Loren Howard picked up his first Big Ten player-of-the-week honor for his performance against Penn State.Loren Howard picked up his first Big Ten player-of-the-week honor for his performance against Penn State.

Loren Howard Earns Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week Honors

Nov. 10, 2003

EVANSTON, Ill. -- Sophomore defensive end Loren Howard (Scottsdale, Ariz./Saguaro) picked up his first Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honor for his effort in Saturday's 17-7 win over Penn State, the Wildcats' first victory over the Nittany Lions since 1995.

Howard totaled eight tackles, which included a pair of sacks and two tackles for loss. He also had a quarterback hurry and a forced fumble. Howard now has 26.5 career tackles for loss, ninth most on NU's career list.

Howard shared this week's honor with Purdue's Shaun Phillips.

For the first time since its Big Ten championship season in 1995, Northwestern has held two Conference opponents to seven points or less. Three weeks ago, the Wildcats limited Wisconsin to seven points as well. With Howard's help, Northwestern limited Penn State to 93 rushing yards.