Sean Merriman, BTN.com web editor, Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer, September 30, 2015
Who has been the most impressive Big Ten player after four weeks of college football action?
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That's what our guys are here for!
Big Ten fans were treated to several great games in Week 4, and with that came many outstanding individual performances. With that said, it?s time for BTN senior writer Tom Dienhart and web editor Sean Merriman to release their updated Big Ten Player Rankings
We have two new leaders this week, as Nebraska quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. tops Dienhart's list, while Indiana running back Jordan Howard takes the top spot in Merriman's rankings.
Who else made the list?
Find out here.
TOM DIENHART
1. Tommy Armstrong, QB, Nebraska. The guy has simply been boffo, ranking No. 1 in the Big Ten in passing (316.5 ypg), hitting 58.9 percent of his attempts with a league-high 11 touchdown tosses and five interceptions. Armstrong also is No. 1 in total offense (346.0 ypg).
2. Jordan Howard, RB, Indiana. The UAB transfer rumbles on, pacing the nation with 675 yards rushing and averaging 6.1 yards per tote with four TDs. But let?s see how he does vs. Ohio State this week, IU?s first legit foe.
3. Riley Bullough, LB, Michigan State. He is the bellwether of Big Ten defenders, pacing the league in tackles with an average of 11.5 stops per game. Let?s call him ?Mr. Butkus.?
4. C.J. Beathard, QB, Iowa. He has been a revelation in leading the Hawkeyes to a 4-0 start. Beathard is No. 1 in the Big Ten in passing efficiency, hitting 68.2 percent of his attempts with six touchdowns and a pick with 962 yards passing. Where would Iowa be without him? Scary to think about it, isn?t it?
5. Carl Nassib, DE, Penn State. The former walk-on has been a monster, ranking No. 1 in the Big Ten in sacks (7.0) and No. 2 in tackles for loss (9.0). Have to make a quick mention of Wisconsin LB Joe Schobert, who is No. 2 in sacks (6.0) and No. 1 in TFLs (9.5).
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SEAN MERRIMAN
1. Jordan Howard, RB, Indiana. This spot was supposed to belong to Ohio State's Ezekiel Elliott, but Howard has been the best running back in the Big Ten this season, and it's not really close. The former UAB transfer leads the nation in rushing with 675 yards, which is a higher total than All-American Melvin Gordon had at this point last season. Is it time to add the name Jordan Howard into the Heisman conversation?
2. Riley Bullough, LB Michigan State. The Big Ten's top defensive player has been outstanding for the Spartans' rough and tough defense. He leads the Big Ten in tackles with 46 and ranks ninth in sacks with three. The most impressive part is that this is Bullough's first season as a starter. What a special talent!
3. Tommy Armstrong, QB, Nebraska Not Connor Cook. Not Cardale Jones. Not Christian Hackenberg. Tommy Armstrong is the Big Ten's top quarterback right now. He leads the conference in passing (1,266 yards), touchdowns (11) and total offense (346.0 ypg). Can he keep it up now that Big Ten play is set to get underway? We shall see.
4. C.J. Beathard, QB, Iowa. We both have Beathard in our No. 4 spot, how about that? I guess great minds do think alike. I am more impressed with this guy each and every week, and a win on Saturday against Wisconsin will only elevate his ranking on this list. Beathard is a reliable passer and has shown the ability to stretch the field, which is something this program has been missing.
5. Anthony Walker, LB, Northwestern. Northwestern is one of the best stories in college football right now, so how couldn't I include the guy who makes this incredible defense go? Walker ranks third in the Big Ten in tackles with 41 and has been the leader on a unit that is allowing less than nine points a game to opponents.