Northwestern University Athletics
Anthony Walker, Clayton Thorson Named Big Ten Players of the Week
9/8/2015 10:00:00 AM | Football
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.
The two were instrumental in Northwestern handing No. 21 Stanford a 16-6 loss at Ryan Field on Saturday.
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.
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.
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.
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!
The two were instrumental in Northwestern handing No. 21 Stanford a 16-6 loss at Ryan Field on Saturday.
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.
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.
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.
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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