The Big Ten announced its all-conference teams tonight and depending on who you believe, Illinois had either one player worthy of first-team honors or three. That’s because the Big Ten has a coaches’ vote and a media vote.

The media named receiver Arrelious Benn, linebacker Brit Miller and cornerback Vontae Davis to the first team while the coaches selected only Davis. The media put quarterback Juice Williams, center Ryan McDonald and tackle Xavier Fulton on the second team while the coaches selected Benn, Fulton and Miller.

I’m not going to debate any of these selections except one. Miller was a clear-cut first team pick but somehow the coaches didn’t see it that way. They chose Greg Jones of Michigan State, James Laurinaitis of Ohio State and Navorro Bowman of Penn State.

First an argument based on statistics. Miller led the Big Ten and was third nationally in tackles (132) and had more sacks (six), tackles for loss (15 1/2) and forced fumbles (3) than any of the linebackers on the coaches’ first team. Statistically, he was the best linebacker in the conference.

The second argument is based on intangibles. The other linebackers had plenty of help. This Illinois defense was poor once you got past the line. Sure, Davis solidified his NFL status. Miller had to make some early-season adjustments. But he held this unit together without a great deal of help. Sophomore Martez Wilson did not live up to expectations and the secondary was at times downright shabby.

I figured if Illinois had one cinch first-teamer, it was Miller.