Nov. 12, 2001

University of Illinois cornerback Eugene Wilson was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week following his three-interception performance in the Illini's 33-28 win over Penn State.

Wilson is the second Illinois defensive player in as many weeks to earn conference honors. He stopped a driving Nittany Lion offense with three picks, twice in Illinois territory. In addition to the three interceptions, Wilson batted down five other passes and recorded three tackles. It was his third career multiple interception game. He became only the fourth Illinois defensive back in school history to record three picks in a game.

Wilson leads the Big Ten and nation in passes defended with 26. Of the 319 pass attempts by Illinois opponents, only 70 have been thrown in Wilson's direction (22%). He has batted down 26 of those passes and intercepted five others this season, which is 37 percent of everything thrown at him. He now has nine career interceptions, one shy of breaking into Illinois' top-10 list.

Other athletes honored by the Big Ten this week were: Indiana's Levron Williams on offense and Penn State's Bruce Branch and Larry Johnson on special teams.