All-Big Ten football teams unveiled
The Big Ten announced its all-conference teams tonight. Hard to argue with many of the picks, particularly because there wasn't a ton of high-end talent that clearly stuck out from the rest.
Just for giggles, let’s see how the selections broke down and whether they followed the order of the league standings. We’ll use the coaches’ vote because it’s probably more informed than the media vote…or at least it ought to be.
1. Ohio State: One first-team pick (S Kurt Coleman) and five second-team picks.
T2. Iowa: SEVEN first-team picks (including Wheaton Warrenville South alums Tony Moeaki and Dace Richardson) and three second-team picks.
T2. Penn State: Six first-team picks (led by QB Daryll Clark) and one second-team pick.
T4. Northwestern: One first-team pick (S Brad Phillips) and three second-team picks (QB Mike Kafka, K Stefan Demos and CB Sherrick McManis).
T4. Wisconsin: Three first-team picks (led by offensive POY John Clay) and three second-team picks.
T6. Michigan State: Three first-team picks (led by LB Greg Jones).
T6. Purdue: Five second-team picks.
8. Minnesota: One first-team pick (WR Eric Decker).
9. Illinois: One second-team pick (G Jon Asamoah)
T10. Indiana: Two second-team picks.
T10. Michigan: Two first-team picks (including DL Brandon Graham) and one second-team pick.
If it weren’t for the fact Ohio State didn’t hit its usual jackpot, I’d author the usual “Northwestern didn’t get its just due” paragraph. Remember last season, when the Wildcats went 9-3 and DE Corey Wootton was the only guy on either the first or second team?
Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald politely disagrees with the voters who picked John Clay as the league’s best offensive player and Penn State’s Daryll Clark as the top QB. We’ll get to that quote in a minute. But first, here’s a statistical look at Clark and Kafka.
In Big Ten games only, Clark led the Big Ten in passer efficiency (136.6). Kafka was sixth (127.9).
Kafka led the league in completions (193), attempts (297), completion percentage (65.0) and fewest interceptions (4).
Clark was fourth in completions (136) and attempts (230), fifth in completion percentage (59.1) and tied for second in fewest INTs (6).
Clark threw for the third-most TDs (12) while Kafka was seventh with 9.
Kafka rushed for 292 yards and 4 TDs while Clark rushed for 182 yards and 6 scores.
In other words, the numbers support Clark a little more than they do Kafka. Fitz’ argument, indirectly, cites the all-Big Ten voting. Penn State has six first-teamers while NU has one.
“To me, it’s no disrespect to the other quarterbacks in the league, but in my opinion, he’s the best quarterback in this conference and I think he’s the best player in this conference. There’s no question in my mind about that. I think you look at what player walks into the huddle, or walks on the field, and makes his team better. In my opinion, it’s Mike Kafka.”
To check out the entire all-Big Ten team, including the media teams, click here: http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112309aag.html
LW
Fitz told us after the Northwestern/Wisconsin game what he told the Big Ten Network crew on Friday: That he thought the game was a playoff between Clay and Kafka for the Player of the Year award.
If that was his honest take, then Kafka won the playoff. He was virtually perfect while Clay had that key fumble in the fourth quarter. Obviously, the Big Ten was about more than one game. Clay was the linchpin for the league's highest-scoring offense (in league games). Since he won the award on both the coach and media sides of the vote, I'm guessing he was the clear choice.
Tolzien had a solid season, but I believe Kafka is better in all respects. More accurate thrower, bigger arm, quicker and shiftier runner.
LW
Kafka is good but I would take Clark anyday. Kafka is in a passing system thats why his stats are better in some areas. But the big ones are TD's and passer efficiency which Clark is better in both. Also Kafka was hurt and didn't even play a full season. Every coach is going to say their player is the best but when you don't even throw double digit TD's (9) in Big Ten games, there is no way you should be first team QB. I can argue that Kafka should been honorable mention and Scott Tolzen (Wisconsin) could have been 2nd team. Fitz to say that John Clay is not POY is crazy. Clay has dominated the Big Ten and he is the best running back in the conference. Without a dominate QB or WR this season in the Big Ten, there is no question that John Clay is POY.