In Week 8 of Big Ten football, a few young quarterbacks built confidence that should propel them into another week of success on the field. The Wisconsin Badgers have a tall task this week against a really stifling Iowa defense, but transfer Colton Joseph will rise to the occasion. In the Big Ten, multiple games will come down to which quarterbacks can step up and play at an elite level.
Here are the players to watch in Week 9 of Big Ten football:
Colton Joseph will lead the Badgers to another win
Last week, Colton Joseph did not have to play like a star to knock off the USC Trojans. This week, against the Iowa Hawkeyes' defense, he will have to be an elite quarterback. Joseph will have to beat Iowa with his legs and a pretty solid performance through the air. I think he is capable of it, and the Badgers
are a team ready to contend in the Big Ten. Joseph will run for 60 yards and throw for at least 200 yards. All while finding the end zone 3 times, leading the Badgers past a tough Iowa team.
Michael Clayton will continue to impress
Michael Clayton, in his debut as a true freshman, delivered the Illinois Fighting Illini a huge upset win at home over Oregon. This week, Clayton will light it up against a bad Maryland Terrapins defense. The future will continue to look bright as Clayton performs like an elite quarterback in a second straight win. Clayton will pass for 250 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Ty Dieffenbach will have a breakout game
UCLA Bruins backup quarterback Ty Dieffenbach played a lot better last week, and it seems he is finding his footing. The run game for the Bruins has been dominant; if he can complement that in the passing game, the Bruins will be even more dangerous. In Week 9, I expect him to further build his confidence. Bob Chesney will let him sling it against the Nevada Wolf Pack.
Star of the week - Aidan Chiles
The Oregon Ducks' defense has been very disappointing this season. High-powered offenses have had great success against them. There are not many offenses that have had as much success as the Northwestern Wildcats. Aidan Chiles is at the forefront of that. He will play like a star again against the Ducks. I expect him to throw for 200 yards, run for 50 yards, and have 3 total touchdowns. His elite play will propel the Wildcats to a big win over the struggling Oregon Ducks, continuing his Heisman dark-horse campaign.
Underrated performer of the week- Antwan Raymond
The Michigan Wolverines' defense has been one of the best units in the country. Every offense they have faced this season has been fighting a tough battle trying to score on them. Following his 150-yard rushing performance against the Northwestern Wildcats, Antwan Raymond will be the key to the Scarlet Knights having offensive success against Michigan. Raymond ran for 8.3 yards per carry last week; this week, I think it will be more like 6 yards per carry. He will impose his will, and he will break down a very physical Wolverines defense. Rutgers will have a shot against Michigan simply because of how dominant Raymond will be on the ground. Raymond will eclipse 100 yards for another week.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Week 9 Big Ten football players due for big performances
