BTN.com staff, August 5, 2015
The Big Ten lost two of its top receivers in Michigan State's Tony Lippett and Ohio State's Devin Smith.
[ MORE: Sacks? | INT? | Scoring? | Passing yards? | Passing TD? | Receptions? ]
Smith led the Big Ten in touchdown receptions (12) last season, one better than Lippett, who paced the Big Ten in receiving yards (1,198).
No worries, the conference welcomes back several talented wideouts who are accustom to getting in the end zone. Like, Rutgers' Leonte Carroo, who racked up 10 scoring strikes in 2014.
Who will lead the Big Ten in receiving touchdowns this fall. See our panel's predictions below:
RECEIVING TOUCHDOWNS
2014 leader: Devin Smith, Ohio State – 12
2015 returning leader: Leonte Carroo, Rutgers – 10
Tom Dienhart: Marqui Hawkins, Indiana. The Hoosiers love to throw the ball. And it has a healthy QB in Nate Sudfeld, who figures to look to Hawkins, who sat out last season at UAB after transferring from Florida. He?s a big target and a mismatch waiting to happen, especially in the red zone.
***
Sean Merriman: Leonte Carroo, Rutgers. This guy is a big-play machine. He hauled in 10 touchdowns last season, which trailed only Devin Smith (12) and Tony Lippett (11), who are now in the NFL. I wouldn?t be surprised if Carroo puts up 60 catches for 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2015. He?s that talented.
***
Brent Yarina: Michael Thomas, Ohio State. Yes, Ohio State's bevy of offensive weapons could impact Thomas' numbers. Let's not forget that the wideout hauled in nine touchdowns last season, and that he will be asked to absorb some of Devin Smith's production, which included a Big Ten-leading 12 scores.
