Iowa cornerback B.J. Lowery was named the Jim Thorpe Defensive Back of the Week after returning 2 interceptions for touchdowns during Iowa’s 59-3 romp over Western Michigan.

The announcement was made Wednesday by the Jim Thorpe Association. The Jim Thorpe Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association, which encompasses the most prestigious awards in college football.

Lowery, a senior from Cincinnati, added 4 tackles to his totals against Western Michigan. His first interception return went 35 yards for a score. Lowery’s second one took just 13 yards before reaching the end zone.

Lowery becomes the first Hawkeye with 2 interception return touchdowns in a single game. He’s also just the second Big Ten football player to do so since 1998. Lowery has snared 3 interceptions in the last two games.

Iowa (3-1) begins Big Ten play Saturday against Minnesota (4-0) for the annual battle for the Floyd of Rosedale. Game time is 2:36 p.m.

— by Cody Goodwin