B1G hands out first weekly awards
Week 1 is in the books and for some Big Ten teams, that’s a very good thing.
But for several Big Ten players, Week 1 was the coming out party that they were hoping for. Here’s how the Week 1 accolades shook out:
Offensive Player of the Week: Braxton Miller, Ohio State WR
Defensive Player of the Week: Anthony Walker, Northwestern LB
Special Teams Player of the Week: William Likely, Maryland PR
Freshman of the Week: Clayton Thorson, Northwestern QB
As expected, a pair of Wildcats were recognized after the Cats’ 16-6 victory against No. 21 Stanford. Thorson rushed for Northwestern’s only touchdown in his first career start under center. His 42-yard scamper, along with the breakout performance by Walker, helped Northwestern pull off the Week 1 upset. Walker finished the day with 10 tackles, three tackles for loss, a fumble recovery and half a sack.
Miller was named offensive player of the week in his first ever start at H-back. The former two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of Year racked up 140 yards and two touchdowns, including a spin move that broke the internet on a 53-yard score.
His stellar return also earned him the Buckeyes all-time lead in touchdowns (86).
Likely also earned himself a record. He broke Nile Kinnick’s 76-year-old Big Ten record by recording 233 return yards, including one for a touchdown. His effort helped Maryland to a 50-21 victory.