Michael Carter and Philip Nelson earn Big Ten Weekly Awards

Defensive Co-Players of the Week

Michael Carter, Minnesota
Sr., DB, Pompano Beach, Fla./Ely

• Tied a program record with six pass breakups and returned an interception for a touchdown to help Minnesota knock off Purdue, 44-28, on Saturday
• On Purdue’s opening drive of the second half, intercepted a pass and returned it 43 yards for a score, giving the Gophers a commanding 41-7 lead
• Also recorded six tackles as Minnesota held Purdue to 198 passing yards
• Wins his first career Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week laurel
• Last Minnesota Defensive Player of the Week: Derrick Wells (Sept. 3, 2012)

Co-Freshman of the Week

Philip Nelson, Minnesota
QB, Mankato, Minn./West

• Threw for 246 yards and three touchdowns in his home debut, leading Minnesota to a 44-28 victory over Purdue on Saturday
• Led the Gophers on seven consecutive scoring drives, accounting for 44 unanswered points to take a commanding 44-7 third-quarter lead
• Wins his first Big Ten Freshman of the Week honor
• Last Minnesota Freshman of the Week: N/A