Sean Merriman, BTN.com web editor, August 31, 2014
Every Saturday night during the 2014 Big Ten football season, BTN.com posts its players of the week (offense, defense and special teams). Check out our Week 1 stars in this post.
Co-offensive leaders: Tevin Coleman, RB, Indiana & Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraska. These two Big Ten backs were nothing short of outstanding in their respective season openers. Coleman rushed for a career-high 247 yards, which was good for the fifth-highest rushing total in school history, and two touchdowns in Indiana's 28-10 win over Indiana State. Abdullah was equally as impressive, totaling 241 yards and a touchdown, as the Huskers erupted for a Big Ten modern-era record 784 yards in a 55-7 victory over Florida Atlantic.
Defensive leader: Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State. The Buckeyes' linebacker was all over the field in Ohio State's 34-17 win over Navy. Lee, a first-year starter, recorded seven tackles, one quarterback hurry, and a crucial 51-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown, which gave Ohio State the lead early in the third quarter.
Special teams leader: Sam Ficken, K, Penn State & Frankie Williams, DB, Purdue. Ficken drilled a game-winning 36-yard field goal as time expired, in addition to three other field goals, to help Penn State walk off with 26-24 comeback victory over UCF in Dublin. The senior captain also hit both of his extra points. Williams piled up 109 yards on returns, including a 36-yard punt return in the third quarter that set up the score that broke the game open and helped Purdue snap a 12-game losing streak against FBS teams.