Earlier today, Adam and I debated who would lead the league in passing yards in 2013. Now, it's your turn to decide.
Here are five candidates to win the passing title:
Taylor Martinez, Nebraska: Adam's choice to lead the league in passing yards, Martinez has improved greatly as a thrower and finished second in the Big Ten last season in total passing yards with 2,871. He's also got a deep group of receivers to work with in the Huskers' explosive offense.
Devin Gardner, Michigan: My pick as the passing champion, Gardner averaged more than 240 yards passing per game last year after taking over for Denard Robinson. That projects to more than 3,000 yards over a 13-game season. Plus, the Wolverines should throw more as they move to a full-fledged pro-style attack.
Braxton Miller, Ohio State: Miller threw for just 2,039 yards last year but has worked hard on his mechanics this offseason, and the Buckeyes want to throw the ball downfield more this season. The receiving corps is still a bit thin, but don't bet against Miller's talent.
Indiana's starter: Cameron Coffman passed for 248.5 yards per game last year, tops among all returning Big Ten quarterbacks. And the Hoosiers led the league in passing yards. The complication is that there's a three-man QB race between Coffman, Nate Sudfeld and Tre Roberson. If one emerges as the clear-cut front-runner, he could put up some prolific numbers.
Penn State's starter: If Bill O'Brien can turn Matt McGloin into a 3,000-yard passer, what can he do with Tyler Ferguson and Christian Hackenberg? If only we knew which one of those guys would take the majority of the snaps. One thing is for sure: Whoever starts will benefit greatly from throwing to the league's best receiver (Allen Robinson) and a deep and talented group of tight ends.
Who's your pick to lead the Big Ten in passing? Vote now in our poll.
