Big Ten Players of the Week - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

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Big Ten Players of the Week

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13abc.com Joe Nugent, Sports Anchor/Reporter - email

Offensive Player of the Week

Montee Ball, Wisconsin

Sr., RB, Wentzville, Mo./Timberland

  • Became the Big Ten's all-time leader in touchdowns and points after finding the end zone three times against Purdue on Saturday
  • Has 72 touchdowns and 434 points in his career, passing the previous marks of 71 and 426 set by Wisconsin's Ron Dayne
  • Rushed for a career-high 247 yards, the third 200-yard effort of his career, on 29 carries, including a career-best 67-yard touchdown run in the third quarter
  • Wins the fifth Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honor of his career and first this season
  • Last Wisconsin Offensive Player of the Week: Montee Ball (Nov. 28, 2011)

 

Defensive Player of the Week

Jake Ryan, Michigan

So., LB, Westlake, Ohio/St. Ignatius

  • Matched a career high with a game-best 11 tackles in helping Michigan shut out Illinois on Saturday
  • Also posted 3.5 tackles for loss, including 1.5 sacks, and forced a fumble on his solo sack in the third quarter to set up a Michigan score
  • Part of a Michigan defense that allowed just 134 yards, including 29 through the air, and seven first downs
  • Wins the first Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week award of his career
  • Last Michigan Defensive Player of the Week:  Ryan Van Bergen (Nov. 14, 2011)

 

Special Teams Player of the Week

Mike Meyer, Iowa

Jr., PK, Dubuque, Iowa/Wahlert

  • Was a perfect four-for-four in field goal attempts against Michigan State, helping the Hawkeyes to a double-overtime victory on Saturday
  • Converted on attempts from 23, 27, 28 and 42 yards, the latter coming in the second overtime to give Iowa the win
  • Has made 13 straight field goal attempts and ranks second in the nation in field goals made per game (2.33)
  • Wins his third Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week award and second this season
  • Last Iowa Special Teams Player of the Week: Mike Meyer (Sept. 3, 2012)

 

Freshman of the Week

Nick VanHoose, Northwestern

CB, Urbana, Ohio/Graham

  • Broke up three passes in the game, all of which came in the end zone, including one on third-and-goal in the fourth quarter against Minnesota
  • Also added three tackles to help Northwestern become bowl eligible with a win over the Gophers
  • Was part of the Wildcat defense that held Minnesota to just 169 yards passing on Saturday
  • Wins his first Big Ten Freshman of the Week accolade
  • Last Northwestern Freshman of the Week: Venric Mark (Nov. 29, 2010)