With only three games left this football season and most people’s favorite team out of contention (including mine), #debateSZN is prime. That being said, it’s fair to ask which B1G Ten schools have helped their pro teams the most this postseason and will now play this weekend with a Super Bowl berth on the line. Without further ado:
*NOTE: This list is based off of current performance, not collegiate career*
Quarterback: Tom Brady (Michigan)
Much to my displeasure, Brady wins this one. Second place is a toss up between Brady’s backup, Brian Hoyer, and Chad Henne…. pretty easy choice here. Brady is the selection… and the state of Michigan jumps off to an early lead.
Running Backs: James White & Corey Clement (Wisconsin)
Two Wisconsin alum take the round out the backfield. It’s no surprise that Wisconsin sweeps this position… every year they have an absolute stud back there. 315 pound hogs up front don’t hurt either. Just for the record, Rex Burkhead was a distant second here for Nebraska.
Offensive Tackles: Riley Reiff & Cole Croston (Iowa)
Iowa continues to be #OffensiveLineU in the postseason. A first round and an undrafted free agent respectively, Reiff and Croston will have to be ready for some extremely athletic defenses. I was somewhat surprised that these were the only two tackles from the B1G on the four playoff rosters.
Offensive Guards: Patrick Omaheh (Michigan) & Stefen Wisniewski (Penn State)
Another undrafted free agent signing turned playoff contributer, Omaheh will look to upset the Pats this weekend. Wisniewski, a second round pick and former Nittany Lion, was consistent for the Eagles on the interior this season.
Center: Pat Elfein (Ohio State)
The former Rimington award winner has been good in the middle for the Vikings this year…. he was named to the All-Rookie team by the Football Writers of America. Pretty easy selection here, first for the Bucs.
Wide Receivers: Stefon Diggs & Torrey Smith (Maryland)
Two Terps come in here at wideout. The hero of the NFC divisional game and the long time NFL vet will square off this weekend with the winner representing Maryland in Super Bowl LII. This is the first two players for Maryland, and both will play big roles this week.
Defensive Ends: Brandon Graham (Michigan) & Yannick Ngakoue (Maryland)
With 9.5 sacks and 47 tackles coming off the edge, Graham has had a career year for the Eagles. He is the third selection for the Wolverines. Ngakoue has also had an excellent year with 12 sacks and 30 tackles for the Jags.
Defensive Tackles: Beau Allen (Wisconsin) & Jaleel Johnson (Iowa)
Contrary to prior thought, the Big Ten is weak at interior lineman and tight ends… at least on these four teams. Allen is a fourth year player with 87 career tackles for Philly… not bad for a seventh round pick. Johnson, on the other hand, is still trying to make a name for himself in the NFL. The former Hawkeye has played inconsistent snaps over the season and will look to build off his rookie season.
Linebackers: David Harris (Michigan) & Paul Posluszny (Penn State)
Harris is in his eleventh season (!!) and his first with the Pats. He’s spent most of his time with the Jets and has 1110 career tackles (!), 37 sacks, as well as 6 interceptions.. The Michigan man will square off against Paul Posluszny, who is also in his eleventh year. The former second round pick has a career numberline of 1212 tackles, 16 sacks, and 15 interceptions.
Cornerbacks: Trae Waynes (Michigan State) & Marcus Sherels (Minnesota)
The two Vikings corner have been valuable parts of the historically good Minnesota defense this season. Waynes is sixth on the team in tackles while Sherels has been a solid special teams player for the Vikes.
Safety: Malcolm Jenkins (Ohio State) & Devin McCourty (Rutgers)
Rutgers gets on the board! McCourty has had a solid career thus far for the Pats, combining for 632 tackles over his eight years in the league.