Recognizing the best and the brightest from Week 3 in the Big Ten:
Ohio State QB Braxton Miller: Seems like it's Miller Time every Saturday in Columbus as the Ohio State sophomore quarterback continues to dazzle in Urban Meyer's offense. Miller accounted for five touchdowns (four passing, one rushing) as the Buckeyes held off Cal 35-28. He passed for 249 yards and added 75 on the ground. Miller has accounted for 12 of Ohio State's 16 touchdowns this season. Miller had help in getting the sticker from wideout Devin Smith, who racked up 145 receiving yards and two touchdowns, including the game winner.Iowa RB Mark Weisman: Weisman for Heisman? Let's start the campaign! Weisman looked like the last guy to help Iowa end its touchdown drought, but after injuries to top backs Damon Bullock and Greg Garmon, the Hawkeyes turned to Weisman, and he stepped up. The walk-on had 24 carries for 113 yards and, yes, three touchdowns as Iowa beat Northern Iowa 27-16.
Nebraska RB Ameer Abdullah: No Rex Burkhead? No problem for the Huskers, who might have the Big Ten's best 1-2 punch at running back. Abdullah turned in another big day with 167 rush yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries in a 42-13 win over Arkansas State. He added two receptions for 39 yards. Quarterback Taylor Martinez (13-for-14 passing) and wideout Kenny Bell (two TD receptions) also deserve mention.
Minnesota QB Max Shortell: The sophomore stepped in for injured starter MarQueis Gray and delivered immediately, leading two touchdown drives after Western Michigan had reclaimed the lead. Shortell passed for 188 yards and three touchdowns as the Gophers beat Western Michigan 28-23, improving to 3-0. He shares part of the sticker with wide receiver A.J. Barker, who recorded three touchdown catches and 101 receiving yards.
Penn State WR Allen Robinson: The Big Ten is searching for star receivers, and Robinson looks ready to fill the void. The league's top receiver through the first two weeks had his best performance Saturday against Navy, hauling in five passes for 136 yards and three touchdowns in a 34-7 victory. He became the first Penn State player to record three scoring receptions since Graham Zug against Michigan in 2009.