Media survey: Most valuable player of non-conference season?

The non-conference season saw a lot of players emerge and make headlines.

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But which one stood out the most? Which one was the unofficial MVP of the non-conference season?

I asked some esteemed Big Ten media members.

Doug Lesmerises, Cleveland.com: Indiana RB Jordan Howard. It is hard to pick the right Ohio State guy, though it would have to be on defense. I almost said Buckeye LB Darron Lee. But I think Howard is what's allowed IU to stay relevant. And I think the UAB transfer will give OSU a real test Saturday.

Matt Lepay, Voice of the Badgers: Iowa QB C.J. Beathard. Nearly 70-percent completion percentage–including hitting his first 15 throws last week. And he has only one INT, helping open up the offense and making the Hawks very tough to defend.

Joe Christensen, Minneapolis Star Tribune: Northwestern LB Anthony Walker. He was a monster against Stanford and Duke, two of the B1G's most impressive non-conference wins.

Ben Jones, StateCollege.com: I'd say Michigan State QB Connor Cook simply because he has been at the helm of an improving team with the best marquee win for the conference so far.

Kyle Austin, Mlive.com: Ezekiel Elliott. While the Buckeyes' quarterbacks have been up and down, Elliott has been a constant, with 100 yards rushing or more in every game and five touchdowns for the top-ranked team in the country.

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