MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - University of Minnesota safety Jacob Huff was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week after sealing the Gophers' 34-3 win over Middle Tennessee with a 67-year interception return for a touchdown. Huff added four solo tackles, one tackle for loss and one pass breakup.
The pick six was Huff's first collegiate touchdown, coming with 1:56 left in the first half and put the Gophers up 20-3. It was the Gophers' first defensive touchdown of the season and the first since Antoine Winfield Jr. returned an interception 82 yards at Maryland last season.
The Gophers allowed just three points to Middle Tennessee on Saturday. The three points were the fewest allowed by Minnesota in TCF Bank Stadium history. The Gophers have given up just 24 points this season and have not allowed a point in the second half through their 3-0 start.
Huff is the first Minnesota player to earn Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors since Blake Cashman on Nov. 21, 2016. The Gophers are off this week and open Big Ten play against Maryland on Sept. 30.
Big Ten Players of the Week
Offensive Player of the Week
Alex Hornibrook, Wisconsin quarterback
Set the Wisconsin single-game completion percentage record, going 18-for-19 (94.7 percent) in the Badgers’ victory at BYU.
Threw for 256 yards and four touchdowns in the contest.
Completion percentage of 94.7 percent was the best in Big Ten history by any quarterback attempting at least 13 passes and the fifth-best regardless of the number of attempts.
Receives his first career Offensive Player of the Week award.
Last Wisconsin Offensive Player of the Week: Jonathan Taylor (Sept. 11, 2017)
Special Teams Player of the Week
Quinn Nordin, Michigan kicker
Matched a school record with five field goals, converting all five of his attempts in Michigan’s victory over Air Force.
Recorded successful kicks from 35, 26, 49, 29 and 36 yards.
Added two extra points to finish the game with 17 points, one shy of the school record.
Earns his second career Special Teams Player of the Week honor.
Last Michigan Special Teams Player of the Week: Quinn Nordin (Sept. 4, 2017)
Co-Freshmen of the Week
J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State running back
Rushed for 172 yards on 13 attempts in Ohio State’s win against Army West Point.
Scored a pair of rushing touchdowns, including a career-best 52-yard touchdown early in the third quarter.
Averaged 13.2 yards per carry in the contest.
Claims his second career weekly award.
Last Ohio State Freshman of the Week: J.K. Dobbins (Sept. 4, 2017)
Johnathan Lewis, Rutgers quarterback
Rushed for four touchdowns and threw for another in Rutgers’ victory over Morgan State.
Became the eighth player in program history to rush for four or more touchdowns in a game, including the second true freshman and the first quarterback.
Threw a touchdown pass on his first career passing attempt.
Claims his first career weekly award.
Last Rutgers Freshman of the Week: N/A