Handing out Big Ten awards

With the Big Ten season over, even if the college football season lives on, the weekly edition of power rankings are done with Penn State reigning supreme. In lieu of rankings, here are awards for Big Ten teams based on their performance against conference teams.

Best team — Penn State: The Nittany Lions were tripped up by one point at Iowa, but it was the lone blemish on an otherwise sparkling conference season. A 13-6 win in Columbus, a 48-7 demolition of Camp Randall and a season-ending knockout punch of Michigan State, 49-18, left no doubt about the class of the Big Ten.

Worst team — Indiana: While there was serious competition for the Big Ten cellar, the Hoosiers edge out Purdue and Michigan on the weakness of two losses to Mid-American Conference teams and a 62-10 obliteration in their finale at Purdue.

Most surprising team — Minnesota: I’d love to know what odds a Vegas bookie would offer on Minnesota starting the year 7-1. While MSU has a better record and a decent case for this award, the Golden Gophers went from a one-win team last season to a contender in every conference game despite losing their final four games.

Most disappointing team — Wisconsin: It’s hard to believe the Badgers were considered a conference title contender at the start of the season (they were picked to finish second by the media in the preseason). Instead, they lost to Michigan and only survived against Cal Poly, 36-35 in overtime, because the Mustangs missed three extra points. People can’t be too happy in Madison right now.

Most improved team — MSU: Penn State made a significant jump, but you can’t discount the Spartans and their newfound knack for winning close games. The Spartans still have a long way to go to compete with Penn State and Ohio State, but they’re headed in the right direction.

Least improved team — Michigan: The Wolverines didn’t take a step back; they ran a mile in reverse. A supposedly stout defense was average at best all season, the offense moved the ball at a snail’s pace and the program has serious questions about loyalty and direction.

Biggest collapse — Illinois: Last year’s Rose Bowl representative went from Big Ten darling to ugly stepsister this season. The Fighting Illini beat one team with a winning record all season — Iowa by three — while losing to Western Michigan late in the season.

Best finish — Iowa: A lackluster start to the season (wins over Maine, Florida International and Iowa State, losses to Pitt, Northwestern and MSU) was put in the past as the Hawkeyes kicked into overdrive with five of six victories to close out the year.

2009 favorite — Ohio State: All you need to know about next year’s Buckeyes is that Terrelle Pryor will be back. The freshman dual-threat quarterback has likely led Ohio State to a Bowl Championship game appearance and will get an experienced group of offensive linemen back next year. And if they get running back Chris “Beanie” Wells back, look out.