Northwestern University Athletics
Igwebuike Collects Pair of Weekly Big Ten Awards
10/7/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
WATCH: NU vs. Wisconsin Game Highlights
EVANSTON, Ill. -- For the second straight week, a Northwestern redshirt freshman on the defensive side of the ball has earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors, with safety Godwin Igwebuike following on the heels of teammate Anthony Walker (Sept. 28) by taking home the honor on Monday.
Igwebuike went even one step further, also receiving Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week recognition after recording eight tackles and a school-record-tying three interceptions in Northwestern's 20-14 victory over No. 17/16 Wisconsin on Saturday.
Making his first career start in place of injured senior Ibraheim Campbell, Igwebuike began the game with an INT in the end zone on Wisconsin's opening drive. He then helped Northwestern put the game on ice in the fourth quarter with another pick in the end zone followed by an interception at midfield on Wisconsin's last-gasp drive in a one-score game.
Igwebuike's performance was part of a strong overall effort by the NU pass defense, which allowed just one completion of 20 or more yards (24) while notching four interceptions and seven total pass breakups.
Igwebuike is NU's first Defensive Player of the Week honoree since Collin Ellis after Week One of the 2013 season.
Next week, the Wildcats return to the road for another West Division matchup with the Golden Gophers in Minnesota, where kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT at TCF Bank Stadium. The 'Cats will next be in Ryan Field on Saturday, Oct. 18, when they host a Homecoming date with Nebraska at 6:30 p.m. CT. For ticket information, visit NUsports.com's online ticket office or speak to an NU ticket office account executive by calling 888-GO-PURPLE.
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