Ohio State has obliterated its opponents through the first month of the season, so it's no surprise to see Buckeyes dominating our player of the year lists. Which team leads the Big Ten in scoring offense? Ohio State. How about scoring defense? Ohio State.
Here's how the Big Ten reporting crew sums up the competition after five weeks of action. The bonus category this week focuses on the top tailbacks in the league thus far.
Graham-George Offensive Player of the Year
1. Ohio State QB J.T. Barrett (five first-place votes): The Buckeyes' star quarterback has been exceptional through four games this season. He threw four touchdown passes during Ohio State's 58-0 blowout of Rutgers and set the school's career record in that category. He now has 59 touchdown passes in 27 career games. Barrett leads the Big Ten in passing efficiency, and his 14 touchdown passes this season are four more than any other league quarterback.
2. Ohio State H-back Curtis Samuel: Few players possess Samuel's skill set, and it sure is fun to watch. He carried nine times for 68 yards against Rutgers and added seven catches for 86 yards with a touchdown. Samuel leads the Big Ten in all-purpose yards per game (168.3 yards) and ranks among the league's top eight in both rushing yards and receiving yards per game. Amazing.
3. Nebraska QB Tommy Armstrong Jr.: Nebraska avoided a letdown with a 31-16 comeback victory against Illinois. Armstrong completed 16 of 23 passes for 220 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He also ran for a score. Armstrong continues to keep his turnover count low -- he has only two interceptions after throwing 16 last season -- and is one of the key reasons for Nebraska's 5-0 start.
4. Northwestern WR Austin Carr: Carr caught three touchdowns to help Northwestern knock off Iowa 38-31 and vault into the player of the year discussion. This wasn't a one-time exception, either. This season, Carr leads the Big Ten in receiving yards per game (93.0) and touchdown catches (six).
5. Ohio State RB Mike Weber: The redshirt freshman has lived up to the hype in his first few opportunities for extended playing time. He averaged 10.3 yards per carry against Rutgers on his way to 144 yards and a touchdown. Through four games, Weber leads the Big Ten in rushing yards per game (123.8) and is averaging 7.3 yards per attempt.
Also receiving votes: Michigan WR Amara Darboh, Michigan QB Wilton Speight
Nagurski-Woodson Defensive Player of the Year
Ohio State S Malik Hooker (four first-place votes): Hooker didn't have to do much against Rutgers on Saturday, but he remains atop this list for his overall body of work. Three interceptions and a touchdown return in the first month is not a bad start.
Michigan LB/DB Jabrill Peppers (one first-place vote): In addition to his special teams and offensive talents, Peppers has been a defensive force. He is second in the Big Ten in tackles for loss (9.5) and is averaging 7.0 tackles per game.
Wisconsin LB T.J. Watt: One week after earning Big Ten defensive player of the week honors, Watt continued to thrive. He finished with 11 tackles and 2.0 tackles for loss against Michigan. Watt remains the Big Ten's sacks leader with 5.5.
Ohio State CB Marshon Lattimore: Lattimore recorded two pass breakups against Rutgers and has seven total this season. He is one of four Big Ten players with three interceptions thus far and is another reason quarterbacks will be wary to throw against the Buckeyes.
Michigan CB Channing Stribling: Stribling came up huge during Michigan's victory against Wisconsin, intercepting two passes in a defensive slugfest. He's tied for the league high with eight passes defended this season and already had a 51-yard interception return for a touchdown against Hawaii in the opener.
Others receiving votes: Northwestern DL Ifeadi Odenigbo, Michigan State DL Malik McDowell, Iowa LB Josey Jewell
Ameche-Dayne Running Back of the Year
1. Ohio State RB Mike Weber (five first-place votes): Since this award began in 2011, it has gone three times to Wisconsin tailbacks and twice to Ohio State (Carlos Hyde and Ezekiel Elliott). But it has never gone to a player as young as Weber. He'll have to hold off some stiff competition, but what a talent for the Buckeyes' future.
2. Penn State RB Saquon Barkley: Barkley's 25-yard touchdown run in overtime helped Penn State seal a crucial victory against Minnesota. He was stymied for much of the game, but Barkley came through when it mattered most. This season, he has a Big Ten-best seven rushing touchdowns.
3. Northwestern RB Justin Jackson: Jackson produced a monster game in a victory against Iowa on Saturday. He carried 26 times for 171 yards with a touchdown and upped his season rushing average to 102.0 yards per game. The Wildcats' workhorse may have helped save Northwestern's season.
