Big Ten Players of the Week – Week 4

Author’s Note: These are not the official Big Ten Players of the Week, but my Big Ten Players of the Week as a writer for Gridiron Heroics.

Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week: 

C.J. Stroud, Ohio State, Quarterback, Junior.

Stroud played like Stroud as Ohio State beat Wisconsin 52-21. Stroud was 17 of 27 for 281 yards and 5 touchdowns. For the 2022 season, he is 79 of 112 for 1,222 yards and 16 touchdowns. Stroud has been so good in the first four games it leaves observers wondering about the quality of his opponents. But those naysayers will have their answers as the season and a tough Big Ten schedule for the Buckeyes goes on.

Honorable Mention:

Blake Corum, TTUN, Running Back, Junior.

Corum had 30 carries for 243 yards and 2 touchdowns in the win over Maryland. The Terps played tough football and looked to spoil the Big Ten opener in Ann Arbor, but the wolverines stayed calm and handed the ball to Corum. Corum proved he can handle a heavy workload as well as any running back in America by running all over Maryland to squash the Terps’ upset bid. 

Chase Brown, Illinois, Running Back, Junior.

Brown had 20 carries for 108 yards and 1 touchdown as Illinois improved to 3-1 on the year. Chase Brown has 95 carries for 604 yards and 3 touchdowns rushing and 7 receptions for 31 yards and 1 touchdown receiving for the season. He has set an Illinois record going back to last year of 5 straight `100-yard games on the ground.

Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State, Wide Receiver, Sophomore. 

Egbuka had 6 catches for 118 yards and 2 touchdowns. He’s become Ohio State’s most productive receiver this season, even in a very crowded receivers’ room. With Smith-Njigba out and offenses focusing on Marvin Harrison Jr. in the passing game, Egbuka has taken huge advantage. 

Tanner Morgan, Minnesota, Quarterback, Senior.

Morgan picked apart the Michigan State defense as he was 23 of 26 for 268 yards, 3 touchdowns, and no interceptions. Michigan State prides itself on playing great defense. It’s part of the Spartans’ culture. So hats off to Morgan for playing so well against them in their stadium.

Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week:

Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State, Middle Linebacker, Senior.

Eichenberg had 14 tackles and 2 tackles for a loss. He led the Buckeye defense in their win over Wisconsin. Tommy Eichenberg will be crucial to the Buckeyes’ success against this tough schedule. Eichenberg went from being a scapegoat in 2021 to being an anchor of this defense in 2022. It’s great to see such a turnaround for a hard-working guy like Eichenberg.

Honorable Mention:

Cooper DeJean, Iowa, Defensive Back, Sophomore.

DeJean had 7 tackles for Iowa in their 27-10 win over Rutgers. His biggest play was picking off the Scarlet Knights and returning it 45 yards for a touchdown. It was his 3rd interception this season, making the ball-hawking safety a big weapon for the Hawkeyes and a threat to opposing offenses.

Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week:

Drew Stevens, Iowa, Kicker, Freshman.

The true freshman kicker was 2 of 2 for field goals and 3 of 3 for extra points. With the struggles, the Iowa offense has had this season Stevens is a big asset. Iowa plays conservatively and that requires a good kicker. So far Stevens has been just that. He’s a perfect 10 of 10 on the season (4 field goals, 6 extra points).

Big Ten Player of the Year Watch: 

1. C.J. Stroud, Ohio State, Quarterback, Junior.

   

   Stroud had another big outing as Ohio State beat Wisconsin 52-21. Stroud was 17 of 27 for 281 yards and 5 touchdowns. For the 2022 season, he is 79 of 112 for 1,222 yards and 16 touchdowns. He’s the front runner for national player of the year awards as well as Big Ten player of the year.

2. Blake Corum, TTUN, Running Back, Junior.

   

   30 carries for 243 yards and 2 touchdowns giving him 64 carries for 478 yards and 9 touchdowns. Corum showed just how effective he can be in a complete game. In a game where he is asked to carry the ball 30 times. More of those games are coming for the wolverines and Corum looked ready to answer the bell in each one of them. If Corum is running well, then the wolverines are difficult to beat. 

3. Mohammed Ibrahim, Minnesota, Running Back, Senior.

   

   Ibrahim had 22 carries for 103 yards and 1 touchdown and 2 catches for 20 yards in Minnesota’s 34-7 win over Michigan State. He has 89 carries for 567 yards and 8 touchdowns with 4 catches for 33 yards on the season. Even with Tanner Morgan, the Gophers go as Ibrahim goes. Their path as kings of the wild Big Ten West is laid out before them. As always for the Gophers, Ibrahim will have to lead the way. 

4. Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State, Wide Receiver, Sophomore. 

   

   Egbuka is doing for Ohio State what it was thought Jaxon Smith-Njigba would do before he was injured. Egbuka had 6 catches for 118 yards and 2 touchdowns in Ohio State’s 52-21 win over Wisconsin. On the year Egbuka has 26 catches for 442 yards and 6 total touchdowns. If Egbuka keeps averaging at least 100 yards and a touchdown a game, look for him to climb this and other awards lists. 

5. Sean Clifford, Penn State, Quarterback, Senior.

   

   Clifford was 22 of 34 for 217 yards and 3 touchdowns in the air and had 5 carries for 23 yards and 1 touchdown on the ground. On the season Clifford is 75 of 117 for 890 yards and 8 touchdowns passing and 23 carries for 54 yards and 4 touchdowns rushing. Clifford’s success is crucial for Penn State as they battle in the tough Big Ten East. 

Thanks for reading and don’t forget to check out which Big Ten players are making noise in the race for the Heisman. Also, check out here to see the official Big Ten Players of the Week and compare them.

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