Amos Receives Big 12 Honors

Dallas -- Nebraska free safety Willie Amos was tabbed the Big 12 Conference Defensive Player of the Week for his outstanding performance against Kansas State, the league office announced Monday. Amos is the third Blackshirt to earn the honor this season, joining senior Mike linebacker Jamie Burrow, who has earned the honor twice this year, and junior Sam Linebacker Scott Shanle.

Amos gave KSU quarterbacks trouble all day, as the sophomore from Sweetwater, Texas, recorded two interceptions and five tackles, including two solo stops, in the Huskers' 31-21 victory. Amos, who now leads Nebraska with four interceptions this season, returned the first pickoff 20 yards for Nebraska's second touchdown of the day in the second quarter to put Nebraska ahead 13-0. It was the second interception returned for a touchdown by the Huskers this season, following Keyuo Craver's 57-yard return for a TD against Iowa State, and third score by the defense overall (Jon Clanton 20-yard fumble return vs. Troy State). It was Amos' first career touchdown for the Huskers, and fifth career interception.

Amos then stole another pass attempt by KSU quarteback Ell Roberson late in the third quarter, and took the return 50 yards -- from the NU 36 to the KSU 14 -- to set up a Nebraska field goal in the fourth period. It was the second of three Nebraska interceptions during the game, as Amos became the first Husker since Mike Brown in 1999 (against Texas A&M) to record two interceptions in one contest. Amos was tabbed the ABC/Chevrolet Nebraska Player of the Game for his efforts.

Joining Amos on the honor roll were co-offensive players of the week Cortlen Johnson (Colorado, running back) and Kliff Kingsburry (Texas Tech, quarterback), while Colorado placekicker Jeremy Flores was tabbed the special teams player of the week.