ROSEMONT, Ill. – After posting 10 receptions, 215 receiving yards and two touchdowns in a 37-34 overtime win against Minnesota, Northwestern senior wide receiver Bryce Kirtz has been named Big Ten Conference Offensive Player of the Week. Kirtz, who's career-high 215 receiving yards rank fourth-most for a single-game in school history, is the first NU receiver to win the award since Flynn Nagel in 2018.
Â
The Brownsburg, Ind. native posted career-highs in every receiving statistical category, including scoring the first two touchdowns of his career. He registered touchdown grabs on receptions of 80 and 17 yards, with his 80-yard reception marking the first of his career and ranking tied for sixth for the longest pass play in school history. Kirtz recorded a catch on all three plays of a drive that went three plays for 69 yards in the fourth quarter, culminating with a 17-yard touchdown reception.
The Wildcats (2-2, 1-1 B1G) overcame a 21-point fourth quarter deficit, marking their largest comeback since defeating Indiana in 2009 after trailing by 25. Interim head coach David Braun improved to 2-0 this season at home.
Â
Northwestern remains home at Ryan Field this weekend for an 11 a.m. CT kick on Saturday, Sept. 30, against No. 6 Penn State on BTN. Tickets are available HERE.
Â
Your Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week ??@kirtz__ capping off a career performance! pic.twitter.com/vgD8IDLzYp
— Northwestern Football (@NUFBFamily) September 25, 2023
The Brownsburg, Ind. native posted career-highs in every receiving statistical category, including scoring the first two touchdowns of his career. He registered touchdown grabs on receptions of 80 and 17 yards, with his 80-yard reception marking the first of his career and ranking tied for sixth for the longest pass play in school history. Kirtz recorded a catch on all three plays of a drive that went three plays for 69 yards in the fourth quarter, culminating with a 17-yard touchdown reception.
Bryce Kirtz was a problem Saturday night.
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) September 25, 2023
The WR exploded for 10 rec., 215 yds & 2 TDs, shattering every previous career-high. ??
Here are some highlights from his breakout performance.@kirtz__ x @NUFBFamily pic.twitter.com/K145w0wY7M
The Wildcats (2-2, 1-1 B1G) overcame a 21-point fourth quarter deficit, marking their largest comeback since defeating Indiana in 2009 after trailing by 25. Interim head coach David Braun improved to 2-0 this season at home.
Â
Northwestern remains home at Ryan Field this weekend for an 11 a.m. CT kick on Saturday, Sept. 30, against No. 6 Penn State on BTN. Tickets are available HERE.