Big Ten names Players of the Week after Week 3
Oregon bounced back with a runaway win at Oregon State. Maryland rebounded in its own right, re-entering the win column with a triumph over Virginia in Part II of a rivalry renewal. Indiana went to the Rose Bowl and gave UCLA a rude awakening to Big Ten play. And Minnesota continued to put its Week 1 blunders in the past with another shutout victory.
All four of those winning teams were featured Monday when the Big Ten announced its weekly awards for Week 3.
The Big Ten handed out Offensive Player of the Week, Defensive Player of the Week, Special Teams Player of the Week and Freshman of the Week accolades. On3 is highlighting each of those honorees and their outings this past weekend.
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Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week: Indiana QB Kurtis Rourke
Indiana spoiled UCLA’s home opener as well as its first-ever Big Ten opener. But it was also the first time playing in the Big Ten for Hoosiers quarterback Kurtis Rourke, a graduate transfer from Ohio University. Rourke and the Indiana offense shined. A week removed from breaking the program’s 123-year-old, single-game scoring record, the Hoosiers poured on 41 points in a 29-point win over the Bruins.
Rourke completed 25-of-33 passes for 307 yards and four touchdowns. He was especially good on third down: He hit all nine of his attempts for 128 yards, and eight of those nine completions led to either a first down or a touchdown.
Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week: Maryland SAF Dante Trader Jr.
Maryland safety Dante Trader Jr. tied his career high with 11 total tackles in a 27-13 win at Virginia over the weekend. He also recorded his fifth career interception and broke up another pass. Trader was part of a strong second-half defensive performance from the Terrapins, who limited UVA to 82 total yards over the final two quarters while holding the Cavaliers scoreless.
Trader accounted for one of Maryland’s four takeaways. The Terps now lead the country in turnover margin (+9).
Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week: Oregon K Atticus Sappington
For the second week in a row, Oregon is responsible for the Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week. Last time, wide receiver Tez Johnson got the award for housing a punt return against Boise State. This time, Atticus Sappington is the honoree. After kicking the game-winning field goal versus the Broncos in Week 2, Sappington drilled a pair of field goals and all five of his extra points against his former team, Oregon State, in Week 3.
His field goals came from 25 and 39 yards out. Plus, he averaged 64.2 yards per kickoff with five touchbacks on the day.
Big Ten Freshman of the Week: Minnesota SAF Kerry Brown
Minnesota redshirt freshman Kerry Brown earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors after tallying the first two interceptions of his career in a 27-0 win over Nevada, the Golden Gophers’ second straight shutout victory. Brown, who played in five games last season but saw most of his action on special teams, stood out this past weekend.
He made four total tackles, and his two takeaways led to 10 Minnesota points. Brown hails from Naples, Florida, and was the On3 Industry Ranking’s No. 85 safety in the 2023 class.