EVANSTON, Ill. — Sophomore linebacker Anthony Walker has been named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week and redshirt freshman quarterback Clayton Thorson Freshman of the Week, the league office announced Tuesday.
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The two were instrumental in Northwestern handing No. 21 Stanford a 16-6 loss at Ryan Field on Saturday.
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Walker was a disruptive force on the defensive side of the ball all day, finishing with a career-high 10 tackles – 3 for loss –, 0.5 sacks, two pass breakups and a fumble recovery. The Wildcats defense limited Stanford just 85 yards on the ground and 240 yards total while holding the Cardinal to their fewest points since 2007.
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Thorson became just the second freshman quarterback to start a season opener under head coach Pat Fitzgerald and finished 12-for-24 for 105 yards passing with 68 yards on the ground and a touchdown. His 42-yard scamper in the second quarter gave the 'Cats a 10-3 lead and proved all the offense Chicago's Big Ten Team would need.
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The Wildcats are back in action at Ryan Field this Saturday when they host Eastern Illinois. The game will be broadcast on ESPN News is set for a 3:02 p.m. CDT kickoff. Â
Be the first to know what's going on with the 'Cats -- Follow @NU_Sports on Twitter, become a fan of Northwestern Athletics on Facebook and check us out on Instagram. For more information on following specific Northwestern teams online, visit our Social Media page!
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The two were instrumental in Northwestern handing No. 21 Stanford a 16-6 loss at Ryan Field on Saturday.
Â
Walker was a disruptive force on the defensive side of the ball all day, finishing with a career-high 10 tackles – 3 for loss –, 0.5 sacks, two pass breakups and a fumble recovery. The Wildcats defense limited Stanford just 85 yards on the ground and 240 yards total while holding the Cardinal to their fewest points since 2007.
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Thorson became just the second freshman quarterback to start a season opener under head coach Pat Fitzgerald and finished 12-for-24 for 105 yards passing with 68 yards on the ground and a touchdown. His 42-yard scamper in the second quarter gave the 'Cats a 10-3 lead and proved all the offense Chicago's Big Ten Team would need.
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The Wildcats are back in action at Ryan Field this Saturday when they host Eastern Illinois. The game will be broadcast on ESPN News is set for a 3:02 p.m. CDT kickoff. Â
Be the first to know what's going on with the 'Cats -- Follow @NU_Sports on Twitter, become a fan of Northwestern Athletics on Facebook and check us out on Instagram. For more information on following specific Northwestern teams online, visit our Social Media page!