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Conference play is finally here.
We got a sample of it in Week 1 with Ohio State and Indiana opening the season in a B1G East showdown. The appetizer was last week as three league games were on the docket. But now, we’re ready for the main course.
Now that non-conference play is finished — with the exception of Indiana’s Oct. 7 game vs. Charleston Southern — it’s time to highlight some of the stars that emerged during the first four weeks of the season. We’re not talking about guys like Saquon Barkley or J.T. Barrett, who were expected to have big years. Our focus is on those players who came out of nowhere and have proven to be significant contributors early in the year.
Here’s one surprise player from the non-conference season for each B1G team.
(Note: Stats below do NOT include B1G games.)
Illinois — Mike Epstein, RB
The Illini have gotten an unexpected boost on the ground from their freshman running back through the non-conference season. Epstein leads the team in rushing with 221 yards and three touchdowns while averaging over 5.5 yards per carry. Illinois still owns the worst rushing game in the B1G, but Epstein provided a spark for an otherwise underwhelming offense.
Indiana — Morgan Ellison, RB
Another outstanding freshman running back made a huge impact early in the season. Ellison has emerged as one of the top ball-carriers for the Hoosiers after rushing for 233 yards and two touchdowns in two non-conference games. The freshman racked up 186 yards against Georgia Southern and has earned more touches every week. Ellison is going to be a nice weapon for Mike DeBord and the offense entering the meat of the conference schedule.
Iowa — Nathan Stanley, QB
Iowa’s passing game was virtually written off before the season started. Neither Stanley nor Tyler Wiegers appeared ready to be handed the keys to the offense. But the sophomore really shined through the first three games of the season. Stanley completed 51 percent of his passes while throwing 10 touchdowns and just one interception. After a 333-yard, five-touchdown performance against Iowa State, it was pretty clear that Stanley is more than capable of handling the starting job for the Hawkeyes.
Maryland — Antoine Brooks, Jr., DB
Brooks has made huge strides in his sophomore season. Last year, he tallied just five tackles in six games for the Terrapins. He’s already recorded 11 stops, two tackles for loss, an interception and a touchdown off a blocked field goal attempt in three games. Brooks emerged as one of Maryland’s top defenders and could be a potential playmaker for D.J. Durkin and Co. moving forward.
Michigan — Devin Bush, LB
Not many players in college football cover as much ground as Bush. In three non-conference games, the linebacker totaled 26 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sack, some of the best numbers in the B1G. Rashan Gary, Maurice Hurst and Chase Winovich were the hottest players in the offseason but Bush has certainly added something to Michigan’s defense.
Michigan State — Kenny Willekes, DE
On a somewhat depleted defensive line, Willekes has managed to provide some stability up front for the Spartans. Willekes has tallied 15 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and three quarterback hurries on the year. Those are pretty good numbers considering his only statistic a season ago was a single pass break-up. Michigan State needs its redshirt sophomore to continue to be disruptive in the trenches throughout the year.
Minnesota — Tyler Johnson, WR
Johnson ranks third in the B1G in receiving yards per game at the conclusion of Minnesota’s non-conference schedule, catching 12 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns. He’s become the top target in the Gophers’ passing attack and proved to be a playmaker through the early portion of the schedule. Johnson has already eclipsed the 100-yard mark twice this season but expect that number to climb as the year progresses.
Nebraska — Tre Bryant, RB
It took Bryant just one game to eclipse his rushing total from a season ago. In Nebraska’s season opener, the back slashed the Arkansas State defense for 192 yards and a touchdown. Bryant played in just two on the Huskers’ three non-conference games but totaled 299 yards in the first two weeks of the season. Nebraska’s rushing attack is still a work-in-progress but the sophomore has been a staple in the backfield.
Northwestern — Paddy Fisher, LB
The linebacker is one of the top tacklers in the B1G, a pretty impressive feat for a freshman. Fisher hasn’t done anything too spectacular but has racked up 29 tackles and proved to be a disciplined defender for a Northwestern defense that’s been bitten by the injury bug. Pat Fitzgerald would probably like to see Fisher disrupt the backfield a little more frequently but he’s doing a pretty good job of covering up ground and wrapping up ball-carriers.
Ohio State — J.K. Dobbins, RB
Just look at a few of the highlights and you’re blown away by Ohio State’s freshman running back. Dobbins rushed for 172 yards and two touchdowns against Army, averaging 13.2 yards per carry in the absence of Mike Weber. Freshmen making immediate impacts isn’t anything new for the Buckeyes , but Dobbins already looks like a next-level talent. It’s just one more weapon opponents have to game-plan for this year.
Penn State — Juwan Johnson, WR
With so many talented players returning on both sides of the ball, it was hard to find a surprising star. Johnson fits that description for Penn State, though. Forget about the big day at Iowa (I know that’s difficult), but Johnson has the potential to be the X-factor for the Nittany Lions offense. Through the three non-conference games, Johnson caught seven passes for 101 yards. He’s not the best player on the roster but he’s going to be that hidden gem all year long.
Purdue — Jackson Anthrop, WR
Purdue needed wide receivers to step up and Anthrop has answered the call. He opened the year with a big day against Louisville (seven catches, 82 yards, two touchdowns) and has continued to be a key contributor in the Boilermakers’ offense. Anthrop has the capability to be a deep threat and a short-yardage target. He’s a versatile player which is exactly the type of receiver Jeff Brohm needs.
Rutgers — Gus Edwards, RB
It was hard to know how effective Edwards would be in Rutgers’ offense after transferring from Miami. But early on, he’s been a nice fit in Jerry Kill’s system. He didn’t have any breakout games in non-conference play but the senior has been a reliable ball-carrier. He’s a tough, powerful runner with good vision. Edwards is bound to have a few big games as the season progresses.
Wisconsin — Jonathan Taylor, RB
Taylor exploded onto the college football scene in the first three weeks of the season. He’s rushed for 438 yards and five touchdowns in three games and is on pace to become just the fifth Wisconsin running back to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark as a freshman. This kid isn’t just a surprise player for the Badgers, he’s been one of the top breakout stars in the country.
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