College Football 2017: Ranking each conference by its running backs

3. The big guns of the Big Ten

While many have moved away from the ground game, the Big Ten remains true to the past.

Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor continues to climb the Heisman chart with each passing week. The freshman sensation has rushed for a conference-best 986 yards – 200 more than his closest competition – and scored 10 touchdowns on just 127 carries.

Yes, the Badgers frequently boast one of the top lines in the country, but Taylor’s vision and speed make him a player that could excel on any team.

Showing the youth movement is here, Ohio State’s freshman J.K. Dobbins has surpassed teammate Mike Weber as the main Buckeye with J.T. Barrett. Dobbins has 775 yards and five touchdowns, averaging over seven yards per carry.

It’s funny that you can talk about the Big Ten and mention two players before even getting to Penn State’s Saquon Barkley, but the Nittany Lion junior is still a real threat for the Heisman. Barkley has 649 yards rushing and six touchdowns, showing his pro potential with another 395 yards and two scores through the air.

Justin Jackson of Northwestern leads that second-tier of running backs, pacing Pat Fitzgerald’s unit with 510 yards and six scores. Michigan State’s LJ Scott, Maryland’s Ty Johnson and Iowa’s Akrum Wadley are right behind.