Call Marty Mcfly and Doctor Brown up, lets hop in that time machine of theirs and head back to the start of the season where I can take what I know now and make some money. A truly incredible season with more twists and turns than your local amusement park, things certainly played out differently than most anticipated they would.
The Buckeyes continued their winning streak all the way to 24-games until they swam into the shark in the water in Michigan State who upset them in the Big Ten championship game. Taking a step back even further, teams like Michigan and Nebraska underwhelmed us throughout the 2013 season while teams like Penn State, Iowa, and Minnesota gave us reasons not to underestimate their powers.
Although the regular season and conference championship games are now over, their is still plenty of great college football action left to endure as we enter the bowl season. Eight teams from the Big Ten are bowl-eligable this year, but before we breakdown those games lets give credit where credit is due by honoring some of the best players in the conference.
Offense
Quarterback: Braxton Miller, Ohio State
The biggest catalyst for a 24-1 record and an early season Heisman candidate Miller was a magician with his arm and legs in 2013 accounting for 2,893 total yards and 32 combined touchdowns.
When looking at his numbers it's scary to think what he could've done if he hadn't missed two games with a knee injury earlier in the season.
Season Stats: 146-of-231, 1860 yards, 22 touchdowns 5 interceptions 157.9 rating, 153 carrier, 1053 yards, 10 touchdowns
Running Back: Carlos Hyde, Ohio State
Despite missing the first three games of the season, Hyde still managed to finish third in rushing while leading the conference in yards per game (140). Easily one of the best running back prospects not just in the conference but in the nation. Charachter issues and off the field problems have plagued Hyde for if it was not for those negative distractions he might have heard his name in the Heisman discussion.
Season Stats: 183 carries, 1,408 yards, 14 touchdowns, 14 receptions, 108 yards, 2 touchdowns
Wide Receiver: Allen Robinson, Penn State
This junior phenom broke numerous school receiving records while leading the Big Ten in receptions and receiving yards and was third in the FBS with 1,432 yards. At 6'3" 217 pounds Robinson was the go-to target for true freshman teammate and quarterback Christian Hackenberg the entire season.
Season Stats: 97 receptions, 1,432 yards, 6 touchdowns
Wide Receiver: Jared Abbrederis, Wisconsin
A four year senior and former walk on, Abbrederis made the most of what he could in a run-first oriented offense. One of the most productive receivers to play in Madison Abbrederis eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in 2013.
Season Stats: 73 receptions, 1,051 yards, 7 touchdowns
Tight End: Devin Funchess, Michigan
One of the biggest "no brainers" on the list the sophomore Funchess led all Big Ten tight ends in touchdowns and receiving yards and was one of the few bright spots on a Wolverine offense that underachieved mightily in 2013.
Season Stats: 47 receptions, 727 yards, 6 touchdowns
Offensive Line: Taylor Lewan, Michigan
Another lone bright spot for the Michigan offense. Lewan is one of the most technically sound blockers in the conference. Some would consider his season a "down year," but at his level of talent and production still outmatches most in the country. Lewan is being projected as a first round pick.
Offensive Line: Brandon Scherff, Iowa
The Hawkeyes gave up just 12 sacks all year and Scherff the anchor of his offensive line was a big reason why.
Offensive Line: Jack Mewhort, Ohio State
The Buckeyes averaged an insane 317.5 yards rushing per game. While Braxton Miller and Carlos Hyde immediately come to mind, its Mewhort who was down in the trenches clearing the way for them. Although Mewhort is the third offensive tackle here, he is simply too good to leave off the list.
Offensive Line: Corey Linsley, Ohio State
This senior center was a rock in 2013 as the leader and teacher to an offensive line that led their offense to the Big Ten championship game. Guys like these aren't the sexy picks and tend to get overlooked when handing out recognition.
Offensive Line: Ryan Groy, Wisconsin
Versatile to say the least, Groy lined up at center, guard, and tackle on an offensive line that helped the Badgers average 283 yards per game on the ground. A powerful offensive lineman perfectly fit for a power running scheme.
Defense
Defensive Line: Shilique Calhoun, Michigan State
The first of many defensive Spartans to hit the list. Calhoun proved in 2013 their wasn't anything he couldn't do from the defensive end position, constantly reeking havoc in the backfield, intercepting passes, and even found the end zone three times. A huge piece to a MIchigan State defense that squashed anyone in their path.
Season Stats: 36 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, 1 interception, 2 forced fumbles, 3 touchdowns
Defensive Line: Ra'Shede Hageman, Minnesota
The Gophers shocked the Big Ten by going 8-4 and Hageman was a major contributer. Hageman was a force at every position on the defensive line and on special teams blocking two kicks. Known not just for his impressive statistics but his leadership on the field is what has caught the eyes of coaches and scouts alike proving he is maturer than his age would indicate.
Season Stats: 34 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 8 pass break ups
Defensive Line: Randy Gregory, Nebraska
This first year starter and sophomore was an anchor on his defensive line and the leader showing more leadership qualities than his older peers. A Cornhusker defense that played like a plague had infected them earlier in the year slowly came along near the end of the season. Coincidentally enough, Gregory's snap count and incorporation in the defensive scheme was increased during that time as well.
Season Stats: 60 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, 1 interception, 1 touchdown
Defensive Line: Noah Spence, Ohio State
An inexperienced defensive line showed their raw colors in the early portion of the year but improved vastly as time went on. Spence was the definition of consistency recording at least three tackles in all but two of his games this season while emerging as a new leader for the Buckeyes for years to come.
Season Stats: 50 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble
Linebacker: Ryan Shazier, Ohio State
A physical phenom, Shazier let his numbers do the talking in 2013 leading the Big Ten with 135 tackles. Shazier is the athletic freak that could be lined up at almost any position at would still have success. If he declares for the NFL draft, Shazier will hear his name called a lot sooner than later.
Season Stats: 135 tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 4 forced fumbles
LInebacker: Max Bullough, Michigan State
Football in his bloodlines, Bullhogh followed in his fathers and grandfathers footsteps by playing for the Spartans. Bullough was the captain of the nations number one defense and showed his consistency by never missing a game.
Season Stats: 76 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble
Linebacker: Chris Borland, Wisconsin
A dominant linebacker in the Zach Thomas mold. Borland possesses the instincts that allows him to read and react to the play often the first one to the ball. Following a long list of impressive Badger linebackers from the past Borland is the newest generation of helping solidify a stout defensive tradition in Wisconsin. Even missing one game with a hamstring injury Borland still managed to surpass 100 tackles.
Defensive Back: Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State
Dennard has been flying up draft boards with his physical play at the cornerback position while helping contribute to the country's most stout defense. Dennard may be the most talented on the defense which is saying a lot as teams avoided throwing the ball near the "no fly zone" as Dennard says. A press cover corner that will smash your mouth guard out at the line of scrimmage and isn't afraid to sniff his nose in to stop the run. A projected first round pick.
Season Stats: 59 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 4 interceptions, 10 pass break ups
Defensive Back: Bradley Roby, Ohio State
This stand out junior was one of the few consistent play makers in the Buckeyes secondary, making plays on a weekly basis. Most would agree without Roby, Ohio State would have been hard pressed to put up the streak they did of winning 24 games in a row.
Season Stats: 69 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 3 intercpetions, 13 pass break ups
Defensive Back: Ciante Evans, Nebraska
Evans was the standout athlete in the Cornhuskers secondary making plays all over the field with four interceptions and three sacks. After his early success in the season, teams started throwing away from him; the biggest compliment a cornerback can receive.
Season Stats: 44 tackles, 4 interceptions, 3 sacks
Defensive Back: Kurtis Drummond, Michigan State
Our last Spartan on the list, we promise. But, after the dominating performance their defense had could you blame us? A big piece to the Michigan State defensive puzzle, Drummond was a great compliment to Darqueze Dennard making play after play when quarterbacks were forced to throw to someone. He also showed off tremendous ball hawking skills at the safety position picking four passes off in "center field".
Season Stats: 86 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 4 interceptions, 8 pass break ups, 1 touchdown
Special Teams
Kicker: Jeff Budzien, Northwestern
Budzien was consistent all year with ice flowing through his veins in critical situations for the Wildcats going 23-of-25 on his field goals and a perfect 35-35 on extra points.
Punter: Mike Sadler, Michigan State
An overlooked part of the success on the defensive side of the ball for the Spartans Sadler was often setting up opposing offenses inside their own 20-yard line as he averaged 42 net yards per punt;j near the top in the country.