Lets hand out some hardware...time for the Big Ten Awards

It's been one fantastic regular season of Big Ten football (I know it's not quite over yet, but it's close enought). It's time to hand out some awards. Who will walk away with the highest accolade given out by the media...the Football in the Heartland end of season awards!

Offensive Player of the Year - And the award goes to....Wisconsin running back John Clay. Clay ranks first in the Big Ten and 14th in the nation in rushing with 1,224 yards. His 13 touchdowns are also first in the Big Ten and put him in a tie for 14th in the country. He rushed for 100 yards or more seven times this season and had his best effort against Minnesota where he rushed for 184 yards and three touchdowns.(Photo credit: athlonsports.com)

Defensive Player of the Year - I'm going to give co-players of the year for this one. It's a pair of linebackers - Iowa's Pat Angerer and Michigan State's Greg Jones. Jones recorded 140 tackles (61 solo), as well as nine sacks. The 140 tackles is good for second in the country, while his nine sacks puts him in a tie for 13th. Angerer recorded 135 tackles (good for third in the nation), along with a sack, two forced fumbles, and an interception.

Coach of the Year - No brainer here, it's gotta be Hawkeye head man Kirk Ferentz. Ferentz led Iowa to it's first ever 9-0 start, ultimately finishing the season 10-2. The squad came from behind in eight of the 10 wins. Ferentz should be the National Coach of the Year, no question about it. Iowa doesn't get the five-star recruits like Florida, USC, etc. Ferentz gets the best out of his players and it showed this season.

(Photo Credit: bleacherreport.com)

Most disappointing team - Illinois. The Illini were poised for a big season with preseason All-Big Ten QB Juice Williams at the helm, but the Illini underachieved all season long.

Here's my first-team offense and defense...

OFFENSE

QB: Daryll Clark, PSU

RB: John Clay, Wis

WR: Eric Decker, Minn

WR: Blair White, MSU

WR: Keith Smith, Pur

TE: Tony Moeaki, Iowa

K: Brett Swenson, MSU

DEFENSE

DL: Adrian Clayborn, Iowa

DL: Ryan Kerrigan, Pur

DL: Jammie Kirlew, Ind

DL: Jared Odrick, PSU

LB: Pat Angerer, Iowa

LB: Greg Jones, MSU

LB: A.J. Edds, Iowa

DB: Tyler Sash, Iowa

DB: Kurt Coleman, OSU

P: Zoltan Mesko, Mich.