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IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa defensive end Anthony Nelson has been named Big Ten Conference Freshman of the Week for his performance in Iowa’s 45-21 season-opening win over Miami (Ohio).
The Big Ten honor is the first for Nelson (6-foot-7, 253-pounds), a native of Urbandale, Iowa (Waukee HS), who redshirted in 2015.
Iowa players earned weekly honors fron the Big Ten on six occasions in 2015, including defensive end Parker Hesse earning Freshman of The Week honors in the regular season finale at Nebraska, a 28-20 Hawkeye win.
Nelson forced two Miami fumbles in his first career game, with both leading to Iowa touchdowns. He recorded 2.5 sacks for minus 16 yards, and had yet another sack nullified by a Miami delay of game penalty. Nelson was credited with two solo tackles, four assists, and one pass breakup.
Nelson’s first caused turnover came in the first quarter as Miami had reached the Hawkeye 8-yard line. Matt Nelson recovered the fumble and the Hawkeye offense traveled 81 yards in two plays for a touchdown and a 21-0 advantage.
Nelson’s second forced fumble came late in the game and led to Iowa’s final touchdown in the closing minutes.
Iowa (1-0) will host Iowa State (0-1) in the annual Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series game Saturday in Kinnick Stadium. The game is sold out. Game time is set for 6:42 p.m. (CT) for the contest that will air to a national audience on BTN.
