BTN.com staff, October 15, 2011
BTN.com has a new staple every Saturday night. It?s called "United States Marine Corps: Leaders of the Week," and it?s a feature designed to honor some of the top Big Ten performances. For Week 7, we?re focusing on the greatest performances from all around the conference. On this day, the Big Ten had huge days across the board. Here are the honorees:
Montee Ball, Wisconsin – Another game, another multi-score day for this Badger back. The junior ran for 142 yards and three touchdowns, his sixth straight game with at least two scores, and threw his first-career touchdown pass, a 25-yarder to quarterback Russell Wilson. For the day, Ball totaled 212 yards and accounted for a score on 25 percent of his touches (16).
Silas Redd, Penn State – Very quietly, Redd has run for at least 129 yards in each of his past three games, the latest performance being a 131-yard, one-touchdown performance in Penn State's victory over Purdue.
Edwin Baker, Michigan State – Celebrated as one of the Big Ten's best backs entering the season, Baker compiled his first 100-yard rushing day in Michigan State's biggest game Saturday. The Spartan torched rival Michigan for 167 rushing yards – six more than he had in the previous four games combined – and one touchdown.
Michigan State defense – The nation's top-ranked unit compiled its second consecutive eye-popping performance, this time blowing up Michigan's offensive line for seven sacks and 10 tackles for loss in Saturday's 28-14 win. In their last two games, the Spartans have tallied 16 sacks and 23 tackles for loss. Oh, and Michigan State also returned an interception for a score, thanks to Isaiah Lewis' second pick-six in the past three games.
Boom Herron, Ohio State – In his season debut, Herron ran for 114 yards and a touchdown to pace an Ohio State offense that completed only one pass en route to handing Illinois its first loss.
Marcus Coker, Iowa – Coker was a one-man wrecking crew out of the Iowa backfield, taking every carry (22) by a Hawkeye running back and running for 124 yards and two scores in Iowa's night victory over Northwestern.
Marvin McNutt, Iowa – McNutt put his name atop the Iowa record book, joining Danan Hughes and Tim Dwight for most career touchdown receptions (21) in Iowa history. On the night, the senior hauled in six passes for 87 yards, including a 35-yard touchdown reception. Oh, and for good measure, McNutt fielded both of Northwestern's onside kick attempts.
Jeremy Ebert, Northwestern – For the second consecutive week, Ebert surpassed 10 receptions, this time going for 13 catches for 107 yards and a score in a losing effort at Iowa. In the last two weeks, Ebert has 24 catches and 193 yards.
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