Is Nebraska's Rex Burkhead the Best Player in the Big Ten Conference?

Who is the best player in the Big Ten Conference?

That debate could go on for days, but if you ask most people in Nebraska they would say, “Without a doubt it is Nebraska’s running back, Rex Burkhead.”

I can see how Cornhuskers fans would suggest Burkhead is the best player in the Big Ten Conference. Nebraska rode their star running back to victories over Ohio State, Minnesota and Michigan State. The last time I checked, the Buckeyes and Spartans had two of the best defenses in the conference.

Burkhead is No. 3 in the Big Ten Conference in rushing yards with 882. He is second in the conference in rushing touchdowns with ten.

Based upon stats, there is no way to argue Burkhead is the best player in the Big Ten Conference. Games are not won and lost based solely upon stats. In order to see the true value of Burkhead to the Cornhuskers all you have to do is watch the game film.

Nebraska ran their offense through quarterback Taylor Martinez for most of their games early in the season. After struggling on offense, Nebraska decided to make Burkhead their workhorse. The change in offensive philosophy has worked out to the Cornhusker’s advantage.

Nebraska has rode their workhorse to a three-game winning streak.

Last week when Burkhead laid still on the field after his 30^th carry of the game, there was a deafening silence in Memorial Stadium. Cornhusker fans knew that their season was lying motionless on the field. When Burkhead came back into the game just minutes later the Nebraska fans caught their collective breath. Game on!

Some people would argue that Burkhead is not even the best player on Nebraska’s team. That honor could go to linebacker Lavonte David.

David was a preseason All-American candidate and preseason Big Ten Conference first-team linebacker. David has played exceptional in every game this year. It would be hard to argue with David being called the best player in the Big Ten Conference.

My argument has to do with what each player means to the Cornhuskers. Both Burkhead and David are important parts of the Nebraska team, but Burkhead has single-handedly helped Nebraska win games.

Last season when Taylor Martinez was injured, Nebraska’s offense worked best when Burkhead ran the wildcat. This season when Nebraska was in trouble against Ohio State they turned to Burkhead in the second half and put away the Buckeyes.

Burkhead is the most important part of Nebraska’s team. As long as he is able to carry the ball 25 times a game, Nebraska will have a chance to win against any team. No team has been able to completely shut down Burkhead.

No matter if you think the best player in the Big Ten Conference is Rex Burkhead or Lavonte David, the reality is this; whoever the best player in the conference may be, he surely wears a Nebraska uniform.

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