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6 Big 10 Players Prepared to Shine this Weekend


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Big Ten Players to Watch

Braxton Miller
Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

Each week in college football there are absolutely amazing performances that stand out to the millions of fans and writers. Fans will head to work and discuss their weekly nominations for player of the week. Coaches are also praised for making gutsy calls, managing the clock right or sitting a player down because of behavior showing thousands of fans the proper sportsmanship that we all desire to see on Saturdays.

Last year, Jadeveon Clowney made a gut wrenching hit that he will be forever remembered for. It was the type of play that will be replayed for decades. Johnny Manziel will have the opportunity to shine against No. 1 Alabama again this weekend. Last season, his eye popping pass to himself to defeat the Crimson Tide helped catapult him to the forefront of his Heisman campaign. Without his performance in that game, it is unlikely he would have won the Heisman.

The list of players to watch on the Heisman list so far this season is lacking adequate representation from the Big Ten. As usual, players from the SEC fill up a good portion of the list. College football fans are well aware of the SEC’s dominance over the other major conferences in recent history, but that does not mean other conferences should be entirely excluded from the list. The chances are an SEC team will be facing a team from either the Big Ten or the Pac 12 at the season’s end. Here is a list of players who could have breakout performances in the Big Ten this weekend.

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Taylor Martinez

Nebraska
Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

The Nebraska Cornhusker quarterback has been selected as a team captain this season. He has plenty of experience in Tim Beck’s offense and his name has already been spoken in Heisman circles in the past. He is looking for his breakout performance of 2013 against UCLA this weekend.

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Devin Gardner

Michigan
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The Michigan Wolverine quarterback is the real deal. This young man has all of the intangibles to be a great college quarterback. His presence on the field is only overshadowed by his work ethic and great personality off of the field.

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Jordan Hall

Ohio State
Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

Whether Braxton Miller is playing this weekend or not, Jordan Hall needs to show the rest of college football that the Ohio State Buckeyes are not a one-trick pony. He will be ready to run against Cal this weekend.

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James White

Wisconsin
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

James White had a productive season a year ago in the shadows of Montee Ball. Now he is sharing the backfield with two other very talented backs. It is time for this young man to separate himself from the pack and show any doubters that he is ready to be the next great Wisconsin Badger tailback.

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Kenny Guiton

Ohio State
Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

Kenny Guiton has been backing up one of the most electrifying players in college football for quite some time now. Last week he proved he has not just been enjoying the Braxton Miller show from the Ohio State Buckeye sideline. Guiton can really play ball; look for him to showcase his talents this weekend if he is given the opportunity.

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Allen Robinson

Penn State
Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports

This may be the best that the Big Ten has to offer. Robinson, the Penn State wide receiver, may be the top receiver in the country this season. Add that with his excellent work ethic and leadership skills and you get one dynamic football player.

Be sure to check out the Rant Sports 100 in 100 Series, a preview of the top 100 College Football Teams for the 2013 Season!



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