Oct. 4, 2004
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern senior linebacker John Pickens (Franklin Lakes, N.J./Ramapo) was named the Big Ten Conference Defensive Player of the Week Monday after helping lead the Wildcats to their 33-27 overtime win versus seventh-ranked Ohio State.
Making his first start since returning from off-season shoulder surgery, Pickens racked up career-highs in sacks and tackles for loss (2.5 for -16 yards) while adding nine defensive stops and a forced fumble as the Wildcats defeated Ohio State for the first time since 1971.
Pickens forced a key fumble right before halftime, halting a potential OSU scoring drive. Northwestern turned the takeaway into a field goal and a 13-10 halftime advantage. NU's defense limited the Buckeyes to 97 yards on the ground to end a 33-year winless streak in the series.
This marks his first weekly honor.