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2011 Big Ten Football: Michigan State's Mike Sadler Named Big Ten Freshman Of The Week

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By Travis Miller
COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 1: John Simon #54 of the Ohio State Buckeyes hits Mike Sadler #3 of the Michigan State Spartans after Sadler fumbled a punt on October 1, 2011 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 1: John Simon #54 of the Ohio State Buckeyes hits Mike Sadler #3 of the Michigan State Spartans after Sadler fumbled a punt on October 1, 2011 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Michigan State's big 28-14 win over Michigan on Saturday has led to a Big Ten award for the Spartans. Freshman punter Mike Sadler was named the Big Ten's Freshman of the Week for his efforts.

Offensive Player of the Week

Montee Ball, Wisconsin

Jr., RB, Wentzvile, Mo./Timberland

·         Accounted for four touchdowns, three on the ground and one passing strike, and 213 yards of total offense in Wisconsin’s 59-point outing on Saturday

·         Rushed for 142 yards on 14 carries (10.1 yards per carry) and three touchdowns on runs of 5, 35 and 54 yards

·         Became the first non-Badger quarterback to throw a touchdown since 1982 when he connected with Russell Wilson on a 25-yard pass

·         Has scored at least one touchdown in each of his last 12 games, in which he has totaled 32 touchdowns

·         Claims his first career Big Ten weekly honor

·         Last Wisconsin Offensive Player of the Week: Russell Wilson (Oct. 3, 2011)

 

Defensive Player of the Week

John Simon, Ohio State

Jr., DT, Youngstown, Ohio/Cardinal Mooney

·         Recorded a career-high eight tackles in Ohio State’s victory over previously unbeaten Illinois

·         Posted career-best four tackles for loss, one off the Ohio State program record, and two sacks

·         Helped Ohio State hold the Illini to 27 points below their season average and just 285 total yards

·         Claims the first conference honor of his career

·         Last Ohio State Defensive Player of the Week: Brian Rolle (Nov. 22, 2010)

 

Special Teams Player of the Week

Anthony Fera, Penn State

So., P/PK, Cypress, Texas/St. Pius X

·         Converted on all five kicking attempts, three field goals and two extra points, in Penn State’s 23-18 win over Purdue

·         Successful on field goal attempts from 29, 49 and 29 yards despite wind gusts of 52 miles per hour

·         Had three punts inside the Purdue 20, including a 69-yarder which Penn State downed at the Purdue two-yard line with 2:36 remaining in the game

·         Claims his second career Big Ten weekly honor

·         Last Penn State Special Teams Player of the Week: Anthony Fera (Oct. 3, 2011)

 

Freshman of the Week

Mike Sadler, Michigan State

P, Cincinnati, Ohio/Archbishop Moeller

·         Averaged 41.0 yards per punt on five attempts in Michigan State’s win over previously unbeaten Michigan on Saturday

·         Had one punt downed inside the Michigan 20-yard line and a long of 45 yards despite wind gusts of up to 40 miles per hour

·         Claims his first career weekly honor

·         Last Michigan State Freshman of the Week: Marcus Rush (Oct. 3, 2011)