Devy Conference Review: Big Ten

Rob Willette Posted On December 23, 2020

Normalcy was an elusive pursuit for college football programs this fall. Few had more bizarre twists and turns than the Big Fourteen, as they started their season close to Halloween and saw numerous rule changes on the fly. As the dust settled, Ohio State found itself in the Playoff field, Northwestern had a strong season in the West, and Michigan is still in neutral under Jim Harbaugh.

Of course, from a devy perspective, we’re more concerned with individuals within a program as opposed to the program itself. Despite a truncated season, there were no shortage of storylines littered throughout the conference. Some of the main developments are outlined below.

THE BREAKOUTS

Michael Penix, QB Indiana Hoosiers

The signal-caller for one of the league’s better teams, Indiana’s Michael Penix built on the promise he had flashed in prior years by pushing the Hoosiers towards the top ten, including a standout performance against Ohio State as Indiana gave the Buckeyes all they could handle. At this point, Penix is a ball of clay, undefined yet ready to be molded into something special. He flashes plus traits and athleticism, though he can have scattershot accuracy and can be inconsistent from down to down. Throw in a late-season knee injury, and it is clear Penix needs more time. But as a tough customer in the pocket with appealing athletic traits and arm talent, I’d bet on Penix piquing the interest of NFL evaluators once he hits the draft process.

Mohamed Ibrahim, RB Minnesota Golden Gophers

The Gophers were a remarkably different outfit in 2020 compared to 2019. Without Tyler Johnson, Tanner Morgan’s passing efficiency fell drastically, leaving the Gophers searching for answers on offense. Fortunately, Ibrahim was ready to answer the call. A compact runner who can take the fight to the defense, Ibrahim is a power back who can wiggle into small spaces, though he lacks premier long speed or standout athleticism. Ibrahim piled up 1,076 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns in only seven games, establishing himself as an elite collegiate producer. I don’t see Ibrahim as an NFL starter but he has the tools to contribute as a high-end backup.

Keyvone Lee, RB Penn State Nittany Lions

It took Lee a few games to take control of the Penn State backfield, but once he did, he thrived. Lee had a breakout performance at Michigan in late November and never looked back, closing the year with 438 yards on 89 carries, with 12 receptions to boost. Lee is pushing 220 pounds and offers a lot of appeal as a lead back with a power running game, but he’s also got light feet which enable him to create yards and not merely plow ahead for whatever he can get. Penn State’s legendary Strength and Conditioning program should allow Lee to mature as an athlete, offering ample upside as he develops.

Tyler Goodson, RB Iowa Hawkeyes

Goodson was already a good player as a true freshman, but he took the next step in 2020. Goodson is a slippery back with elastic limbs who excels as a receiver, hauling in 15 receptions for 152 yards in the shortened campaign after grabbing 24 as a freshman. Goodson is not going to be for everyone given his frame and style, but I’d bank on him becoming a legitimate prospect who provides versatility to an NFL backfield.

Jalen Berger, RB Wisconsin Badgers

After losing All-Galaxy back Jonathan Taylor, the Badgers had essentially a blank slate at running back. While Nakia Watson was the experienced back with multiple years in the program, he was not expected to dominate backfield touches as many Badger backs had in the past. Enter Jalen Berger, a bit atypical for a Wisconsin running back yet one who hit campus with the upside to become of the league’s better runners. While Berger offers plenty of size and power, he is also equipped to line up in the slot, outside, or really anywhere you’d like him to. He offers a versatility seldom seen from Wisconsin backs and signals a different approach in the backfield. Berger is a smooth runner who makes it look effortless. 2021 should be a true breakout campaign as he separates himself from his peers.

Jahan Dotson, WR Penn State Nittany Lions

It was a struggle for the Nittany Lions this year, yet they showcased a lot of talent which had not gotten a ton of run previously. Dotson is a natural when it comes to catching a pass and immediately becoming a runner. Few are as fluid in the transition from receiver to open field threat. He routinely created massive separation downfield and has always shown the ability to secure the football with his hands. It is possible Dotson declares for the 2021 NFL Draft, though he could return to the Nittany Lions are one of the B1G’s more accomplished receivers.

Ty Fryfogle, WR Indiana Hoosiers

For starters, his name is just fun to say. It rolls right off your tongue and reverberates throughout your body for moments after it leaves your lips. More importantly, Fryfogle can play. He was one of many Hoosiers to make their mark on the 2020 season, posting back-to-back games over 200 yards receiving and eclipsing 20 yards per reception. Fryfogle has solid size and does a lot of little things well, leading me to believe he can round out an NFL depth chart and potentially mix in a few viable fantasy efforts.

Garrett Wilson, WR Ohio State Buckeyes

Wilson was well-known and well-respected heading into 2020. He did nothing to dissuade owners from spending a high pick on him, showcasing the ability to make difficult catches with a penchant for big plays. Wilson is not as refined as teammate Chris Olave but he is explosive and will have a chance to post monster numbers next year with Olave (presumably) out of the picture.

Sam LaPorta, TE Iowa Hawkeyes

Like clockwork, an Iowa tight end has quickly developed into a weekly presence and placed himself on the NFL Draft radar. LaPorta was an unheralded recruit who nonetheless went to work, put on good bulk, and emerged as a key player within the Iowa offense. With 27 grabs for 271 yards in 2020, LaPorta posted strong numbers and is poised to be a factor in either the 2022 or 2023 NFL Draft.

THE DISAPPOINTMENTS

Justin Fields, QB Ohio State Buckeyes

It is extreme to call Fields a true disappointment, though it was a season that proved a tad underwhelming. Fields came up small in a few big moments, perhaps most notable in the B1G Ten Conference Championship Game against Northwestern. Fields is still a slam dunk first-round quarterback. His combination of athleticism, arm talent, and makeup will intrigue any front office. He just failed to cement himself as the clear-cut second quarterback off the board, a spot which looked to be his after a dominant 2019 campaign.

Journey Brown, RB Penn State Nittany Lions

This is a disappointment through no fault of Brown’s. It was revealed this fall Brown would be forced to retire due to a heart condition. It was a tough blow for draftniks who felt Brown could push to be the third runner off the board, and of course, devastating for Brown himself as his football career came to an unexpected end. It was one of the more bitter storylines of the college football season.

WHAT IS NEXT?

Several teams (most notably Penn State) have opted out of Bowl play, leaving only a handful of Big Ten performers poised to take center stage during Bowl Season. The big one will be Justin Fields, who gets a golden opportunity to rebound against Clemson in the national semifinal. A strong showing against a Clemson defense back at full strength would go a long way towards giving Fields momentum as he looks to fend off Zach Wilson and Trey Lance in the top five.

It will also be interesting to see if Ohio State expands its passing arsenal against the Tigers. Despite incredible receiver depth, much of the receiving workload fell onto the backs of Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson. Olave is expected back, though the break prior to the CFP may give highly-touted freshman Julian Fleming and Jaxon Smith-Njigba an opportunity to find their role.