Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

September is in the books, and we're already one-fourth of the way through the Big Ten regular season.

It's time to pass out awards for the month.

Team of the Month -- Iowa

Until last Saturday, Michigan would have been the pick, but the Hawkeyes put themselves right in the Big Ten title mix with a 21-10 victory against Penn State. After a shaky start against Northern Iowa, the Hawkeyes made steady progress in wins against Iowa State, Arizona and Penn State. Their ferocious defense allowed just 46 points all month.

Offensive MVP -- Michigan QB Tate Forcier

Without Forcier, the Wolverines would be 2-2 instead of 4-0. It's just that simple. The true freshman quarterback set the tone for an offensive resurgence against Western Michigan and saved the team by leading clutch touchdown drives against both Notre Dame and Indiana. He still needs to win on the road, but Forcier has passed every test so far. Minnesota wide receiver Eric Decker also deserves some love.

Defensive MVP -- Ohio State S Kurt Coleman

Several good candidates here, but Coleman has been huge for a Buckeyes defense that posted back-to-back shutouts for the first time since 1996. The senior co-captain leads the league with three forced fumbles and has recorded 10 more solo tackles than any Ohio State player. He also has an interception. Iowa's Tyler Sash and Pat Angerer, Wisconsin's O'Brien Schofield and Indiana's Jammie Kirlew also merit mentions.

Surprise players -- Wisconsin QB Scott Tolzien and Purdue RB Ralph Bolden


Tolzien's selection as the Badgers' starting quarterback raised some eyebrows at first, but he's made his coaches look like geniuses so far. The junior leads the Big Ten and ranks 13th nationally in pass efficiency (164.3 rating), as he has completed two-thirds of his pass attempts for eight touchdowns and only two interceptions. Bolden, an unheralded sophomore, led the nation in rushing through the first two weeks and still ranks seventh nationally at 122 yards per game.

Surprise team -- Michigan

Sure, the schedule set up well and a few calls went Michigan's way, but few expected a 4-0 start from a Wolverines team filled with youth and uncertainty. Throw in all the turmoil leading up to the season, and Michigan's start has been one of the biggest stories in college football. A lot of questions remain with this team, but Rich Rodriguez clearly has Michigan heading in the right direction again. Indiana also deserves some love here.

Biggest disappointment -- Illinois

For the second straight year, the Illini teased us with their talent and their highly rated recruits, only to fall flat against Missouri and Ohio State. There's still time to turn things around, but Illinois has been outscored 67-9 against FBS opponents and the heat is rising on head coach Ron Zook. Michigan State would be the pick here, but at least the Spartans have been competitive.

Hard-luck team -- Purdue

The Boilermakers would be at least 3-1 if not 4-0 had they limited mistakes in key areas. They outplayed a Jekyll-and-Hyde Oregon team at Autzen Stadium and had Notre Dame on the ropes last week before allowing a late touchdown. Purdue might be the best 1-3 team in the country, but that doesn't mean a whole lot.

Hard-luck player -- Northwestern QB Mike Kafka

Kafka leads the Big Ten and ranks 19th nationally in passing (262.3 ypg) and has completed a blistering 72.2 percent of his attempts this season. But two fourth-quarter turnovers have cost him two victories. Kafka needs to be better in the clutch, but he's played well enough to win. He needs some help from a veteran-laden defense that has failed to show up this season.

Best game -- Notre Dame at Michigan

Even if you hate these two programs -- and a lot of people do -- you had to admit their Sept. 12 clash in Ann Arbor was a ton of fun to watch. The game had several key momentum swings, controversy and plenty of drama at the end as Forcier led the winning drive, thanks in part to pass-happy Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis. Defense aficionados surely enjoyed Ohio State-USC and Iowa-Penn State as well.