currently ranks above four Big Ten starters in total yards, is tied for sixth in touchdowns thrown and is first in completion percentage. Not bad for missing three games with an injury.

Persa's Heisman candidacy may have come and gone back in August, but he is playing some great football and has been one of the only things keeping Northwestern in all five of its Big Ten games.

Kain Colter, QB/RB/WR, Northwestern

Passing: 48/72 (66 percent), 531 yards, 7.38 ypa, 4 TDs, 1 INT

Rushing: 82 carries, 459 yards, 6 TDs, 5.60 ypc, 57.38 ypg

Receiving: 21 receptions, 279 yards, 1 TD, 2.63 rpg, 13.29 ypr, 34.88 ypg

Of all the players on this list, there isn't one that can claim to have been used in as many ways as do-everything back Kain Colter.

Colter began the season at quarterback in lieu of the injured Dan Persa. By the time Persa returned to the starting lineup, two things were clear: Injuries at running back had derailed the run game, and Colter was too good to keep off the field.

Thus began the great Kain Colter experiment. Colter is now Northwestern's leading rusher, second-leading quarterback and third-leading receiver.  

Drake Dunsmore, TE, Northwestern

Receiving: 29 receptions, 328 yards, 6 TDs, 3.63 rpg, 11.31 ypr, 41.00 ypg

Drake Dunsmore makes this list as the only tight end, and for good reason: He is the leading tight end in the conference in terms of yards and touchdowns (tied). Dunsmore has been a big part of the Northwestern passing attack opposite receiver Jeremy Ebert.  

Braxton Miller, QB, Ohio State

Passing: 33/63 (52 percent), 492 yards, 7.81 ypa, 6 TDs, 2 INTs

Rushing: 80 carries, 342 yards, 2 TDs, 4.28 ypc, 48.86 ypg

A few weeks ago, Miller wouldn't have even sniffed this list.

Now that the Buckeyes are on a two-game winning streak and look like an entirely different offensive team, it is hard to keep his name off.

Miller stepped into a tough situation this year. Established starter Terrelle Pryor was banished to the supplemental draft, perennial backup Joe Bauserman was laughably ineffective and Miller was given too much offensive responsibility too soon.

After taking his lumps against Michigan State, Miller has turned in three good performances in a row. He led Ohio State to a big lead against Nebraska before simultaneously fumbling to start a Husker rally while also going down with an injury. Next, he led Ohio State to wins over Illinois and Wisconsin, throwing touchdown passes in both games but doing most of his damage on the ground.  

Miller is just scratching the surface of potential, but returns so far are impressive.

Dan Herron, RB, Ohio State

Rushing: 56 carries, 274 yards, 1 TD

This might be a bit controversial, seeing as Herron has only played two games after sitting out six because of suspension, but remember these two things: First, Herron has already proved himself a capable Big Ten running back—in 2010 he rushed for 1,155 yards and 16 touchdowns; second, since Herron has been back, Ohio State has been on a two-game winning streak over two Leaders Division competitors.

Herron's importance to this offense cannot be overlooked. He was the feature back the team was missing early in the year, and the combination of Herron and Miller has led the Buckeyes to back-to-back 200-yard rushing days.

Silas Redd, RB, Penn State

Rushing: 195 carries, 1,006 yards, 7 TDs,  5.16 ypc, 111.78 ypg

Receiving: 8 carries, 31 yards, .89 rpg, 3.88 ypr, 3.44 ypg

One almost has to feel for Silas Redd. He is the only stable, productive thing in the Penn State backfield, and yet that has barely slowed him on the way to the second-best yards per game average in the conference (111).

Redd's continued production—at over 5 yards per carry—has been just the bump Penn State has needed to get what few scores the team has been able to muster in its litany of defensive standoffs. If it weren't for Redd, things wouldn't be going nearly as well in Happy Valley.

Derek Moye, WR, Penn State

Receiving: 30 receptions, 514 yards, 3 TDs, 4.29 rpg, 17.13 ypr, 73.43 ypg

Of course, occasionally whoever is in at quarterback for Penn State is going to complete a pass. When this happens, it is more than likely to Derek Moye.

Moye is in the second tier of Big Ten receivers, and just outside the top 50 in the nation in yards per game—73 yards per game to be exact. On top of this Moye has the third-most yards per catch average (17.13) behind Marvin McNutt and Nick Toon among receivers with more than 30 catches on the season.

About the only thing he isn't doing is throwing the ball to himself. But we don't want to give Joe Pa any ideas, now do we?

Caleb TerBush, QB, Purdue

Passing: 112/180 (62 percent), 1,283 yards, 9 TDs, 4 INTs, 134.15 PE rating

Rushing: 58 carries, 180 yards, 1 TD, 3.10 ypc, 22.50 ypg

I doubt Caleb TerBush would admit he saw this coming if you asked him what his prediction for his role in Purdue's season would be. Back in the summer, he was the third option at best behind returning starter Rob Henry and last year's initial starter and ACL-injury recipient Robert Marve.

Thanks to a Henry ACL tear and a slow recovery for Marve, TerBush got the start at quarterback this year and has held on to the job.

TerBush hasn't been incredible, but the junior has been the steady hand that Purdue has required. He won't challenge secondaries deep down the field, but he can make the short throws to Purdue's playmakers while occasionally picking up yards of his own.

For this team that—and not having exploding ACLs—is enough.

Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin

Passing: 129/181 (71 percent), 2,033 yards, 11.23 ypa, 19 TDs, 3 INTs, 196.95 PE rating (first in the nation)

Rushing: 38 carries, 200 yards, 3 TDs, 5.26 ypc, 25.00 ypg

Wilson has been without a doubt, the best player in the Big Ten so far this year.

Consider this: His worst game was against Michigan State, a game in which he ended up completing 66 percent of his passes for 223 yards and two touchdowns while leading a 14-point comeback in the fourth quarter only to be stopped by a Hail Mary pass.

The next week, Wilson played even better, completing 20 of 31 passes for 253 yards and three touchdowns and another furious late comeback that was again felled by a last-minute touchdown by the other team.

If Wisconsin's defense makes plays on both those passes, the Badgers are still in the BCS driver's seat, and Wilson is still in the top five of the Heisman projections.

He is currently leading the Big Ten in pass yards, touchdowns and PE rating while being second in completion percentage and one of the best in interceptions thrown.

Don't let Wisconsin's skid fool you, Wilson is still the real deal.

Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin

Rushing: 142 carries, 853 yards, 18 TDs,  6.01 ypc, 106.63 ypg

Receiving: 12 receptions, 220 yards, 3 TDs, 1.50 rpg, 18.33 ypr, 27.50 ypg

Montee Ball picked up right where he left off last year and is leading the Big Ten in rushing touchdowns by a wide margin while being one of the most productive yardage backs in the conference (fifth). Ball has been an excellent complement to Wilson in the backfield and has firmly taken the No. 1 job after sharing running back duties with James White and John Clay a year ago.

Not only that, but Ball has been one of the best running backs in the Big Ten when it comes to catching passes.

Jared Abbrederis, WR, Wisconsin

Receiving: 36 receptions, 595 yards, 4 TDs, 4.50 rpg, 16.53 ypr, 74.38 ypg

Rushing: 9 carries, 64 yards, 7.11 ypc, 8.00 ypg

Jared Abbredderis has played a large role in the welcoming committee for Russell Wilson that made the new signal caller's job so easy. Abbrederis has been a great pass-catching threat (fifth in receiving yards per game) while providing a running threat on trick plays and end-arounds. On top of that, Abbrederis is the punt returner for the team and already has a touchdown to his name.

Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin

Receiving: 30 receptions, 544 yards, 6 TDs, 4.29 rpg, 18.13 ypr, 77.71 ypg

Nick Toon is the other half of the Badgers' receiving threat and is the bigger downfield threat than Abbrederis. Toon leads all receivers (30 or more receptions) with a per catch average of 18 yards while also sitting fourth in the Big Ten in receiving yards per game.

Toon has accomplished all of this even after sitting out the Indiana game and having a slow start to the season.