This season, the Big Ten is in a state of flux. The East is going to be ridiculous, as always, but the West is on the rise. Wisconsin and Iowa should both be strong teams from there, and it would not be surprising to see Northwestern make a run as well.
Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year: Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
Taylor returns after a freshman season in which he rushed for 1,977 yards. He should pace what will be a bruising Wisconsin offense in their quest to win the Big Ten and earn a playoff spot. Sure, one could argue that all Badger running backs are successful, but Taylor is legit. He is one of the best backs in the Big Ten, if not the country, and should be a Heisman Frontrunner.
Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin | 5’11” 214lbs… Taylor has excellent agility and elite balance. He shows off both in this clip along with his strength to power through tacklers pic.twitter.com/ORJ9wFn4Ul
— Cody Garrett (@_codygarrett) December 4, 2017
Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year: Nick Bosa, DL, Ohio State
This is probably the hardest choice of the entire list to make. The trio of Bosa, Rashan Gary, and Khaleke Hudson are all very deserving players, but Bosa gets the nod here. This is in part due to him being the best defensive player on what should be the best team in the Big Ten. Last season, Bosa totaled 8.5 sacks, and should lead a d-line filled with NFL talent.
https://twitter.com/DLineVids/status/1020909222890856449
Coach of the Year: Jim Harbaugh, Michigan
(Note: this was pick was previously Urban Meyer. In light of recent events, the author felt this should be changed.)
Harbaugh finally has it all. Offensive weapons, a stud-defense, and most importantly, a quarterback. If this team can finally put it all together, they should be a a playoff contender this season. It is dangerous to buy into the Harbaugh hype, as the last two years have shown, but he may have his most talented Michigan team yet.
Most Improved Player: Alex Hornibrook, QB, Wisconsin
I am all on in the Hornibrook hype. The Badger quarterback was criticized at many points last season, and rightfully so. However, all the reports out of Madison are that Hornibrook has made strides this offseason, and it should show up in the passing game this year. In June, Hornibrook won the Manning Passing Academy’s air it out challenge. If Hornibrook can cut down on his interception rate this season, the Badgers may be able to exceed last season’s heights.
X-Factor Award: Shea Patterson, QB, Michigan
The writers at Student Union have their own opinions of Patterson, but he is still an electric player. The only issue is how well Patterson will acclimate to a different offense in Ann-Arbor. At Ole Miss, Patterson worked in more of a spread-style offense, and Michigan employs a pro-style one, so it will be worth monitoring how he adapts to the change. He’s been anointed as the Wolverine’s savior, but his play against good teams will have to improve.
Alex Moran Award: Trace McSorley
McSorley lost his Thad Castle in Saquan Barkley. In addition, celebrated coordinator Joe Moorhead took the Mississippi State job. No one really knows what this means for McSorley, as he will shoulder the burden as Penn State’s star. I hope whatever happens, he enjoys his last victory lap through college as much as possible. Just have fun man, audible to four verts every play.
Early Game That Everyone Overreacts To: Michigan-Notre Dame
So one of the two teams are going to win this game. Whichever one that does will have some very chesty fans for the next week. The other group will complain. America loses.
Shot(s) Award: Penn State
Just drink every time someone mentions the loss of Saquan Barkley. Student Union Sports is not responsible for any trips to the hospital or any drinking related mishaps. This might be a good time to do shots of beer…we have a loyal fanbase and we would hate to lose any of you.
Kirk Ferentz 8-4 Award: Iowa
This one is pretty self-explanatory. Iowa will go 8-4 and go to the Gator Bowl. Dread It, run from it, 8-4 Iowa still arrives.