Ask Bob Asmussen about his picks here.
Ballot box
News-Gazette football beat writer Bob Asmussen helped select the All-Big Ten team, which will be announced tonight. Here are his picks:
Offense
First team
POS. PLAYER SCHOOL
QB Daryll Clark Penn State
RB Evan Royster Penn State
RB John Clay Wisconsin
WR Keith Smith Purdue
WR Blair White Michigan State
TE Garrett Graham Wisconsin
T Dennis Landolt Penn State
T Gabe Carimi Wisconsin
G Jon Asamoah Illinois
G Justin Boren Ohio State
C Stefen Wisniewski Penn State
K Brett Swenson Michigan State
Second team
QB Mike Kafka Northwestern
RB Mikel Leshoure Illinois
RB Brandon Saine Ohio State
WR Zeke Markshausen Northwestern
WR Tandon Doss Indiana
TE Andrew Quarless Penn State
T Bryan Bulaga Iowa
T Kyle Calloway Iowa
G Bryant Browning Ohio State
G John Moffitt Wisconsin
C Joel Nitchman Michigan State
K Stefan Demos Northwestern
Defense
First team
L Adrian Clayborn Iowa
L Brandon Graham Michigan
L Ryan Kerrigan Purdue
L O'Brien Schofield Wisconsin
LB Pat Angerer Iowa
LB Greg Jones Michigan State
LB Navorro Bowman Penn State
DB Kurt Coleman Ohio State
DB Sherrick McManis Northwestern
DB Tyler Sash Iowa
DB Brent Greenwood Iowa
P Zoltan Mesko Michigan
Second team
L Jammie Kirlew Indiana
L Broderick Binns Iowa
L Cameron Heyward Ohio State
L Jared Odrick Penn State
LB Ross Homan Ohio State
LB Josh Hull Penn State
LB Sean Lee Penn State
DB D'Anton Lynn Penn State
DB Brandon King Purdue
DB Torri Williams Purdue
DB Amari Spievey Iowa
P Ryan Donahue Iowa
Offensive Player of the Year
1. Daryll Clark, Penn State
2. Mike Kafka, Northwestern
3. John Clay, Wisconsin
Defensive Player of the Year
1. Pat Angerer, Iowa
2. Greg Jones, Michigan State
3. Tyler Sash, Iowa
Coach of the Year
1. Kirk Ferentz, Iowa
2. Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern
3. Bret Bielema, Wisconsin
Freshman of the Year
Adam Robinson, Iowa
What Bob's thinking ...
Having served on this panel for several years, it has never been as hard to pick as it was this season. The News-Gazette's ballot was wide open going into the weekend.
Daryll Clark won our Offensive Player of the Year vote with a four-touchdown effort against Michigan State. And Angerer was the best player on Iowa's dominating defense, which shut out Minnesota for the second consecutive time.
The quarterback position was particularly difficult, with three deserving players for two spots. Purdue's Joey Elliott had a great senior season, but his team's record cost him a spot among the top two.
There were five worthy candidates for Coach of the Year. But we like those who do more with less. So, Kirk Ferentz, who dealt with a bunch of injuries, gets the nod in a close call over Pat Fitzgerald and Bret Bielema. I know, Northwestern beat Iowa, but we're looking at the body of work. It's very close.
Two Illini are on my ballot: guard Jon Asamoah and running back Mikel Leshoure. Illinois ranks among the best in the Big Ten in rushing offense and many of the yards have been piled up behind Asamoah, who should go in the early rounds of next year's NFL draft. Leshoure's high per-carry average (6.1 yards) is the best among Big Ten starters. And he's got two more games to add to his total.
I've got no problems with your choices, Bob. Really, the only thing that bothers me here is that Daryll Clark is this conference's Offensive POY. That's sad ... and it is further evidence that the Big Ten is in bad, bad shape and virtually unwatchable.
Posted by on November 23, 2009 at 10:08 AM | Suggest Removal
How bout them apples?!?!?!?!?!?!
Zeke M. from NW, the transfer from UW Platteville, beats out # 1 WR recruit in the country 3 years ago- A. Benn.
Posted by IlliniHimey on November 23, 2009 at 1:06 PM | Suggest Removal
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