CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois outside linebacker Gabe Jacas was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, the conference office announced Monday. Jacas totaled 13 tackles, 2.5 sacks, two quarterback hurries, and a forced fumble in Illinois' 21-7 win over #24 Michigan.
Jacas set career highs in tackles (13) and sacks (2.5) in the victory. All 2.5 of his sacks came in the fourth quarter, as Illinois held Michigan to its fewest points in a decade.
Jacas' 2.5 sacks are the most by a player in a Big Ten Conference game this season. He moved up to tied for 12th in the nation in sacks for the season with 5.5.
Jacas and the Illini are ranked #20 in this week's AP Top 25 poll. Illinois hits the road to take on #1 Oregon on Saturday in Eugene.
