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Big Ten Championship Game: 5 most important players

By Brad Weiss

Oct 1, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown in overtime against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Minnesota 29-26 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Oct 1, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown in overtime against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Minnesota 29-26 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O /
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Nov 26, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Trace McSorley (9) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Michigan State Spartans at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Michigan State 45-12. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Nov 26, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Trace McSorley (9) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Michigan State Spartans at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Michigan State 45-12. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O /

1. QB Trace McSorley, Penn State

The bottom line is this: If Trace McSorley goes off on Saturday night, the Penn State Nittany Lions will be Big Ten Champions. Wisconsin needs to limit the big play capabilities of the Nittany Lions, which essentially means getting after McSorley early and often. If he is able to make plays with his legs, creating big plays down field, the Badgers just do not have enough offensively to hang with Penn State score for score.

After sitting behind Christian Hackenberg during his freshman season in 2015, McSorley has been the best surprise of Penn State’s season. He runs the Penn State offense perfectly, and is so dangerous on the ground, and through the air. Last week, Michigan State made the decision that McSorley would not beat them with his legs, so McSorley proceeded to throw for 376 yards and four touchdowns. In a game where both teams feature elite running backs, McSorley is the X-factor.

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Saturday night is sure to be a good one, as nobody expected these two programs to be fighting it out for a Big Ten championship. This game is going to be pretty tight throughout, but I believe McSorley is going to make a big play late that pulls the Nittany Lions into the lead. Clement and Barkley are going to get their yards, but when the dust clears, Trace McSorley is going to be the reason why Penn State wins the 2016 Big Ten Championship Game.

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