Iowa linebacker James Morris has earned the Big Ten Player of the Week honor for his performance in Iowa’s 17-10 overtime victory over Northwestern on Oct. 26. 

Against the Wildcats, Morris registered 8 total and four solo tackles. He recorded 2.5 tackles for loss, two of which were part of Iowa’s 6 registered sacks against the Northwestern offense. Morris also had his first career fumble recovery in the fourth quarter and helped hold the Northwestern offense scoreless in the first half. 

The award is Morris’ second of the season and career. He first won the award earlier this season against Minnesota. It is the third weekly award for the Iowa defense this season, with defensive back B.J. Lowery winning the honor after a 2-interception performance against Western Michigan. 

Morris was also named College Sports Madness’ Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, and he is the first player since Jonathan Babineaux in 2004 to win the Big Ten honor twice in the same season. Morris is one of 20 candidates for the Lott IMPACT Trophy and on watch lists for Nagurski and Bednarik awards. 

— by Matt Cabel