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          Big Ten Blog

          Big Ten rankings: No. 13, Terrelle Pryor

          • Adam Rittenberg, ESPN Senior WriterMar 3, 2011, 02:00 PM
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              College football reporter; joined ESPN in 2008. Graduate of Northwestern University.
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          The 2010 Big Ten postseason player rankings continue with ...

          No. 13: Terrelle Pryor, QB, Ohio State, Jr., 6-6, 233

          2010 numbers: Started all 13 games at quarterback; completed 210 of 323 passes for 2,772 yards with 27 touchdowns and 11 interceptions; had 135 carries for 754 rush yards with four touchdowns; recorded two receptions, including a 20-yard touchdown; ranked 10th nationally in pass efficiency (157.9 rating) and 25th in total offense (271.2 ypg); led Big Ten with 27 passing touchdowns.

          Preseason rank: No. 7 in the preseason top 25 player countdown

          Why he's here: Pryor remains the most polarizing player in the Big Ten, and he might never fully meet the expectations placed on him from the moment he arrived in Columbus. But make no mistake: he was a much better quarterback in 2010 than 2009 and once again stepped up on the biggest stage in a BCS bowl game. Pryor improved his completion ratio from 56.6 percent in 2009 to 65 percent last season, increased his touchdown pass total from 18 to 27 and saw his passer rating climb into the top 10 nationally. He had his share of hiccups but generally looked more comfortable in the pocket while maintaining a presence as a runner.

          Pryor made a season-saving play at Iowa -- and picked up teammate DeVier Posey in the process -- by sprinting for a first down on fourth-and-10 and leading the Buckeyes to the game-winning touchdown. While his participation in the Sugar Bowl following NCAA violations certainly could be debated, Pryor blocked out the controversy and won his second consecutive BCS bowl MVP as Ohio State ended its bowl losing streak to the SEC and beat Arkansas. Pryor still has areas he must clean up as a senior, but he's making strides.