Epenesa, Duncan named Big Ten Players of the Week
A.J. Epenesa and Keith Duncan were once again recognized by the Big Ten after stellar performances against Nebraska.
Nebraska quarter back Adrian Martinez is tackled by Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa during the game against Nebraska on Friday, November 29, 2019. Epenesa lead the Hawkeyes with nine solo tackles and five assisted. The Hawkeyes defeated the Corn Huskers 27-24.
December 2, 2019
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa has been named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, and kicker Keith Duncan earned Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week, the conference announced Monday.
Epenesa set career-highs with 14 tackles and 4.5 tackles for a loss, adding two sacks as well. The Glen Carbon, Illinois, native has turned it on in recent weeks, recording six sacks in his past five games. Epenesa leads Iowa with nine sacks and three forced fumbles.
Epenesa, who also has a chance to win the Lott IMPACT Defensive Player of the Week, led the Big Ten with 10.5 sacks last season and was named a preseason All-American by six outlets heading into 2019.
Duncan, meanwhile, made both of his field-goal attempts against Nebraska on Nov. 29, including a 48-yard game-winning kick to seal the Hawkeyes 27-24 victory over the Huskers.
The junior kicker is 29-of-34 on the season, and his 29 made field goals lead the nation, set a Big Ten single-season record, and are tied for the sixth-most made kicks in a season in NCAA history.
Duncan, who is also a finalist for the Lou Groza Award that is given to the best kicker in the country, is 14-of-18 on attempts from 40 or more yards out.