Big Ten Players of the Week – Week 5

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.

Offensive Player of the Week:

Miyan Williams, Ohio State, Running Back, Junior.

Williams had 21 carries for 189 yards and five touchdowns, tying an Ohio State record for touchdowns in a game. The Buckeyes won behind Williams big day 49-10. Williams has 64 carries for 497 yards and eight touchdowns for Ohio State this season.

Defensive Player of the Week:

Cam Allen, Purdue, Safety, Senior.

Cam Allen had three tackles but most importantly had two interceptions against Purdue’s upset of Minnesota. One in the end zone that ended a Minnesota scoring threat and one at the end of the game to seal the win. The Boilermakers defeated the Gophers 20-10 behind Allen’s efforts.

Honorable Mention:

Blake Corum, TTUN, Running Back, Junior.

Corum had 29 carries for 133 yards and a touchdown in the Wolverines win over Iowa. Corum ran well against a very good Iowa defense and wore them down as the Wolverines did what few teams ranked in the top five have been able to do and that’s avoid the upset bug in Iowa City.

Taulia Tagovailoa, Maryland, Quarterback, Junior.

Tagovailoa was 32 of 41 for 314 yards and a touchdown as Maryland beat Michigan State. The Tagovailoa has been playing he’ll likely rise in the watch for the Big Ten Player of the Year as the season continues. Thanks to him the Terps are 4-1 and their lone loss to the #4 Wolverines in a tight game in Ann Arbor. Anyone who sleeps on Maryland this year does so at their own peril.

Chase Brown, Illinois, Running Back, Junior.

Brown had 25 carries for 129 yards and a touchdown in Illinois’ win over Wisconsin in Brett Bielema’s return to Madison. Illinois has been very solid this year and the biggest reason is Brown. He’s the MVP of the team and as he goes so go the Illini. They are suddenly a threat to win the Wild Big Ten West behind him and their talented defense.

Trey Palmer, Nebraska, Wide Receiver, Junior.

Trey Palmer had a great game in Nebraska’s much needed win over Indiana. The Huskers beat the Hoosiers 35-21 behind Palmer’s big day. Palmer had eight catches for 157 yards and a touchdown to get Nebraska their first win in conference play.

Steele Chambers, Ohio State, Linebacker, Junior.

Steele Chambers had 11 tackles, eight of them solo, two tackles for a loss, one quarterback hurry, and one interception. Not bad for a guy who was playing running back two years ago! Chambers has been a huge asset to the Buckeye defense this year as he and fellow linebacker Tommy Eichenberg have flown to the ball and shut down opposing offenses.

Special Teams Player of the Week:

Mitchell Fineran, Purdue, Kicker, Senior.

Fineran was perfect in the win over Minnesota. He hit both extra points attempted and both field goals attempted. A couple other Big Ten kickers equaled Fineran’s game but none did it in a closer contest, on the road, and upsetting a previously unbeaten opponent.

Big Ten Player of the Year Watch: 

1. CJ Stroud, Ohio State, Quarterback, Junior.

   

   Even with a way below average day (13 of 22 for 154 yards and two touchdowns), Stroud still is 92 of 134 for 1,376 yards and 18 touchdowns on the season. When you’re playing that well in most of your other games you’re allowed to have an off game or two and maintain the lead.

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

   

   Blake Corum is a monster. On the year he has 93 carries for 611 yards and 10 touchdowns rushing. Corum is the beginning and the end for the Wolverine offense. Yes, J.J. McCarthy has looked good, but take the threat of Corum away and I doubt the new starting quarterback is as good as he has looked. No one would be if taken away a player like Corum from their offense.

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

   

   Clifford doesn’t have the most gaudy numbers for a quarterback. He’s 85 of 137 for 1,030 yards and 13 total touchdowns on the year. He’s not making mistakes that hurt his team. Penn State is 5-0 and a big part of this hot start is their experienced quarterback who isn’t flashy but gets the job done.

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

   Ibrahim’s numbers haven’t changed from last week. He has 89 carries for 567 yards and 8 touchdowns with 4 catches for 33 yards on the season. His impact didn’t change with his absence for Minnesota. If anything it was actually felt more when he was off the field than when he’s on as the Gophers were upset by Purdue. Not to take away anything from Purdue but it may have been a different story if Ibrahim had played. His hopes for Big Ten Player of the Year can’t take a hit great than one more game otherwise may be to far behind to catch up.

5. Chase Brown, Illinois, Running Back, Junior.

   

   Chase Brown had 25 carries for 129 yards and a touchdown. 120 carries for 733 yards and 5 total touchdowns. A Brown keeps going and the Illini keep winning he will keep in this conversation. Brown is the biggest reason Illinois is 4-1. And they’ll need him if they can make a run at the Wild Big Ten West.

Thanks for reading and don’t forget to check out which Big Ten players are making noise in the race for the Heisman. See who the conference selected as their official players of the week too! Also, give me a follow on Twitter and Facebook!

Check out my Big Ten Players of the Week so far this season!

0. Big Ten Players of the Week – Week 0
1. Big Ten Players of the Week – Week 1
2. Big Ten Players of the Week – Week 2
3. Big Ten Players of the Week – Week 3
4. Big Ten Players of the Week – Week 4

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