Iowa LB earns Big Ten honors for performance against Minn.

by Nate Gotlieb

 

Iowa linebacker James Morris earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors after recording eight tackles, a sack and an interception against Minnesota on Saturday,  the conference announced Monday.

 

Morris' fourth-quarter interception sealed Iowa's 23-7 victory, its second against the Gophers in as many years.  The Hawkeyes' defense allowed just 30 rushing yards against a Minnesota team that had averaged more than 280 rushing yards per game in its first four games.

 

The Hawkeyes (4-1, 1-0 Big Ten) play Michigan State on Saturday in Iowa City, Iowa.  Minnesota (4-1, 0-1 Big Ten) travel play No. 19 Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich.