Big Ten Release

Fighting Illini redshirt freshman safety Patrick Nelson was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week on Monday after he helped the Fighting Illini to a 24-7 road win at Rutgers on Saturday.  

     » Had a game-high 14 tackles, including 10 solos, in the victory over Rutgers

     » Added 1.5 tackles-for-loss and a half-sack 

     » Moved into the starting lineup three games ago and is averaging 12.0 tackles/gm since then, tied for the most in the Big Ten during conference play. 

     » Helped Illini defense force five Rutgers turnovers while holding the Scarlet Knights to seven points

     » First Illini Big Ten Freshman of the Week since Ke'Shawn Vaughn on Nov. 9, 2015. 

Nelson and the Illini return to action this Saturday at No. 3 Michigan (2:30 p.m. CT on BTN). 

Illinois-Rutgers Postgame Links

» Recap
» Highlights
» Box Score
» Photos
» Postgame Press Conference

?? @BigBossPat #B1GFootball Freshman of the Week pic.twitter.com/J2pNKUFpV9

— Illini Football (@IlliniFootball) October 17, 2016

The #B1G Freshman of the Week is @IlliniFootball S Patrick Nelson, with 14 tackles and 1.5 TFLs against Rutgers pic.twitter.com/AiyCez6V8g

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) October 17, 2016

In B1G play (3 gms), RS-Fr. @BigBossPat is averaging 12.0 tackles/gm, tied for the conference lead.

He had 14 stops in #Illini win at RUT pic.twitter.com/P0Nra5IauR

— Illini Football (@IlliniFootball) October 16, 2016