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Big Ten players of the week | 2014: Week 1

Following Big Ten football games on Aug. 28-30, the offensive, defensive and special teams players of the week and co-freshmen of the week in the Big Ten were announced this morning. Below are this week's honorees:


Offensive Player of the Week

01pow (26K) Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska

Sr., RB, Homewood, Ala./Homewood

Rushed for a career-high 232 yards on 21 carries, an 11.0 average, and one touchdown to help Nebraska defeat Florida Atlantic

His 232 yards are the 15th-most in Nebraska history and marked his 18th career game over 100 rushing yards, including his 12th in 14 games since the start of last season

Became the eighth player in school history to surpass 3,000 career rushing yards and moved into the No. 6 spot on the career rushing list

Records the second Offensive Player of the Week award of his career and first since Oct. 7, 2013

Last Nebraska Offensive Player of the Week: Ameer Abdullah (Oct. 7, 2013)


Defensive Player of the Week

Johnathan Aiken, Rutgers

Sr., S, Fort Lauderdale, Fla./Chaminade

Recorded seven tackles and a pass breakup, and forced one fumble to help lead Rutgers to a victory over Washington State in Seattle

Registered a forced fumble off a punt to give Rutgers the ball back midway through the fourth quarter, leading to the winning touchdown

Broke up a fourth down pass play late in the fourth quarter to seal the win

Claims his first career Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honor

First Rutgers Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week


Special Teams Player of the Week

Sam Ficken, Penn State

Sr., K, Valparaiso, Ind./Valparaiso

Converted a career-high four field goals, including the game-winning 36-yarder on the final play of the game for a 26-24 victory over Central Florida in Dublin, Ireland

Converted field goal attempts from 22, 33, 24 and 36 yards, with the final three field goals coming in the second half

Recorded his second career game-winning field goal, joining the overtime game-winner against Wisconsin in 2012

Claims his third career Special Teams Player of the Week honor and first since Sept. 2, 2013

Last Penn State Special Teams Player of the Week: Sam Ficken (Sept. 2, 2013)


Co-Freshmen of the Week

J.T. Barrett, Ohio State

QB, Wichita Falls, Texas/Rider

Led Ohio State to a victory over Navy in his collegiate debut

Finished the game with 276 yards of total offense, completing 12 of 15 passes for 226 yards and adding 50 yards on the ground

Completed his last four passing attempts for 130 yards and two touchdowns, including an 80-yard pass to Devin Smith in the third quarter to give the Buckeyes the lead for good

Wins his first career weekly award

Last Ohio State Freshman of the Week: Dontre Wilson (Oct. 28, 2013)


DaeSean Hamilton, Penn State

WR, Fredericksburg, Va./Mountain View

Broke school freshman records for receptions and receiving yards in Penn State’s 26-24 victory over Central Florida in Dublin, Ireland

Finished the game with 11 catches for 165 yards, an average of 15.0 yards per reception

Became the first Penn State freshman since 2005 to eclipse 100 receiving yards in a game

Wins his first career weekly award

Last Penn State Freshman of the Week: Christian Hackenberg (Dec. 2, 2013)


Source: Big Ten Conference