Top 5 Big Ten Performers from Week 4

Top 5 Big Ten Performers from Week 4

Week 4 of the college football season is in the books, and the Big Ten is about to turn into full swing now that the out-of-conference schedule is finished up.

The Big Ten hasn’t been the flashiest of conferences across the country this year, but the conference still has four teams ranked in the top 25 with Ohio State, Northwestern, Michigan and Wisconsin.

The conference has had many breakout players on both sides of the ball -- some expected, some unexpected. Nobody has established themselves as a top-tier player nationally yet, but some players are working towards some end-of-season hardware and will surely get it if they keep the same level of play.

The theme of Week 4 for the top performers in the Big Ten is running the football, as three of the players on the list are there for their excellent rushing performances.

Running the football has been the main theme of many teams in the Big Ten this season, which is expected of Big Ten programs as the conference is a traditionally run-heavy league.

With the Big Ten now going into full swing, this list of top players as well as other players around the league will show what they are really made of, as they all compete to play in Indianapolis for a Big Ten championship and a trip to the Rose Bowl.

The Big Ten will also hope that one of these players can have a great season and make a run for the Heisman, as the conference hasn’t had a winner since Troy Smith in 2006.

5. Kenny Guiton, Ohio State Buckeyes

Guiton started in his second straight game replacing Braxton Miller, and absolutely torched the Florida A&M defense, going 24-for-34 for 215 yards and six touchdown passes.

4. Kevonte Martin-Manley, Iowa Hawkeyes

Kevonte Martin-Manley made his impact strictly in the special teams game, returning four punts for a total of 184 yards and back-to-back touchdown returns in the second quarter.

3. James White, Wisconsin Badgers

The first Wisconsin Badger to appear on the list, White was part of a dominating rushing attack from the Badgers, rushing 16 times for 145 yards and a touchdown against Purdue.

2. Mitch Leidner, Minnesota Grophers

Minnesota Gophers quarterback Mitch Leidner was dominant in his game Saturday. Leidner only threw for 71 yards, but carried the ball 24 times for 151 yard and four touchdowns.

1. Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin Badgers

Melvin Gordon has been torching his opponents on the ground all season and didn’t slow down on Saturday against Purdue, carrying the ball 16 times for 147 yards and three touchdowns.