Week one is in the books, so here's a quick recap of who emerged in the Big Ten, and who to watch for on the free agent wire.
It may have been a surprise to some, but it was no surprise to me that Denard Robinson had a break-out game for Michigan. Robinson's stats (186 passing, 197 rushing, two total touchdowns) won't be repeated every week, but hopefully you grabbed him off your waiver wire quickly. He is clearly the number 1 quarterback at Michigan, and I do not see him losing this job unless he's injured. Grab him and ride him - - he could end up with first round pick numbers by the end of the season.
Iowa's Adam Robinson took full advantage of Jewel Hampton's one-game suspension, rushing for 109 yards and three touchdowns to go along with 43 yards receiving. If Robinson is available, grab him. I still like Hampton this year, but jobs have been lost before to injuries and suspensions. It's not out of the question.
Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa showed why the coaches raved about him in the off-season, throwing for 222 yards and three touchdowns while carrying the rock 17 times for 82 yards. Dual threat quarterbacks are worth a ton, and Persa is off to a great start. Add wide receiver Jeremy Ebert to your watch list (or your team if you need help) after his five-catch, 99 yard day (with a touchdown). He seems to be Persa's main target, and that cannot be discounted. Northwestern will continue to put up good offensive numbers over the next few weeks.
How about John Clay and Montee Ball for Wisconsin? Ball played early in this one, and finished the game with just one fewer carry than Clay. Both were productive. Ball is a decent pick up in Big Ten leagues, and should be added as insurance if you own John Clay.
Things may have also gotten interesting over in East Lansing, as Larry Caper did not play due to a hand injury of some sort and is also rumored to miss this weeks' ball game. Enter Le'Veon Bell, who carried just 10 times, but did so for 142 yards and two scores. Edwin Baker was also very good Saturday, and both are worth pick ups for this weekend if you need help at running back. As for Caper, he better hope Bell doesn't create a controversy, but I have to tell you.... Bell looked impressive.
Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor was predictably good, but how about running back Brandon Saine? Yes, the carries were still split up, but Saine was clearly the first option in the first half. Not every game is going to be against Marshall, so get Saine on your bench if he's available. If you missed it, Saine carried nine times for 102 yards and two scores. That's pretty efficient. I still don't expect huge numbers from any Ohio State running back on a consistent basis, but Saine is a safe spot starter.
Illinois quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase better improve real quick after a dismal day, but did anyone notice Illini wide receiver A.J. Jenkins? Keep an eye on him because the kid has some tools and was targeted a lot. Yes, he dropped some balls, but he's very athletic and he's going to get his chances.
Robert Bolden threw the ball pretty well for Penn State, but I'd still wait and see on him. Bolden faces Alabama on the road this week, so we will learn a lot about him then.
Keith Smith owners, do not worry. Purdue will get that offense moving, keep the faith. Notre Dame did a great job taking the deep ball away, forcing Robert Marve into a lot of short throws. In time, you will learn to like Marve, and Smith's numbers will improve.
That's it for week one. It's a short week this week, so get those free agents added. Beginning later this week, I will begin my blog on who I like in the upcoming Big Ten games, so keep an eye out for that on Friday.