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What a second week it was in the B1G.
Several teams posted lopsided wins and Penn State and Iowa scored rivalry victories while a few other squads had some lackluster performances. But enough of about the teams, let’s get to the stars of Week 2.
There were plenty of standout performances this weekend as all 14 B1G teams were in action. We had to narrow down a long list and we hand-picked the 10-best players most deserving of game balls this week.
Here are our Week 2 B1G Game Balls:
Nathan Stanley, Iowa QB – The Iowa quarterback grew up in a big way, getting his first taste of the Cy-Hawk rivalry. Stanley was nothing but poised in a hostile environment though, throwing for 333 yards and five touchdowns without an interception. His performance was key in the Hawkeyes 44-41 overtime win over Iowa State
David Blough, Purdue QB – Jeff Brohm continued to use two quarterbacks on Friday and Blough didn’t throw a whole lot, but the junior quarterback was flawless in the Boilermakers victory over Ohio, completing 11-of-13 passes with three touchdowns. He was also mistake-free which was an issue a year ago.
Ty Johnson, Maryland RB – Is there a faster guy in the B1G than Ty Johnson? The Maryland defender sped past defenders all day long, rushing for 124 yards and two touchdowns on just five carries. For those that dislike math, that’s 24.8 yards per carry. Sure, it came against Towson, but it was still an incredible performance.
Marcus Allen, Penn State S – Revenge was on Allen’s mind on Saturday, and the Nittany Lions got it thanks in large part to Allen’s defensive efforts. He finished the day with 12 tackles, nine solo stops, a tackle for loss and a pass deflection. Oh, and don’t forget the 33-14 win over Pitt.
Akrum Wadley, Iowa RB – Another Hawkeye makes the list. Wadley had a fantastic afternoon, but the real reason for his game ball? That 46-yard touchdown catch to send the Cy-Hawk game into overtime. Iowa’s best player had a clutch performance and excelled in a crucial moment. That’s a day the running back won’t forget anytime soon.
Peyton Ramsey, Indiana QB – Starting quarterback Richard Lagow struggled from the get-go, so Ramsey was handed the keys to the offense. The result? 173 yards and two touchdowns through the air and an added 42 yards and a TD on the ground. Thanks to his efforts, the Hoosiers knocked off Virginia 34-17. Not a bad day for a freshman quarterback.
Jonathon Taylor, Wisconsin RB – This kid can’t really be a freshman. He was stellar against Utah State but absolutely sensational in Week 2. By the end of the day, Taylor rushed for 223 yards and three touchdowns on 26 carries. Florida Atlantic’s defense is going to have nightmares about him.
Tyler Johnson, Minnesota WR – Back-to-back 100-yard performances for the Minnesota receiver. It didn’t take Johnson long to emerge as Minnesota’s top target in the passing game. He’s proven to be a matchup problem in the first two weeks of the season and has been somewhat of a secret weapon for P.J. Fleck and the Gophers.
Parker Hesse, Iowa DL – Yes, a third Hawkeye earned a game ball this week. Hesse was all over the place defensively on Saturday. He led the team with seven tackles, recorded a stop for a loss and intercepted a pass at a crucial stage in the game. The defense was just as important as the offense in the Cy-Hawk game, and Hesse deserves plenty of credit.
Tyree Kinnel, Michigan S – Nine tackles, a sack and an interception returned for a touchdown. You can’t really ask for a better day as a defender. Kinnel didn’t just have an outstanding performance this weekend, he was critical in Michigan’s win. With the offense struggling, the defense needed playmakers. He delivered on multiple occasions.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB