Turner Named Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week

Nebraska sophomore defensive end Barry Turner has been named Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week for his standout performance in Nebraska’s 37-14 victory over Colorado.

Turner made two critical special teams plays in the game, helping lead directly to nine Nebraska points. In the second quarter, the 6-3, 250-pounder was on the receiving end of a 29-yard touchdown pass from Joe Ganz on a fake field goal. The catch was the first of Turner’s college career and gave Nebraska a 14-7 edge.

With Nebraska leading 21-14 at the start of the fourth quarter, the Huskers’ Jordan Congdon punted from Colorado territory. Turner made the key play to down the ball inside the CU 1-yard line, and one play later the Nebraska defense recorded a safety to give the Huskers a 23-14 lead and control of the game.

The Colorado game marked the second straight week that Turner has made a huge special teams play. Against Texas A&M, Turner blocked an Aggie field goal attempt late in the fourth quarter. The block kept Nebraska’s deficit at 27-21 and the Huskers responded with a game-winning touchdown drive for a 28-27 victory.

Turner’s selection as Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week marks the third time this season a Husker has been honored by the conference. I-back Marlon Lucky was named Offensive Player of the Week following his performance against Troy, while linebacker Bo Ruud was Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week after a standout effort against Missouri.

Missouri’s Chase Daniel was named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week, while Texas A&M’s Mark Dodge was chosen as Defensive Player of the Week.