Buckeyes linebacker Tommy Eichenberg earns Nagurski National Player of Week honor
COLUMBUS — Ohio State linebacker Tommy Eichenberg was already leading the Buckeyes defense before Saturday night.
Eichenberg was named a captain in training camp, and he set the tone in the buildup to the win over Notre Dame in the Horseshoe. But after his incredible performance, it’s evident he’ll be one of the stars on the defense this fall.
For that performance, Eichenberg was named the FWAA’s Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week winner after piling two sacks and nine total tackles against the Fighting Irish.
Ohio State felt disrespected by what was said about its defense in the offseason. Eichenberg is helping the Buckeyes prove the doubters wrong.
“We have a lot to prove,” Eichenberg said. “Everyone just played well — and extremely confident, too.”
Eichenberg lived up to his status as a starter and leader of the defense on Saturday night with his brilliant play, and for that, he is being honored.
With a few more games like the opener this fall, Eichenberg will almost certainly be honored a few more times this season — both with weekly honors and possibly season-long awards.
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ICYMI: Buckeyes fall in AP Poll despite double-digit opening win
The Buckeyes are leaving Week One with the No. 3 slot in the AP Poll, trailing only defending national runners-up Alabama and national champion Georgia. Michigan and Clemson rounded out the top five.
Ohio State received six first-place votes after the win over No. 8 Notre Dame, showing that there are some pollsters who watched the Buckeyes beat the Fighting Irish at both lines of scrimmage.
The Big Ten has four teams ranked in the second AP Poll of the year, as Michigan (4), Michigan State (14) and Wisconsin (19) join the Buckeyes.
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