It's time to recognize the best and the brightest (from winning teams only) around the Big Ten in Week 6.
Illinois QB Nathan Scheelhaase: Scheelhaase grew up today in Happy Valley, and so did his Illinois team. The redshirt freshman took advantage of a banged-up Penn State defense and completed 15 of 19 passes for 151 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions. He added 61 rush yards on only eight carries. Illini running back Mikel Leshoure (119 rush yards) and linebacker Nate Bussey (INT return for TD) merit mentions.
Purdue QB Rob Henry: What a night for Henry and the Boilers in Evanston. A player who the coaches strongly considered moving to safety this spring led Purdue to a Big Ten road victory at night in his first career start at quarterback. Henry struggled to throw the ball (6-for-18) but had 132 rushing yards and a touchdown on only 16 carries. He led the game-winning drive in the fourth quarter and avoided major mistakes in the second half. Purdue's defense also deserves a ton of credit for the Northwestern win.
Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor: After suffering a strained quad muscle against Illinois, Pryor didn't need his legs to dissect Indiana's defense. The junior completed 24 of 30 passes for a career-high 334 yards, including 280 in the first half. He tossed three touchdown passes and no interceptions as Ohio State steamrolled Indiana.
Michigan State RB Edwin Baker: The sophomore definitely is in the discussion for the Big Ten's best running back after a very big day against archrival Michigan. Baker set the tone with a 61-yard touchdown run in the second quarter and finished the game with 147 rush yards on 22 carries. Quarterback Kirk Cousins also deserves some love after a very efficient performance (18-for-25 passing, 284 yards, 1 TD) in the Big House.
Wisconsin RBs John Clay and James White: What controversy? Wisconsin doesn't need to worry about who carries the ball because it has two excellent options in Clay and White. Clay bounced back from a mediocre performance at Michigan State with 111 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 21 carries. White continued to impress with 118 rush yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. Quarterback Scott Tolzien also deserves to be mentioned after a very efficient performance (17-for-23 passing, 223 yards, 1 TD) in the win against Minnesota.