Gophers quarterback Philip Nelson was named Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Week on Monday, his first career honor and Minnesota’s first such honor as a program.

The Mankato West High School graduate threw for 246 yards and a trio of touchdowns in the Gophers’ 44-28 win over Purdue on Saturday.

Nelson led Minnesota to seven straight scoring drives in which it put up 44 unanswered points. The Gophers are 5-3 this year and need one more win to become eligible for a bowl game for the first time since 2009.

Nebraska linebacker David Santos was honored as the other Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Week. He had 10 tackles in the Cornhuskers’ 23-9 victory over Michigan.

The Big Ten also honored Minnesota senior cornerback Michael Carter as its Co-Defensive Player of the Week. Carter tied a program record with six pass breakups and returned an interception 43 yards for a touchdown.

He also made six tackles and helped hold the Boilermakers to 198 passing yards. This is Carter’s first award and Minnesota’s first since safety Derrick Wells won the defensive honor in the first week.