Gophers Thompson, Santoso Earn Big Ten Weekly Honors
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Two University of Minnesota football players were honored by the Big Ten Conference Monday after the Gophers beat Purdue 39-38 in their homecoming game Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium.
With the win, Minnesota improved to 6-1 on the season, 3-0 in conference play and became bowl-eligible for the third straight season.
Senior safety Cedric Thompson was named the league's Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts in Saturday's win. Thompson recorded two interceptions, including one of Purdue's first offensive play of the game, and returned it 27 yards to set up the Gophers first touchdown. Thompson's second interception in the fourth quarter sealed the victory. He also recorded six tackles in the win.
Kicker Ryan Santoso was named the Big Ten's Special Teams Player of the Week. Santoso made two field goals, including a 52-yarder with less than five minutes left in regulation that ended up being the game-winner. His 20-yard field goal in the third quarter got the Gophers within two points.
Santoso's 52-yarder was the longest made field goal by a Gophers kicker since 2003. It's his first Special Teams Player of the Week honor.
For the second straight week, the Gophers had a defensive player and special teams honor.
