Career touchdown leader Montee Ball of Wisconsin was selected the Big Ten's top running back for the second straight year and was a first-team all-conference pick by both the coaches and media.

The announcement Monday came two days after he became the NCAA's all-time leader in touchdowns. He set the record with his 79th TD when he scored on a 17-yard run Saturday against Penn State.

With 1,528 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns this season, it was hardly a surprise that the coaches and media both picked Ball. They also went with conference rushing leader Le'Veon Bell of Michigan State (1,648 yards), but they were split at quarterback.

Two Illinois football players were honored by the Big Ten Conference yesterday. Offensive tackle Hugh Thornton and defensive lineman Michael Bucahanan were each named to the All-Big Ten Second Team.

The media went with Ohio State's Braxton Miller and the coaches choosing Nebraska's Taylor Martinez.