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| Wisconsin LB Chris Borland makes one of his 12 tackles in a win over UTEP last week. (US Presswire) |
Another week, another monster performance for Michigan State RB Le'Veon Bell.
The junior was named the Big Ten’s offensive player of the week as he ran for a career-high 253 yards, the sixth-highest total in school history, to go with a late touchdown, in a 23-7 win over Eastern Michigan. Bell also cracked the 200-yard plateau when he rushed for 210 yards in a season-opening win against Boise State.
The native of Columbus, Ohio, also is the 16th player in school history to break the 2,000 yard barrier and his 26 touchdowns are 15th all-time for the Spartans.
Meantime, Wisconsin LB Chris Borland earned Big Ten defensive player of the week honors for his 12-tackle performance in a 37-26 win over UTEP. The junior also made 4.5 stops for a loss and had a career-high two sacks.
Borland was the heart of a defensive effort that held the Miners to 77 yards rushing on 33 attempts and allowed a mere 5 of 18 third-down conversions. The weekly league award is the fourth for Borland, tying him for second-most all-time.
Nebraska RB Ameer Abdullah garnered Big Ten special teams player of the week recognition for his ability to run back kicks in a 73-7 win over Idaho State. The sophomore returned a punt 81 yards for a touchdown, the first punt return for a score for the Cornhuskers since 2010.
This marks the second time Abdullah has won the award.
Finally, Nebraska RB Imani Cross earned the Big Ten freshman of the week nod for gaining 100 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries against the Bengals. Cross scored on a 20-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. The Cornhuskers amassed 385 rushing yards in the win.
This was the first time Cross claimed the title.
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from Big Ten bloggers Dave Carey and Mike Singer, follow @CBSSportsBigTen.
