Nov. 7, 2005
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern place-kicker Joel Howells (Sycamore, Ill./Sycamore) was named the Big Ten Conference Special Teams Player of the Week -- his second such honor of 2005 -- for his role in the Wildcats' successful onside kick in their 28-27 win over Iowa on Saturday.
The play, which was designated one of four "Pontiac Game Changing Performances" by ESPN, came with just over two minutes remaining in the contest. Following a Northwestern touchdown that cut the Iowa lead to 27-21, Howells kicked a perfect ball to the left side that Reggie McPherson (San Leandro, Calif./San Leandro) recovered at the Iowa 47-yard line.
Six plays later, Northwestern found the end zone on a 9-yard TD reception from Ross Lane (Ft. Myers, Fla./Bishop Verot), which knotted the game at 27-27. Howells then came on and booted his fourth PAT of the day, which gave the Wildcats the win.
Earlier this season, Howells was named the league's Special Teams Player of the Week for his school-record five field goals in the 34-29 loss to Penn State.
With the victory, Northwestern (6-3, 4-2) stayed alive in the Big Ten title chase and became bowl eligible for the third time since 2000.