Sept. 5, 2011
Offensive Player of the Week
Russell Wilson, Wisconsin
Sr., QB, Richmond, Va./Collegiate
• Led Wisconsin to a 51-17 win over UNLV in the Badgers’ season opener on Thursday night
• Accounted for 317 total yards, including 255 through the air on 10-of-13 passing with two touchdown throws
• Ran for 62 yards on a pair of carries, highlighted by a 46-yard touchdown run in the second quarter
• His completion percentage (76.9) and pass efficiency (292.5) were the highest by a Wisconsin QB making his debut since 1951
• Last Wisconsin Player of the Week: Scott Tolzien (Nov. 27, 2010)
Defensive Player of the Week
Brandon Herron, Michigan
Sr., LB, Stafford, Texas/Dulles
• Claims his first weekly conference honor after helping Michigan to a 34-10 win over Western Michigan
• Became first Wolverine in the modern era to return two defensive turnovers for touchdown
• Returned an interception 94 yards in the second quarter for a score, giving Michigan a 14-7 lead
• Recovered a Western Michigan fumble and returned it 29 yards for his second TD of the day, boosting Michigan’s lead to 27-10
• Last Michigan Defensive Player of the Week: Brandon Graham (Sept. 29, 2008)
Special Teams Co-Players of the Week
Brett Maher, Nebraska
Jr., K, Kearney, Neb./Kearney
• Wins his first career Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week honor and becomes the first Nebraska player to ever win a Big Ten football weekly conference honor
• Was a perfect 4-of-4 on his field goal attempts and 4-of-4 on extra point tries
• Converted on field-goal attempts from 21, 34, 48 and 50 yards
• Last Nebraska Special Teams Player of the Week: N/A
Chaz Powell, Penn State
Sr., KR, New Freedom, Pa./Susquehannock• Returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown in Penn State’s 41-7 win over Indiana State
• Took the opening kickoff 95 yards as the Nittany Lions jumped out to a 28-0 halftime lead
• Second kick return touchdown of his career, having returned the opening kickoff of the 2010 season against Youngstown State for a score
• Last Penn State Special Teams Player of the Week: Andrew Dailey (Nov. 22, 2010)
Freshman of the Week
Houston Bates, Illinois
LB, Covington, La./St. Paul’s
• Tied for the team high with two tackles for loss in Illinois’ 33-15 win over Arkansas State
• Finished with five total tackles, including a sack for six yards
• Recorded one of Illinois’ three turnovers, recovering a fumble in the third quarter
• Last Illinois Freshman of the Week: Nathan Scheelhaase (Dec. 6, 2010)
