Northwestern’s Justin Jackson named Big Ten co-offensive player of the week

In what was a breakout week for pretty much all of Northwestern’s offensive personnel, no one player shined brighter than running back Justin Jackson in Northwestern’s 54-40 win over Michigan State in East Lansing.

Jackson rushed for a career-high 188 yards and two scores, gashing the Spartans defense throughout the contest.

The performance earned him the Big Ten’s co-offensive player of the week, which he shared with Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett.

Through Oct. 15, Jackson leads the Big Ten in rushing with 698 yards and is on pace to rush for nearly 1,400 yards by the end of the regular season.

Jackson is the first Northwestern player to win the conference’s offensive player of the week award since Kain Colter in 2012.

Following Northwestern’s Oct. 1 win over Iowa, defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo won the Big Ten’s co-defensive player of the week award.

The Wildcats (3-3, 2-1 Big Ten) host Indiana (3-3, 1-2) at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday, Oct. 22.