Big Ten Football Heisman Watch: Week 5 edition

Sep 26, 2015; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Indiana Hoosiers running back Jordan Howard (8) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB&T Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Jordan Howard has been a huge surprise so far in 2015. Although he dominated as a running back for UAB last year prior to the program getting shut down, he wasn’t exactly facing the stiffest of competition. However, it’s just non-conference opponents in which he and the Indiana Hoosiers have faced thus far, so the true tests of his talent are approaching.

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The junior running back has just been shredding opponents so far this season, racking up a conference-leading 645 yards and four touchdowns on 6.1 yards per carry.

It’s hard to really do anything on a team that may end the season on a losing streak and one which may not have the best offensive line, but playing inferior opponents has helped. While the Hoosiers are still unbeaten, or have just a loss or two, I have to keep him on here because he may very well be the second-best running back in the Big Ten.

Howard has yet to rush for under 145 yard in a single game this season, but the Hoosiers have their first true test of the year this week as they face the Buckeyes at home.

Now we will find out how good this running back, and this team, truly is.

Next: 3. Tommy Armstrong, Nebraska