Sept. 20, 2004

OFFENSE:
Marion Barber III, Minnesota
JR, RB, Plymouth, Minn./Wayzata
Barber III led Minnesota's explosive ground attack in a road victory at Colorado State with 201 yards on 31 carries, both career-highs, while tallying a pair of rushing touchdowns. The junior running back scored on a 19-yard dash against the Rams before breaking loose for a career-long 61-yard gallop for another score. The 2003 First Team All-Big Ten selection now has nine career games with multiple scores, including all three outings this season, and 30 career rushing touchdowns which rates third in school history, just four behind his father who starred at Minnesota from 1977-80. Barber III also moved into sixth place in school annals with 2,435 yards, a total that now includes 11 100-yard efforts. This is his first Big Ten weekly honor.

DEFENSE:
Erasmus James, Wisconsin
SR, DE, Pembroke Pines, Fla./McArthur
James highlighted a Badgers defense that limited Arizona to a single touchdown in a 9-7 road victory, as he compiled five tackles, including four solo stops, two sacks (-25 yards), a half a tackle for loss, a pass broken up and a forced fumble. Wisconsin limited the hosts to only 199 yards for the game, including just 96 rushing yards. James, who missed last season due to injury, earns his second Player of the Week accolade, as he was first honored more than three years ago on August 27, 2001, following his collegiate debut.

SPECIAL TEAMS:
Mike Nugent, Ohio State
SR, K, Centerville, Ohio/Centerville
Nugent repeats as the Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week after connecting on all five of his field goal attempts, including three from 46 yards or longer, in a victory at North Carolina State. The senior's five field goals marked a career-best, as he hit from 50, 30, 33, 46 and 47 yards while adding an extra point to tally 16 of OSU's 22 points in the game. Nugent's five field goals equaled a school record set by Bob Atha against Indiana on October 24, 1981.