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.