Big Ten Season Awards

Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year
Brian Calhoun, Wisconsin RB- With so many candidates it’s difficult to single out just one guy over everyone else.  If there is a guy to single out, though, it’s Calhoun.  He led the Big Ten in rushing (a monumental feat considering the slew of talent at the RB position) with 1,423, touchdowns scored with 23, all-purpose yards, and all-purpose yards per game.  Not only was he an exceptional runner but he also had 52 catches for 563 yards receiving.

Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year
A.J. Hawk, Ohio State LB- A fearless player that was the leader of the best linebacking core in the country (Hawk, Schlegel, and Carpenter), Hawk also had the numbers to prove his tenacity.  He had 109 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and 13 tackles for a loss.  If you watched him against Texas during the second week of the season then you’d understand why he’s here.  Apologies to Penn State LB, Paul Posluszny who was a hair behind Hawk.

Big Ten MVP
Michael Robinson, Penn State QB- He is the main reason why Penn State is two-extra-seconds-against-Michigan away from being considered for the national championship game.  He’s a Vince Young-type QB who can beat you with his arms or legs.  It’s too bad Robinson lacked the same quality of a supporting cast that Young had.  The numbers on him aren’t spectacular (they’re still good: 11 rushing TDs, 16 passing TDs), but his leadership skills are undeniable.  Without Robinson, Penn State is playing in the Alamo Bowl, not the Orange Bowl.

1st Team All-Big Ten
QB- Michael Robinson, Penn State
RB- Brian Calhoun, Wisconsin
RB- Lawrence Maroney, Minnesota
WR- James Hardy, Indiana
WR- Jason Avant, Michigan
K- Josh Huston, Ohio State

DL- Tamba Hali, Penn State
DL- Rob Ninkovich, Purdue
LB- A.J. Hawk, Ohio State
LB- Paul Posluszny, Penn State
DB- Alan Zemaitis, Penn State
DB- Marquice Cole, Northwestern

2nd Team All-Big Ten
QB- Brett Basanez, Northwestern
RB- Tyrell Sutton, Northwestern
RB- Gary Russell, Minnesota
WR- Dorien Bryant, Purdue
WR- Santonio Holmes, Ohio State
K- Kyle Schlicher, Iowa

DL- Victor Adeyanju, Indiana
DL- Kenny Iwebema, Iowa
LB- Chad Greenway, Iowa
LB- Tim McGarigle, Northwestern
DB- Eric Smith, Michigan State
DB- Grant Mason, Michigan