Trace McSorley, Penn State Nittany Lions Football
The 2017 college football season has reached the halfway point in the Big Ten, and it’s time to hand out midseason awards and make a few predictions for the second half of the year. With Ohio State, Penn State and Wisconsin each ranked inside of the top 10 of most polls, the Big Ten has strength at the top. The Buckeyes lost to Oklahoma in early September, but the offense seems to be finding its rhythm at the right time. It’s no secret Penn State has plenty of firepower on offense, as quarterback Trace McSorley and running back Saquon Barkley are two of the top players in the Big Ten. However, the defense has quietly dominated through the first seven weeks, limiting opponents to just nine points a game. Wisconsin has cruised to a 6-0 start and faces a favorable schedule into the second half of 2017. The Nov. 18 matchup against Michigan could be the only obstacle to an undefeated regular season for the Badgers. Michigan State is one of the nation’s biggest surprises at the midway point. Coach Mark Dantonio’s team has already exceeded (five) last year’s win total (three) and scored a win over rival Michigan in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines are once again dominant on defense, but the offense continues to struggle in the passing game.
Editors Mitch Light and Steven Lassan offer their up their picks for midseason awards and second-half predictions in the Big Ten.
Big Ten Midseason Awards and Second-Half Predictions
Offensive Player of the Year
Steven | Mitch Light |
Saquon Barkley RB, Penn State | Saquon Barkley RB, Penn State |
Defensive Player of the Year
Steven Lassan | Mitch Light |
Josey Jewell LB, Iowa | Josey Jewell LB, Iowa |
Freshman of the Year (Offense)
Steven Lassan | Mitch Light |
Jonathan Taylor RB, Wisconsin | Jonathan Taylor RB, Wisconsin |
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Freshman of the Year (Defense)
Steven Lassan | Mitch Light |
Josiah Scott CB, Michigan State | Shaka Toney DE, Penn State |
Coach of the Year
Steven Lassan | Mitch Light |
Mark Dantonio Michigan State | Mark Dantonio Michigan State |
Coordinator of the Year
Steven Lassan | Mitch Light |
Don Brown DC, Michigan | Don Brown DC, Michigan |
Best Coordinator Hire of 2017
Steven Lassan | Mitch Light |
Kevin Wilson OC, Ohio State | Jim Leonhard DC, Wisconsin |
Newcomer of the Year (JUCO or Transfer)
Steven Lassan | Mitch Light |
Nick Nelson CB, Wisconsin | Kendall Sheffield CB, Ohio State |
Biggest Surprise Through Seven Weeks
Steven Lassan | Mitch Light |
Michigan State | Michigan's Offense |
Must-See Game of Second Half
Steven Lassan | Mitch Light |
Penn State at Ohio State | Penn State at Ohio State |
Projected Order of Finish
| Steven Lassan | Mitch Light |
East |
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2 | ||
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6 | ||
7 | ||
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West |
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1 | ||
2 | ||
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6 | ||
7 | ||
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Big Ten Title |
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| over | over |
