Wilson, Illini Honored After Indiana Win
October 10, 2011 | Football
Oct. 10, 2011
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - University of Illinois senior Tavon Wilson was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week on Monday after helping the Fighting Illini, who are now ranked 16th in the nation, improve to 6-0 with a 41-20 victory at Indiana on Saturday.
Wilson returned a fumble 66 yards for a touchdown against Indiana, giving the Illini a lead they would not relinquish in the 21-point win. Wilson also recorded a team-high 11 tackles, including nine solos, a career-high 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack and one pass break-up in the game. He helped the Illini defense hold the Hoosiers to a pair of field goals after Illinois fumbles deep in IU territory and to only 83 rushing yards on the afternoon.
Wilson is the sixth Illini to earn a Big Ten weekly honor this season. He joins linebacker Houston Bates (Freshman - 9/5), linebacker Jonathan Brown (defensive - 9/19), kicker Derek Dimke (special teams - 9/26), wide receiver A.J. Jenkins (offensive - 10/3) and running back Donovonn Young (freshman - 9/26).
Illini Trio Earns National Recognition
In addition to Big Ten honors, Tavon Wilson also was named National Defensive Performer of the Week and National Defensive Back of the Week by the College Football Performance Awards. Also recognized by the CFPA were National Wide Receiver of the Week A.J. Jenkins (six catches, 182 yards, two touchdowns) and National Defensive Lineman of the Week Whitney Mercilus (five tackes, 4.0 TFLs, 3.0 sacks, two forced fumbles).
"Stripe the Stadium" Against Ohio State
Fans attending Saturday's game are encouraged to "Stripe the Stadium" by wearing either orange or blue depending on the section where their seats are located. Fans seated in the odd-numbered sections and the entire north end zone are asked to wear orange, while fans in the even-numbered sections should wear blue. Fans also will be a part of the Stripe the Stadium FanCam at halftime, a 360-degree, high-definition image of Memorial Stadium.
