Michigan's dominant 31-14 win over Illinois on Saturday kept the Wolverines alive in the Legends Division race, but it was also a banner day for one Michigan player. Ryan Van Bergen had a dominant day on the defensive line with 2.5 sacks and three tackles for loss. As a result, he was named Co-Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week this week according to an official release from the conference.

Ryan Van Bergen, Michigan

Sr., DE, Whitehall, Mich./Whitehall

·         Recorded seven tackles, including a career-high 2.5 sacks, as Michigan defeated Illinois on the road

·         His three tackles for loss and seven tackles tie a personal best

·         Was part of a Michigan defense that held the Illini to 37 yards rushing, more than 160 yards below their season average

·         Claims the first weekly honor of his career

·         Last Michigan Defensive Player of the Week:  Brandon Herron (Sept. 5, 2011)

Van Bergen shared the honor with Purdue's Kawann Short, who had three sacks in the Boilermakers' 26-23 overtime win over Ohio State.