The Sports Inquirer

Release from Big Ten Media Relations:

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

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)